SAINT MICHAEL'S
EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
FAMILY HANDBOOK
2013 – 2014
2500 South College Avenue, Bryan, TX 77801-2117
Main Office (979) 822-2715 • FAX (979) 823-4971
Preschool (979) 823-7962
website: stmes.net • email: [email protected]
Mrs. Jenny Morris, Head of School
[email protected]
Saint Michael’s Episcopal School is a college preparatory school for Preschool through Grade 12
and is open to qualified students of any race, religion, national or ethnic origin.
Family Handbook, 2013-2014
Saint Michael’s Episcopal School, Bryan, Texas
July 2013
Table of Contents
Motto – Mission Statement – Philosophy – Goals – Contact Info………………………...… 3
Brief School History……………………………………………………………………….... 4
School Spirit………………………………………………………………………………… 5
Daily Chapel……………………………………………………………………………….... 6
School Uniform Code, Schedule & Enforcement…………………………………………… 7
School Hours………………………………………………………………………………. 8
Arrival, Departure Times, Procedures & Fees………………………………………………. 9
After-school, Inclement Weather, Emergency Procedures………………………………….. 10
Absences, Tardies, Sign-In/Sign-Out Procedures…………………………………………… 11
School Rules & Behavior Policies…………………………………………………………… 11
Warnings, Demerits & Serious Offenses……………………………………………………. 13
Late Work & Making Up Work……………………………………………………………... 14
Lunches & Valuables……………………………………………………………………….. 14
Communication & Visitors…………………………………………………………………. 15
Telephone Policy & Data Forms……………………………………………………………. 15
Parent Involvement…………………………………………………………………………. 16
Student Council…………………………………………………………………………….. 17
Buildings & Grounds – Campus Map……………………………………………………….. 18
Traffic, Parking & Traffic Flow Patterns……………………………………………………. 19
Administration, Faculty & Measuring Academic Performance………………………………. 20
Progress Reports, Grades & Homework Postings………………………………………….. 20
Homework, Textbooks, Study Halls, Tutoring……………………………………………… 21
Acceptable Use Policies…………………………………………………………….……….. 23
School Care Responsibilities……………………………………………………….………... 24
Health, Safety & Your Student…………………………………………………….……….. 24
Athletics……………………………………………………………………………………. 26
Annual School Events & the Houses of Saint Michael’s……………………………………. 26
Commencement & Awards…………………………………………………..…….……….. 29
Parent/Guardian Confirmation Form [to be returned signed upon reading this Handbook]………… 31
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Saint Michael’s Episcopal School
BRYAN, TEXAS
a non-profit organization, member of
Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools
Recognized by Texas Education Agency and National Association of Independent Schools
MOTTO
Scientia, Pietas, Fides -- “Learning, Character, and Faith.”
MISSION STATEMENT
Saint Michael's Episcopal School -- historically known as Saint Michael’s Academy, an Episcopal Day School -- is
a school for children of all faiths and nations, providing a classical, college preparatory curriculum and firmly embedded
in the Episcopal school tradition. We are committed to academic excellence and the growth of each child in learning,
character, and faith.
PHILOSOPHY
Saint Michael’s is a small, coeducational, non-profit institution comprising a preschool known as the Saint Michael’s
Preschool (Infants, Toddlers, Twos, Threes, and Junior Kindergarten), a Lower School (Kindergarten and Grades 1-4).
A Middle School (Grades 5-8) and an Upper School (Grades 9-12) in a caring, extended-family atmosphere. We are
members of the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools, and recognized by Texas Education Agency and the
National Association of Independent Schools.
While we are independent of local Episcopal parishes, answerable directly to the Diocesan Schools Commission in
Austin, we are very much a member of the Episcopal family of schools. This is a school that shall not be prevented
from declaring, nor ashamed to declare among its students, the Good News of Our Lord Jesus Christ. All grades and
full-time faculty meet daily for Chapel, with liturgy drawn from The Book of Common Prayer, helping us to promote that
family atmosphere by centering our school experience on care for one another, moral integrity, and love for God's good
world.
Our rigorous, classical curriculum prepares students for college and for lifelong intellectual curiosity. By definition, we
consider a classical education to incorporate the best of all eras, using our God-given reason. Each child is encouraged
to develop her or his own particular talents to the fullest, yet become proficient in a broad range of skills. We operate in
an atmosphere of trust, cooperation and involvement among students, faculty, and parents and guardians, promoting a
vision of our place in the world community.
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
The school shall provide a superior education in a Christian context in an atmosphere that encourages children to reach
their full potential for intellectual growth. It is the purpose of the school to enable the children to: learn both in a group
and independently, acquire mastery of necessary skills in the traditional subjects of English language and literature,
foreign languages (ancient and modern), history, mathematics, sciences, religion, fine arts, and physical education,
become proficient in the use of information technology, learn and practice sportsmanship, engage in public speaking and
performance, enjoy lively intellectual discourse, and show reverence in daily corporate worship.
Contact Information
Head of School………Jenny Morris
Business Manager…………..Helen Spencer
Office Manager ................ Mary Brown
Main Office Phone ......... (979)822-2715 + Preschool Phone………(979) 823-7962
Fax.…………………(979) 823-4971
Email.…………[email protected]
Website…………..stmes.net
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BRIEF SCHOOL HISTORY
Founded in 1972 as a coeducational Episcopal Day School and chartered by the State of Texas as a nonprofit corporation governed by a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees, Saint Michael’s Episcopal School is an
independent school and draws no financial support from the Diocese of Texas nor any parish. It maintains a
close relationship, however, with the local parishes through the Episcopal Community Network.
From the very beginning, Saint Michael’s Episcopal School (originally named and still incorporated as
Saint Michael’s Academy, an Episcopal Day School) undertook the mission of providing a superior education in a
Christian context. Enrollment gradually increased. Initially, the grades served were K-7. The ages served
expanded at both ends of the spectrum: an early childhood learning center grew out of a baby nursery,
initially as a service for the teachers, while in 1979 the upper grades grew into a Middle School of Grades 8
and 9. The high school grew naturally from this point and in 1983 the first senior graduated, having attended
since Grade 2. Since then, a total of 137 graduates have gone on to excellent universities, graduate and
professional schools, and responsible jobs; they have published books, founded journals, established
businesses and won awards.
Finding a suitable campus has proved challenging and has involved several moves and expansions. From
a tiny former church and rectory at East 29th and Washington Streets, to the current site at 2500 South
College Avenue, across the street from our present group of buildings on seven-and-a-half acres at 2500
South College, each move has been accomplished mainly by “sweat equity” of Board members, faculty,
parents and students. In 2006, we acquired the spacious and beautiful brick Chapel and classroom buildings
at the corner of Williamson and Texas, the former Faith United Church of Christ, expanding our nursery
school and cafeteria, and allowing us to hold not only our Daily Chapel but also Commencement and Awards
Ceremonies in our own space at last. Recent generous donations by alumni and supporters – and yet more
hard work – have made possible the long-standing dream of having our own gymnasium and theater, tens of
thousands of dollars of work in construction-period cleaning and sound-proofing being performed gratis by a
few dedicated supporters of the school. The intelligent planning and hard work needed to accomplish each
stage of expansion, our determination to make every penny of tuition income and donation stretch as far as
possible, and the happy accidents of generous impulse, have all solidified our culture of scholarship, moral
integrity, and reliance on the grace of God.
Over the years, Saint Michael’s has gained a reputation not only for academic accomplishments, but also
in arts and musical performance, with students winning many honors in competitions. Most notable has been
the annual Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, a musical extravaganza produced each year since 1978 by all students
in the upper grades. Ten of the famous collaborators’ best known and best loved works are now in their third
iteration, providing an interdisciplinary lesson in literature, drama, history, art and music as well as a great
team building experience and a cultural offering to the whole Bryan/College community.
Administration of the school has passed from the founding Headmaster, Dr. James Spencer (1972-95),
through Mrs. Patricia Nordstrom (1995-97), Mrs. Kathryn M. Lucchese, Interim Head (1997-98), Ms. Jennifer
L. Allen (1998-2000), Mrs. Helen Spencer (2000-2007), Mr. Charles Raymer (2007-2008), Dr. Betty Creamer
(2008-2010), and Dr. Kathryn M. Lucchese (2010-2012) to our current Head Mrs. Jenny Morris. The school
was accredited in 1990 by the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools, recognized by Texas
Education Agency and the National Association of Independent Schools. A long-range plan for the school,
developed by all its constituencies in 1990 and revised in 2003, sees Saint Michael’s not as a luxury, but a
necessity, as a cultural force in our community. We say cultural because, more than any other school in the
area, it emphasizes the proper balance between head and heart, mind and character, form and spirit: the
balance that produces civilization and enlightened leadership.
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SCHOOL SPIRIT
Saint Michael’s Prayer
Holy Saint Michael, defend us in battle,
Be thou our shield against darkness and sin.
O prince most glorious, Michael archangel,
Guard us for Jesus’ sake, outside and in.
School Colors and Mascots
Red and white, a clubbed cross within a shield, the archangel Michael, the Goose, preferably in attack
mode! The Donkey is also associated with folktales of Saint Michael, in both Biblical (the story of Balaam)
and French folk traditions.
School Patron Saint
Saint Michael (whose name in Hebrew means “He who is like God” or in Latin Quis Ut Deus) is generally
depicted with sword or spear in hand in his capacity of guardian of Heaven, or as judge of souls, with the
scales of justice. He is our patron guardian angel, and the rich traditions associated with his following are
explored in the annual pageant held on or close to his saint’s day, September 29th.
The Golden Rule— sung to the tune Golden Rule
Love God with all your soul and strength, with all your heart and mind,
And love your neighbor as yourself, be faithful, just, and kind.
School Song— sung to the tune Forest Green
Saint Michael’s, Dear Academy
Saint Michael’s, dear academy, today we sing thy praise,
Who guides us on so lovingly throughout the course of days.
Scientia, Pietas, Fides, means learning is our goal,
with character to give us grace and faith to feed the soul.
Our white and scarlet banner bold leads us to work and play,
To strive for knowledge eagerly, to sing and laugh and pray.
The white’s for childhood innocence,
The red’s for youth’s bright flame,
We’ll proudly march and loyal be
Through days and years the same.
(for Commencement only)
Now we must leave your halls awhile, for new deeds call us on.
We’ll think of past times with a smile
And miss you when we’re gone.
We’ll remember all the stirring times,
The pageants and the plays,
The challenges to hearts and minds to lead us all our days.
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DAILY CHAPEL
Daily Chapel for Kindergarten through Grade 12 is a long Saint Michael’s tradition pivotal to our school
day, helping to form us as a family, and grounding us as an Episcopal School. Parents and guardians are
always welcome to attend and participate; services are held each weekday from 8-8:20 in our red-brick Chapel
building at the corner of Williamson and South College. Younger children in Preschool hold their own
“Children’s Chapel” twice a week at 9:30 am, Tuesdays and Thursdays. The seats are generally filled from front
to back, with the youngest classes closest to the altar, eldest closer to the door. Seats closest to the door
should be reserved for parents and latecomers. Please note that if a student, parent, or teacher enters Chapel while a
prayer is in progress, he or she should stand reverently at the back of the room until the prayer is over.
Every day except Wednesday, we follow a simplified version of the beautiful Rite One Morning Prayer
services drawn from The Book of Common Prayer, with enough repetition to form a comforting framework and
enough variety to keep it fresh every day. Wednesdays, when we do not celebrate the Eucharist, we perform
the longer Daily Office service, complete with Confession and a sung Canticle or special anthem. In addition
to providing an opportunity for corporate worship, the Chapel provides lessons to help each of us learn to
live in a caring way with our neighbors as we share joys and concerns, birthdays and team victories, as well as
announcements important for that day. Students who are unchurched or who are not of the Christian faith
are welcomed; we do not require that students repeat prayers, but only that they be courteous, quiet and
reverent, and stand or sit when requested. Chapel attendance is required of all students.
Holy Communion, or Eucharist, is celebrated in Chapel on the first Wednesday of every month by local
Episcopal clergy and, while everyone is expected to attend, students need not come forward to take the
elements if they are not yet baptized or would prefer not to: the child simply folds her or his arms and will
receive a blessing rather than the elements. Children whose convictions prompt them to stay in the pews are
simply asked to stand and allow other children to move forward and return to their seats more easily. There is
a place on each child’s Information Card turned in by parents or guardians at the beginning of the year to
indicate whether children are permitted to take Eucharist.
Student participation in Chapel takes place every day as acolytes light the candles and carry the cross in
procession in front of the flag-bearers. Application forms to act as an acolyte generally go out in the first
month of school or as children show interest. Each Homeroom class in Grades 5-12 takes it in turn to carry
the flags. Singers and non-singers alike of all ages are invited to “make a joyful noise” as we sing our two
hymns a day. One Monday of each month, a different Homeroom takes over Chapel duties, designing and
leading the service from beginning to end: watch the Nuntius Familiae to learn when your child’s class will be
Chaplains!
We say the Pledge of Allegiance during Chapel each Thursday before we march out; the bearer of the
American flag is asked to bring it front and center. Students are reminded to handle the flags with care and
pride, and see to it that they do not touch the floor or are held in the hand. The American flag stands directly
to the right of the altar, with the Texas flag outside it; the Episcopal flag directly to the left of the altar, with
the Saint Michael’s flag outside.
Altar parents are invited to help us clean the linens, launder cassocks and cottas, polish the brass, fill the
flower vases, and change the vestments seasonally. We are always looking for lay readers as well, to help
with Eucharist services. Simply volunteer to the Head of School.
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SCHOOL UNIFORM CODE
The intent of wearing uniforms is for each student to look clean, tidy, and ready to do good work,
not to stand out from the crowd or cause envy. On Full Dress days, students should look ready to go sing at
a funeral, wedding, or nursing home: “great-grandmother approved.” All items of clothing must be clean,
unwrinkled and in good repair! BE SURE TO LABEL ITEMS W ITH STUDENT’S N AM E!
Order online from www.landsend.com • Our Land’s End Preferred School Number is 900034463
For ¾-sleeve Parker Full Dress blouses, find the link on the school website – stmes.net
Student Uniform Schedule
Daily Dress Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays (additional Friday instructions below)
Full Dress
Wednesdays, Special Occasions, Field Trips (unless you are camping)
Uniform Code Enforcement
Students who do not wear the uniform correctly will receive first a warning, then a demerit, and will have
to wear full dress on Fridays. Repeat offenses may require a week in full dress or other disciplinary action.
Who to Contact If You Have Questions
Questions about uniforms can be addressed to Head of School, Mrs. Jenny Morris, Middle and Upper
School Head, Miss Hallie Gammon, or any Homeroom teacher in K-12.
KINDERGARTEN:
• Land’s End khaki trousers, shorts, skirt or skort.
• Land’s End navy polo shirt with correct school logo. Need not be tucked in.
• NOTE: Kindergarteners do NOT wear full dress uniform.
• Land’s End cold weather gear, or any plain navy or red fleece, sweater, or zipper hoodie. No
pink, etc!
• Shoes & socks: any kind of tennies or sensible shoes, with white socks. White, navy or red
tights are allowed in cold weather.
FRIDAY DRESS: Friday dress shall consist of DAILY DRESS uniform, except that
• SCHOOL T-SHIRTS (for example, StMES athletic shirts, Operetta shirts, etc.) may be worn
instead of polos and need not be tucked in. All t-shirts must be in good repair with no holes
and minimal fading.
• JEANS in good condition may be worn at cost of $1, to be paid to Homeroom Teachers.
GRADES 5-12 GYM CLOTHES (must be worn for every P.E. class -- even on Wednesdays!):
• Grey “Saints” athletic shirt of any era, purchased from the school, and any loose, opaque pair
of basketball shorts in navy, black or red. Please wash these weekly at least!
• Athletic shoes & white sockc MUST be worn for P.E., even on Wednesdays – keep a pair in
your locker with your gym uniform!
• Older students are expected to shower as needed before returning to class.
HAIR AND JEWELRY:
• Hair must be clean, combed, and worn short or pulled away from the face. Navy, white, or red
hair accessories may be worn, but not to excess. No beards or excessive sideburns.
• Jewelry must be kept to the minimum, and is generally discouraged in the interest of reducing
ostentation and envy: no more than one set of earrings, one necklace, one bracelet, and those
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of small size. Hoops that extend below the earlobe must be removed for P.E. and recess. No
visible tattoos.
• Seniors may wear our unique Senior Ring. Order forms out in fall of Junior year.
GRADES 1-12 DAILY DRESS UNIFORM:
• Land’s End khaki skirt, skort, trousers or shorts (with black belt if the shirt is tucked in).
• Land’s End navy polo shirt with correct school logo. Grades 5 and up may add the red polo.
Grades 9 and up may add the white polo. Need not be tucked in. If tucked in, should be worn
with a belt. Any undershirt or tank top worn beneath must be plain white.
• Land’s End embroidered cold weather gear, Land’s End red sweater, or any plain navy or red
fleece or zipper hoodie. Any out of uniform cold-weather gear may not be worn inside
buildings. Upper Schoolers may wear a School Letter Jacket in cold weather. Order forms go
out in September.
• Shoes & socks: black loafers are the best all-around shoe to have, may also be used for FULL
DRESS (see below) and are easily switched out for athletic shoes for P.E. and recess. Athletic
shoes may be worn on DAILY DRESS days only. The style of Athletic shoe must as close to
the solid colors of white, black or grey as possible, with white, black, navy, or red laces; any
trim should be minimal and in school colors, black, white or grey. No Crocs, sandals or other
open-toed shoes may be worn. Plain white socks must be worn with shoes. Tights or
leggings are allowed in cold weather in solid black, white, navy, or red. Grades 7-12 may use
shoe-liners in dress shoes instead of white socks. Grades 9-12 may wear panty-hose or plain
black socks.
GRADES 1-12 FULL DRESS UNIFORM (may be worn every day, if desired):
• Land’s End khaki skirt, shorts or trousers (with black belt if you wear shorts or trousers).
• PARKER UNIFORM white Oxford 3/4-length sleeve blouse with correct school logo,
untucked, OR white Oxford button-down shirt with correct school logo and tucked in at all
times except recess. Any undershirt or tank top worn beneath must be plain white.
• School Tie must be worn with white Oxford button-down shirt at all times, may be loosened
for recess. Ties are purchased from the front office.
• Shoes & socks: black leather or leather-like dress shoes, as low a heel as possible (no higher
than 1 inch), or black loafers kept polished and in good condition; same sock restrictions as
above, and bring athletic shoes for P.E. and recess.
NOTE: Do not unbutton your uniform shirts or remove them while on school grounds, even when school
is out for the day! Treat your ties and other uniform items with care: they are valuable.
SCHOOL HOURS
Unless otherwise stated on the Calendar or directed in the Nuntius, school hours are:
School Main Office: 7:30 am – 4:00 pm (Monday through Friday)
Preschool: .............7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Twos, Threes, & Pre-K (Preschool I & II)
Full Day ............................................. 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Half Day Mornings .......................... 7:30 am – 12:30 pm
Half Day Afternoons ....................... 12:30 am – 5:30 pm
Kindergarten through Grade 12:
7:45 am – 3:35 pm (Monday through Friday)
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Lunch......................……………….12:26 – 1:06 pm
After School Study Hall ………….3:35 – 5:30 pm
Saturday detention (Grades 7-12): 9:00 am – 11:00 am
NOTE: Roll will be taken in each morning Homeroom at 7:50 am, and roll sheets delivered promptly to
the Office. At end of day, students will not be released earlier than 3:35 as they are required to leave their
Homerooms clean with chairs up each night, and Homeroom teachers will see to it that this is done.
Students who have to leave early for an occasional lesson or appointment must have a letter from their
parents on file at the office by the beginning of the day affected.
DAILY SCHEDULE: LOWER, MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOLS
Except for Morning and Afternoon Homeroom (which are each 12 minutes long), Chapel (PERIOD A)
which is 20 minutes, and Lunch (PERIOD G) which is 40 minutes, all periods are 42 minutes long with a
3 minute passing period.
HOMEROOM 1
PERIOD A
PERIOD B
PERIOD C
PERIOD D
RECESS
PERIOD E
PERIOD F
LUNCH & RECESS
PERIOD H
PERIOD I
PERIOD J
HOMEROOM 2
AFTER SCHOOL/STUDY HALL
7:45 – 7:57
8:00 – 8:20
8:23 – 9:05
9:08 – 9:50
9:53 – 10:35
10:35 – 10:53
10:56 – 11:38
11:41 – 12:23
12:26 – 1:06
1:09 – 1:51
1:53 – 2:36
2:39 – 3:21
3:21 – 3:35
3:35 – 5:30
Morning Drop-Off Location & Procedures
Please note that Saint Michael's Episcopal School is not responsible for the supervision of students
who arrive on campus before 7:30 am, and that students are not allowed inside the buildings before 7:45 am
unless prior arrangements have been made with a specific teacher for a specific reason. Thus, it is important
that children proceed to the Foyer between 7:30 – 7:45 am where they will be met by the teacher(s) on duty.
There is no longer a charge for this early-morning arrival.
In the interests of safety and smoothness of morning arrival, parents of children in Grades K-12 are
now required to use the Williamson Street parking lot ONLY. The small lot between the Preschool and
Building 10 is for Faculty & Student parking and is thus a crowded and dangerous place in the mornings. If
you are the parent of only a Jr.K student, you may use the Office parking lot in the mornings for walking your
child to class.
If you have children in the Preschool and other grades, however, please drop older children at the
Foyer before walking your two-year-old to the Preschool class, so that the older children are not tempted to
enter the empty classrooms. And please either drop your child off at the curb in front of the angled Gym
Foyer entrance or park in the lot and walk her or him to the curb: do not allow your child to walk unescorted
across the lot.
All children who arrive between 7:30 and7:45 must proceed to the Foyer. Middle and Upper School
students (Grades 5-12) will then be released to their Homerooms; K-4 students will be collected by a teacher
and will proceed to their classrooms. Children who arrive between 7:45 and roll-taking time at 7:50 should
check that their class has left the Foyer, then proceed directly to the Chapel
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Student Release During the School Day (see Sign-In/Sign-Out, below)
End-of-Day Procedures
In order to be secure about who is collecting students at the end of the day, parents are asked to
collect their children from inside the Foyer at the end of the day (3:35 pm). Lower School Homeroom
teachers will accompany their students to the Foyer, and will release them either to parents or to a designated
person, authorized in writing to collect them. Middle and Upper School Homeroom teachers will make a
sweep of their rooms and buildings, and will see to it that their students arrive at the Williamson Parking lot
or at their private vehicles in the Student/Faculty Lot. Students still uncollected at 3:45 pm will be gathered
into After School, and their parents billed accordingly.
NOTE: older siblings, unless they have been authorized to collect and drive them home, are not to
collect students. Only parents or other designated adults should collect students from teachers.
After School Program—Instructions & Fees
Charging for the After School Program begins at 3:45 pm and ends promptly at 5:30 pm. This is a
structured, supervised time that includes snacks and supplies. A monthly program with a discounted monthly
fee is available, as well as an hourly fee for occasional use. If your child does NOT usually stay for After School, please
remember to notify your student’s teacher if your child will go to after school care instead of being picked up.
The After School bell rings at 3:45 pm and all children not picked by this time will go to the After School
Program. Parents will be charged $6.50 per hour, even if they are on campus, unless they supervise their children.
Parents must collect their children promptly at 5:30 pm so that school staff may leave. After 5:30
pm, parents will be charged a $25 late pick-up fee per incident.
After School care is not provided on early release days. Please check the Nuntius for notices regarding
the Ater School Program and early release days. We will advise families as we examine expanding After
School Programs.
Occasional Use Fees: $6.50 per hour
Monthly Fee: $200
Late Fees for Pick Up After 5:30 pm: $25 per incident
Inclement Weather Closures & Emergency Procedures
In the event of inclement weather that arises during a school day and threatens the ability of students in
outlying areas to reach home safely, the school may be forced to call an Early Dismissal. This will be relayed
through the office via the parent phone tree to each parent’s preferred telephone number as well as via a Weather
Alert email.
Generally, however, weather reports are able accurately to predict inclement weather and the school is able to
announce early in the morning of a snow or ice day either that the school will be closed or that it will delay its
opening. The Head of School will contact KBTX ([email protected], (979) 268-1497) and WTAW
([email protected], (979) 695-3219) by 6 am of the day in question to post the school’s decision on the station
website and screen messages. A Weather Alert email will also be sent out to all families on the school system.
Only after two such days will the school remove a holiday from the school calendar, beginning with Easter
Monday.
The school has a highly efficient fire alarm system and quarterly fire drills approved by our local Fire
Marshall, with a variety of scenarios and assembly points. In addition, the school has instituted a non-statemandated system of tornado and lockdown drills, performed no less than once annually. Currently, these drills are
activated by cell-phone or direct contact from the front office, but we are currently accepting bids on a siren
system. Students assemble in downstairs bathrooms or against the far interior wall of the gym for tornado drills
(or warnings), and in locked upstairs rooms for lockdown drills or alerts.
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ABSENCES, TARDY POLICY
AND STUDENT SIGN-IN/-OUT POLICY
Absence Policy
If a student is ill and will stay home from school, the parent should simply call the office that morning
after 7:30 am and the office staff will get word to the Homeroom and subject teachers. A letter from a
parent is generally sufficient for readmittance to school, but in special circumstances a doctor’s note may be
required. Students should be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school. A student who has
seven or more absences in any one class per semester may be denied credit for that course unless a letter
from a physician is submitted. NOTE: three tardies to school are counted as one absence.
If parents plan to take their child out of school for a family visit, ski trip, or other optional absence,
courtesy demands that they consult with the Head well in advance, ideally no less than one month before
the planned absence, so that negotiations might be made with affected teachers. The Head reserves the right to
ask that the absence not take place, or that it take place on a different date. In any case, written notification of such
trips will need to be initialled by the Head and received by the affected staff no less than one week in
advance, or the student may well be punished with demerits and Saturday detention.
Sign-In/Sign-Out Policy
If a student in Kindergarten through Grade 12 needs to leave school during the day, a parent must sign the
student out at the front office. Students will not be allowed to wait in the office for the parent to arrive.
In the case of a Lower School student, parents should FIRST sign out their child at the office, then collect
their child from the classroom; for Upper School students, the office staff will notify the student that the
parent has arrived. When the student returns, parents should reverse the procedure, ending by signing the
child back in at the office.
Tardy Policy
• Students are considered TARDY to school if they do not arrive at Homeroom by 7:50 am.
• Students are considered TARDY to class if they are not in their seats when class is to begin.
Students are not allowed to re-enter classrooms for forgotten materials; it is extremely disruptive to
class proceedings, and a DEMERIT could be issued.
• Students who are tardy to school or to any class three times in a week will receive a DEMERIT
(see below).
• Students who are tardy three or more times in any month will be charged $5 for all tardies after
two.
SCHOOL RULES & BEHAVIOR POLICIES
Learning, Character, Faith at Saint Michael’s Episcopal School
The Way We Behave
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment . . . And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy
neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.
(Matthew 22:37-40)
General Classroom and Study Hall Code of Behavior
1.
2.
3.
Be on time.
Come prepared; settle down to work at once.
Remain seated in good posture at a table or desk.
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4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Raise your hand and wait to be called on for answers or when requesting to leave
the room in case of any reasonable need.
Voices never raised above a whisper in Study Hall. No idle talking.
Bring no food or drink into the classroom unless specifically allowed by a teacher, nor ever any
gum. Water bottles only!
Classrooms and study halls without a teacher in attendance are bound by the same code as attended.
Bear in mind that your classmates may need to complete homework during school hours
due to after-school commitments of work or lessons. Be considerate, and work quietly.
What We Strive To Do and Be
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
We are quiet and reverent during Chapel.
We treat all our neighbors in a kindly and courteous manner.
We honor and obey our parents, Head of School, and teachers.
We are attentive in class and do not disturb others.
We are eager to do our very best work on our lessons at school or at home.
We respect our own property, our neighbors’ belongings, our school’s property
and our community’s property.
At lunch time, we remember that our daily bread is God’s gift to us.
We walk and talk quietly at school at all times.
We obey all our school’s regulations on proper dress and always come to school clean,
neat and well-groomed.
We smile and remember to say, “Good morning,” “Please,” “Thank you,” “Excuse me, please,”
and “I’m sorry,” and are on our very best behavior when visiting public places.
What We Strive Not To Do or Be
K.
We do not commit any action contrary to common sense, good order and discipline.
L.
We do not bully other students, nor do we call each other names.
M.
We do not climb a tree without express permission and supervision of a teacher.
N.
We do not mistreat animals.
O.
We do not bring unauthorized electronic devices or games to school.
P.
We do not use cell phones during school hours. Cell phones must remain turned off.
Q.
We do not engage in Public Displays of Affection (PDAs). While we understand that older students may
form attachments, romantic or otherwise, students need to keep themselves to themselves.
R.
We are not absent from Chapel or any class without permission, nor are we tardy in our
arrival. Being in an unsupervised classroom during Chapel or lunch is a serious offense.
S.
We do not fight with or attempt to injure another person.
T.
We do not tell untruths to, about, or against others.
U.
We do not take anything that is not ours.
V.
We do not cheat on our lessons or examinations.
W. We do not act in a rude, insolent, or disrespectful manner towards school authorities,
faculty, staff, or students.
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X.
We do not possess, share or use dangerous or injurious objects or substances. This includes
tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, narcotics and other unauthorized drugs, explosives, and weapons of any variety or
size. Use judgment; almost anything can be perceived as a weapon if in the wrong hands.
Y.
We do not leave the school grounds during the school day. The only exceptions are those
with permission from the proper authority.
Z.
We do not behave in any way that might be considered wild, reckless, or destructive, or
cross or go into the streets without a crossing guard or into the parking lots beyond the
barriers.
WARNINGS, DEMERITS & SERIOUS OFFENSES
In the Middle and Upper Grades, actions which do not further the goals of the school, that is, helping
students grow in Character, Learning and Faith, result in demerits. Demerits result in detention.
Demerits
Teachers may use their discretion according to the circumstances of the event, and choose to give a
verbal WARNING to those disobeying the rules. If the behavior continues it will generally warrant a
DEMERIT, which is filled out by the teacher and signed by the offender. A demerit entails restitution in the
form of DEMERIT DETENTION, at which a Detention Record form will be completed. These
Detentions will be held on a mutually-agreed-upon afternoon, M-Th, from 3:35-4:30 in the Head’s office or
on Cleaning Squad, supervised by faculty members. Parents will be charged $5 per hour for detention
supervision on Saturday morning. Three demerits from the same staff member or in one week results in a
60 minute detention held on Saturday mornings from 9-10 am, and involves not the completion of
homework, but rather some action, such as cleaning, polishing, helping a teacher, or simply sitting in
isolation, with a parent conference and the occurrence “written up” in the ledger. Demerits do not have to be
given in the same class period, the same day, the same grading period, or even the same semester for the
detention times to be increased and result in being “written up” in the ledger as a serious offense. 15
demerits earned in a year may prevent a student from being allowed to attend the Camp Allen excursion; 7
demerits in a semester may prevent a student from going on class field trips, with or without a parent.
Offences Resulting in Being “Written Up”: Serious Offenses
Offenses R-Z, marked in boldface above, are considered to be very serious and will result in being
“written up” in the History of Offenses Ledger. Serious Offences also may result in suspension or even
expulsion. This must be reported on a form by the witnessing teacher, signed by the student and recorded in
a ledger. Only rarely do we have students at Saint Michael’s who commit serious offenses regularly and
deliberately. Often they arise from hot tempers, hard words, and desperation. If, however, there is more
calculation and a hardened nature to the offenses, more serious consequences must be considered. After
being written up, a student will be sent home, losing credit for any work missed. It may be decided by the
Head that the student needs to spend the following school day, or up to three days, off campus or in InSchool Suspension, during which period any missed work cannot be made up.
Demerits and serious offenses close doors to a student. One serious offense disqualifies a student
from participating in any extra-curricular events for that grading period, three recorded serious offenses
(RSOs) for the year disqualify the student from participating in any special events for the remainder of the
year. Saint Michael’s Episcopal School is under no obligation to keep a student enrolled who is perceived by
the Faculty and Head to be a menace to fellow students either physically or academically. In such a case,
expulsion is an option for the school to take. Parents will not be refunded for any tuition, fees, etc. and are
still under the obligation of the enrollment contract.
This is an extremely rare occurrence at Saint Michael’s! Cooperation in a spirit of good will paves the way
for joyful good times for everyone at the school.
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Late Work Policy & Making Up Work After Illness
It is very important that assignments be completed on time. Unprepared students set back the work of
everyone else in the class. Teachers should not be expected to change lesson plans because students do not
take care of their responsibilities. For this reason, a LATE WORK POLICY WILL BE FOLLOWED, but
each teacher has the right to modify the policy to fit the particular subject. Assignments not turned in on
time may have five points per calendar day deducted. The teacher reserves the right not to accept late
work, as some assignments lose value after a given period (test reviews, for example). Homework demerits
may be given for chronic lateness, or for being repeatedly unprepared to do lessons (e.g., always missing their
book) and students who receive such a demerit automatically go to demerit detention on the day(s) agreed
upon with their parents (see above). Turning in homework on the next day or later in the same day does not
automatically excuse a student from detention. For chronically late work, the teacher also reserves the right
to give a supervised homework detention on Saturday morning from 9-10 am.
Students who have been absent due to sickness will have the number of days absent plus one to turn
in any missed work. It is the student's responsibility to arrange time with the teacher to make up tests or
quizzes missed because of absence.
It is important that parents monitor their child’s study habits, and that the students develop a sense of
personal responsibility for their actions. In addition, parents of students who consistently ignore homework
assignments will be contacted by teachers to investigate the need for a conference.
LUNCHES AND VALUABLES
Lunches
Lunches may be brought from home or ordered in advance from several fine local restaurants, using our
handy monthly order forms. Any lunches not paid for in advance will be billed to the parents’ account.
Students may not order food to be brought in from another caterer and parents are requested not to deliver
food unless a lunch is forgotten.
Drinks should be sent from home, purchased from the caterer or the Snack Bar, if offered by the Student
Council. Lunch will be consumed in the Foyer. Parents are encouraged to send nutritious lunches (sandwich,
fruit, vegetable sticks, etc.) with only a small “dessert,” if any. Healthy snacks are encouraged for morning and
afternoon alike, and for all grades. Note that “Fruit Roll-Ups” and other snacks marketed as “healthy” often
contain very high levels of sugar, which makes children difficult and cranky. Cut-up apples in labeled bags are
ideal, as is string cheese, but please refrain from sending oranges, as they are messy and difficult to peel.
Please note: there will be no microwaves available for use except in the Kindergarten and in the Cafe kitchen except for
students with special needs with a doctor’s note.
On Fridays, the Student Council sponsors “Pizza Day” for $1 per slice. Order forms for these go out
earlier in the week, and can be paid for by cash or “Pizza Bucks,” about which details will follow in the
Nuntius.
On some days, Houses may eat together and on other days, classes sit together. Supervising teachers will
eat in the designated areas and monitor the behavior of their classes and encourage them to finish their
lunches. Those who finish early may clean their tables and go to recess. The classes on duty for lunch cleanup must return before the end of lunch to take lunchroom trash to the dumpster. Homerooms that fail in this
key assignment in public hygiene will lose privileges!
Valuables & Contraband on Campus
No valuables should be brought to school, period. If a valuable item for “show and tell” or to add
interest to an oral report must brought in, it should be given over to the custody of the Homeroom Teacher to
be locked away or kept under observation. Playing cards (unless backstage during Operetta), and other
game-playing or music-playing devices are prohibited from school grounds, except during study hall
at the individual teacher’s discretion. All cell phones must be switched off and stowed during school
hours. No laptops should be brought from home; the school owns small laptops which may be checked
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out as needed. Any dangerous or illegal items and materials are banned from school as well, and their
possession may well lead to expulsion. Contraband items will be confiscated and held by the Head. No belongings
should be left outside of the school buildings after school hours.
COMMUNICATION
One of the most important ingredients to the smooth running of the school day is open communication
between students, teachers and parents. We trust that teachers at St. Michael’s have their student’s best
interests at heart. If a concern arises abut a student’s difficulties in a particular subject, it is always wise to go
directly to the subject teacher involved. If a concern arises of a pastoral nature, for example if a student has a
problem in their relationship with another student, please go to the Homeroom teacher. For more difficult
issues, please consult the Middle and Upper School Head, Miss Hallie Gammon, or the Head of School, Mrs.
Jenny Morris.
We also communicate with parents and students regularly through Engrade, which is our means of
posting grades, comments and upcoming assignments online. You will receive a code for your child that
allows access to this information. Other parents cannot access your child’s grades.
Further, we have our weekly newsletter, Nuntius, which provides a brief message from the Head of
School and news about upcoming events. Please use all of these avenues of communication to find out what
is happening at Saint Michael’s.
For an overview of school events throughout the year, check the school calendar. This provides a guide
to some of our most popular gatherings here at school and the dates of school vacations.
Weekly Newsletter—Nuntius Familiae
The Nuntius Familiae—the weekly school newsletter—is distributed weekly during the school year. The
Nuntius provides information for students and parents. Content includes reminders regarding school policies,
updates on upcoming school events, calendar additions, notices of new or special events, special requests, etc.
The Nuntius is distributed to parents on Tuesday via an email distribution list, is posted on the school’s
website (stmes.net), is posted in the classrooms, and is also available in paper copies at the front office.
Contact Mary Brown if you are not on the email distribution list and would like to be added.
Nuntius submissions must be turned into the office to Mary Brown no later than the previous Friday. All
copy will be approved for publication by the Head of School.
Visitors
Prospective parents and students are always welcome at Saint Michael’s. Campus tours are scheduled with
the Head of School by appointment. We wish to create a safe and comfortable environment in which
students and teachers feel protected and secure. As a general rule, nobody should wander the campus
unescorted and unknown. Visitors, including alumni of the school and friends and relations of faculty and
students, must be made aware that the campus is closed to drop-in visitors, and they should check in at the
office to obtain a visitor's badge.
Telephone Policy
Except in an emergency situation, students should not need to use the phone. The only phone on campus
that may be used by students is the MAIN FRONT DESK PHONE, with the permission of the office.
Parents who need to contact their children should leave a message at the front desk and the office will
send the message to your child at the end of that period, if necessary. Please do not call the office to relay
messages to your children unless it is an absolute emergency. Inform children, before they leave for school in
the morning, of any after-school plans that they may need to know of.
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Data Forms and Updates
At the beginning of the year, data forms are distributed to the family of each student and must be filled
out and returned to the Homeroom Teacher or office promptly. These provide the Faculty with a quick
reference in case of emergency or need of communication.
Correct telephone numbers, along with a list of people authorized to pick up each student, are vital to the
safety of each student. In the same way, if there are restrictions on driving students as to whom they may
transport and whether they should drive at all, the school should be informed.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Parent-Teacher Conferences
“Communication is a two-way street.” Communication with teachers can be informal or formal, depending on
circumstances. Formal conferences are scheduled twice a year, at the end of the first quarter and in the spring.
Check the school calendar and Nuntius for sign-up information. At other times please do not hesitate to
contact teachers “just to check in” or to set up appointments via the front office for more lengthy
discussions.
Classroom Visits
Parents are always welcome at Saint Michael's. If you would like to visit one of your child's classes
because your child is excited about what he is learning, please be assured that the teacher would be happy to
have you sit in for a session. Prior arrangements must be made through the office and with the teacher. On
the day of your visit, stop by the office to obtain a visitor's badge before entering the classroom and fill out
the Parent Classroom Observation Procedures sheet. If you wish to spend extended time in the classroom, your
volunteer services of working with children are most welcome.
Parents who are worried about their student’s performance in class are also welcome to schedule a visit,
accompanied by the Head of School. General concerns may be brought to the teacher involved at any time.
The Head should be contacted as soon as there is a serious concern and steps will be taken immediately to
look into it and make a visit, either parent and Head, or Head alone.
Parents should rest assured that periodic classroom visits are made by the administration to keep up with
teachers and the progress of students.
As listed in the back pages of the Family Handbook, Saint Michael’s Episcopal School has a frequent and
wide selection of special events throughout the school year in which our students shine. As these
performances are public and open to visitors, we fully expect (and hope) that parents and friends will take
advantage of the opportunity to record in photos and film their children and their on and off stage exploits
and adventures. In the past, some of the photos and videos taken by families have been very useful for school
videos and yearbooks!
We have, as noted on the Student Data Form, a paragraph pertaining to photography/filming done by
Saint Mchael’s, and an area for a parent’s or guardian’s signature to authorize the use of such for the purposes
of advertising, publication, display, brochures, etc. We do not use anything with your child’s likeness without
your consent. Any time a parent/guardian or others wish to take pictures or tape in the classroom, (i.e.
birthday parties in the classroom, class activities), permission must be obtained from the Head of school or
the Head’s designee. This is done to maintain the integrity of the classroom and learning environment.
League of Families and Teachers
All parents are members of the League of Families and Teachers (LoFaT), though many distinguish
themselves as officers or partners extraordinaire. The stated mission of LoFaT is The Saint Michael’s League of
Families and Teachers exists to nuture our children, promote the school’s mission, and foster communication and mutual trust
among its members. Please sign up to help carry out the many special events and fundraisers throughout the year,
or help our faculty and students in many other ways.
League meeting time is third Thursdays, 7-8:30 pm in the Preschool cafeteria (special event & business
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meetings), unless an alternative arrangement has been made by the LoFaT Chair.
We couldn’t get by – nor would the buildings on campus have been finished out, fences built, trees
planted, electricity laid, sound baffles built and hung, and scholarship and operating funds raised, without our
parents. You have built this school!
Homeroom Parents, House Parents, & a Note about Birthdays
Homeroom parents are a special blessing to the school. They act as phone coordinators of class-wide
announcements, team up with Homeroom teachers to facilitate communication and encourage class spirit
among the students. Sign up to be your child's Homeroom parent, or your House’s House parent! Class
parties will be encouraged throughout the year for informal planning and sharing of ideas to help students
and faculty alike have a great year. We ask that cakes be saved until late in the day, as the sugar interferes with
students’ abilities to concentrate. Do bear in mind, however, that it is our policy not to allow invitations to private birthday
parties to be given out at school, unless every child in the class is invited. Please use the directory information to mail
these home if you wish to be selective.
STUDENT COUNCIL
Function
The function of the Student Councils, is to provide opportunities for leadership, to promote community
service and to raise money for their social events and for a yearly gift to the school.
Elections and Tenure
The Student Council is elected annually from and by the student body in Grades 5-12. Officers are
elected the May prior to the year of their tenure, numbers permitting, while Class Representatives are elected
in the first week of the school year of their tenure, and are considered to be voting members of the Student
Council.
Meetings
Student Council meetings are generally held weekly, with Student Body meetings held monthly or as
needed. The Student Council sees to the organization of regular socialization among Middle and Upper
Schoolers, as well as looking out for the interests of all students, whatever their ages. An ad hoc honors
committee sometimes is needed to adjudicate conflicts or misdemeanors of students.
Student Council Fundraisers
To raise money for Student Council events and to buy the school gift (and to promote leadership and
organizational skills), the Student Council has two frequently encountered events: Pizza Days and Dress-Down
Days. Here are the ground rules:
Pizza Days
These benefit the Student Council and are held every Friday. Two kinds of pizza are served (cheese and
pepperoni), and sell for $1 (at this writing) per slice. Class representatives or Homeroom teachers note down
names of those who order and numbers/types of pieces ordered at least a day in advance, so that the order
can be called in to our local supplier.
NOTE: Due to past difficulties, we must INSIST that no pizza be given out on credit.
Dress-Down Days
Students are invited to pay a fine for coming to school out of uniform, which fine is collected by the
Student Council. Students MUST bring the money with them and pay out to class representatives or
Homeroom teachers. Students can save money and come in uniform, of course!
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BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
Notice that the buildings are numbered from the street toward the back: Building 10 is closest to S.
College Avenue and houses the labs and Grade 9-12 Homerooms, Building 20 (Mark S. Wright Hall) is next
to it, housing the offices and Grade 5-8 Homerooms. These buildings are flanked by the two main parking
lots. Building 30 (Kirk W. Brown Hall) houses Jr. K, and the two libraries, while Building 40, next to it,
looking out on the playground, houses Kindergarten, Grades 1-4 and the Computer Lab. The tin building
beside the playground is the Art Building (Building 60). The portable classroom (Building 70), located
between the Art Building and College Avenue, now houses Music and the Costume Lab.
Our newest property is located just north of the existing campus and comprises the Preschool classrooms
(Building 80) and our Chapel (Building 90), as well as our beautiful new Gymnasium and Van Bavel
Theater, of which the Foyer alone is large enough for lunchroom or school gatherings, and the Café (or
Canteen) portion has already become a popular meeting place for faculty, parents and students. Our dressing
rooms and raked stage area were modelled on those of the Forum Theater, used for years for our operettas
before our own theater was built.
Speed Limit on Campus
Note that the speed limit is 5 MPH!
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TRAFFIC AND PARKING
Important Notice: Simplified Traffic Pattern for Increased Safety
The traffic pattern for drop off and pickup has been changed to allow for safer passage for students
between buildings. Follow the designated one-way flow of traffic. If you feel you must park to accompany
your child into the building, park in the Williamson Street lot, and be sure to watch for pedestrians as you
back out of the parking spaces.
TRAFFIC FLOW (see graphic)
Parents dropping off children in the morning and picking them up in the evening should study the MAP
carefully and follow this procedure:
DROP OFF and COLLECTION POINT
for ALL STUDENTS EXCEPT JUNIORKINDERGARTEN:
1. Turn from South College Avenue onto Williamson Street, taking the SECOND DRIVEWAY into
the school grounds, speed limit 5 MPH
2. Pull slowly around to the entrance to the GYM, watching closely for children on foot.
3. Leave from the DRIVEWAY CLOSEST to THE CHAPEL, speed limit 5 MPH.
4. If you need to come into the office at arrival time or collection time, please park in this parking lot to
do so.
Entering the paved playground next to the Gazebo:
NOTE: No vehicles (except emergency vehicles and temporary after-hours faculty loading and unloading
of materials) are allowed within the blocked-off “whitetop” parking area—this is now a pedestrian zone &
playground. This area is set off by yellow stripes and is clearly marked with a sign. Violators endanger
children’s lives and may be ticketed.
Carpools
We encourage parents to cooperate on sharing rides to and from school if families live near one another.
Care must be taken, however, 1) that responsible teaching personnel are notified of who is allowed to take
which children home and 2) that all of each child’s personal belongings and assignment materials make it
home each night and back again each morning! Parents wanting to carpool should check the Directory as
soon as they receive one.
Bike Riders
• Students riding bikes must wear a helmet. They should cross South College Avenue at Waverly with a
crossing guard from 7:30-7:45 am and 3:35-3:45 pm. Please inform the school if a student intends
to ride their bike to school so we will know to put a crossing guard on duty.
• No bike riding is allowed through parking lots. Walk bikes on sidewalks.
Student Drivers
Students are allowed to drive themselves to school under the following conditions:
1. A letter is sent from their parent confirming that they will be driving and which student(s) will
carpool with them, if any.
2. They are not to re-enter their car during school hours unless accompanied by a teacher.
3. They are not to loiter at their car during school hours, nor play their car’s radio.
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4. They are NEVER to leave campus in their car during school hours without first leaving with the
Office first thing in the morning a letter of permission from their parent for that specific day’s
appointment or obtaining written permission of the Head after telephone confirmation with the
parent.
5. After obtaining permission as in #4, they are NEVER to take with them another student unless that
student has a similarly obtained permission letter. Violations may be punished by confiscation of car
keys, which will thenceforth be kept in the office during school hours.
ADMINISTRATION, STAFF & FACULTY
A directory of staff, faculty and student contact information is available at a small cost early each year. All
faculty and staff have email addresses listed on them. Messages can also be left in the teacher’s mailboxes at
the front office of Saint Michael’s Episcopal School.
Detailed information about faculty and staff and the offerings as well as the scope and sequence
of courses at Saint Michael’s are available on the website, or may be studied at the office at your leisure.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Head of School, whose contact information is listed on the cover of this
manual, with any questions concerning any employee of the school.
FACULTY
Homeroom Teachers
Every class has a Homeroom teacher and he/she should be the first line of communication in resolving
student-student conflicts, answering questions on policy or curriculum, and general questions. Homeroom
teachers are usually the ones collecting forms and monies being turned in. They monitor student behavior
and grades. They coach their students to excellence, and see to it that their students keep the rooms tidy and
responsibilities are done.
Subject Teachers
We are tremendously proud of the quality and dedication of our academic staff, and invite parents and
students to become better acquainted with each of them during our regularly scheduled Open House events,
informal get-togethers, and parent-teacher conferences.
MEASURING ACADEMIC PROGRESS
Report Cards
Report cards are issued four times a year.
There are two parts to each report: The grades, found on the printout, and the teacher comments. All of
these are also found online on Engrade, which is updated no less than once a week. Please be sure to check
engrade.com, using your child’s unique code number, available from the office.
The teacher comments are meant as an extra measure of performance, student attitude and study skills.
Parents should understand, however, that the comments have been approved by the Head, and may be
intended as a wake-up call for a parent to work closely with the faculty on behalf of their student.
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Progress Reports & Homework Postings
Our convenient online grading system, Engrade, also doubles as an assignment posting program and
calendar of upcoming project due dates. Parents and teachers can easily send messages about their student’s
progress or difficulties through Engrade, as well.
Below find letter-grade equivalents to percentage grades which may appear in the grade reports.
Note also that “General Grades,” listed below, are usually reserved for use in Kindergarten – Grade 6, and
primarily for non-core subjects.
Grades
Grade Equivalents
G.P.A
General Grade
Degrees of Excellence
97% ....................... A+ ....................... 4.33. ....................... O+ (Outstanding)
94% ......................... A .......................... 4.0 .......................... O (Outstanding) .............. Summa Cum Laude
90% ......................... A- ........................ 3.66 ........................ O- (Outstanding) ............. Magna Cum Laude
87% ......................... B+ ....................... 3.33 ........................ S+ (Satisfactory) .............. Cum Laude
84% ....................... B .......................... 3.0 .......................... S (Satisfactory) ................. Notable Student
80% ......................... B- ......................... 2.66 ........................ S- (Satisfactory)
77% ......................... C+ ....................... 2.33 ........................ I+(Improving)
74% ......................... C .......................... 2.0 .......................... I (Improving)
70% ......................... C- ......................... 1.66 ........................ I - (Improving)
67% ......................... D+ ...................... 1.33 ........................ N+ (Needs Improvement)
64% ......................... D ......................... 1.0 .......................... N (Needs Improvement)
60% ......................... D- ........................ 0.66 ........................ N- (Needs Improvement)
59% & under ......... F .......................... 0.0 .......................... U
Classes designated as AP will receive a 0.1 point weighted grade added to that year’s GPA if the student
earns a grade of at least a 3 on the AP exam.
Teachers may also use simple “up or down” grades such as √+, √, or √-, generally corresponding to 95, 85
or 75, respectively, or may count homework as “in,” resulting in a total number done per grading period.
HOMEWORK
Homework Assignments
In Grades 3 and up, homework in most subjects is generally assigned to be done outside class as part of
the practice vital to mastery of a subject and the acquisition of valuable study skills for the completion of
longer-term projects. It is an integral part of the educational process.
It is vital that each student develop an effective system for seeing to it that the work is done. Students
should write down their assignments for each class in their assignment notebooks, bought from the school in
the beginning of the school year. For some students it may be necessary to arrange with the teachers that the
assignment book be initialed daily. See more on this below.
At home, each student should be provided with a quiet, well-lit place with plenty of tabletop space to
spread out, and plenty of writing materials. Parent support and supervision is an important factor in building
positive attitudes and study habits regarding homework. Parents can help best by being “coaches” to the
students, quizzing them on material that needs to be memorized, helping them find needed references,
turning off the TV and video games and protecting them from excessive socializing on school nights.
Naturally, parents should never actually do the work for the students.
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Homework Assignment Books
Students in Grades 1-8 are given planners at the beginning of the school year, and older students will be
required to provide a working system of their own. At the end of every class, students will write their
assignments under supervision of the teacher. Assignment books must be brought to every class and the
study hall so that the supervising teacher can help the student in organizing homework responsibilities.
Parents are asked to check the assignment book on a daily basis and sign it once a week. The younger
students may need to be reminded by the parents that the assignment book must be brought to school every
day!
Textbooks
Most textbooks are loaned to the students and checked out on the first day of school, and the user’s fee
is part of the tuition. Each of these must be kept covered in heavy paper, signed out to a particular student,
and returned by that same student. Book loss or destruction will be charged to the parents.
Some books, particularly consumable workbooks and paperbacks, become the property of the student
upon completion. The price of these is generally part of the tuition payment. Exceptions include books for
AP classes, electives or pilot programs, for which a fee may be charged. ALL books, whether the property of
the school or student, must remain in working condition throughout the year.
Study Halls
For grades having a scheduled study hall, a concerted effort is made by Study Hall teachers/proctors to
see to it that students can work effectively to reduce the amount of work they need to do at home every
night. For Upper School students, there is at least one Study Hall nearly every day, either in the middle or at
the end of the school day. The general classroom behavior guide on the School Rule sheet should be
followed in every Study Hall. Students and teachers alike need to work hard to keep this goal met daily.
Tutoring
Part of being a private school is meeting individual needs of students as best we can. With that goal in
mind, we may request that a student spend his or her Study Hall time or after school time working with a
teacher. Students who need extensive remedial work may be referred to the Special Services teacher after a
detailed conference with the parents. An extra charge may be assessed for these lessons, particularly if they
are outside school hours. In some cases, outside tutoring may be recommended. We maintain lists of tutors in
some subjects.
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ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
COMPUTER & INTERNET
Saint Michael’s Episcopal School is pleased to offer Internet access for student use. This will provide
students with access to a variety of Internet resources. In order for students to use the Internet, students and
their parents/guardians should read and understand the following policy.
Acceptable Uses
 The computer network at Saint Michael’s Episcopal School has been set up to allow Internet access for
educational purposes. This includes classroom activities, research activities, peer review of assigned
work, and the exchange of project-related ideas, opinions, and questions via email, message boards, and
other means.
 Students will have access to the Internet on the computers in the computer lab.
 Material created and/or stored on the computers is not guaranteed to be private.
 Students may check out computers owned by the school for use during the day.
 Students are expected to adhere to the safety guidelines listed below.
Unacceptable Uses
 Personal computers should not be brought to school; presentations may be made with school
computers.
 Computers may not be used to download, copy, or store any software, shareware, or freeware without
prior permission from Saint Michael’s Episcopal School.
 Computers may not be used for commercial purposes, advertising or political lobbying.
 Computers may not be used for any activity, or to transmit any material, that violates United States or
local laws. This includes, but is not limited to, illegal activities such as threatening the safety of another
person or violating copyright laws.
 Students are expected to refrain from the use of vulgar, derogatory, or obscene language. Students may
not engage in personal attacks, harass another person, or post private information about another
person.
 “Hacking” or trying to gain access to another person’s or organization’s computer system is prohibited.
 Students may not access websites, newsgroups, or chat areas that contain material that is obscene or
that promotes illegal acts. If a student accidentally accesses this type of information, he or she should
immediately notify a teacher.
 Students may not engage in “spamming” (sending an email to more than 10 people at the same time) or
participate in chain letters.
Safety Guidelines for Students
 Never give out your last name, address, or phone number.
 Never agree to meet in person with anyone you have met online without prior approval of a parent or
guardian.
 Notify an adult immediately if you receive a message that may be inappropriate or if you encounter any
material that violates this Acceptable Use Policy.
 Your parents should instruct you if there is material they believe is inappropriate for you to access.
Saint Michael’s Episcopal School expects that you will follow your parent’s wishes in this matter.
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SCHOOL CARE RESPONSIBILITIES
Schoolkeeping
All classes are reminded that one of their daily chores is leaving their rooms ready for the next day.
NOTE that no staples or paper clips, no pencils or erasers or other small, hard items should be on the floor.
Please bear in mind that the locked cleaning closets are for our cleaning service’s use only.
NOTE that no student should be allowed to leave for the day as long as his/her area is messy, even if it
is not a vacuuming day. No books, garbage or papers are to be left on the floor of any Homeroom; chairs are
to be placed on desks nightly. Bathrooms are to be checked nightly by the nearest Homeroom teacher to be
certain there is no vandalism or nastiness! Students are expected to rotate taking out the trash daily.
Students are reminded that for many years it has been the practice to have the bathrooms scrubbed out
by students of that age and gender if there is any difficulty keeping the toilet areas clean, so any problems
should be reported to Homeroom Teachers immediately—before they become your problem!
Classroom Responsibilities
These are chores that help with the smooth running of the school, and are spearheaded by each grade's
Homeroom Teacher. Quarterly assessment will be made of each class’s performance, and friendly
competition in excellence is encouraged and even rewarded. Remember: all trash going to the dumpster must
be in bags; rubber gloves are available from the staff. Chores are done at the Homerooms teacher’s
discretion. These responsibilies are posted in each Homeroom classroom.
HEALTH, SAFETY & YOUR STUDENT
By enforcing our common-sense behavior guidelines, traffic rules, and disaster drills, we hope to protect
children at Saint Michael’s from serious danger. There are several additional steps that need to be taken.
Medical Forms
State law requires that inoculation records be updated EACH YEAR before a child can be admitted
to class. We need to know, in case of the outbreak of a contagious disease or the accidental injury of a child,
whether all the correct inoculations have been given. Also, it is vital for the students to take scheduled
vision and hearing tests on the required years so that we can monitor learning difficulties.
If you have experienced a delay in obtaining these, understand that we are an institution and each student
not covered is in jeopardy as long as those papers are not in the student’s file.
Papers must be turned in by September 15, and after September 30 a fine of $10 a day will be assessed
and/or the student will not be allowed to return to school until the completed forms are turned in.
Prescription Medicines
Students who require regular doses of prescription medicine should have indicated that on the medical
permission slip. These medications will be stored in the office and dispensed by the administrative assistant or
teacher as indicated by the parents. Permission must be on file for the dispensing of headache medicine by
the office. Obviously, the possession and use of unauthorized prescriptions can be very dangerous to the
student’s health and mental ability, and will be punished with expulsion.
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Contagious Diseases & At-School Vaccination
If a student is diagnosed with a contagious illness, the parent should contact the Main Office and keep the
child home until there has been no fever for a 24-hour period. In the PreSchool, even if there is no fever in the
morning, if there was fever the previous evening, the child should stay home. Sick children are not only
miserable, they make other children sick, and can endanger the lives of older personnel and family members
of classmates. Outbreaks of lice occasionally occur at Saint Michael’s, as they do in all schools, and should be
reported instantly to the Homeroom teacher, so that steps can be taken by class members to eradicate them.
When a student is ready to return to school, a note is required from a physician. Bear in mind that
extended absence of three weeks or more may require summer coursework; be in contact with the school
about this. Tuition during absences over ten days is no longer covered by the Dewar Tuition Refund Plan.
The school will offer at-school vaccination for contagious diseases such as influenza as the need arises.
Vision & Hearing Testing
The school will offer vision and hearing testing during the fall semester to screen for these possible
learning difficulties.
Cleanliness
The uniform code requires the students to be clean and well-groomed. Students with long hair should
keep it out of the face, and hair longer than shoulder-length should be in a pony tail or in another way held
together so that it will not be a safety issue on the playground and in class. The uniform must be clean and
ironed. We encourage the children to wash hands with soap and water after a visit to the toilet and before
meals. Children with colds should be reminded to cover mouths when coughing and noses when sneezing, to
use plenty of hankies (properly disposed of), and to wash hands often with soap and water, and use a hand
sanitizer which may be found around the school.
Vehicle Safety
The school owns two vehicles, a van and a bus, for transporting students to local events, on field trips, or
to sports competitions. Certain rules apply for the safety of these vehicles. Parents will be asked to sign
permission slips for each out-of-town trip, and a yearly waiver giving permission for their child to ride in the
van or bus. These vehicles will be maintained by the maintenance staff of the school.
The following conditions are imposed on use of the vehicles used on field trips:
 Drivers have at least 5 years driving experience. A copy of the driver’s license and proof of insurance
will be on file. A commercial driver’s license is required for driving the bus, or out-of-town in van.
 No one under 4 years of age may ride in the van without a child’s seat; children under 8 years of age
should be provided with a booster seat.
 All passengers must wear a seat belt.
 In the van, heavier passengers must sit in front. The rear seat may not be used by Upper School
students. No heavy cargo is to be placed behind the rear axle, and never any cargo on the roof.
 There is to be no use of cell phone by drivers when on the road. A second adult must be on board for
Lower School students.
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ATHLETICS
We at Saint Michael’s believe firmly in the importance of having mens sana in corpore sano, “a sound
mind in a sound body,” and believe also that team sports build character by reinforcing notions of
cooperation, self-sacrifice, and fair play, teaching students good behavior in times of both triumph and
failure. For this reason, we have field teams in several areas of competition, notably volleyball, basketball,
and soccer, with individual sports of swimming, golf, and tennis represented as talent arises. We also
hope to add fencing to our program, through alliance with the TAMU Fencing Club, and possibly some
karate.
Parents and teachers are invited to share their talents as coaches, and all are invited to come out and
see our Saints trounce the opposition! GO SAINTS!
For continued participation in Athletics, students are expected to: 1) attend the majority of the necessary
practices, 2) be at every game unless excused by a doctor’s note, 3) maintain their uniforms and return them
in good condition at the end of the season, and 4) keep their grades at C- or above.
ANNUAL SCHOOL EVENTS
Better than any school in the area, Saint Michael’s Episcopal School has remembered how to mark the
cycles of the year with pageantry and fun. Many people are unused to schools that still celebrate May Day, or
have never experienced a school small enough for all ages to attend a Thanksgiving Pageant. While they
perform, the students learn the poise and verve that are hallmarks of StMES. Read on to learn all about our
unique collection of celebrations. Then check this year’s school calendar (printed on the back cover of this
Handbook) for dates so you can see them for yourself! The Head of School will be in charge of either directly
organizing or delegating the organization of school events to involved teachers.
Houses at Saint Michael’s
As in British “public schools” like Eaton and Harrow, we have divided our families into Houses for the
purposes of further fostering friendship across ages and grades, simplifying the organization of potlucks and
fundraisers, and just plain fun competition in “being good” to earn House Points for our families and friends.
We wear our House shirts on Fridays and at competitions like Hike for St. Mike.
The four houses are:
MICHAEL HOUSE (purple), made up of the Faculty, and of which Student Council Officers and Board
Members and local Episcopal clergy are honorary members, named for our Glorious Archangel Michael, He
Who is Like God. His symbols are the sword and the scales of justice.
GABRIEL HOUSE (blue), named in honor of the Archangel who told Mary she would have a son. His
symbol is a trumpet or a lily.
PHANUEL HOUSE (yellow), named in honor of the Archangel who consecrates and preserves. His
symbol is the censer.
RAPHAEL HOUSE (red), named in honor of the Archangel who fed and healed the family of Tobit.
His symbol is a fish.
Michaelmas Celebration
How fitting that we start the year with an all-school extravaganza commemorating our patron saint, the Archangel
Michael, full of drama and suspense, peppered with wonderful angel hymns, and winding up with
. . . a surprise! As the pageant opens, we learn that Michael’s name means “Who is like God?” and that it is
flung out as a challenge to those who seek to “put themselves before God.” The action begins at some
unimaginable point before the creation of life as we know it, when Lucifer (“the morning star”) plots a
conspiracy against God.
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As the Upper Schoolers read appropriate excerpts from Milton’s “Paradise Lost,” Grade 4 and 5 students
re-enact the “terrible Battle, before the throne of God” between the forces of Good and Evil. Our Hero, of
course, banishes Lucifer from Heaven (amid much gnashing of teeth) and generally saves the day. The angelic
Grade 3 singers then perform “Angels and Ministers” as we prepare for the second tableau, The Romans and
the Barbarians. In this thrilling segment, innocent, Latin-speaking Grade 6 Roman citizens of the town of
Gargano in Italy are brutally attacked by rampaging Grade 7 barbarians. An appeal to Saint Michael is quickly
answered by an appearance of the Arch-Hero himself, and the dazed barbarians barely escape with their lives.
A long hymn and a quick change, and Grade 6 (or another fortunate French class) is back with the Legend of
Mont Saint Michel, complete with giants, hapless monks, and a lazy bishop, soon put straight by Michael
Himself.
The Upper School then saunters on for the pivotal Norman Invasion sequence, where a cast of seeming
thousands reads from Anglo-Saxon chronicles, sews the Bayeux Tapestry, crosses the English Channel and
really mixes it up with (plastic) weaponry. As always, the Normans are triumphant, apparently backed by Saint
Michael, since they invaded on his day, September 29. Onward through time to The Tournament, where we
see the doughty Grade 8 Knight Red and Knight Blue compete noisily on their broomstick mounts for fame
and fair damsels. Who will triumph? Come, see for yourself! Finally, waiting patiently in their fetching peasant
garb are the loyal Grade 2 retainers, trooping in two by two to pay their rents to the Lord of the Manor in
Merrie Olde England. Holy smokes!! One of those gift geese is REAL! A closing Bible reading and Grade I
distribution of paper geese for all brings the pageant to a stirring conclusion, and the Goose is returned to the
park . . . until NEXT year.
We often combine this celebration with a barbecue feast. Tickets will be available for a great “al fresco
under the spreading oak trees” meal, celebrating as well the beginning of Episcopal Schools Week with the
community! Please plan on coming and bring friends, providing a marvelous opportunity for us to show off
our students and campus.
Hike for St. Mike
Limbering up in the Gym are the Runners, the mighty many who will chalk up multiple laps for the old
Arch-Alma Mater, Saint Michael’s Episcopal School. Our second and more important fundraiser of the fall,
this ingenious scheme harnesses the incredible wiggly energy of the entire student body and puts it to work
running in circles (a good lesson in Life!) for pledge $$$ per lap. Addresses of doting friends and relations
having already been collected by trusty Homeroom teachers, lap totals are sent out and the money just rolls
in, thus keeping tuitions low low low! We count laps for one another, hand out cups of water, cheer each
other on and do the Old School Thing for our House buddies.
Halloween Party
Break out those wonderful costumes you made at the summer art class, get creative and strut your stuff at
the big Halloween Party. Booths for all ages and the amazing Haunted House make for big fun, especially
when your Upper School Buddy holds your hand in the scary parts. There’s a parade of costumes before the
awe-struck onlookers, and goodies galore!
All Saints’ Day
A somber and beautiful Chapel celebration: all the students put on Full Dress to commemorate not only
the Cloud of Witness, the Saints, but also our own beloved dead. First names of grandparents and other
loved ones are collected during the previous week – again by hard-working Homeroom teachers – and read
aloud during the service as we recall those who have gone before us into the Church Triumphant.
St. Cecilia’s Day
Dyed-in-the-wool poetry fiends will keep their ears to the ground when November 22nd comes around,
as there is generally a reading of Dryden’s “Ode to St. Cecilia” in Chapel on or near her Day. As patron saint
of music, she also sometimes inspires a brief concert of talented students, so be forewarned!
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Thanksgiving Pageant
“Over the river and through the woods, to Grandfather’s house we go . . . .” we carol at the close of this
perfect pageant, presented by Kindergarten and Grade I students. A historically accurate reenactment of the
meeting of Squanto and Governor Bradford and a narration of the terrible privations suffered the first winter
by the Pilgrims are, as it were, the meat and drink of this fine pageant. Realistic renderings of Native
American garb and customs, as well as the clear message that only the kind generosity of Squanto’s friends
and family kept our black-clad national ancestors alive, add substance to the pageant. But it is the sharing of
unique and touching thankfulness from each student’s personal store of joy that puts the icing on the cake.
No Thanksgiving celebration is complete without seeing this pageant AND enjoying the Pilgrim Popcorn and
the end of it . . . “Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done? Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!”
Advent Concert, St. Nick, International Party
The approach of Christmas makes our celebration-happy campus go ga-ga with anticipation: every language
taught on campus, living and dead, contributes to songs, skits and tableaux in honor of the season. Each
Homeroom prepares holiday goodies from that year’s chosen country, creating a sumptuous spread on
wonderfully-decorated tables. People stuff themselves, chat, listen to music and get all Dickensian.
Classrooms tend to be decorated, Secret Santas exchanged, Saturnalia games played, and Mid-Year Exams
survived! Additionally, the true old-time Chapel attendee will know to show up on the closest day to
December 6th for the traditional reading of Ogden Nash’s “The Boy Who Laughed at Santa Claus.” Good
listeners may also be treated to a Chapel performance around this time of “Tres Filiae,” a cheerful, doggerelverse English version of an old St. Nicholas legend, generally performed by teachers, to the delight of the
small-fry.
Christmas Play
It DEFINITELY is not Christmas Holidays until we’ve all sung “Christians All” at the close of the Star of
Bethlehem pageant. What a wonderful chance to see serious young folks presenting the Christmas Story in
the most poetic of terms, with a lovely musical accompaniment! Grades 5 and 6 will have been working hard
on this in English classes ever since Thanksgiving, and it will be perfect, down to the last puff of incense
smoke. “Come in; now we are saved!”
Gilbert & Sullivan Operetta
The Operetta ritual is another group-building pivot of Saint Michael’s life, involving every student in
Grades 5-12. Many music lesson’s of harmonizing, blocking, memorizing lines, sewing costumes, building
sets and honing our characters comes to rewarding fruition. Performances begin at the end of the last week
in February: be watching for the hi-jinks of the Alumni Champagne Gala on Opening Night, and invite
young friends to the morning Dress Rehearsal on the Wednesday before Opening Night.
Valentine’s Day
The Student Council organizes a carnation sale to bring pitter-pats to the hearts of friends and teachers,
rapture, rapture! For the Upper School, there is generally a dance. In Chapel, one may well hear a reading of
the story of St. Valentine.
Stone Soup Supper
How do you celebrate good parent-teacher fellowship during Lent? With soup and simple
accompaniments, of course! This get-together, in February or March, has been the occasion for celebrating
what we love about Saint Michael’s, planning for its future, and generally rallying ‘round the Alma Mater.
There is often a presentation or program, a kickoff for next year’s activities, an overview of the past, and
always good company. Also BIG registration discounts for those who enroll their students for the following
year on or near this event!
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House Field Day
To encourage healthy competition among Gabriel, Phanuel and Raphael Houses, the spring field day
features races, tug-o-war, Capture The Flag and other friendly contests. Colorful House T-shirts are worn to
distinguish the contestants. During the remainder of the year merit-based house points may be earned for
“good deeds and hard work.”
Founders’ Day
April 17, 1972 was the day the school’s Charter was signed, and classes started the following fall. We wear
full dress, and in the middle of the morning, we gather to celebrate. We always have a huge cake, sing the
school song, and the students who have attended the school for the most years slice up and hand out the cake
to all comers, littlest first. We also celebrate volunteers with cake and lemonade.
Dinner/Auction
In December, the school as a whole, students/parents, teachers, and local businesses work together to
sponsor a dinner/auction to help raise operating funds for the school. Each class makes an item (or several)
to be auctioned off. Planning for this event begins early in the school year.
May Day & Grandparents’ Day
Lovers of traditional May Day celebrations should NOT miss this one! The program always includes the
following: the dressing up in flowery or festive garb, the singing of madrigals by all and sundry, the reenactment of a daring rescue of the Fool by Robin Hood and his Merrie Men from the hands of the Sheriff
and his flunkeys, followed by the crowning by Robin of the Queen of the May (some lucky Senior) and Maid
Marian (“Queen of his Heart”) and the entertainment of the Queen. There is dancing on the green,
performed by all grades often to live accompaniment, including the Maypole and the Sword Dance. At some
point in the proceedings, the Master of the Revels sees fit to include the performance of “The Comical
Tragedy of Pyramus and Thisbe,” extracted from A Midsummer Night’s Dream and performed in expertly
tear-jerking style by Grade 7. Lemonade flows like water and a good time is had by all!
Often on the morning of May Day, special grown-ups or grandparents are encouraged to come to school,
have breakfast, and spend the school day with grandchildren or a favorite child.
COMMENCEMENT AND AWARDS
Leave-Taking
A much busier day than you’d think! Yes, we do come in uniform (daily dress) and bring with us sacks, all
textbooks, and some desk-cleaning materials. The books are duly checked in by Homeroom teachers, desks,
lockers and cubbies are cleaned out and cleaned off, and the rooms are tidied. THEN we practice marching
in two-by-two for Awards Evening and Awards Morning, and get the drill for what we are to do at those
events. THEN we hold elections for Student Body officers for the next years. THEN we can go home until
Evening Awards.
Awards
Students who follow the rules assiduously throughout the year are generally given a great deal more
freedom and responsibility. Trust, once again, is absolutely essential at Saint Michael’s if students are to be
allowed any freedom of action.
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There is a special celebration held at the close of each year, during which exemplary achievements of all
kinds are honored. The most prestigious award is the Saint Michael’s Award, which is given to the student or
students in Grades 5-12 awho most exemplify the school in learning, character and faith. They should have
high grades, moral integrity and a caring concern for their fellow students and community. The equivalent
award in the Lower School is the Shield of Michael. Most of our awards are not based on academics, but on
attitude, enthusiasm, etc. Other academic awards are given to celebrate accomplishments in specific subjects.
Awards Evening (Grades 5-12)
A very special time for all students in grades 5 – 12. All appear in full dress and invite friends and family
to witness their accomplishments and their passage into a new grade. Homeroom teachers fuss over them and
we load them with awards and inspire them with speeches. Held in our own Chapel it is a night to remember!
Awards Morning (Jr. K – Grade 4)
All of the smaller fry gather in Full Dress same location, next morning for their own fond remembrances
of the year’s accomplishments, words of inspiration and cheerful and moving music. A definite photo
opportunity of our darlings as they get the certificate and the hug from their teacher and stand shoulder to
shoulder with their classmates one more time before flying away for the summer.
Commencement (Grades 5-12)
Grades 5 (who are now in Grade 6!) and up are required and desired to don full dress and attend as
witnesses this farewell to their Senior Upper School Saints. Faculty members dust off their caps, gowns and
hoods, Seniors wear suits or white dresses. No graduation exercise anywhere is as beautiful as ours, set in our
fine Chapel building. Touching music is sung and performed, fine speeches are made, gifts are presented and
Seniors celebrated. A jolly reception follows in the Fellowship Hall, with plenty of mints and nuts, punch and
sandwiches for all comers. Good luck to all our graduates!
Now we must leave your halls awhile, for new deeds call us on.
We’ll think of past times with a smile /And miss you when we’re gone.
We’ll remember all the stirring times, / The pageants and the plays,
The challenges to hearts and minds to lead us all our days.
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PARENT/GUARDIAN CONFIRMATION FORM
2013 - 2014
I, ______________________________, the parent of ______________________________________
hereby affirm that I have read through this Family Handbook and understand the rules, policies and
customs of
SAINT MICHAEL’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL, BRYAN
and that I will do my best to assure that both I and my student(s) abide by said rules, policies and
customs.
I also understand that this form is due back to my child’s/children’s Homeroom Teacher(s) for
my child’s/children’s homework grade as soon as possible and certainly no later than Michaelmas
(September 28th) of this year.
signed, ______________________________________
dated:
Family Handbook, 2013-2014
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