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Q: Can you tell me more about your
curriculum?
A: To ensure academic excellence, greater fairness, and higher
literacy, elementary and middle schools need a solid, specific, shared core
curriculum in order to help children establish strong
foundations of knowledge, grade by grade. The E.D.
Hirsch
curriculum in harmony with the Massachusetts frameworks and the guidelines
established by the Archdiocese of Boston, provides a comprehensive curriculum.
This curriculum is reviewed by staff/teachers as well as the NEASC to continue
to maintain our high standards of education.
Q: How can I learn more about what is taught at St.
Michael School in each grade?
A: Check out our
Curriculum Page and feel free to call the school for specific questions or a
tour.
Q: How can I get
more involved in the school?
A: The PTO has a detailed volunteer
survey that is sent home to all parents at the beginning of the school
year. The survey informs parents of many and varied volunteer
opportunities. After completion of the survey, committee chairpersons will
contact you regarding your interests. If you have a specific talents to
share, please contact Miss Reidy in the office at 688-9181. Teachers will
also let parents know of their classroom needs for volunteers. Please
contact the PTO coordinators at any time regarding volunteer
opportunities. Check your monthly newsletter as well. New needs are
always popping up!
Q: Is there anything
special done in the classroom for holidays or a child’s birthday?
A: Each classroom has
different procedures. Contact your child’s teacher to check out what is most
appropriate. Keep in mind that St. Michael School is a peanut free environment. There are many students with food
allergies, therefore food is not allowed in the classrooms. A great way to honor your special child is to donate a book
to the library.
Q: How do you join the
PTO or the PTO-Executive Board and when are the meetings?
A: All parents are automatically enrolled in the PTO. PTO
leadership and planning board are voluntary positions with leadership positions
approved by the planning board and the school administration. If you have
a desire to find out more about the Planning Board, please contact the PTO
coordinators. The planning board meets once monthly with general meetings
being held 2-3 times during the school year. Dates and times are posted in
advance.
Q: Is there a list of
faculty, administration, nurse, etc.?
A: That information is commonly
found in the September Newsletter and the Phone Directory that is sent to each
family at the beginning of the school year. You will be advised of any changes
in staff in our Newsletter!
Q: Is there a schedule of
holy days, holidays, school vacations?
A: We follow the town of North Andover
for school vacations and curriculum days, however, due to
scheduling it is not always possible. A tentative schedule of holy days and
holidays is issued in the September Newsletter. In addition each Newsletter
contains a monthly calendar.
Q: What is a Curriculum Day?
A: A Curriculum Day is a day when the
teachers work on curriculum and objectives for the year. Usually, the children
will be dismissed at 12:15pm. However, dismissal times depend on the North
Andover Public School System and busing services.
Q: How do students get a
no uniform pass?
A: Classroom teachers will occasionally give students a no uniform
pass as reward for exemplary work. These passes can only be used on certain
days. You must check with your classroom teacher for restrictions.
Q: How are allergies handled?
A: If your child has
any type of allergies, you should speak to the school nurse and your child's
classroom teacher. Remember St. Michael School strives to be peanut butter
free. Please do not bring any items into school that contain peanut
butter.
Q: Should the morning snack be in a separate bag from
lunch?
A: For younger children it is usually
more convenient to put snacks and lunch in separate bags that are clearly
marked. Again, your classroom teacher would be the best resource to find out
what is most convenient for your child’s class.
Q: Do socks
and tights need to be purchased through the uniform company? Absolutely not. As long as they
are in the appropriate color, feel free to buy them at the best price. For
information and requirements about uniforms please refer to the student
handbook. There is a special handbook for Nursery, Pre-K & K and a more
comprehensive handbook for grades 1-8. These books are normally distributed to
each family at the beginning of the school year.
Q: Can my daughter wear pants in the winter?
A: All girls may wear the uniform navy pants.
Q: What type of shoes
should be worn with the uniform?
A: Dress shoes with rubber soles must be
worn on all full uniform days except gym days when sneakers are allowed
(no bright or distracting colors). Nursery & Pre-K,
however, may wear sneakers at all times. In the winter, students can wear boots
and bring shoes to change into. Also, if at all possible, try to find shoes
non-marking soles.
Q: What is the Student to Teacher ratio?
A: In Nursery the ratio is
10
students to 1 teacher. In Pre-K the average ratio is 10 to 1. In Kindergarten
the average ratio is 14 to 1. In Grades 1-2 the average class size is 25
and in grades 3-8 the average class size is 26.
We maintain a waiting list for each grade.
Q: What high schools do St. Michael School Students
attend?
A: In addition to local public high
schools, a majority of students each year go on to private or parochial high
schools. St. Michael School graduates have been accepted at some of the finest
secondary schools in the Merrimack Valley, such as: Austin Preparatory, Bishop
Fenwick School, Brooks School, Central Catholic, Governor's Academy, Middlesex High School, Notre Dame Academy, Our Lady of
Nazareth Academy, Phillips Academy (Andover), Pingree, Presentation of Mary Academy and
St. John’s Preparatory.
Q: Are there scholarships
available to our graduating 8th Graders?
A: We work very hard to solicit
community support. Annually we award between $3,000 and $5,000 in scholarship
dollars. Most scholarships are based on merit.
Q: What happens if I need
uniforms during the school year?
A: J.B Edward Uniform Company can supply
uniforms throughout the school year. Simply call them at (617)323-8832. Also,
keep in mind, that we have a uniform exchange program.
Q: Is there a yearly calendar for Extended Day?
A: No. Extended Day is available during school time. Extended Day is only run during
vacations and holy days when there is a need. Check with Mrs.
Hughes at
686-4151 about availability for those special times. We do not run the
Extended Day program over the summer.
Q: How do I notify the school if my home or work
address or phone number change?
A: Please drop a note to Mrs. Donahue with your old and new address &
phone number and we will update your child’s permanent record and emergency
information.
Q: How do I donate a book to the Library?
A: Simply call the office and request a
form from Mrs. Meredith, our librarian. She will be more than happy to recommend
book titles.
Q: If I have a question,
how do I contact my child’s teacher?
A: The best way is to drop the teacher a
note or phone the school office requesting an appointment. Oftentimes, teachers
do not have a free moment to make appointments or return phone calls during
school hours, but they are more than willing to contact you before or after
school time.
Q: If my child misses school, what is the procedure?
A: Please call the school in the
morning. Do remember to send a brief note explaining the situation when your
child returns. This note is recorded on your child’s attendance record.
Q: How do I get health forms and when are they due?
A: It is a state regulation that NO
child can attend school without an updated health form on record. Contact the
school nurse, at 686-1862 to request a form.
Q: When is registration for my younger children who
would be entering SMS next year?
A: Registration is held in December for
the following fall. Watch the November Newsletter for details. Priority is given
for families with siblings in upper grades.
Q: When will I receive information regarding the bus
that my child will take?
A: That information is supplied by the
Laidlaw Bus Company and is published in the North Andover Citizen and Lawrence Eagle
Tribune, approximately two weeks before school begins.
Q: Do all grades have morning snack?
A: Yes, all grades, from Pre-K through
Grade 8, have a few moments to catch a snack. Keep in mind that we are a
peanut-free environment. Check labels carefully. Healthy
snacks can be purchased in the vending machine in the Main
Street Atrium. Prices vary from 60 cents to $1.25.
Q: What is the gym schedule?
A: The gym schedule is published the
first week of school. Children in grades 1-8 wear the school gym uniform on gym
day.
Q: Do we wear uniforms the first day of school?
A: Yes, all students begin
wearing their uniforms on the first day of school.
Q: Do all classes change teachers for different
subjects?
A: Grade K through 8 switch teachers.
The amount of switching varies per grade level. Check with your child’s
homeroom teacher for more detailed information.
Q: How does the school handle children who are
accelerated or need extra help?
A: We teach to the top and provide many
different learning experiences for all children. If your child has special
needs, feel free to contact your classroom teacher.
Q: What is Tag Day?
A: Tag Day is a special day, sponsored by the Student Council. On
this day, students make a small donation which allows them to wear something
other than the school uniforms. Funds are used to aid local charities and organizations.
Q: How many recesses do the children have?
A: Grades 1 through 8 have two breaks.
Children normally go outside (weather
permitting) and have free play after lunch. Children are not encouraged to bring toys from
home. Donations of jump ropes, chalk, nerf balls, very soft footballs and jacks
are welcomed by your classroom teacher. Pre-K and K follow a half day schedule,
contact your child’s teacher for details.
Q: How often are parent/teacher conferences?
A: We have an open house and formal
conferences throughout the year. The number of conferences vary on different
grade levels. Additional conferences can be requested at any time. Just drop
your teacher a note to set up a time.
Q: Is homework assigned to all grades and how much
should each grade expect?
A: Homework is assigned for grades K
through 8. Class expectations are addressed at our first open house in
September. Check out your student handbook for guidelines on written and study
homework.
Q: What is the warm weather uniform?
A: Grades K-8 can wear uniform shorts (not cargo type), polo shirts
and sneakers during warm weather days.
Q: Do children go on field trips?
A: The frequency & choices of field trips depends on the classroom
curriculum. In addition, the school sponsors various Enrichment Programs that
come to the school. In the past we have had various authors, operas and science
& wild life demonstrations visit our school.
Q: Can parents volunteer in the classroom or on fields
trips?
A: There are occasions to help in your
child’s class. The classroom teacher will send home notes when specific help
is needed. If you have a talent you would like to share, drop your teacher a
note.
Q: What is the RE-SEED Program?
A: RE-SEED is a Northeastern University program that prepares retired
volunteers with science and engineering backgrounds to assist middle school
science teachers with activity-based teaching. The program which started
in 1991 with six participants, has now trained over 230 volunteers in five New
England states and is continuing to grow rapidly. Our RE-SEED volunteer,
Mr. Anderson meets with children in grades 4-8 and covers the physical science
topics of Simple Machines, Density, Electro-magnetism, Newton's Laws of Motion,
Pressure, Space, Bubbles and Aerodynamics. Parents and friends are invited
to his presentations. Check the monthly Newsletter for dates and
times. For more information click here.
Q: What grades participate in the Science Fair?
A: Grades 6-8 compete annually here at Saint Michael's.
Outstanding projects also go on to compete at the Massachusetts State Middle
School Science Fair. The students in grades 2-5
participate in a Science Demonstration night.
Q: Who attends First Friday Liturgies?
A: Students in Grades 1-8
(and the mixed Kindergarten program) worship
together monthly. From lectures to greeters, the students plan, prepare and
participate in all aspects of their assigned Mass. Parents are invited to these
liturgies that are held in the upper Church at 9:15am on the first Friday of every
month.
St. Michael School is an entity of love, faith and
exemplary education.
Above information, subject
to change without notice |
