MISSION STATEMENT

      In the tradition of excellence established by our founders, the Marianite Sisters of the Holy Cross, St. Francis de Sales is a family-oriented parish school.  St. Francis de Sales serves the children of St. Francis de Sales Parish, the surrounding Catholic parishes, and those children of other faiths who respect our values and beliefs.  St. Francis de Sales offers a strong academic curriculum and a variety of co-curricular activities with an emphasis on Catholic faith and values, fostering the love of God and reverence for all life.  We provide Catholic education in a safe and disciplined environment that recognizes and respects the uniqueness of each child.

       St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School is a Christian community of believers, which has the opportunity to be unique and the obligation to be contemporary. A basic aim of St. Francis is to communicate spiritual values that enable each individual to live a new life in Christ, and to build a new earth by living the Good News.

       Keeping in mind that families are the first to communicate the Christian faith to their children and to educate them, our school community makes generous efforts to help parents fulfill their duty. It is our aim to be aware of each child's uniqueness, and it is our purpose to provide an educational setting involving a special degree of parent-school interaction and involvement with emphasis on family education. Students, families, and staff are given the experience of Christian community at worship, work, and play as an introduction to a lifestyle that takes its meaning and thrust from Christian community life.

       Catholic education is a privileged means of ensuring the presence of a Christian mentality in our present-day society. Thus, St. Francis de Sales School accepts the responsibility of contributing to this mentality by developing individuals who lend a Christian emphasis to the secular community, and who are a vibrant force in the building and maintenance of this community.

       Therefore, students are provided with an orderly and serious academic environment. They are stimulated to relate their study to real life situations that will prepare them for survival in the world outside the classroom. The latest new approaches in education are examined and utilized with an emphasis on innovation in organization, content, and method.

       Value is placed on the development and enrichment of each student's self-esteem, self-confidence, values, morals, and knowledge for personal development. The imparting of this affective task demands that all believers--families, students, staff and administrators--reveal the Christian Message by providing a prayerful, continually supportive environment, characterized by understanding, gentleness, and sensitivity to the attitudes, feelings and beliefs of others.

       The Advisory Council serves as a consultative and advisory board. It assists the administration in the formulation of school policy.  Communication with advisory council members over school matters should be made in writing through the school administration office.

       Members of the Advisory Council consist of:

• Pastor/Rector of St. Francis de Sales Cathedral (ex-officio)
• Principal of St. Francis de Sales School (ex-officio)
• Assistant Principal of St. Francis de Sales School   (ex-officio)
• President of the St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School Parent-Teacher Co-Op Club
• Seven elected members

       The Pastor/Rector and Principal shall seek members through nominations and volunteers, to be voted on by the present board for staggered two-year terms.

       The council is responsible for developing local policies, for implementing diocesan policies, ensuring the financial stability of the school, and maintaining supportive relationships with school administration and faculty.

2. PARENT-TEACHER CO-OP CLUB

       The primary purpose of the Club is to encourage cooperation between the home and the school in discharging the responsibilities of both.

       The Parent-Teacher Co-Op Board consists of the administration and two elected representatives from each grade level. These representatives serve staggered two-year terms and are elected by parents of students.

       All parents and guardians are members of the Co-Op and are encouraged to attend the Co-Op meetings. Active participation will guarantee a greater knowledge of school operation and a better understanding between home and school.

3. PARENT VOLUNTEERS

       These parents support and assist the teachers with classroom duties and enrichment programs.  All activities are subject to approval by the classroom teacher and administration.  Parent volunteers also provide services to the entire school through seasonal activities.

ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY

      The school adminstration of St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School reserves the right to interpret and administer all policices and procedures of the school to best meet the needs of the student populatiion as a whole.

       The administrations retains the right to amend the handbook for just cause.  Parents will be given prompt notificaiton if changes are made.

       The student handbook is subject to enforcement of all state regulations as issued i the Non-Public Commission Handbook and in diocesan regulations as published in the Handbook of Policies for teh Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

       A family must pay the total amount of tuition for the upcoming year to the school by May 15 or finance the tuition through a bank plan chosen by the school.  A late fee will be assessed if the tuition fee is not paid by the due date.  If a parent chooses to finance the tuition through a bank loan and the loan becomes 30 days delinquent, the school will send a letter to the borrower.  The borrower will have 15 days to bring the loan current.  After this time, if the loan is still delinquent, the bank loan will be closed and no further financing will be allowed through our school tuition loan program.  The loan balance must then be paid to the school or the parent/guardian will be asked to withdraw their child from school.

       No child will receive a report card at mid-year if outstanding bills have not been paid or no contact made to the school to explain the circumstances.

       No child can be accepted for the upcoming year if tuition and all outstanding bills are not paid.

       Registration for the upcoming year will not be taken if current tuition loan is delinquent.  Registration will be forfeited and student's place will not be held.

2. REGISTRATION FEE

       A registration fee is payable at the time of registration to insure the student's place in school the following year. This fee is not refundable. Registration will not be accepted for any student whose tuition is not currently paid.  A late fee will be assessed if the registration fee is not paid by the due date.

3. STUDENT FEE

       The student fee for each student covers the costs of insurance, books, standardized testing programs, instructional materials, and a diocesan assessment fee. The fee must be paid at the designated time of registration.    This fee is refundable only to families who move out of the geographic boundaries of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

     This fee, which is included in your registration payment, covers the cost of school supplies needed by the student to begin the school year.

5. RESOURCE FEES

       Resource/Project Read/Lips students are assessed additional fees to defray the cost of necessary staff and services. These fees will be added to the tuition fee for students who utilize these services.

       Lunch fees are due at the time tuition is due or is included in the tuition payment plan.

7. FEE PAYMENT

       Tuition, lunch, and any applicable additional resource fees must be paid either in full by May 15, prior to the upcoming school year or may be financed through the school tuition loan program.

8. EXTRA CURRICULAR PROGRAMS/AFTER SCHOOL CARE

       Tuition for extra curricular programs and after school care will be handled through the individual programs.

9. COLLECTIONS/SOLICITATIONS

       No collections may be made in the school without the consent of the administration.

       The sale of any goods (popcorn, cookies, candy, raffle tickets, etc.) sponsored by organizations other than St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School is not allowed.

       NO MONEY should be brought to school other than to purchase breakfast, extra juice, milk, or water in the cafeteria.

10. MEMORIAL/ENDOWMENT/DONATIONS

       A Library Memorial Fund and an Endowment Fund have been instituted for those wishing to make donations in memory of a deceased individual or in honor of a living loved one.  The Library Memorial Fund enhances our school library with new books and media in the name of the person being honored. The name of the person being honored or remembered is written in the donated book.

       The Endowment Fund has been established for support and maintenance of the school.

       Contributions to either of these funds can be made at any time to the school office.

       Any donations made to St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School will be used according to the benefactor's request.

       St. Francis does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, sex, or ethnic origin in administration of educational policies, admissions, procedures, co-curricular activities, and/or other school related programs.

                Order of Admission:

1. All students currently enrolled in the school

2. Siblings of students enrolled in the school

3. Catholic students registered in St. Francis de Sales      Cathedral Parish

4. Catholic students registered in other Catholic Church  parishes

5. Non-Catholic students

2. TRANSFER STUDENTS

New students entering St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School must present:

a) Birth Certificate

b) Baptismal Record

c) Immunization Record

d) First Communion Record

e) Social Security number

f) Records from previous school

The student's cumulative folder and health records should be sent to St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School by the school office from which the student transferred.

When a student transfers to another school, the parents should notify the school office and the classroom teacher at least one week in advance so that cumulative records can be sent to the new school. All textbooks and library books must be returned to the teacher.

SCHOOL HOURS 

        The school office is open from 7:30 A.M. – 3:30 P.M., Monday through Friday, during the school year.  The office is closed on those days when students are not attending school.

        Prompt and regular attendance at school is essential for successful class work. Doctors’ and dentists’ appointments should be made after school hours.  Students must attend a minimum of 160 school days in order to be promoted to the next grade level.  Any absence must be explained by a dated note signed by a parent or guardian.  The student must present the note on the day he/she returns to school.   If the student returns to school without a note after being absent, an attendance notification will be issued.  Students who receive two attendance notices within a nine-week period will serve a supervised, one hour study hall on an assigned Friday afternoon.  An absence of 3 or more consecutive days may require a doctor’s note for the student to be readmitted to class.  If your child will be absent, please call the school office by 9:30 A.M. to inform us.

Excused Absences:  Excused absences are permitted for student illness, student medical appointments, and family emergencies.  With an excused absence, a student has full make-up privileges for all missed classroom work or tests.

Unexcused Absences:  Unexcused absences include (but are not limited to) truancy, missing the bus, oversleeping, car problems, and not having a note for re-admittance.  Students will receive an attendance notification for an unexcused absence.

       Unexcused absences which are excessive and/or which interfere with the student’s educational program may result in administrative action.

Advanced Leave Notification:  Parents should write a letter requesting permission for their student(s) to be absent in the case of a planned absence.  This letter should be submitted to the teacher at least one week in advance of the planned absence.

2. TARDINESS

        The school day begins at 8:10 A.M. and all students should be in their line up area at this time. Students arriving after 8:10 A.M. are considered tardy and must bring a written note signed by parent/guardian/doctor explaining the reason for tardiness. This note is to be presented when checking in at the office.

        Tardiness is defined as arriving late, checking out early, or leaving during the day and returning within an hour. When a student is tardy without a justifiable reason or does not bring a note upon his/her return to school, an attendance notice will be issued.  If a student is out for more than an hour, it will be marked as a half-day’s absence.  If a student receives two tardy notices within a 9-week period, he/she will serve a supervised one-hour study hall on Friday afternoon.

        All students attending St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School are required to wear their uniform daily. Students are encouraged to take pride in their appearance, their conduct, and their school work, which reflects the quality of the school. Uniforms must be purchased at designated uniform stores. All uniform parts should be LABELED.  Violation of any dress code will warrant a demerit.

GIRLS

Blouse:  Pre-School - 7th: White sport blouse buttoned down the front with short or long sleeves.  (Rounded collars are not part of the uniform.)  Blouses must be properly buttoned and tucked in at all times.

Skirt:  Pre-School, Developmental Kindergarten, Kindergarten  - Navy v-bib uniform jumper.  Girls in grades 1-7 wear navy pleated skirts. The length should not be shorter than 3 inches above the knee when kneeling.

Shorts: Navy blue P.E. shorts can be worn under skirts.

Socks: White or navy, short or knee length. White or navy leotards can be worn in cold weather. Socks must be worn over the leotards.

Shoes: A tie shoe is required.  Shoes must be brown, black, navy, or black and white or navy and white oxfords. No tennis shoes or tennis shoe look-alikes. No boots. (This includes any shoes above the ankles.)  Shoe must have a moderate heel.  If there is a question on a particular shoe, please clear the shoe with an administrator before the shoe is worn.

Jacket/Sweatshirt/Sweater: If a jacket is worn, it must be an approved uniform jacket.  This jacket is navy with gray lining.  The school emblem is optional.  This approved uniform jacket can be purchased at the designated uniform stores.  Only solid white or navy sweatshirts, uniform button down sweaters in white or navy may be worn (school emblem optional).  Fleece pullovers or any other light jackets are not acceptable.

Outer Coat: Heavy coats worn outside may be any color. Blue jean (denim)   coats, athletic jackets, and coats with logos are prohibited.

Hair: Well groomed and out of the eyes (pulled and held back off the face). Hairstyles should be neat, clean, and natural color with no add-ons or extensions. Hair barrettes should be gold, silver, navy blue, white, brown, or black.  Scrunchies, hair ribbons, and cloth head bands should be navy blue or white. 

Jewelry: Only the following jewelry items may be worn:

• Gold or silver earrings no larger than the size of a penny (one in each earlobe)
• One wrist watch
• One ring
• A simple religious medal

Make up: No make-up is allowed. This includes fingernail polish.

BOYS

Shirt: Khaki shirt, short or long sleeves.  Boys' shirts must be properly buttoned and tucked in at all times.  Turtleneck shirts may not be worn under the shirt.

Undershirt: Undershirts worn must be solid white and must fit properly. (Cannot exceed length of outer sleeve.)

Pants: Khaki pants. Short pants may be worn by primary students (Pe-School - 3).  Pants must be worn at the waist.

Belt: A brown, black, or khaki belt must be worn at all times.

Jacket/Sweatshirt/Sweater: If a jacket is worn, it must be an approved uniform jacket.  This jacket is navy with gray lining.  The school emblem is optional.  This approved uniform jacket can be purchased at the designated uniform stores.  Only solid navy sweatshirts, uniform button down sweaters in navy or brown may be worn (school emblem optional).  Fleece pullovers or any other light jackets are not acceptable.

Outer Coat: Heavy coats worn outside may be any color. Blue jean (denim)   coats, athletic jackets, and coats with logos are prohibited.

Socks: Solid white, khaki, navy or black or brown crew socks. (No ankle    athletic socks.)

Shoes: Brown or black tie shoes. No tennis shoes or tennis shoe look alikes. No boots. (This includes any shoes above the ankles.)  Shoes must have a moderate heel.  If there is a question on a particular shoe, please clear the shoe with an administrator before the shoe is worn.

Hair: Must have neat and clean hair and not below the top of the ear, below the eyebrows, or touching the collar.  No strange, bizarre, or partially shaved haircuts.  Haircuts are subject to approval of administration.  Hair must also be its natural color.

Jewelry: Only the following jewelry items may be worn:

• One wrist watch
• One ring
• A simple religious medal

    No earrings of any kind are allowed.

2.  P. E. WEAR 

School uniforms are worn during P.E. classes.  Solid white, tie tennis shoes can be worn on P.E. days.  If solid white tennis shoes are not worn that day, school shoes must be worn.

Students will not be allowed to change shoes for P.E. classes.

 3.  SPIRIT DAY ATTIRE

           During the school year, certain days are designated as “spirit days.”  On Spirit Day students may wear blue jeans with belt loops and a solid-colored black, brown, navy or khaki belt.  Spirit shirts may only be worn if jeans are worn.  If the spirit shirt is not worn with jeans, then the OFFICIAL SCHOOL UNIFORM MUST BE WORN.  White P.E. tennis shoes or school shoes may be worn with the Spirit Day attire.  Spirit shirt must be tucked in at all times.

        All books, school bags, and clothing should be marked with child's name, not initials. Purses and wallets should have some kind of identification.

        Lost and found articles are sent to designated lockers. These articles may be claimed before and after school or during recess.  Found articles that are not claimed within a reasonable time will be given to charity.

The school cannot assume responsibility for personal belongings brought to school.

 ACADEMICS    

1. GRADING

        Report cards are issued at the end of each nine-week period. Letter grades are used to designate a student's progress. Report cards are to be signed by parent or guardian and returned within 2 days. A nominal fee for lost report cards will be assessed. During the fourth week of each nine-week period, a progress report is sent home for every student. Every subject is considered a major subject at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School.

        Parent-teacher conferences are held at the end of the second nine-week period for all grades. Parents and teachers are encouraged to meet at other times throughout the school year.

 2.  GRADING SYSTEM

 GRADE     VALUE                DESIGNATION

 A                 94-100                 Outstanding Achievement

B                 86-93                    Above Average Achievement

C                 78-85                    Average Achievement

D                 70-77                    Below Average

U or F         69 or below           Unsatisfactory or Failing

I                                              Improvement Needed

S                                             Satisfactory

Promotion - A student who has satisfactorily progressed at one level to be advanced or promoted to the next higher level.

Non-Promotion - A pupil failing in 2 or more subjects or a pupil who has not satisfactorily progressed at current grade level is not eligible for promotion.

Conditional Promotion - Any student who has failed one subject is not eligible for promotion until he/she has attended summer school or received specified tutorial instruction.

Summer School - Students who are conditionally promoted must attend 35 hours of summer school or receive special instruction from a private tutor approved by the administration of St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School. Proof of remediation must be presented to administration before new school year begins.

3.  HONOR ROLL

     For each nine-week period, students will be recognized for the following achievement:

 Alpha Honor Roll:        

A’s in all subjects on the report card and an A in conduct on all subjects.

 Beta Honor Roll:          

A’s and B’s in all subjects on the report card and A’s and B’s in conduct in all subjects

High Honor Award:     

At the end of the year awards ceremony, this award is given to those students who have achieved A’s in all subject areas for four nine weeks.  The student must also achieve an A in conduct for each nine week period.

4. RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION

        Religion is taught daily. It is the parents'/guardians' responsibility to contact their church parish to determine the parish's policies in regards to receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation and Communion.

5.  RESOURCE PROGRAM

         The resource program (resource, Project Read, and Lips) is focused on the student with a learning difference.  Accommodations/modifications will be individualized for each student.  Classroom teachers work closely with resource personnel to implement these accommodations/modifications.

    In order for a student to be admitted to the resource program, a professional evaluation must be submitted to the administration.  A fee is assessed for the program and can be financed with tuition fees.

6.  MAKE-UP WORK

         Students are responsible for making up any work missed for days absent. Students will be given a reasonable amount of time to complete any missed work and are expected to do so in the given time period.  If a student is absent on the day of a scheduled test, the student will be expected to take the test on the day he/she returns to school.

7.  HOMEWORK POLICIES

         Homework is meant to be the child's responsibility and the child's work. It is the parents'/guardians' responsibility to supervise and check the homework for completion, but not to do the homework.  Incomplete homework may result in an issuance of a demerit and subsequent detention.

        If a student experiences continued serious difficulty doing homework, the teacher should be notified.      

If a child is going to be absent from school for an extended period of time, a request for assignments may be made by calling the school secretary before 9:30 A.M. Books and assignments may be picked up after 3:00 P.M.

No one will be allowed back into the building after dismissal to get books/items which have been forgotten.  This policy is for everyone’s safety and will be strictly enforced.

EDUCATIONAL/FIELD TRIPS

          Educational trips and field trips are privileges.  To participate in these activities, a student must have a permission form signed by the parent/guardian releasing the school from any liability.  Telephone calls will not be accepted in lieu of proper forms.

          Students can be denied participation if they fail to meet academic or behavioral requirements.  If an educational or field trip is taken away from a student, the student must report to school on the day of the trip.

        The student insurance plan provides coverage for the nine months of the school year while the student is at school or attending all official school activities.  This plan is obligatory for all students and cost of the program is included in the Student Fee.

When a student is injured within the times stated above, he/she will be given a claim form by the school office upon request.  This form must be completed by the parents and given to the doctor or hospital.  The school merely acts as a medium in supplying the insurance and assumes no liability, either for the injury or the subsequent negotiations with the company.

A special insurance plan that provides coverage for 24 hours a day, 12 months a year, while at school or away, is available upon request.

        Breakfast is available for students from 7:30 - 8:00 A.M. at a reasonable price.

        All students must participate in the lunch program. If, for serious health reasons the student cannot participate in the lunch program, a doctor's excuse is necessary and is subject to approval of administration. Lunches, other than those served by the cafeteria, must meet guidelines set forth by the cafeteria and Archdiocese of New Orleans.

“News and Views” is the school newsletter sent home at the beginning of each month with the oldest student in the family.  A monthly calendar is included to notify parents of important dates and announcements.  This is our major means of communicating with parents.  It is imperative that the “News and Views” be read carefully. 

2. MESSAGES

        Only messages of vital importance will be relayed to students. Reminder messages will not be given. If, through urgent necessity, a parent comes personally to deliver a message, the parent is to deliver the message through the school office and never directly to the child or teacher.

3. PARENT/VISITOR

Because of security purposes, NO ONE is allowed in the school building or grounds unless there is a purpose that has been approved by the teacher and the administration.  All visitors to the school MUST first report to the front office and sign in.  Every visitor to the school must wear a visitor’s badge while visiting the school.  Visitors who do not follow this procedure will be asked to report to the main office to comply with this policy.

4. APPOINTMENTS

To meet with the administration and/or teachers, please make appointments through the school office. 

5. GUARDIANSHIP

The guardianship of each child must be established by the school, and must be retained in the official folder.  All divorced parents should furnish the school with a copy of the custody section of the divorce decree.  If there is a court order specifying that there is to be no information given to the non-custodial parent, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with an official copy of the court order. The custodial parent is responsible for making arrangements with the school concerning "WHO" is to pick up the child.

6. PARTY INVITATIONS

Party invitations or gifts to other students may not be distributed at school.  Parties/treats are not allowed at school at any time.

Safety is everyone's responsibility.  Students should use common sense and care in protecting themselves and others from danger and harm.

No list of safety rules can be all-inclusive and students are expected to report any dangerous situation to the school staff for corrective action.

          All students must participate in the safe environment program offered by the school and mandated by the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

1. TRANSPORTATION

     A. MORNING ARRIVALS

Students should be dropped off no earlier than 7:25 A.M.

Students must be dropped off at designated, supervised areas. These areas include:

Pre-School - K -- Front of school building (Verret Street)

Grades 1 - 7    --    Convent driveway (Grinage Street)

      B. AFTERNOON DISMISSAL

        Parents who pick up students in the afternoon must do so at the convent driveway.  Parents are to remain in their cars.  A sign with the child’s name must be displayed on the windshield.  Students will walk to the car once their name has been called.  The school is not responsible for any students who walk home.  Any child who is present in the school building or on the grounds after 3:20 P.M. will be placed in After-School Care and the parents will be billed.

Students who ride the school bus must be on time and at the designated school bus stops and must wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before attempting to board.

While on the bus, students must be seated and must keep hands and heads inside the bus at all times.

Loud talking and laughing divert the driver's attention and make safe driving difficult.  Horseplay is not permitted around or on the school bus.

Bus riders:

Must remain in their seats while the bus is in motion.

Must never tamper with the bus.

Must not throw anything from the windows.

Should not leave books or other articles on the bus.

Are expected to be courteous to fellow students and to the bus driver.

 Students who go home on the school buses must line up and wait in an orderly manner.

Parents are requested to see that their children respect and obey the bus driver. Improper conduct on the school bus will merit a ONE-WEEK SUSPENSION from riding the bus.

        Parents are requested to see that their children respect and obey the bus driver. Improper conduct on the school bus will merit a ONE-WEEK SUSPENSION from riding the bus.

         IN ORDER TO RIDE THE BUS, STUDENTS MUST BE FIVE YEARS OLD BY SEPTEMBER 30 OF THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR.

          For safety purposes, parents may not pick up students from the bus line.

2. FIRE DRILLS

Fire drills are conducted at the school on both a scheduled and an unscheduled basis.  During these drills, the school is completely evacuated in an orderly and timely manner.

        At the beginning of the school year, students are told which exit to use during these drills.  Students are cautioned to remain calm, move quickly, and leave everything behind.

3. SEVERE WEATHER DRILLS

        Pre-season and periodic in-service severe weather drills are held to ensure that staff and students know what to do when a tornado or severe thunderstorm approaches. An alarm will sound to give sufficient time for teacher and students to seek safe shelter in the inner hallways.

4. MEDICATION

Short-term medication (cough drops, cough medicine, Tylenol, Chap Stick, Carmex, lip balm, etc.) of any type cannot be brought to school and cannot be administered by the teacher or office staff.  If medicine has to be administered, the parent must come to school and check in with the office, and the student will be called to the office for the parent to administer the medicine. The office may administer long-term medication (Ritalin, asthma medication, etc.) only if the physician's instructions have been received.  Long-term medication and refills must be brought to the school office by the parent--not by the student.

5. SEARCH AND SEIZURE

In an effort to maintain a positive learning environment and/or to promote health and safety purposes, the administration reserves the right to search clothing and accessories, personal property, or desks at any time. Contraband materials may be confiscated.

St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School is a drug-free zone and abides by the drug-free laws.  The use, sale, or handling of narcotics (tobacco, drugs, alcoholic beverages, marijuana, etc.) is illegal and a serious offense and is subject to suspension and/or expulsion from school.  The principal is required by law to contact law enforcement authorities, after which parents will be contacted.  This action is not an option.

The law (R.S. 14:95.2) creates the crime of carrying a dangerous weapon by a student on school property, on a school bus, or at school-sponsored activities. Any student found with a dangerous weapon is subject to disciplinary action and consequences mandated by law.  The law mandates that a principal or school official notify the parents of any student who is detained or arrested for carrying a dangerous weapon and is required to notify appropriate law enforcement authorities.

6.  SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PROTECTION OF     CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE  

               The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is committed to providing a safe environment for everyone in the school system.  All school employees and volunteers are required to participate in the diocesan Safe Environment  Training program.  Continuing Education Safe Environment training is required annually.

All textbooks must be covered and carefully handled.  In covering books, NO TAPE OR ADHESIVE MATERIAL may be used directly on the textbooks.  Books may not be covered with STRETCHABLE MATERIAL.  Textbooks should be kept free of ink or pencil marks.  If a book is lost or damaged through carelessness, the student will be expected to pay for its replacement. 

School bags/binders should be free of writings/drawings, except for the name of the students.  Rolling school bags are not permitted. 

Discipline is the systematic development and training of the student's physical, social, intellectual, moral, and spiritual capacities through guided instruction and controlled self-activity.

Good discipline originates in the home.  The PARENT is the first teacher and should develop in the child good behavior habits and proper attitudes toward school and authority.

Every teacher and aide has full permission to correct or discipline any pupil who violates the rules of the school.

A. BEFORE SCHOOL

        No one is allowed on the stairs, in the halls, or in the classrooms before school in the morning. During inclement weather, students should proceed to the first floor hallways until their teacher arrives.

B. AFTER FIRST BELL

        Silence must be observed at the sound of the first bell. At the sound of that bell, students proceed to their lines in silence.

C. BATHROOMS/HALLS/STAIRS

        There will be no running or playing in the building at any time.

D. IN CLASSROOMS

        Students are not allowed to enter the classroom during any recess period, before school or after school unless a teacher is present.

E. IN CHURCH

        Silence and order are expected of all students while in the Cathedral.

F. IN THE SCHOOL YARD

        Students are expected to remain in their respective play areas. Fighting and rough play will not be tolerated.

G. IN CAFETERIA

        Students entering the cafeteria for lunch must wash their hands before lunch. All students are expected to show respect and consideration for the cafeteria and its workers. Students are responsible for cleaning their own area when finished.

H. AFTER DISMISSAL

No one is to re-enter the school building after dismissal of classes for the day.

I. AFTER-SCHOOL CARE

        This will be a warning for students guilty of unsatisfactory behavior. Demerit slips will be given out by any faculty member or substitute teacher for infractions of school regulations. STUDENT MUST BRING HOME THE DEMERIT SLIP FOR THE PARENT'S/GUARDIAN'S SIGNATURE AND RETURN IT TO THE OFFICE THE FOLLOWING DAY. Failure to do so will result in the issuance of a detention. Forgery of a signature on a demerit will result in an in-house suspension.

Among the following violations that warrant a demerit are:

1. Violation of the dress code, including make-up of any kind.

2. Writing and/or passing notes.

3. Gum chewing. (Absolutely no gum is allowed at           school.)

4. Uncovered or damaged textbooks.

5. Possession of electronic items, cameras, or inappropriate reading material.

6. Excessive incomplete homework.

7. Any form of behavior deemed inappropriate by the     faculty, staff, or administration.

 

B. DETENTION

Students guilty of major infractions will be detained after school for one hour on the assigned Friday (or the last day of the school week) from 3:00 - 4:00 P.M.  Detention is assigned by the administration only. 

STUDENTS MUST BRING THE DETENTION SLIP HOME FOR THE PARENT’S/GUARDIAN’S SIGNATURE AND RETURN IT TO THE OFFICE THE FOLLOWING DAY.  Forgery of a parent's/guardian's signature on a detention slip will result in an in-house suspension.

Among the infractions that warrant detention are:

1. Three demerits equal a detention.

2. Lying, cheating, stealing, or forgery. In the case of   cheating, he/she will also receive a zero on the work.

3. Marking on desks, walls, doors, defacing school property, etc.

4. Fighting or encouraging fighting.

5. Disrespect for authority in any form. Disrespect for others and the property of others.

6. Leaving the classroom without permission.

7. Inappropriate language, gestures, writings, drawings, and actions.

8. Rude or discourteous behavior.

9. Inappropriate language, gestures, writings, drawings, and actions.

10. Any form of behavior deemed inappropriate by the faculty, staff, or administration.

 

No student is exempt from detention and it is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to make arrangements to pick up their child at 4:00 P.M. Failure to serve a detention without the administration's permission may result in an in-house suspension.  A student cannot go to After School Care after he/she serves detention.

C. SUSPENSIONS/EXPULSIONS

Three detentions in a school year will result in a one day in-house suspension.  During an in-house suspension, the student will be assigned classwork to be done in a designated area.  This will affect the student’s academic and conduct grades.  Excessive detentions will warrant further administrative action. 

St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School reserves the right to expel any student at any time when behavior is deemed detrimental to other students in the school, or behavior is detrimental to the reputation of St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School.  In this case, the balance of the tuition will be pro-rated and returned.

       Catholic Education in Houma has a very interesting historical record. On August 3, 1858, six Terrebonne citizens recorded officially their intention to establish a school to be called the Houma Academy. They built the beautiful Houma Academy that stood for many years on Point Street. It was a daring spirit of enterprise on the part of these six men who incorporated their intentions in a legal document to establish private education in Houma.

       Their good will, however, could not assure the success of the Academy. The well-proportioned building with twelve rooms, topped with a cupola, and fronted with a balustrade was a fitting monument to their intent. Perhaps this building was too large for the needs of the time and place. Moreover, during the Civil War years the Academy mortgages exceeded $3,500.00.

       This Houma Academy was taken over as the foundation for a new school by the Marianite Sisters of Holy Cross in 1870. This is, in fact, the foundation of Catholic Education in the Houma-Terrebonne area.

       For the first twenty years, the Sisters taught only girls; in 1890, a boys' school was opened and also staffed by the Marianites. The setting of the boy's school for decades was a wood-framed, two-story building on the site of the present parish youth center and rectory. It served its purpose as an elementary school building until the new St. Francis de Sales School was planned by Msgr. Lucien J. Caillouet, begun by Bishop Maurice Schexnayder, and completed in the early years of Msgr. Joseph Wester at a cost of some $650,000 during the 1951-52 school year.

       The efforts of the Marianites in Houma were reinforced in 1952 by the arrival of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. The old academy on Point Street became a boys' high school until the completion of co-educational Houma Central Catholic High School in the fall of 1965.  The school was renamed in 1966 in honor of Father August Vandebilt for his support of local Catholic education. 

       There are now approximately 81 priests serving in some 39 parish churches, with some 35 or so religious men and women aided by more than 200 lay persons in educational work alone.

       The noble history of Catholic Education in the Houma-Terrebonne area continues today in the same spirit with which it began nearly 150 years ago.

 LIFE of ST. FRANCIS DE SALES

PATRON of the PARISH CHURCH

St. Francis de Sales was born at the Chateau de Sales in Savoy on August 21, 1567, immediately following the Council of Trent (1545-1563). On the following day he was baptized in the parish church of Thorens under the name of Francis Bonaventure. His patron saint in After-life was the Poverello of Assisi, St. Francis of Assisi, and the room in which he was born was known as "St. Francis' room", from a painting of the saint preaching to the birds and the fishes.

Francis was intended for the College de Navarre, as it was frequented by the sons of the noble families of Savoy, but Francis, fearing for his vocation in such surroundings, implored to be allowed to go to the College de Clermont, which was under Jesuit direction and renowned for piety as well as for learning.

Francis soon made his mark, especially in rhetoric and philosophy, and he ardently devoted himself to the study of the theology. To satisfy his father, he took lessons in riding, dancing and fencing, but cared for none of them. His heart was more and more set upon giving himself wholly God.

About his eighteenth year, he was assailed by an agonizing temptation to despair. It was a heroic act of pure love that brought his deliverance. This trial taught him early to understand and deal tenderly with the spiritual difficulties and temptations of others.

He was twenty-four when he took his final degree and became a doctor of law at Padua, Italy, and he rejoined his family at the Chateau de Thuille on the Lake of Annecy, where for eighteen months this singular attractive youth led, outwardly at least, the ordinary life of a young noble of his time. On December 18, 1593, he was ordained to the priesthood of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

At this time, owing to armed hostilities and the inroads of Protestantism, the religious condition of the people of the Chablais, on the south shore of the Lake of Geneva, was deplorable, and the Duke of Savoy applied to Bishop de Granier to send missionaries who might win back his subjects to the Church. Francis stood up and offered himself for the work, saying very simply, "My Lord, if you think I am capable of undertaking the mission, tell me to go. I am ready to obey, and should be happy to be chosen."

Francis, however, had the disappointment of starting on his mission without his father's blessing. It was on September 14, 1594, Holy Cross Day, that he traveled on foot, accompanied only by his cousin, Canon Louis de Sales; thus, he set forth to win back the Chablais.

Francis was constantly seeking new ways to reach the hearts and minds of the people, and he began writing leaflets setting forth the teaching of the Church in contrast to the Calvinism of his day.

After three or four years, when Bishop de Granier came to visit the mission, the fruits of Francis' self-sacrificing work and untiring zeal were unmistakable.

Bishop de Granier, who had long been considered Francis in the light of a possible coadjutor and successor, felt that the moment had now come to give effort to this. His appointment as coadjutor Bishop of Geneva was confirmed, he was ordained to the episcopate, and Francis returned to take up his work with fresh zeal and energy.

Francis succeeded to the Sea of Geneva on the death of Claude de Granier in the autumn of 1602 and took up his residence at Annecy, with a household organized on lines of the strictest economy. His most famous book, Introduction to the Devout Life, grew out of the casual notes of instruction and advice which he wrote to Mme. de Chamoisy, a cousin by marriage, who had placed herself under his guidance. He was persuaded to publish them in a little volume, which with some additions first appeared in 1608. The book was at once acclaimed spiritual masterpiece, and soon translated into many languages. In 1610 came the heavy sorrow of his mother's death (his father had died nine years before).

In 1622, the Duke of Savoy, going to meet Louis XIII at Avignon, invited Francis to join them there. Anxious to obtain from Louis certain privileges for the French, part of Francis readily consented, although he was in no state of health to risk the long winter journey. On St. John's Day, he was taken seriously ill with some sort of paralytic seizure. The last word he was heard to utter was the name of "Jesus". He died at the age of fifty-six.