The school day begins when our bell tolls at 8:10 AM. The normal day
ends with a bell at 2:40 PM.
Tardiness
Students who arrive at school after the 8:10 AM bell may be
considered tardy. If a student is regularly tardy, parents will be
notified.
Absence
When a student is absent from school, a parent or guardian must
contact the school between 7:45 AM and 8:10 AM (by phone at
439-5573) each day the student is absent. New York State law
requires a note be presented to the student's teacher upon return
from any absence. Absentee notes are kept on record for three years.
New York State law requires that extended family vacations be
recorded as illegal absences.
Early Dismissal/Late Arrival
On days when a student must arrive late or be dismissed early, a
parent should notify the school in writing at least 24 hours in
advance. If the late arrival or early dismissal is an emergency
or unanticipated, the parent or guardian must contact the school as
soon as possible.
Transportation
Bus
Bus transportation for students in Kindergarten through Grade 8
is arranged through the student's local public school district.
Families requesting transportation to Saint Thomas must submit their
request for the following school year according to school district
policy. April 1 is usually the deadline for filing for
transportation with the appropriate school district.
Car
Many families choose to drop off and pick up their children via car.
For safety reasons, we have an important procedure for pick-up and
drop-off. Please refer to these policies and directions printed in
the appendix.
Walking
If a student walks to school, he or she must use marked cross walks
and comply with the directions of school crossing guard. Children
should familiarize themselves with all town pedestrian rules.
Transportation Note
Families must submit in writing any changes in a child's normal
transportation arrangements.
Conduct and Courtesy
We expect Christian conduct and courtesy toward others at all times.
Our philosophy aims at motivating students to develop
self-discipline and respect for others. We expect all students to
comply with school policies and directives.
Discipline is a learning experience. Parents can help facilitate
this learning by supporting the staff of St. Thomas the Apostle
School and cooperating fully with our policies and procedures. In
the event that a parent has a question or concern about a policy or
procedure, communication with a teacher or the administrator is most
important.
Late Dismissal
In the normal course of growing, a child will test the limits and
boundaries of proper conduct and courtesy. When this behavior
becomes problematic or consistent, one option for the teacher or
administrator is to keep the child past normal dismissal time for
a late dismissal.
When this is necessary, the teacher or administrator will notify the
child's parent or guardian at least one day before the late
dismissal. The parent is responsible to make alternative
arrangements for transportation for the child. If for some reason
the child cannot stay on the assigned day, we expect parents to
cooperate with the teacher in choosing an alternative day.
Visitors and Parents
Visitors are welcome at St. Thomas the Apostle School. All visitors
must sign in at the main office and wait for directions from the
staff. Visitors, including parents, may not go to the classroom
without signing in at the office. This is for the safety of all the
children.
If a parent picks up a child for early dismissal, the parent is to
wait in the lobby until the child arrives.
Items brought to school for a child must be left at the main office.
