"Dream Big, Start Here!"
MISSION STATEMENT OF ST. STEPHEN'S ACADEMY
Jesus said, "Let the children come to me and do not stop them because the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to
such as these." Matthew 19:14
The mission of St. Stephen’s Academy is to establish a Catholic environment for the spiritual, physical,
intellectual, emotional and social development of each student.


PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
It is the philosophy of St. Stephen’s Academy to provide for the development of the whole person. We believe
students learn best by a variety of methods, which include cooperative learning, attention to brain research,
literacy strategies, and the use of manipulatives and technology.

Spiritually
  By witnessing Gospel values to the child, stressing sacramental preparation and participation, we instill the
importance of the development of a personal relationship with God and service to one another.
Intellectually
  By stressing excellence in education, we strive to develop each child’s academic skills, encourage the
development of their unique talents and instill an appreciation for learning as a lifelong process.
Emotionally
  By providing a Christ-like environment which promotes the dignity of the individual, we help each child to
recognize a personal sense of self worth and respect for the dignity of others.
Socially
  By fostering inner discipline and instilling social awareness, we prepare the child to be a witness of Catholic
values in the world of tomorrow.
Physically
  By educating the child to the importance of maintaining a wholesome and physically sound personal life
style, we offer programs that promote healthy living.


Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph Parent-Teacher Covenant
Because our school strives to be a faith community, parent cooperation and good parent-teacher relations are
essential.

As members of a faith community, our first instinct is to assume that all of us, teachers, administrators, parents,
guardians and other care-givers, have the child’s best interest at heart. While our school is excellent in many
ways, no one within our community is perfect and problems and misunderstandings will occur. When a
problem or disagreement arises, we will make every effort to contact you to clarify the situation. Parents,
guardians and family members who experience problems, or are confused with some matter regarding your
child’s educational experience, are asked to show similar respect by: a) striving first to learn the reasons behind
a policy; b)inquiring about the teacher’s or school’s understanding or decision before judging or forming an
opinion. Those who are not satisfied with what they have learned are asked to approach the administration to
investigate the matter. In this way, positive resolutions can be reached.

Parents and guardians are asked to follow these guidelines for expressing concern over a school matter.

If the problem involves routine procedures such as homework, class assignments, classroom or playground
behavior, or student-to-student problems, then the parent is asked to contact the teacher first. The best way to
do this is usually through a phone call to the school where a message will be given to the teacher to return
your call. For a variety of reasons, parents should not attempt to bring up a difficult or serious matter in front of
other students while the teacher is on duty during the regular school day.
If the problem is more serious, the parent or guardian should inform the principal in writing or with a phone
call. Only signed notes or callers who identify themselves will be taken seriously. Due to school responsibilities,
the principal may not be available immediately; therefore, patience in setting appointments or in expecting a
return phone call is requested. Since concern for your child is uppermost in all our minds, we will make every
effort to accommodate you and your concerns. We simply ask that you understand that many children and
other parents may also be requiring our immediate attention at the time.
All staff members of our school promise prompt attention to problems, privacy in discussing matters,
professional courtesy and respect when problems are presented, and a sincere effort to resolve problems in a
Christian manner. That is, we promise to approach problems and misunderstandings in a manner that
expresses genuine concern for the welfare of your child spiritually, psychologically, academically, and
physically, and also the welfare of this or her fellow students.
With this in mind, parents and guardians are expected to show the same concern and respect for the staff of
our school, as well as the other children and families of your community. The following behaviors, therefore,
are unacceptable within our community: We will not tolerate assaults or harassment of a staff member,
student, parent guardian or family member. Nor will we tolerate intimidating or verbally abusing any member
of the community – in person or in writing.
Commission of any of the above acts on the part of a staff member will lead to appropriate disciplinary
actions. Likewise, misconduct on the part of a parent, guardian or family member may lead to a warning or
one of the following actions: a) limiting or refusing permission to enter or use school grounds or facilities: b)
asking that someone other than the person exhibiting poor behavior represent the child’s interest on school
matters; c) refusing to allow the child to re-register, and, in extreme cases, initiating procedures to ask the
family to withdraw the child from the school.
We rely on the good faith and the sincere efforts of everyone in the school community to keep the spirit of the
covenant so that we may become the genuine faith community which we strive to be.


I. GOALS OF ST. STEPHEN'S ACADEMY
  1. The Spiritual life of students will be developed by:
  1. The Intellectual growth of students will be developed by:
  1. The Emotional well-being of students will be developed by:
  1. The Social well-being of students will be developed by:
  1. The Physical well-being of students will be developed by:


II. ADMINSTATION
  1. Administrator: Father Santiag Acuna Osorio is ex officio, the chief administrative officer of the school
    and the spiritual leader.
  2. Principal: The Principal is the administrative leader of the school. She/he is responsible to the
    administrator, diocesan superintendent and state officials.
  3. Faculty: All the members will assist the Principal and one another to develop academic programs and
    maintain a Christian atmosphere in the school.


III. EDUCATION CONSULTATIVE GROUP

  1. The local Education Consultative Group shall provide regular counsel and support to the principal in
    matters of recruitment, admissions, policy recommendation, public relations, school finance, long-
    range planning and development.
  2. The Education Consultative Group meets regularly on the fourth Thursday of each month. All
    meetings are open to the public.


IV. ADMISSION AND REGISTRATION

  1. To enter Kindergarten or Beginning Primary, a student will be eligible depending on age, maturity,
    and readiness. Admission age should conform to local laws...five years of age on or before July 31...
    Kindergarten screening is held in May.
  2. Children must be six years old by July 31 or have successfully completed kindergarten when entering
    first grade.
  3. To enter Primary, Intermediate or Junior High, the family shall be interviewed by the principal. All
    transfer students are considered on a Temporary Probationary Status until it is determined whether or
    not St. Stephen's Academy is, in fact, the correct school for them academically and socially. It may
    be determined by the principal and staff that St. Stephen's Academy cannot meet the needs of the
    student. If this occurs, he/she will not receive final acceptance in our school. The probationary period
    will last one quarter. Students who enter during the school year will be placed on a one-quarter
    probation. In cases where a child does not demonstrate adequate growth academically, behavioral,
    or emotionally, St. Stephen's Academy reserves the right to require a professional evaluation. After
    assessment, if we cannot meet the child's needs, alternate placement, possibly in another school,
    may be required.
  4. St. Stephen's Academy follows Diocesan guidelines for admission of students and complies with State
    and Federal laws prohibiting discrimination. Both faculty and students in true ecumenical spirit will
    welcome all students into the Christian educational community of the school or center. We admit
    students of any sex, race, color, national and/or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and
    activities accorded to students of the school or center.
  5. Pre-registration for the school year will be in February. Tuition contracts for students will be signed in
    August. If registrations are closed for any class, the request will be placed on a waiting list.
  6. IMMUNIZATION RECORDS on an official form must be on file at the school for all students. By state
    law, no student is allowed to stay in school unless he/she has complied with all necessary
    immunizations.
  7. An OFFICIAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE is required for each student entering St. Stephen’s Academy.
    Catholic children are required to present a BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE.
  8. Any non-Catholic enrolling as a student at St. Stephen’s Academy will take part in all phases of the
    school program including prayer, Mass and religion classes. This does not include participation in
    reception of the sacraments. There will be no distinction made because of religion.
  9. New students must present a report card from the former school and release for records to be sent from
    the former school. Enrollments will not be finalized until the principal has had an opportunity to
    review records from the previous school. In some instances, an interview with the parent and child will
    be scheduled.


V. ATTENDANCE AND WITHDRAWAL

  1. Missouri Law requires 174 instructional days each year. The school calendar lists holidays and school
    activities.
  2. Absenteeism:
  3. Regular Attendance: It is extremely important that students attend school on a regular basis. A poor
    attendance record may result in dismissal from St. Stephen's Academy.
  4. If a student becomes ill at school, the parents or other authorized adult listed on the Emergency Card
    will be contacted. Any child, who is running a fever or is sent to school while still ill, will be sent
    home. Parents should be certain to indicate on their emergency card a family member or friend who
    is able to pick up the child should this occur when the parent is not available.
  5. Absences: In the event a child is absent, parents are required to call the school office (816-231-5227)
    before 9:00 a.m. and explain the reason for their child’s absence. If no phone call or a note is
    received, the parent will be called.
  6. Parents are encouraged to schedule dental or medical appointments during non-school hours
    whenever possible. If a student must be absent from school for a doctor or dentist appointment the
    parent or guardian must provide a note signed by the doctor when the student returns to school
  7. Parents are discouraged from taking their children on extended vacations during the school term. If a
    family trip is planned, please contact the teacher and the principal. Students are expected to contact
    teachers for assignments and to complete these within a reasonable time. It is at the discretion of the
    teacher to determine whether full credit, partial credit, or no credit will be given for the work
    submitted.
  8. Ordinarily students that are absent only one day will pick up homework the day they return to school.
    Requests for homework assignments for a student that is absent more than one day must be made to
    the school by 9:00 a.m. Assignments may be picked up in the office after 2:50 p.m. Students will have
    two days for each day absent to make up work assigned during their absence. If students had prior
    knowledge of a test, they will take the test upon returning to class.
  9. St. Stephen’s Academy believes regular school attendance is essential to the educational success
    and grade promotion of your student. An elementary school student with more than twenty absences
    in a school year may have to repeat the same grade the next year. In accordance with Missouri state
    law, parents and guardians will be held responsible for sending their children to school.
  10. As the parent, guardian or custodian of a child, you must notify the school in writing or by phone to
    give the reason for each time your child is absent. You must provide this written explanation within 24
    hours of the absence. The parent of a child who is absent five or more consecutive days must furnish
    a written health care provider’s explanation on the provider’s stationery or letterhead.
  11. It is important for students to attend classes through the last day of school. Report cards will not be
    issued early.
  12. Tardies: The tardy bell rings at 8:00 a.m. A student arriving after 8:00 a.m. will be considered tardy
    and must report to the school office to explain the reason for being late and to receive an admit slip
    to the classroom. Tardies should be rare. Parents will be contacted about excessive tardies of
    students. Any child attending less than two hours of class will be marked absent for the day.
  13. Leaving Early: If students must leave school early, a parent must sign the student out in the office. A
    student attends school for at least four hours on a given day it is not considered an absence. A student
    attending at least two hours but less than four instructional hours it will be considered as a half-day
    absence. If the school is in a half-day session, this will be counted a full day absence.
  14. Withdrawal: When a student withdraws from school, parents must inform the office immediately, giving
    date of withdrawal, and the name and address of school to which student will transfer.
  15. Snow Days: The decision on closing will be made and conveyed to the media by the Central City
    Schools. If Central City Schools are closed, St. Stephen’s will not have school. Information about
    school closing will also be on the school’s answering machine by dialing 231-5227. Any time weather
    conditions are such that parents have a concern about their children’s health, safety or welfare,
    parents are permitted to come to school and pick up their children.

VI: Tuition and Fees

  1. Financial responsibility for the education of St. Stephen’s Academy has been set and approved by the
    Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese. Each parent must take his or her financial obligation seriously. Fees
    are updated on a yearly basis on the budgeted cost per pupil. Tuition payment is based on a ten-
    month schedule beginning August to May.
  2. Tuition for:
  1. Any payment sent to the school should be in an envelope clearly marked with the name, class and
    purpose. This should be sent to the school office.
  2. All tuition payments are due in the office on the first school day of each month. Your prompt payment
    is appreciated and very necessary if we are, in turn, to meet our financial obligations in a timely
    manner.
  3. If, for some reason, you cannot make your tuition payment as scheduled please contact the school
    office as soon as possible to set a meeting with the principal. Every effort will be made to assist those
    who find themselves in difficult financial or personal situations.
  4. Students whose tuition is sixty days delinquent may be suspended from School. Students will not be
    readmitted until the tuition is brought up-to-date and/or an arrangement has been made with the
    principal. No grades will be issued or transcripts forwarded until the tuition is paid in full.
  5. A charge of $20.00 will be made on checks returned to us by the bank.

VII. ORDER OF THE DAY

  1. School hours: Classes begin at 8:00 a.m. and dismissal is at 3:00 p.m. Students should not arrive
    earlier than 7:30 a.m. Students arriving before 7:30 a.m. will be sent to the Extended Day Program
    and billed accordingly.
  2. Early Dismissal Day: School will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m.
  3. Staff-Development Days: Please consult calendar. School will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m. Lunch will
    be served.
  4. Recess: Recess is in the afternoon for grades K-2.
  5. Lunch Period: Grades K, 1 and 2 will begin lunch at 11:00 a.m. Grades 3,4 and 5 at 11:35 and
    Grades 6,7 and 8 at 12:05. Students are encouraged to take part in the Breakfast and Hot Lunch
    Programs.

VIII. RELIGION PROGRAM

  1. Mass Attendance: Students will plan and attend the Eucharistic Liturgy according to weekly schedule.
  2. Religion Classes: Study of the Catholic religion is part of school curriculum in every grade. Bible and
    approved religion text classes are taught daily. Catholic doctrine, morals and application of the
    Christian principles of daily living are integrated into every class.
  3. Prayer: Prayer is part of the morning, lunch, and dismissal exercises of the day.
  4. Preparation of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist will be held during second grade. The
    pastor, teacher and parents will work with the preparation.

IX: CURRICULUM

  1. A Kindergarten through eighth grade program is maintained in sequential form to prepare students for
    high school and for life.
  2. Subjects Taught: The curriculum follows the requirements of the State of Missouri with textbooks
    recommended by the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and Missouri Education Department.
    Recommendations are also made by the Principal and school textbook committees.
  3. Grading System:
  1. Grading: Students are graded on written work, class participation and subject tests.
  2. Reporting: Report cards are given out four times yearly, at the end of each quarter of the
    school year. First and third quarter report cards are given to parents at mandatory Parent-
    Teacher Conferences. Second, Third and Fourth Quarter report cards will be mailed home, if
    you are up to date in your financial obligations. In addition, conferences with teachers may
    be set up for any afternoon after dismissal by contacting the individual teacher in advance.
  1. Retention Policy:
  1. Study Habits:
  1. Homework:
  1. Field Trips:

I/we the parent(s)/guardians of (child’s name), request that the school allow my/our son/daughter to participate
in (indicate name of activity/trip).
I/we hereby release and save harmless St. Stephen’s Academy and any and all of its employees from any and
all liability for any and all harm arising to my/our son/daughter as a result of this trip.
Signed _________________________________
Date ___________________________________

X: DISCIPLINE

  1. Philosophy: We believe that parents and teachers share the responsibility for the development of
    positive behavior in the spirit of Christian principles. The disciplinary code shall aim for behavior
    proceeding from a positive self-concept and internalized conviction rather than proceeding from
    external enforced controls. Therefore all disciplinary actions must meet the following criteria:
  1. Respect for Property:
  1. Unacceptable behavior:
  1. Violence:
  1. Three (3) behavior referrals (detentions for misconduct according to the school
    handbook).
  2. Life skills sheet completed and after school time (30 minutes) for each offense
  3. Time will be served with person issuing the referral.
  4. The fourth (4th) referral, this will result in an out of school suspension (OS), plus a
    conference with the parents (guardians), student, teacher, principal and counselor (if
    needed).
  5. On the fifth (5th) referral, this will result in an out of school suspension and a review
    conference with all involved parties. This conference is to inform all involved that
    the next referral that is received by the student, will result in permanent expulsion of
    the student from St. Stephen’s Academy.
  1. General Rules:


XI. COMMUNICATION

  1. The administration and staff seek opportunities to communicate with parents. A bi-monthly newsletter,
    Open House nights, as well as, individual conversations on the telephone or in person, are some of
    the means of communication.
  2. Parents must attend P.T.O. meetings so that they are aware of programs and policies that effect their
    child(ren).
  3. Teachers are required to be in communication with parents regarding individual student progress,
    including reporting the positive things a child has accomplished, as well as, the needs for
    improvement.
  4. Parent-Teacher-Student conferences are required after the First Quarter and Third Quarter but may be
    scheduled at other times during the year.
  5. Concerns and questions by parents and teachers should be communicated to the parties involves.
    Parents are encouraged to contact their child's teacher to ask questions, express concerns and
    cooperate in solving problems. Notes from parents are appreciated.
  6. Telephone:
  1. Parents are encouraged to visit their child's class. Please notify your child's teacher and the school
    office in advance of your planned visit. During the first and last month of school, visits to classes are
    discouraged.
  2. THE SCHOOL DOORS WILL REMAIN LOCKED DURING THE SCHOOL DAY. Please use the buzzer
    for admittance.
  3. All visitors to the school must report to the school office, and sign in before going to classrooms.
  4. A school roster is issued by the PTO listing all students and their addresses, phone numbers and grade.
  5. PTO meetings are a vital means of communication. Parents are expected to be active members of
    this organization and to participate in the mandatory fund-raising ($250.00 per family per year).
  6. Check Section IX: For communication regarding discipline policies and procedures.

XII. HEALTH AND SAFETY

  1. Emergencies.
  1. Medicine.