Holy Trinity School Handbook
2009-2010
Please note: this document is available online in both MS Word and PDF
formats. In an effort to protect the individuals whose emails are listed from more
spam, we have altered the emails. Each email in this document has replaced
the @ symbol with the following: “at”. For example, Mary Shannon’s email in this
document reads mshannon “at” htsdc.org. When you use the address, replace
the “at” and any adjoining spaces with the @. Thank you for your consideration.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
School Phone Numbers
Office Staff E-Mail Addresses and Extensions
Health Office Phone Number
Holy Trinity Parish Staff Phone Numbers
Faculty E-Mail Addresses
HTS 2009-2010 Board Members
Consultants
Holy Trinity Parish and School
Mission Statement, Guiding Principles, and Strategic
Goals
Parental Responsibilities
School Administration
Office Hours
Admissions
Tuition
Re-registration
Financial Assistance
School Counselor
School Advisory Board
Development Office
Annual Giving Drive
Home School Association
HSA Major Fundraising Events
Uniform Exchange
Spirit Shop
Sally Foster
Trinity Golf and Tennis Classic
1
1-3
4
4
4
4-5
5
5
6
6-7
7-8
7-9
8
8
8
9
9
9
9
9
10
11-12
12
12
12
13
13
Book Fairs
Trivia Night
Faculty – Student Basketball Game
Gala
Policy and Procedure
Child Abuse and Neglect
Daily Operations
School Hours
Parking
Arrival
Dismissal
Carpool
After School Program
Absences
Computer and Internet Use
Cell Phones
Discipline Code
Grading Scale
Grievance Procedure
Homework
Illnesses and Accidents at School
Medicines
Allergies
Library
Lost and Found
Lunch
Pizza Days
Hot Lunch
Milk
Messages
Recess
Physical Education
Report Cards
Honor Roll and Awards
Progress Reports
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Snow Policy
Student Council
HTS Honor Code
Telephone Calls
Uniforms
School Uniform
Gym Uniform
In General
2
13
14
14
14
14
14
15-1
15
15
15-16
16
16-17
17
17
17-18
18
18-19
19
19
19-20
20
20-21
21
21
21
21
21
22
22
22
22
22
22
22-23
23
23
23
23-24
24
24
24-26
24-25
25
25-26
School Wide Programs
Assemblies
Field Trips
Liturgies
Pictures
Service Project Opportunities
Food Drives
Sandwich Days
Food Bank
Giving Tree
Toy Sunday
Tag Day
Spirit Day
Special Help
Counseling
Resource Help
Math
Science
Reading/Writing
Summer School
Diagnostic Testing
Tutoring
Extracurricular Activities
Athletics
After School Program
Birthdays
Dances
Socials
Communication
Communications Folder
Parent/Teacher Conference
Parent Visits
Room Parents
Special Events
Catholic Schools Week
Christmas Show
Picnic/Field Day
Sports Awards Ceremony
Letter From The Principal
26
26
26
26-27
27
27
27
27
27
27
27
27-28
28
28
28
28
28
28
28
28
28-29
29
29
29
29
29
29
29
29
29
29
29
29
30
30
30
31
31
32
3
School Phone Numbers/Email Addresses
(202) 337-2339
(202) 337-0368 (fax)
Health Office (202) 337-2339 ext. 291
Title, Name
Mary Shannon, Principal
Amy Lehman, School Counselor
Elizabeth Taglieri, Director of Development
Kim Calnan Crismali, Director of Admissions
Valinda Smith, Finance Officer
Kim Calnan Crismali, Director of After School
Program
Bonnie Hill, Health Coordinator
Sheila Miller, Office Assistant
Kay Calnan, Office Assistant
Nina Burton, Administrative Assistant
Harriet Winslow, Finance Assistant
Ext.
E-Mail
204
294
293
203
243
203
mshannon “at” htsdc.org
alehman “at” htsdc.org
etaglieri “at” htsdc.org
kcrismali “at” htsdc.org
financeHTS “at” htsdc.org
kcrismali “at” htsdc.org
213
201
290
257
283
bhill “at” htsdc.org
smiller “at” htsdc.org
kcalnan “at” htsdc.org
nburton “at” htsdc.org
hwinslow “at” htsdc.org
Holy Trinity Parish Staff
Title, Name
(202) 337-2840
Rev. Mark Horak, SJ, Pastor
Judith Brusseau, Director of Religious Education/Faith Formation
Alex Gentsch, Coordinator of Youth Ministries
Holy Trinity School Faculty
Name
Beverly B. Bland
Sybil Bolden
AnneMarie Bradley
Rebecca Brusseau
Susie Burke
Ann Burton
Linda Campanelli
Raquel Chung
Christopher Clark
Lilliam Collmann
Mary Cooter
Janet David
Katie DeCarlo
Matthew Denny
Kerri Edwards
Stela Einhorn Ortiz
Kristie Fakunle
Mary Foley
(202) 337-2339
E-Mail
bbland “at” htsdc.org
sbolden “at” htsdc.org
abradley “at” htsdc.org
rbrusseau “at” htsdc.org
sburke “at” htsdc.org
aburton “at” htsdc.org
lcampanelli “at” htsdc.org
rchung “at” htsdc.org
cclark “at” htsdc.org
lcollmann “at” htsdc.org
mcooter “at” htsdc.org
jdavid “at” htsdc.org
kdecarlo “at” htsdc.org
mdenny “at” htsdc.org
kedwards “at” htsdc.org
seinhorn “at” htsdc.org
kfakunle “at” htsdc.org
mfoley “at” htsdc.org
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Ext.
189
119
127
Vic Gallerano
Mary Lou Galvin
Mo Gannon
Thomas Glass
Ann Hegnauer
Charlie Hennessy
Margaret Holbach
Erin Kelly
Ken McElwain
Magda Mooers
Alison Mooney
Mary Beth Morell
Duane Nystrom
Karen Robinson
Cristina Seaton
Lis Sheehan
Nancy Skonberg
Sr. Regina Smith
Katherine Spear
Susan Tersoff
Michelle Tober
Maria L. Velez
vgallerano “at” htsdc.org
mgalvin “at” htsdc.org
mgannon “at” htsdc.org
tglass “at” htsdc.org
ahegnauer “at” htsdc.org
chennessy “at” htsdc.org
mholbach “at” htsdc.org
ekelly “at” htsdc.org
kmcelwain “at” htsdc.org
mmooers “at” htsdc.org
amooney “at” htsdc.org
mbmorell “at” htsdc.org
dnystrom “at” htsdc.org
krobinson “at” htsdc.org
cseaton “at” htsdc.org
lsheehan “at” htsdc.org
nskonberg “at” htsdc.org
sregina “at” htsdc.org
kspear “at” htsdc.org
stersoff “at” htsdc.org
mtober “at” htsdc.org
mvelez “at” htsdc.org
Holy Trinity Home & School Association, 2009-2010
President
President-Emeritus
President-Elect
Secretary
Treasurer
Community Development
Fundraising Coordinator
Finance/Technology
Communications
Room Parent Representative
Community Service
Class Representatives
Membership/Recruitment
Sports Booster
Ex-Officio
Jimmy Ervin
Shannon Hynds
Denise Siciliano
Catherine Miller
Phil Joyce
Karen Mattheis
Kristina Gill
Rudy Casasola
Susie Moyer
Carol Anne Kelly
Bill Gallagher
Sheila O’ Leary
Jill Casasola
Lauryn Roy
Fr. Mark Horak, Mary Shannon, Elizabeth
Taglieri
Consultants
Dr. Thomas Applin
Dr. Siobhan Hannes
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Holy Trinity Parish and School
Holy Trinity Church was established in 1789. It has a long tradition of
service to its members, its community, and others. Its leadership is shared by the
Pastor and Parish Council, which is elected by the parishioners. The Parish
currently serves over 4,000 families and supports a wide range of activities. Holy
Trinity School operates as part of the church program, and its budget is
contained within the church budget. HTS was founded in 1818 as a parish
school to educate young boys. It currently serves 330 girls and boys from Nursery
through Eighth Grade. The school is administered by the Principal, who works in
conjunction with the Pastor and Parish Council. An Advisory Board meets
monthly and works in close harmony with the Principal and Pastor. In addition,
the Home/School Association, to which all parents belong, works with the
principal on different projects.
Mission and Guiding Principles
“The ultimate aim of Jesuit education is . . . that full growth of the person
which leads to action—action, especially, that is suffused with the spirit and
presence of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Man-for-Others. This goal of
action, based on sound understanding and enlivened by contemplation,
urges students to self-discipline and initiative, to integrity and accuracy.”
(From Ignatian Pedagogy, A Practical Approach)
Holy Trinity School is a Roman Catholic elementary school rooted in the Jesuit
tradition of education.
Mission:
Holy Trinity School is an elementary school in a Roman
Catholic parish of the Archdiocese of Washington that follows the Jesuit
tradition of excellence by educating the whole child of God and guiding
each student’s:
 Cognitive and academic development,
 Emotional development,
 Physical development, and
 Moral and spiritual formation.
Guiding Principles:
 Holy Trinity School teaches the gospel message of Jesus Christ and
embraces the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church.
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 Holy Trinity School seeks to find God in all things, by helping each
student, staff, and faculty member to grow in wisdom and to
discern God’s greater purpose for her or his life in the world.
 Holy Trinity School celebrates the presence of the Holy Spirit in the
community of the parish, in prayerful and joyful liturgy, and in the
lives of its students, faculty, and administration.
 Holy Trinity School reaches out to the parish and to the people of
the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia for its students,
faculty and administrative staff.
 Holy Trinity School values and supports the talents, abilities, and
aspirations of its students, faculty, and administration.
 Holy Trinity School recognizes and meets the special needs of its
students, faculty, and administration.
 Holy Trinity School values and supports creative growth in the arts,
music, and athletics.
 Holy Trinity School values and supports hardworking, responsible,
honest, and caring students, faculty, and administration.
 Holy Trinity School values and supports sacrifice in service for others.
Strategic Goals:
 HTS will guide students in their academic and cognitive
development.
 HTS will guide students in their emotional and affective
development.
 HTS will guide students in their physical development.
 HTS will guide students in their spiritual and moral formation.
 HTS will celebrate the liturgical and sacramental lives of parishioners,
school community, and students.
Parental Responsibilities
Parental cooperation and support are keys to the success of HTS. We
therefore ask our parents to do the following:

complete and update all health, immunization, and emergency forms
as needed (at least yearly) for each child. Notify HTS immediately with
any changes during the school year.

read the weekly newsletter and sign your child's weekly folder and
conduct log (where applicable)

insure that your child(ren) wears the correct uniform

insure that your child (ren) arrives to school on time (8:10 a.m.)

provide your child(ren) with a lunch

insure that your child(ren) has his/her homework completed to the best
of his/her ability
7
alert teachers/administration of any problem your child(ren) is
experiencing, whether academic, social, physical, or emotional
attend Home School Association meetings, class parent meetings, and
parent/teacher conferences
work cooperatively with your child(ren)'s teacher to jointly address any
concerns
follow up on requests for specialized testing and adhere to the
recommendations given as a result of this testing
support and cooperate with school policies and procedures





School Administration
Office Hours:
During the school year, the school office is open from 7:30
a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on school days and is closed on school holidays. Summer
office hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; the office is closed for
approximately two weeks in the summer.
Divisions Within HTS:
The Lower School building houses children in Nursery
through
grade, the Health Room and the Library/Media Center. The Upper
School building houses students in grades 5-8, HTS's administrative offices, the
theater, one of the computer rooms, the art room, the development office, and
the counseling room.
4th
Admissions:
HTS does not discriminate in its admissions policy on the basis of
race, color, creed, or national origin. We do, however, maintain a priority order
for acceptance with parish families and siblings receiving priority for placement.
To qualify for the Parishioner rate, each family must:
1. Have at least one parent who is a baptized Catholic;
2. Be a registered Parishioner;
3. Worship at Holy Trinity Church regularly; and,
4. Donate to the parish in a consistent manner throughout the calendar year
prior to the beginning of each school year (e.g. January through
December 2008, prior to September 2009-2010 school year).
Tuition:
There are two payment options for tuition:
1. Payment in full by June 1, 2009 for the 2009-2010 school year; or,
2. Twelve (12) monthly payments through the SMART tuition collection
system, beginning in June (and ending in May 2010). There is a small fee
associated with the SMART system to administer the collections, and it will
be charged by them to your account.
 Failure to pay in a timely fashion may result in:
a. A late fee imposed on your account at a daily rate computed at
18% per year, and
b. After 60 days delinquency, we may require that your child (ren) be
withdrawn from the school.
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 If you withdraw your child(ren) from HTS, after re-registration, then
you are responsible for the full amount of the first semester’s tuition
of the next school year.
Re-registration:
Re-registration of current students takes place during late
January. This is an opportunity for both the parents and the school
administration to determine whether HTS is the appropriate school. The school
may decide that re-registration of a particular student/family is not in the best
interest of the child or the school. Some reasons may include: the child's need
for an educational setting which cannot be met at Holy Trinity; refusal on the
part of the parents to obtain requested diagnostic testing or to follow through
on recommendations that result from testing; patterns of behavior on the part of
the student or parents which show consistent lack of respect for school, school
authorities, or school policies and procedures; and/or failure on the part of the
parents to pay tuition and fees.
Financial Assistance:
A variety of scholarship and/or financial assistance
packages are available for families who need help in paying tuition. Priority is
given to families who have been in the school for at least one year. A
confidential financial statement is required. We encourage parents who feel
they can not attend HTS because of finances to apply. Contact Valinda Smith
with all inquires.
School Counselor:
The Counselor works with students, individually and in
groups, consults with teachers and parents about the personal, interpersonal,
and academic needs of students; coordinates referrals with resources outside
the school; conducts classroom activities related to various guidance needs
(e.g., making friends, understanding why feelings get hurt, responding to peer
pressure, etc.) and observes student interactions and behavior to increase
understanding of the whole child. In addition, the Counselor implements the
Values Program throughout the school and works with teachers in the Family Life
Program.
School Advisory Board: The Board advises the principal on issues
involving the school, including budget, policy decisions, parish/school
communications, etc., and approves the expenditure of HSA funds.
The Advisory Board for HTS is composed of:
 the President of the Home School Association (HSA),
 2 representatives from the Parish Council, and
 Appointed members of the faculty/staff of HTS, and
 several at-large members of the parent body, who serve at the invitation
of the Principal and Pastor.
Development Office:
The Development Office coordinates the school's
Annual Giving Drive, solicits scholarship gifts, gifts-in-kind, bequests, endowment
gifts, grants from foundations, and promotes alumni involvement in the school.
This office publishes a semi-annual newsletter about HTS, an Annual Report, and
9
other promotional materials. For more information, contact the Director of
Development, Elizabeth Taglieri.
Annual Giving Drive:
Tuition income and parish subsidies do not cover
the full cost of a Holy Trinity education. As in most private/parochial schools,
parents, parents of alumni, alumni, friends, and grandparents are asked each
year to supplement tuition income through contributions to the Annual Giving
Drive. Every family is expected to participate at whatever financial level they
can afford.
10
Home School Association
President: Jimmy Ervin President-Elect: Denise Siciliano
Secretary: Catherine Miller
Past-President: Shannon Hynds
Treasurer: Phil Joyce
HTS-HSA
Board
President
President-Elect
Past-President
Communications
Chair
Community
Development
Chair
Parish Bulletin
Parent Communication
Blog
E-mail
Tuesday Folder
Website
Annual HTS
Handbook Review
HSA Needs/Wish List
Hospitality
New Parent
Buddy Breakfast
Thursday Coffee
HSA Back to School
Night
Christmas Party
New Parent Welcome
Cocktail Party
Grandparent's Day
Fundraising
Chair
Community
Service
Chair
Gala
Education &
Outreach
Trinity Classic
HTS/Parish
Coordination
Sally Foster
Program
Coordination
Treasurer
Secretary
Class
Representatives
Chair
Individual Class'
Reps
Grass Roots
Communication
(Coordinate with Room Parents)
Review Process-Class-Centered Tasks
from HSA Committees
Annual HSA Allocation
Task Force
Volunteer Coordination of
class-centered tasks
(work with room parents)
Trivia Night
Family Support
Book Fair
Hot Lunch
New Parents
Liaison
Class Rep Support
(Handbook, etc.)
Individual Class
Service Projects
New Parent
Handbook
Peer Families
Recruitment
Christmas Fund
Membership &
Recruitment
Chair
Recognition/
Awards
Room Parents
Chair
Individual Class'
Room Parents
Parent--Parent
Communication
Teacher--Parent
Communication
Social
(Classroom parties,
Potluck, etc.)
Field Trip
Driver Coordination
Class Fund
Volunteer Coordination of
class-centered tasks
(work with class reps)
Room Parent Support
(Handbook, etc.)
McKenna Sandwiches
Teacher
Appreciation Day
Event Coordination
Senior Citizens
Luncheon
Field Day/BBQ
Spirit Shop
Student/Faculty
Game
Uniform Exchange
Parent/Student
Education
Grace Art
Educational Lectures &
Meetings
Virtus
Parents Council
of Washington
All Holy Trinity parents and teachers belong to the Home School
Association (HSA). The mission of the Holy Trinity Home & School Association is to
provide a structure where parents partner with the administration and faculty to
support the spiritual and academic excellence of the children of Holy Trinity
School.
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Sports Booster
Chair
Sports Award Night
School/Teacher
Support
Volunteer
Coordination
The HSA's goal is to facilitate cooperation and communication between
the school and the parent body and to involve parents in supporting the school.
The HSA elects officers -- President, President-Elect, Secretary and Treasurer -who serve two-year terms. Additionally, the President sits on the school's
Advisory Board.
The HSA engages in many community building activities and endeavors
during the year. All of the events rely heavily upon parental support to make
them successful. The money raised by HSA fundraising goes into the HSA budget
and is allocated for various items needed by the school, which are not covered
by the school budget. All parents are invited to vote on the HSA fund allocation
at the end of the year.
Some of the events that the HSA also sponsors include a New Parent
cocktail party in the spring of their acceptance, a Welcome Breakfast for New
Students before the beginning of each school year, and Thursday coffees
throughout the year,
Each family is expected to contribute ten hours of
volunteer time each year and is expected to attend parent/teacher
conferences, HSA meetings, and class meetings as requested. This is a
wonderful way to meet other HTS family members and to get to know more
about HTS. A critical part of HTS is the cooperation and integration of home and
school.
HSA’s Community Service:
Uniform Exchange Uniform exchange is a voluntary program whereby
members of the HTS community donate gently used uniforms they no longer
need. The clothing is recycled and made available in the theater lobby for
members of the HTS community to take whatever uniform articles they need.
Dates are published in the Tuesday Newsletter. For families with nothing to
donate, a donation to the HSA is greatly appreciated. This program runs on the
honor system with donations being made when the clothing is no longer
needed, and uniforms taken when they are needed. The uniform exchange will
be up and running during the first week of school and approximately six times
per year thereafter. Shirts, skirts, jumpers, pants, sweatshirts, PE apparel are
available in various sizes. This is a great volunteer job for parents who only have
short amounts of time to stop by and fold during the week of each exchange.
Questions: Harriet Winslow (202-232-6668 or hwinslow “at” htsdc.org)
Spirit Shop We got spirit, yes we do! We got spirit, how ‘bout you? The spirit
shop is taking on a new form and will soon be available via the internet. Look
for the spirit shop link on the HTS website to find hats, gym bags, fleece pullovers,
and more. Support not only helps the school, but also shows your spirit. Contact
Suzanne Moran ([email protected]) or Lori Jones
([email protected]) to help.
12
Other Community Service includes: Family Support, Hot Lunch program,
McKenna Sandwiches, and Senior Citizen Luncheon.
HSA's Fundraising Events:
This is a brief overview of the fundraisers held at HTS. From eclectic to
formal, there are several events that will catch you eye. We hope you will
support any and all that appeal to your sense of fun, community and giving at
HTS. Your support is crucial to our success, and the stakes for the school are
high: the money raised goes towards financial-need scholarships, school
technology upgrade programs, school athletic programs, and more. In
addition, the HSA Board has set a goal of raising additional money to redesign
and improve the playground equipment in the lower school courtyard. Seed
money for this project was set aside in this year’s allocations to kick-start the
design process. Now we need to secure the additional resources to make this
idea become a reality.
Sally Foster Sally Foster kicks off just as we get back to school. They sell the
stuff (wrapping paper and other goodies) you always seem to need but never
have in the house when you need it. With half of the proceeds going to HTS,
and on-line ordering available, this is a great fundraiser to launch the year’s
efforts. Assistance needed includes: promotion, logistics, and distribution. To
volunteer or learn more, contact Lynn Lucas (703-751-8287 or
[email protected].
Trinity Golf and Tennis Classic The Trinity Golf and Tennis Classic is an
annual outing held each fall. It is a casual event played in a scramble format so
that golfers of all skill levels are sure to have a great time. Don’t play golf? No
worries; come and test your prowess on the tennis court. Those who can’t make
it for the golf or tennis are invited to attend the cocktail reception and awards
dinner following the day’s events. This year the Trinity Classic will be held on
October 16, 2009, at Bretton Woods Country Club in Germanton, MD. We would
love to have as many participants as possible. Volunteers are needed to assist
with mailings, registration, contests, and more. For further information or to
volunteer, please contact Maria or Randy Jones (703-841-1531or
[email protected])
Trivia Night - “a casual night of Q&A, raising dough for the HSA” - will be
held in Holy Trinity’s McKenna Hall on Friday, January 22, 2010. Teams of ten vie
in a fun and friendly competition to claim title as Trivia Night champions. And if
you don’t think you know lots of trivia, no worries. Trivia Night “waitresses and
waiters” are ready to sell hints to help your team get the correct answer. Of
course, volunteers are needed to help sell tickets, serve delicious chili, or take
“tips” for clues. Join this fun committee - contact April Egge
([email protected]), Caroline Ervin ([email protected]) or Janet Stone
([email protected]) for more information.
13
Book Fair HTS hosts a Fall Book Fair each year at the school to serve as
an opportunity to encourage our young readers while supporting the school,
with approximately 25% of total sales going directly to the HSA. The Fall Book
Fair focuses on gift and holiday shopping for students and adults. The students
are encouraged to come through the fair with their classes to review and make
selections of books which capture their interests. Teachers also create wish lists
of books for parents to purchase for their classrooms. Additionally, a virtual book
fair will run for some time after the onsite fair to help families complete their
shopping. Volunteers are needed to help set up and break down as well as
work as cashiers during the fair. In addition to working with fellow parents, you’ll
meet some of our fabulous faculty and help students with their book selections!
Look for notices in the Tuesday newsletter or feel free to contact us. For more
information, contact Susie Moyer (shmoyer “at” mac.com).
Faculty/Student Basketball Game Watch as the Faculty gets
crushed, we mean, dominates the students in this perennial favorite. It is the
highlight of March Madness. All proceeds go towards the Sports Program at HTS.
Want to help? Sell tickets, set up/clean up, and/or cheer for the kids over our
beloved faculty. Contact Eunice Greer (202-333-3978 or EGreer “at”
Scholastic.com).
Gala We invite all HTS parents – old and new – to get involved in this
worthy community building/fundraising event: the 2009-2010 HTS Gala. The
Gala is a sit-down dinner with Treasure Trove, Silent, and Live Auctions. This year
the Gala will take place on March 27, 2010 at the Renaissance Hotel in
Washington, DC. Volunteer opportunities are many: donation category chairs,
administrative committee, raffle committee (pre-gala raffles that help raise
funds for pre-gala expenses), program committee, publicity, decorations, etc.
You will have fun with the HTS community while working on the largest fundraiser
put on by the HTS. Contact Lori Jones (703-801-1983 or lojones “at”
starpower.net) for more information.
Policy and Procedures
Child Abuse and Neglect:
One of our most important responsibilities is
the protection and safety of the children who are entrusted to our care.
Therefore, all employees, staff, and volunteers who work with children are
required to complete a background questionnaire, have a criminal background
investigation check, and attend training sessions before they are allowed to
work with children in any capacity.
The school is required by law to report to the proper authorities any
suspected cases of child sexual or physical abuse or cases of neglect. Our
responsibility to report abuse/neglect includes school employees, parents, and
guardians.
14
Daily Operations
School Hours:
The school day runs from 8:10 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. for both
Lower and Upper school students. Children are dismissed at 1:00 p.m. on the first
and third Fridays of each month. Early dismissals allow time for faculty meetings
and professional development.
Parking:
Parking near the school is difficult. Please use great care and
consideration when driving near the school as children do cross the streets as
they are leaving. The DC Police Department is extremely vigilant about ticketing
for infractions! Signs are posted in front of the school and on the north side of N
Street allowing 15 minute parking from 7:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. (except during
HTS's carpool time from dismissal until 15 minutes after dismissal) Parking for
school events held in the evening is usually available at Georgetown Visitation
Preparatory High School, just two blocks away at 35th and Volta Place.
Arrival:
To ensure the safety of our children, we have set up the following
procedures:
1. No parent or visitor will be allowed entry or exit through any door other
than the lower level door facing 36th street, NW in the Lower School (by
the heath office) or the main office door in the Upper School. While in the
school building, every parent must have a visible visitor badge.
2. Everyone must sign in and out; there are no exceptions.
3. NURSERY-KINDERGARTEN – Parent of Early Childhood students must sign in
before taking their children to class and sign out as they leave. Sign-in/out
is located in the multi-purpose room located on the ground floor. Parents
may drop off their children after 7:50 and must leave by 8:10.
4. GRADES 1-4 – Parents should drop off children in front of the Lower School.
Several teachers/staff are on duty to supervise the students’ entry into the
building.
5. GRADES 5-8 – Parents should drop off children in front of the Upper School
starting at 7:30 am. Upper School students should enter through the
cafeteria door and proceed to the theater where they will be supervised.
6. IN GENERAL –
 Do not leave cars parked in carpool lanes during drop-off.
 At 8:05, students in grades 1-8 go upstairs to their classrooms.
 Parents in grades 1-8 do not accompany their children into the
building.
 Any student who arrives after 8:05 must report directly to Mrs. Hill
or Ms. Miller before going to homeroom.
 Parents dropping off packages, lunches, etc. must leave the
items with either Mrs. Hill or Ms. Miller. They will be delivered.
Please do not go directly to the classroom.
15
 Please note that drop off time is not intended for unscheduled
conferences. Teachers are preparing for the safe arrival of all
children and have duties that have been assigned to them.
 For all scheduled conferences or meetings, parents must sign-in
with either Mrs. Hill or Ms. Miller and wear a visitor’s badge while
in the school buildings.
 Students must be in their homerooms no later than 8:10 a.m.
Because classes use this time to discuss the schedule for the rest
of the day and receive other important information, it is very
important that all children be present at the beginning of class.
Tardiness makes it difficult for students to make a strong and
confident start to the day.
Dismissal:
Dismissal is at 3:00 p.m. for both the Upper and Lower Schools (1:00
p.m. on the first and third Fridays). Children in Nursery-Kindergarten, and their
siblings, must be picked up at the corner of 36th and N Streets. All other children
in Grades 1-8 are picked up through the “carpool procedures” listed below,
unless they are walkers. At 3:15 p.m. any child who has not been picked up
must go to the After School Program to wait for pick up. Parents will be charged
a $25 drop-in fee for admission into the Program.
Proper behavior is expected of all Holy Trinity students on the way to and
from school, whether walking, carpooling, or using public transportation.
Students should walk on the sidewalk and stay off of the church steps and the
wall. Students may not change out of their uniforms before leaving school
except for sports team practices. At no time will students be allowed to remain
outside school, unsupervised, which includes waiting for a ride.
Carpool Procedures:
Holy Trinity School is determined to make our
dismissal orderly and safe for all. In order for this to happen, we need the
cooperation of everyone who picks up a child, either walking or in carpool.
Teachers direct carpool procedures. They must be respected and their
directions followed at all times.
Parents, please follow the following guidelines:

Teachers/staff/parents need to help put children into cars. Children
may not leave the curb unless escorted by an adult.

Parents may not leave their cars unattended while in the carpool line.

No cell phone use beginning at 3:00 while in carpool line.

All will follow carpool guidelines – parents, nannies, babysitters,
grandparents. Please make all aware of the rules.

Cars must be in the carpool queue. Parents may not park across the
street and ask children to come to the car. If a parent does not wish to
be part of the carpool line, he/she must park elsewhere and walk to
meet the child.
Students, please follow these guidelines:
16




remain inside until carpool is called and listen quietly for teacher
direction
exit the building by the lower level front door of the upper school
building
if your parent meets you to walk home, please meet him/her at the
theater door entrance on “O” St.
bicycles, skateboards, and scooters must be properly secured to the
bike rack located to the right of the Upper School Cafeteria door.
After School Program:
The school offers an after school program, for an
additional fee, to parents needing supervision for their children after official
school hours. In addition, extra programs are offered to HTS students for an
additional fee. A detailed list of programs and activities is available on the After
School Program link through our HTS website. Fees are assessed per school
quarter and are due upon receipt of invoice. Other arrangements may be
made through the Finance Office. Parents may put After School fees in their
SMART account. Children must be registered in the after school program. The
program is not designed to be used on a 'per diem' basis. A substantial fee is
charged to discourage drop-ins and tardiness.
Absences:
Parents are requested to call Mrs. Bonnie Hill in the Health Office
(202-337-2339 x 291) before 8:10 a.m. and leave a detailed message if their
child(ren) is going to be absent. As a safety measure, we alert parents if their
child(ren) is not in school. Please make sure the office has current home/work
phone numbers for both parents. Please contact Mary Beth Morell at mbmorell
“at” htsdc.org with any contact changes.
Children are expected to be in school unless they are too sick to attend. HTS
does not condone absence from school for the purposes of vacation or special
trips.
Computer and Internet Use:
HTS is very proud of the technology we
are able to offer our students. Our network allows students to move their files
from one computer to another as needed while access to the Internet enables
students to research innumerable sites. The faculty strives to integrate
technology use to further educational goals and objectives and provides
developmentally appropriate guidance to students as they make use of
electronic information resources related to the curriculum. Having informationliterate students who can evaluate and use information appropriately and
effectively is our goal. HTS faculty monitor Internet use and guide students
toward the most appropriate information, but families should be warned that
some material accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal,
defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive to some people. However, on a
global network, it is impossible to control all materials and users may discover
controversial information not consistent with our educational goals. We at HTS
believe that the benefits to students from access to the Internet, in the form of
information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed any
17
disadvantages. Ultimately, parents and guardians of students are responsible
for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when
using media and information sources. To that end, HTS supports and respects
each family's right to decide whether or not to apply for access.
Terms and conditions: Students are responsible for good behavior on
school computer networks just as they are in a classroom. Communications on
the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and
communications apply. The network is provided for students to conduct
research and communicate with others for academic purposes. Parental
permission is required for students to access network services with faculty
monitoring.
Students are responsible for the behavior and communication over the
network. As always, students will comply with HTS standards and will honor the
agreements they have signed. Network storage areas may be treated like
school lockers. Network administrators may review files and communications to
maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly.
Users shall not expect that files stored on school servers will always be private.
Students will be expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of
computer and network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the
following:

no use of vulgar, obscene, abusive, or inappropriate language

no harassing, insulting or attacking of others

no violating of copyright laws

no using another’s password

no trespassing in another’s folders, directories, work or files in any drive

no intentional or careless wasting of limited resources (paper, ink, etc)

no changing of computer operational settings or screen settings

no damaging of computers, computer systems or computer networks
Violations will result in a loss of privileges as well as other disciplinary or legal
actions deemed necessary.
Cell Phones: While students may bring cell phones to school, they MUST be
turned off and kept in the student’s locker during school hours. Cell phones may
only be used on school property with the express permission of an adult.
Inappropriate use of a cell phone will result in its confiscation.
Discipline Code:
Discipline at HTS is based on the belief that students,
parents, and teachers will work together in an effort to help students develop
self-discipline and a sense of responsibility for their actions. All aspects of
discipline at HTS, including its methods, procedures, and policies, conform to
guidelines of the Archdiocese of Washington. A system of appropriate rewards
and consequences will be made known to all parents and students each
September. For those children who find it impossible to conform to the school’s
expectations, the following procedures will be used at the discretion of the
Principal and the Discipline Committee:
18
Discipline warning – written description of infractions; copy to student
file and to parents

In-School Suspension – written and added to student’s file; conference
with parents (1-5 days)

Out-Of-School Suspension – written and added to student’s file (1-5
days); conference with parents required before student is allowed to
return to school
Expulsion is viewed as a last resort and an indication that the above
procedures have not been successful in changing the child’s behavior and that
it is counterproductive for the child to remain as a member of the school
community. Expulsion usually takes place after at least one suspension or other
form of intervention; however, a student could face immediate expulsion for any
of the following: serious threat of bodily harm; arson; continued, willful
defiance/disobedience of authority; criminal activity; extortion; grave defacing
or destruction of school property; gross disorder (inciting others); physical assault;
possession of and/or use of a weapon; serious theft; trafficking in pornographic
materials; use of/trafficking in alcohol or other drugs; vandalism. In the case of
vandalism, the student and his parents shall reimburse the school the cost of
replacing or repairing all damaged property, including books, supplies,
equipment, buildings, and grounds.

Grading Scale:
100 = A+
93-99 = A
85-92 = B
77-84 = C
70-76 = D
69 and below = F
The following grading scale is used in the Upper School.
Grievance Procedure:
In instances where the parents of the student
involved are not satisfied with the decision of the Principal, an appeal may be
made to the Pastor. A meeting will be held within a reasonable period of time
with the Pastor, Principal, and parents in attendance. The request for such a
meeting must be in writing.
Homework:
The purpose of homework is to extend the learning and thinking,
to provide opportunities for independent work, and to strengthen concept and
skill development. Homework is assigned regularly at HTS. Students have the
responsibility of obtaining assignments, completing them in an acceptable
manner, and turning them in on time. Students in the Lower School are
gradually introduced to these concepts as their abilities to accept the
responsibility develops. Parents can assist by ensuring that the child has a
regular, quiet time and place to study, and by seeing that the quality is
appropriate to the ability level of the child. Parents are asked to instill in their
children a sense of responsibility for completing assignments well, and for
showing their parents all returned tests and papers. Early in the school year,
19
teachers will provide information about homework for that grade level (e.g.,
approximately how much will be assigned each night, whether it will be
assigned on weekends, whether any particular materials or books are needed,
whether parents should go over the homework with the children, etc.) General
guidelines are as follows: grades 1-2 – 30 minutes; grades 3-4 – 45 minutes;
grades 5-6 – 60 to 90 minutes; grades 7-8 – 90 to 120 minutes.
Illnesses and accidents at school: The school Heath Coordinator’s
Office is located in the lower level of the Lower School. She is not a nurse.
Children sent to her from the classroom because they are not feeling well, will
stay in the office until she makes a determination about the extent of the illness.
If the child is too ill to remain in school, a parent will be notified. Children are not
permitted to remain in the health room all day. As the classroom is a breeding
ground for contagious illnesses, children should not be sent to school if they are
sick. To keep our HTS community safe we will follow the basic guidelines
presented by the CDC and WHO that dictate how to handle illnesses in schools.
These protocols will be adjusted as changes are made in the future.
Any student presenting flu like symptoms during the school day - a fever
over 100F and sore throat, cough, congestion, headache, body aches,
chills, or stomach upset - will be asked to leave school immediately.
 These students will be required to remain off campus until their fever and
all other symptoms have resolved.
 Students must be fever free for 24 hours (without the use of Tylenol or
Advil) before returning to school.

As HTS families, we also need your assistance to prevent the spread of flu. Here
are a few things you can do to help:






Practice and encourage good hand hygiene.
Practice and encourage good respiratory etiquette.
Carry your own tissues and hand sanitizer.
Know the signs and symptoms of flu.
Keep students home with flu-like illness until they are fever free for 24 hours.
Talk to your health care provider about flu immunizations and treatment
during acute illness.
Medications: ALL medications (NON PRESCRIPTION AND PRESCRIPTION)
require the medicine release form signed by THE DOCTOR and the PARENT
(forms obtained from the Health Office). Prescription medications must be in the
original prescription bottle from the pharmacy, with the student’s name, current
date, and dosage. All medications must be taken for 24 hours at home prior to
returning to school. Non-prescription medications also require the medicine
release form signed by the doctor and the parent. This includes medications
such as: Tylenol, Advil, etc. Medication must be brought in the original bottle
20
unopened. The medication must be appropriate for the age of the child. All
medications must be brought to the health office by the parent or guardian.
Students may NOT deliver medications. If these guidelines are not followed,
medicine may not be dispensed. All school health forms, immunization forms,
dental forms, and emergency care release forms are due by the first day of
school in accordance with District of Columbia law.
Allergies: Before sending in food, please check with the homeroom
teacher concerning any allergies anyone in your child’s class may have.
Appointments: If a student needs to leave school during school hours,
he/she must have a note from the parent. The student must sign-out either in
the main office or the health office. Parents must pick up their child(ren) in the
office. No student will be allowed to wait outside for a parent to arrive.
Library:
The library is open every day during regular school hours. Penalties
for overdue books for Upper School students are as follows:

first notice – return book, no consequence

second notice -- return book, one check

third notice -- return book, two checks

checks escalate with each notice. Special problems? See Mrs. Bland
Notices are put in the Tuesday folder. Overdue books must be returned before
the end of the school day on Friday to avoid the next notice. For all students, if
a book is lost, replacement cost of the book is assessed.
Lost and Found:
All items found in the school buildings or on school
grounds are placed in the Lost and Found boxes on the ground floor of the
Lower School. Clothing not claimed periodically is donated to charity. Parents
are asked to identify all children’s clothing with nametags.
Lunch:
Students bring their own lunches from home or sign up for the hot
lunch program. There are no provisions for refrigeration, so please make sure
that the contents will stay fresh, even in warm weather. Microwaves are
available for student use in grades 1-8. Early Childhood students eat in their
classrooms, and grades 1-8 eat in the Upper School Cafeteria. All lunches
should be marked with the child’s name.
Pizza: Every long Friday in a given month is a “Pizza Day”. Parents of
children in grades Pre-K – 8 are able to purchase pizza for their children. This is a
program offered by the HTS Student Council and the funds collected are used
to offset the operating costs of the Student Council. Order forms were sent
home with the summer letter and are available on-line through our website.
Pizza Days for the 2009-2010 school year are as follows: September 11,25;
October 23, 30; November 13; December 11; January 8, 22, 29; February 12, 26;
March 26; April 23, 30; May 14.
21
Hot Lunch: Hot lunch is served four days/week – Monday through
Thursday. Price is $4.95/lunch. Yearly commitment is required and payment,
either in full or through SMART is expected at the beginning of the year.
Milk: At the beginning of each school year, children may order milk for
their school lunches (chocolate, 2% white, or skim) for a small fee. Early
Childhood children may order two cartons of milk for each day, one for lunch
and one for snack.
Messages:
If you need to change your plans for your child after the school
day has started, please call or email Ms. Sheila Miller in the main office (202-3372339 or smiller “at” htsdc.org). Ms. Miller will ensure that the message gets to
your child at the end of the day. Because our teachers teach all day, they
often do not have time to check their email once school begins; therefore,
emailing them your change in plans may not get to your child in time.
Recess:
Lower School students go to recess twice daily; Upper School
students have one recess connected with lunch. Recess is outside every day
except when the weather is severe. Please make sure that your child is dressed
warmly with hats, gloves, and boots when necessary. All school clothing should
be marked with the student’s name. Children are welcome to bring jump ropes,
balls, and other playground equipment, but such equipment is also available at
school. Other toys should not be brought to school. When recess is held indoors
due to inclement weather, puzzles and games are available. Children may not
bring gum, toys, comic books, cell phones, video games, CD/MP3 players,
scooters, roller blades, or laser pointers.
Physical Education:
The purpose of the program is to provide focus on
fitness, nutrition, development of skills, and team sports. Children should be
encouraged to practice physical fitness and good nutrition as part of their daily
lives. PE classes for grades Nursery through Grade 2 are held at the school in the
Lower School Multipurpose Room. Classes for Grades 3-8 are at Yates Field
House on the Georgetown University campus. Children walk to Yates for PE, so
please provide appropriate outdoor dress, including raincoats and umbrellas for
wet weather.
Report Cards:
Report cards are given out at the end of each quarter as a
means of informing parents of academic progress as well as of cooperation,
effort, and attendance. Report cards should be brought home on the day
received, signed by parents, and the envelope promptly returned to the
teacher.
Honor Roll and Awards: The honor roll is posted once each quarter for
students in grades 5-8 who have A’s or B’s in all subjects as well as E’s or G’s in
the specials. Distinguished Honors is awarded to students with all A’s and all E’s
or G’s in specials; High Honors is awarded to students with more A’s than B’s and
all E’s or G’s in specials; Honors is awarded to students with more B’s than A’s
and an average of G in the specials.
22
Yearly awards are presented to upper school students for academic
achievement, effort, citizenship, and the exemplification of the true spirit of HTS.
Progress Reports: Progress reports for grades 2-8 are sent home midway
through each quarter. This is the teacher’s notice to the parents about student
progress thus far. Progress reports give the students and parents an early
warning of any difficulties in successfully completing the work for the quarter.
Progress reports must be signed and returned to the school the next day. In an
effort to keep our 8th graders aware of their academic progress, progress
reports, FOR 8th GRADERS ONLY, will be distributed more frequently.
Parent/Teacher Conferences: Parent/Teacher Conferences replace the
report cards for the first and third marking periods in First Grade. Conferences
are held two to three times a year in the Nursery-Kindergarten classes instead of
report cards. For Grades 2-4, conferences will be arranged on an as-needed
basis at the time of the first report card period. For Grades 4-8, conferences are
arranged as needed by parents and teachers.
Snow Policy:
HTS will follow the snow procedure for Montgomery County as
it is announced on the radio. If Montgomery County is closed, HTS is closed. If
Montgomery County closes early, parents must make arrangements to pick up
their child(ren) as soon as possible. If Montgomery County opens late, HTS will
open late, BUT NEVER BY MORE THAN AN HOUR. That is, a late opening for HTS
will always by 9:10 a.m. On the morning of late openings, children may not
arrive before 8:30 a.m.
Student Council:
The Student Council, governed by the Constitution and
Bylaws for the Student Council, is elected by the student body. Officers are
elected from the Upper School and two class representatives are elected from
each class, Grades 4-8. Students eligible to become Student Council officers
must meet the following criteria based on the year in which they are elected
and on the year in which they serve. Representatives must meet the criteria
based on the year before they are elected and on the year in which they serve.
The criteria are as follows:

proven history of honesty/integrity

leadership ability

no suspensions

no more than 5 checks in any given month*

maintain at least a “C” average for classroom representatives and at
least a “B” average for officers
* any Student Council student exceeding this number will be put on probation
the following month, continued tenure will be subject to the discretion of the
Faculty/Student Council Moderator.
The Student Council provides a forum through which student issues may
be raised and addressed. Officers meet regularly with the Principal and Faculty
Moderator.
23
The Student Council sponsors various spirit-building activities, helps the
school become a more cohesive body, and provides leadership. Proceeds
from fundraisers go to charity or toward activities or equipment that will
enhance the life of the school.
Holy Trinity School Honor Code:
Holy Trinity students strive to make good choices by:
*giving truthful answers.
*playing fairly and by the rules.
*working hard and giving our best effort in all we do.
*showing respect to others with our words and actions.
*taking responsibility for our actions.
Telephone Calls:
The office telephone is for business and emergency use
only. Calls related to illness are made from the Health Coordinator’s office in the
Lower School.
Uniforms:
Children in Nursery through Kindergarten do not wear uniforms.
The purpose of the uniform code is to take away distractions and undue focus
on clothing and accessories. At no time is makeup allowed. Jewelry is not
allowed with the following exceptions: watches, no more than two finger rings,
one short necklace (must stay in shirt/blouse) and one pair of small, single
earrings for girls. Boys may not wear earrings.
The following is not allowed at any time: nail polish or acrylic nails, tattoos
(permanent or temporary), henna or hair color, body painting, body piercing.
Hair for both boys and girls must be neat and away from the eyes. Boy’s hair
may be no longer than the shirt collar. See chart below for more details. Please
see p. 26 for rules regarding proper attire on Tag Days.
The following items MUST be purchased from Flynn and O’Hara: boys’ and
girls’ pants, shorts, golf shirts, long-sleeved polo shirts, gym t-shirts and shorts, girls’
jumpers and skirts. All polo and gym shirts must have the HTS logo. PE shorts and
pants must be solid navy and have no other logos, insignia or stripes.
Uniform shoes: Shoes must be study, black or brown, non-gym shoes.
Uniform shoes include penny loafer, docksiders, dirty bucks, saddle shoes and
oxfords. Boots (high top or ankle) may not be worn. Shoes that look like tennis
shoes are not acceptable. For safety reasons, heels may not be higher than 1
inch, regardless of where the heels of shoes are measured.
If you have any questions, please call the Main Office (202-337-2339)
BEFORE purchasing any uniform item.
*Must be purchased from Flynn and O’Hara.
Fall/Spring
Navy or white golf (long or shortsleeved) shirt with HTS logo*
Khaki uniform shorts or pants*
Boys Grades 1-8
Winter
Navy or white turtleneck (optional)
Gray HTS sweatshirt (optional)*
24
Black or brown belt
Navy or white crew socks (must
cover ankle)
Uniform shoes (see above)
HTS blue sweater (optional)*
Girls Grades 1-4
Fall/Spring
Navy or white golf (long or shortsleeved) shirt with HTS logo* or white
long or short sleeve blouses with a
Peter Pan collar
Plaid jumper* (no shorter that 2”
above the knee) or khaki uniform
pants* or shorts*
Black or brown belt (with khaki
uniform pants of shorts)
Navy or white crew socks (must cover
ankle) or tights
Uniform shoes (see above)
Winter
Navy leggings may be worn under the
jumper (optional)
Navy or white turtleneck (optional)
Gray HTS sweatshirt or HTS blue sweate
(optional)*
Girls Grades 5-8
Fall/Spring
Navy or white golf (long or shortsleeved) shirt with HTS logo*
Plaid skirt* (no shorter that 2” above
the knee) or khaki uniform pants* or
shorts*
Black or brown belt (with khaki
uniform pants of shorts)
Navy or white crew socks (must cover
ankle) or tights
Uniform shoes (see above)
Fall/Spring
HTS navy blue t-shirt*
Winter
Navy leggings may be worn under
the skirt (optional)
Navy or white turtleneck (optional)
Gray HTS sweatshirt* or HTS blue
sweater* (optional)
Gym Uniforms
Solid navy blue shorts (no shorter than
4” above the knee; no logos, insignia,
or stripes)
White crew socks (must cover ankle) or
tights
25
Winter
Plain navy sweatpants (no logos,
insignia or stripes)
HTS sweatshirt* (gray or blue)
Gym shoes (No black soles are
permitted. We discourage the
purchase of expensive gym shoes.)
For girls: on swimming days, one-piece swimming suits only.
In General
Girls
No hair dye (student’s hair must be
his/her natural color)
No makeup
No bracelets. Watches, one short
necklace (must be kept in shirt/blouse)
is allowed
No more than two finger rings are
allowed.
Small earrings only (none that dangle,
and only one pair)
No long nails, acrylic nails, nail polish
Boys
No hair dye (student’s hair must be
his/her natural color)
No makeup
No jewelry, except watches, one shor
necklace (must be kept in shirt)
Hair must be kept neat, off the collar,
and above the eyes
School Wide Programs
Assemblies: Special events are scheduled for the children throughout the
school year. These include performances by various cultural and educational
groups that visit the school as well as programs of music, drama, health, and
safety. HTS students also display their own talents in special shows and drama
presentations. The Lower School holds an assembly each Friday morning for
students and teachers only.
Field Trips:
Class field trips within the city and to nearby points of interest are
scheduled throughout the school year. These trips are designed to supplement
the classroom curriculum. Permission slips are signed by parents prior to all field
trips. Parents are sometimes asked to help with driving. No child may attend a
field trip unless written permission is given. There is always an educational
objective to the trips.
Liturgies:
Monthly liturgies are held in the Church throughout the school year.
All children attend the liturgies. Parents are also welcome. Most liturgies center
around a particular holy day or feast in the Church calendar. Various grades,
with teacher direction, plan the liturgy in conjunction with a school/parish liturgy
planning team. The dates and time for all liturgies will be announced in the
26
weekly newsletter and on the yearly school calendar. On a rotating schedule,
students attend the 8:00 mass in the chapel.
Pictures:
Individual pictures are taken during the first semester of the school
year; class pictures during the second semester. The dates are noted on the
school calendar. Pictures are available for purchase from the photography
company. Children must wear uniforms for the class picture, but may wear free
dress for the individual pictures.
Service Project Opportunities:
During the course of the year, the
students will have several opportunities to participate in service projects on a
class-wide and school-wide basis. Examples include:
Food Drives: Sponsored and run by the Student Council, children
contribute non-perishable items for use by those in need during various times
during the year.
Sandwich Days: Every Wednesday, students may bring in extra
sandwiches. Each week one class is assigned to make extra sandwiches. These
sandwiches are given to Martha’s Table for distribution.
Food Bank: Upper School students are given the opportunity to help
package and prepare for distribution pre-packaged goods.
Giving Tree: (in conjunction with Holy Trinity Parish) Sponsored and run
by the Student Council, Upper School children, during December, choose tags
hung on a Christmas tree in the Upper School. Each tag requests a specific
item, such as a “pair of men’s gloves” to be given to the homeless. These items
are brought into school, wrapped, but with the identifying tag on the outside,
and placed under the tree. The parish then distributes the gifts to the homeless
through various social service agencies in the Washington area.
Toy Sunday: (in conjunction with Holy Trinity Parish) During December,
Lower School children bring in toys which are in good condition for donation to
the Residents Association of Sursum Corda Housing Development, a low income
housing project located near our sister parish, St. Aloysius.
Tag Day:
On regularly scheduled days each month, students may wear
appropriate casual clothes instead of the school uniform. The Student Council
sponsors this activity and a small fee is charged. Clear guidelines are issued for
dress on Tag Days and must be adhered to:

pants – jeans are permitted

shorts – walking length shorts are permitted, no shorts shorter than
where the tip of the fingers touch the leg

shirts must cover the midriff

no inappropriate logos or slogans.

PE uniform is permitted

shoes may include sneakers or shoes with heals no more than one inch.
no flip-flops or open backed shoes

jewelry/make-up/nails – same as uniform days
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
no pajama pants
School Spirit Days:
Sponsored and run by the Student Council to promote
school spirit, students participate in Spirit Day once a month. On Spirit Days,
students may wear one of a number of Spirit Shirts, including their “Thank You
Mrs. Crowley” shirt, past faculty-student basketball shirts, or any of the new
designs that will be available throughout the year from Student Council. On
Spirit Days, students may wear tag day “bottoms” within the boundaries of the
school handbook. Check the calendar and the Tuesday newsletter for dates
and more information.
Special Help
Part of HTS’s mission is to educate an academically diverse student body
to be the best they can be. The school works hard to provide appropriate
support to children when needs are recognized. Because children have
different learning styles, strengths, and skills, the following support systems enable
us to meet the needs of a wide range of students.
Counseling:
A full time Counselor is available to work with parents and
students. In addition, a child/adolescent psychiatrist is available as a
consultant.
Resource Help:
Resource teachers are hired to help students in the areas
of math and reading/writing. They function slightly differently in each of these
disciplines.
Math: One full-time teacher on staff works in conjunction with classroom
teachers, teaching small groups of children or team-teaching within the
classroom.
Science: One full-time teacher works in conjunction with the classroom
teachers, teaching small groups of children or team-teaching within the
classroom.
Reading/Writing: Two full-time teachers work with grades 2-4. For the
reading and language arts period, each grade level is divided heterogeneously
(mixed ability) with the classroom teacher teaching one-half of the class and
the reading specialist the other half. Each teacher has an assistant. This
provides a teacher/ pupil ratio of 14:1 for this crucial subject area.
Summer School: Should a child be required to do summer work, parents will
be notified on the student’s report card at the third marking period. A list of
schools that hold summer sessions will be made available to parents as well as a
list of teachers who will be available for summer tutoring. For required summer
work, a written report must be given to the office in September. Promotion to
the next grade will be denied if summer requirements have not been met.
Diagnostic Testing: Diagnostic testing may be required if it is determined
that more information about a child’s learning profile is needed. Parents must
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agree to this testing as a condition of continued enrollment, and must provide a
follow-up evaluation in a timely manner.
Tutoring: Individual tutoring is available during the school day.
This tutoring is
focused on children who have been diagnosed with a specific learning
disability. When tutoring is necessary, it can be arranged through the school
office for an extra fee. Should after school tutoring be desired, parents can also
make arrangements by calling the school office.
Extracurricular Activities
Athletics:
HTS belongs to the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) and
sponsors teams for grades 3-8 in basketball and track. All students in these
grades who desire to play CYO sports are offered a place on a basketball team
based upon skill and grade level. Players from grades 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 play
together on teams. Participation on sports teams requires online registration
through the CYO Program as well as a registration fee for each sport. Some
scholarships are available. Experienced volunteer coaches are sought from the
community and include parishioners, parents, GU students, and other adults
from within our community.
After School Program:
The After School Program of Holy Trinity School
offers extra classes to students in a variety of areas for an additional fee.
Birthdays:
Please check with your child’s classroom teacher in advance
before providing a snack or treat to commemorate a birthday. Some of our
students are affected by food allergies or are otherwise on restricted diets.
Invitations to birthday parties may not be sent to school for distribution unless all
children in the class are being invited to the party. Out of sensitivity for all of the
children, discussion about parities should not take place at school unless all
children have been invited. Invitations should always reflect the inclusive policy
of the school.
Dances:
Dances held at HTS are approved by the Principal and sponsored
and run by the Student Council. They are open only to students in the 7th and 8th
grades who currently attend HTS. Dances are chaperoned by teachers.
Appropriate behavior is expected. Parents should pick up children promptly at
the time the dance is scheduled to end. Three dances are scheduled; check
the calendar for exact dates.
Socials:
Twice a year, during regular school hours, socials are held for grades
5 and 6. These events are sponsored and run by the Student Council.
Communication
Communications Folder:
The school communicates principally through
a communications folder (aka Tuesday Folder) which is brought home by every
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child every Tuesday. That folder contains announcements, reminders about
scheduling, conduct logs, and test papers. Parents review the materials in the
folder, sign it to indicate they have received and seen the folder, and return the
folder to school on Wednesday.
Newsletter:
In an effort to “go green”, we distribute the weekly HTS Tuesday
newsletter via email. Hard copies are also available on request. Newsletters are
not available through our website to protect the privacy of our students and
their families.
Parent/Teacher Conferences:
A conference can be scheduled any
time during the year at the parents’ or the teacher’s request. Parents desiring a
conference should call the school office and leave a message for the teacher.
Teachers can also be reached through email. A list of teacher emails can be
found earlier in this document or on the HTS website.
Parent Visits:
We love to have you visit. When you do, please follow these
simple guidelines designed for the protection of the children. Upper School:
Please enter through the main door at the top of the front steps on 36th street
and check in at the office. The doorbell is on the left. Lower School: Please
enter at the door below the front steps on 36th Street by the Health Office and
check in at the Health Office on the right. The doorbell is on the left. All school
doors will be locked at all times. We ask that you assist us in maintaining security
by closing doors behind you as you enter or leave. Sign-in is required of all
visitors and a visitor’s badge is issued.
Room Parents:
Every class has room parents to coordinate activities and
communicate with the class. Room parents solicit volunteers to chaperone field
trips, bring in food for class parties and HSA meetings, etc. There are regular
meetings with the Principal for the purpose of coordination/information.
Special Events
Catholic Schools Week:
Every year early in the second semester,
Catholic Schools Week recognizes the traditions and accomplishments of
Catholic education. Parents are invited to spend one morning in school with
their child. The week includes special announcements, celebrations, and
activities designed to give recognition to various members of our school
community: students, parents, and teacher/staff. Each is honored for a
particular day.
Christmas Show:
Each year all of the children participate in a Christmas
Show performed for the parents. The Christmas Show is usually on a weekday
during the last week of school before Christmas break. Check this year’s
calendar for the exact date and time.
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Field Day: The annual school field day is always a highlight of our year and
usually scheduled for the last week of school. Parents are invited and
encouraged to attend and enjoy the day with the children. Volunteer parents
drive children to and from the park. The children bring their own lunches and
play at the park in both organized and unorganized activities.
Sports Award Ceremony:
An awards ceremony is held in the spring to
honor students and coaches who have participated in the CYO Sports Program.
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Dear Parents,
We hope the information in this handbook regarding policies, procedures
and special events is helpful to you. Please call the office if there are any
questions/concerns or if anything needs clarification.
This handbook and the policies contained therein may be changed by the
Principal/Administrator by giving notice in writing to the parents. This
will be done through the school weekly newsletter, if changes are
necessary.
We look forward to working with you throughout this school year, and
we are pleased that you are part of the Holy Trinity family.
Sincerely yours,
Mary Shannon
Principal
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