Policies

 

Policies apply to all age groups unless otherwise noted.

 

Mass Attendance

 

Mass attendance is the essential and central part of passing on the faith.  Saint Monica’s Religious Education program complements, but does not replace your children’s participation at the Sunday liturgy with their family.  We encourage and support your commitment to make sure your children attend Mass as well as classes, and LIFE Events.  Doing so will nourish and strengthen their faith and understanding.

Discuss with your family how you will schedule attending Sunday Mass as a family and also faithfully attend Religious Education classes and Life Events.

 

Attendance

 

We celebrate your Baptismal commitment to educate your child in our parish.  Every effort should be made to have your child  attend class.  Absences should only be the result of illness or family emergency, not sporting activities or vacations.  In the instance of a child having more than one custodial home, please contact the Religious Education Office so that we may better serve your family’s needs. 

 

V          Parents should communicate absences to the Religious Education office at

          678-584-9947 ext. 21 and  High School ext. 20.

 

V          If more than two (2) classes are missed, your child will be considered at risk of an
  incomplete on his/her record for the year. 

 

V          LIFE Events count as a class.  Students in grades 1-8 are expected to attend 8 LIFE

        Events in addition to one semester of classes.  Attending 8 LIFE Events and all the

        RE classes will complete the Religious Education program successfully.

 

V         Parents of students in grades 1-8 are responsible for obtaining the lesson for a

       missed  class.  They should assist the child with the completion of the lesson and

       return it to the catechist.

 

V         Youth Ministry (High School) does not offer make up work.

 

V         Students participating in the Youth Ministry Group, who choose to leave the  activity

       site will not be allowed to re-enter and the parish will no longer be responsible for

       them.

 

V         Classes begin promptly.  Please help  your child be on time.

 

Conduct

 

Students are expected to participate in class activities and discussions. Life as a Christian is a commitment to live by the example of Jesus Christ.  This includes accepting responsibility for conduct and actions, along with the commitment to respect the rights of others. 

 

Discipline

 

The catechist will handle normal discipline problems.  If a problem becomes persistent, the student will be sent to the session Coordinator or Coordinator of Religious Education.  A continuing problem may necessitate a call to the parents.  A parent may be requested to attend class with a child in extreme cases and ultimately removal from the program may be necessary.  Disciplinary infractions include, but are not limited to abusive language, fighting, vandalism, disrespect to catechist or other students, stealing, and leaving the building during class time.

 

Weather

 

If Gwinnett County Schools are closed for severe or inclement weather, classes will not be held.   If you judge conditions in your area to be unsafe, please stay home and call us at ext. 21 to inform us. 

 

Emergency Contacts

 

If an emergency should arise while your child is attending Religious Education classes, you may reach the Session Coordinator at 678-584-9947 ext 34. 

 

Special Needs

 

Please let us know if there are any medical conditions, learning or physical needs which may affect your child’s learning experience.  Our goal is to provide a positive, affirming atmosphere in which all students can learn and grow in their faith.

 

Communication

 

Communication between parish and family is essential.  We communicate to you through the parish bulletin, pulpit announcements at the conclusion of Mass and our parish web site at www.saintmonicas.com.  There are separate calendars for each program, which are available on the information counter in the Religious Education Building.   Don’t forget that  we rely on you to keep us informed of important developments in your family life that affect our ability to serve you.

 

Cell Phones / Pagers

 

V         Use of cell phones and pagers during class is not permitted.

 

Safety

 

The safety of your children is very important to us. To ensure the safety of your children we have instituted the following measures:

V         All K-8 parents are required to park their cars and escort children to and from the classroom.

V         Park ONLY in designated parking spaces.

V         Respect handicap and reserved parking spaces.

V         All Pre– K - 8 children are not be permitted to leave the building without an adult.

V         All children should arrive no more than ten (10) minutes before the beginning of class.

Parents should not leave a child in a classroom unattended by a catechist.