Parent - School Relations
Parents are a very important part of our school. We encourage parents to be involved in their child(ren)’s education as much as possible. Some of our best improvements have been a direct result of parent suggestions. Involved parents are essential to the functioning of the school.
Communication
Parent Meetings
Parent meetings will be held as scheduled (see the school calendar for dates). These are the primary opportunities for the discussion of important school matters, and provide a forum for parents to ask questions, give suggestions, and interact with one another and the staff as a group. Many good things can come out of these meetings! At least one parent is required to attend.
As Needed
All staff members, including the office, are available by e-mail, and usually text message, and also make every effort to connect with parents in person, as needed. Most teachers send out e-mails about class activities on a weekly basis. An email from the office goes out weekly with upcoming events and important information and reminders. Daily opportunities for parent/teacher conversations occur when students are picked up. Parent Teacher conferences are held for every student in the fall, and then by arrangement whenever the teacher or parent deems they are necessary.
Parental Commitment with St. Lawrence Academy
Every parent must commit to the following:
I recognize that the school has the full responsibility and authority for placement of my child(ren) in the proper grade/class.
I understand that I am liable for charges arising from loss or damage to school property (including books issued to my child), regardless of whether such damage was caused by accident or not. I understand that the school is not responsible for loss or damage to personal property.
Attendance
I agree to have my child(ren) at school, on time, on scheduled school days unless ill and understand that removing students from school for vacations and other non-school related events has the potential to send mixed messages to the students about the importance of school and can negatively impact grades.
Enrollment
I understand that enrollment at St. Lawrence Academy is a privilege and not a right; that said privilege could be revoked at any time; that the school board, faculty, and Principal of St. Lawrence Academy are the determiners of all school policy and thus administratively set the standard for continued attendance at St. Lawrence Academy.
Discipline
St. Lawrence Academy believes good discipline is essential for a positive learning experience. Each teacher has age appropriate, classroom rules of conduct and procedures. Each teacher has guidelines for dealing with infractions, beginning with a conversation with the student(s).
If a student’s behavior requires further attention, parents may be contacted, and the student may have a visit with the principal. In most cases, incidents of hitting and other adverse, intentional physical contact will result in a student being sent home. The Academy does not tolerate physical violence.
The Academy does not tolerate bullying, teasing or gossip. We make every effort to work through such situations together, at school. We help students understand how their behavior choices can positively or negatively affect situations, using examples and through discussions. We want our students to learn how to lovingly and effectively deal with others. Parents are encouraged to listen to their students and contact their child’s teacher with any concerns. St. Lawrence Academy values community and we will do everything we can to encourage and preserve an atmosphere of joy and peace.
I agree to abide by and fully support the school’s disciplinary decisions. If, after reasonable effort has been made to discipline my child(ren) and to assist his/her academic adjustment, he/she does not comply with the standards of the school, I agree to withdraw him/her from enrollment and pay for all costs incurred.
I recognize that the school reserves the right to dismiss any student who does not respect its spiritual, academic, and behavioral standards, or cooperate in the education process. I hereby authorize the school to use such discipline as it considers just and necessary for the good of my child, including suspensions and expulsion. I further agree that I will cooperate and support the school’s policies and procedures.
Grievances
If any member of my family should experience trouble arising out of this school relationship or have difficulty with or disagree with a teacher, other personnel, or its policies and procedures, I will register my complaint with the proper school personnel. I agree to adhere to the following procedure:
- Speak with the parent/teacher concerned.
- If I do not get satisfaction by doing #1, I will speak with the Principal.
- In the event a satisfactory resolution is not reached through steps #1 and #2, I will speak with the SLA School Board. (schoolboard@slocc.com).
I understand the standards of St. Lawrence Academy in all areas including character, academics, social, and spiritual development. I recognize that St. Lawrence Academy is an Orthodox school and approaches education and character development from an Orthodox Christian mindset. I have read the “Statement of Faith” and agree to support and abide by all the policies and procedures of St. Lawrence Academy.
St. Lawrence Academy exists to serve students and parents who support Orthodox Christian values. I realize that what the school teaches may conflict with what I teach my children at home. I agree to communicate with my child(ren)’s teacher(s) about any issues that may arise related to St. Lawrence Academy’s beliefs, approaches to education, spiritual formation, and character development.
Parent Meetings
I understand that at least one parent or guardian is required to attend pre-scheduled parent meetings. As these are the primary opportunities for the discussion of important school matters, attendance is non-negotiable.
Volunteer Hours and Fundraising
I understand that St. Lawrence Academy, like other private schools, thrives through the support of the entire school community, which includes parents. This means a certain amount of volunteer hours are required of parents. While most parents are amazingly supportive and give an enormous amount of time and energy to the school, it is necessary to ensure that the workload for these events is spread equally among all families.
I agree to participate in and support all school functions and fundraising events and to volunteer a minimum of 35 hours per family in the Parent Volunteer Program (17 hours for single parent families). Or pay $20 for each hour not worked by May 15 for non-returning families or by July 31 for returning/registered families. (These hours/fees will be prorated for late enrollment or early withdrawal.)
