Academics at St. Michael Catholic School

Curriculum  Local curriculum development is the responsibility of the principal and faculty following the approved Archdiocesan guidelines. St. Michael Catholic School teaches a varied and appropriate curriculum in all subject areas and at all levels: Religion, Language Arts, Math, Reading, Science, Social Studies, Music, Art, Physical Education, and Computer skills are taught on a regular basis. St. Michael Catholic School is a place where each child will be challenged to meet the potential greatness within her or himself. The school strives to help each child realize this potential and to provide an atmosphere that reflects Christian values and a sense of community.  Religion  The religious education is the primary reason for St. Michael Catholic School's existence. Religious instruction is part of each day. Students attending St. Michael Catholic School are required to participate in all religious activities. Religious practices in the family are encourages. Sacramental preparation is handled at the parish level with supportive instruction in the school and religion classes.  The sacramental life of a student is fostered by: Attendance at school Masses Periodic class planned Masses Daily school and classroom prayer

Electronic Information/Communications 

St. Michael School believes that technology should be used as a vehicle of communication, analysis, and research in light of Catholic values and moral decision-making. Therefore, the school is committed to the integration and effective use of current and future technology to further the educational mission of the school and the Church's mission of spreading the Gospel to all people. The Bishops of the United States have supported the use of technology as a means of evangelization. 

Grading and Related Topics 

Grades are documented and recorded on report cards every trimester. Report cards go home with students, you are always welcome to arrange a meeting if you have concerns. 

Communication with families

Each teacher is responsible to communicate in a way that is effective to the parent, what is going on in class. This may include letters home, e-mail, communication board or whatever method works best for the make-up of the class. 

Communication to Administration

Should a parent wish to contact the Principal, an appointment may be needed. Please call the school office. 

Homework 

Teachers assign homework with great care and for the purpose of fostering habits of independence in study, reinforcing material already taught, or for special assistance to students. Some school time is given to the assigned tasks, but if school study time is not sufficient, these tasks must be completed at home. Studies show that students who consistently do their homework achieve higher test scores and receive better grades. Homework allows our students to practice what is being taught at school, and many times, allows preparation for what will be covered the next day. Completing work on time prepares students for the heavier homework given in high school and college. Failure to complete homework assignments hinders the learning process and establishes poor academic habits and skills.  It is the student's responsibility to complete assigned work. 

When homework is assigned parents should

• Provide the student with a quiet, well-lit place to study
• Observe, encourage, and assist if needed. (Resist the temptation to give too much help as this will hinder the purpose of giving homework, self-direction)

Time can always be spent reading books. If parents are concerned about the amount of time spent on homework, they should contact the teacher. 

Textbooks 

The Department of Catholic Schools and the Washington State Department of Education determines the list of approved textbooks from which the school many select for each subject of the curriculum. Lost books will be replaced at the parent's expense and there will be no refund if the book is then found. Individual damages will be assessed at the end of the year and appropriate charges made. 

Graduation Ceremony

Graduation from elementary school is marked by a simple and dignified celebration that gives recognition to the unique value of the Christian education just completed. While these exercises should be scheduled so as not to conflict with high school graduation dates, ordinarily the eighth grade graduation should not be scheduled before the last week of the closing week of school. 

Promotion

A student satisfactorily completing each grades work and meeting the standards set forth by the state and the Seattle Archdiocese will be promoted to the next grade level. 

Retention

Recommendation for retention of students is made by the teacher in consultation with the principal, the parents and, if appropriate, with other advisory staff. Ordinarily, this communication should be made at the end of the second trimester informing the parent that the student is struggling. Conferences will scheduled along with an academic improvement plan put in place to assist and monitor academic performance. Increased assistance may be needed on the part of the parents to help their child succeed. In all cases the decision for retention rests with the principal. 

Standardized Testing 

St. Michael School will participate in testing as recommended by the state and the Seattle Archdiocese. Parent's will receive the results of all testing that is performed. Parents may request testing, for special consideration, including academic for special needs and psychological from the local public school district.

Conferences

Parent/teacher conferences will be held on a routine basis every year. The timeline will be determined at the beginning of the year and put on the school calendar. It is expected that parents will attend conferences. If the schedule conflicts with something else, the school must be notified in advance so that other arrangements may be made. Conferences are crucial to developing a relationship with the school and with the learning of your child. 

Report Cards 

Progress reports will be sent home and will provide specific information regarding the performance of your child in relation to state and Archdiocesan standards. 

Requested by Parent 

Parents whom wish to have a conference longer than those scheduled by the school should contact the teacher to arrange an appointment. You are free to schedule an appointment with the teacher at any time during the year. 

Guidelines

1. Please be as courteous to the teacher as you would expect him/her to be of you. Questioning the teacher's authority in front of the child is not helpful. If you have such a disagreement, please request a meeting with the teacher privately.
2. Please try to be open to both sides of the story if a problem arises. Perceptual differences and information reported incorrectly can lead to unnecessary confrontations with the teacher and unwise decisions.
3. Discuss difficulties in the classroom with the teacher first before bringing them to the principal.