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School Schedule
Tardiness, Absences and Dismissals
Cars
Buses
Field Trips
Discipline
Internet
Harassment
Report Cards
School Building Visitors
In-Coming Calls
Parent Teacher Conferences
Homework
Make-up Work
Family Vacation		 Health
Physical Education
Art, Music, Computer, Library
School Atmosphere
Uniforms
Late Pick-up At Dismissal
Color Days
School Property
Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking
Mass Celebrated During School
Christian Service
Sports Team
Lunch Program
Special Programs
Working with Students at Home
 
  • Pre-Kindergarten (AM / PM): 8:20-11:30
  • Kindergarten: 8:20-11:30
  • Kindergarten Extended-Day: 11:30-2:30 (every school day)
  • Grades 1 through 5: 8:20 -2:30
  • Grades 6-8 8:15-2:25
  • Bus Dismissal 2:30
     
The opening bell rings at 8:15/8:20 a.m. Students should not arrive until 8:10 when teachers are on duty outside. Please note: students arriving on school grounds earlier than 8:10 will be unsupervised. Students may not enter the school building unless a prior arrangement with the office is made due to an emergency and the need to arrive earlier than 8:10. The second bell, to indicate the start of classes, rings at 8:25 a.m. The bell for dismissal is at 2:25/2:30 p.m. On early dismissal days, the bell will ring at 11:15 a.m. Children may enter the cafeteria at 8:10 a.m. on days when the weather is inclement. Supervision is provided on these occasions. During the first week of school all grades are dismissed at 11:15 a.m.
Tardiness:
A purpose of education is to develop habits and patterns of behavior for life. Thus, the formation of the good habit of punctuality is given a high priority. A student’s tardiness is, also, disruptive to the teacher and the other students who have begun their morning routine. Anyone can be late now and then, but it should not become a habit. Please try to encourage promptness. If your child is late, a note should be forwarded to the office to explain the tardiness, before the child can be admitted to the classroom. These notes are kept on file.
Please note: Students are considered tardy if arriving after the 8:25 am bell.
 

Absences:
If your child is absent, please call the school office from 7:00-8:20 am. This is a safety measure. Also, a note stating the reason for the absence must be brought to the office on the first day back to school. These procedures need to be followed each and every time your child is out.

Snow Days:
No School Days: The cancellation of school or delayed opening during snowstorms will coincide with that of the Beverly Public Schools. During bad weather please listen to radio stations WBZ and WESX for “No School Announcements for Beverly Public Schools” or the major television stations. Please do not call the rectory for this information.

Delayed Opening:

If Beverly has a one hour or a 90 minute delay opening:
All grades, Pre-K through grade 8, will be in session; 

If Beverly has a two hour delayed opening:
No Kindergarten or PreKindergarten session
Lunch will not be served - pack your own lunch that day.

If Beverly Public Schools are canceled once the session has begun, SJS parents are free to dismiss their child(ren) any time during the school day. Otherwise, children will be kept in school for the full day. This policy is to insure that children will not be released when parents are working or not at home.
Entry:
Parents who drive their first through eighth grade children to and from school are to use the back parking lot off of Cabot Street. Vehicles are to park on the far side of the orange cones. Please park facing the rectory so to minimize the backing up of your vehicle upon leaving the parking lot.

The new Balch Street parking lot is for the arrival and dismissal of the PreKindergarten and Kindergarten families only.

Please DO NOT park in the circular drive at the church entrance or in parking spaces in the New Balch Street lot that impedes the buses’ ability to exit the circular drive. The busses use this driveway for drop-off and pick-up.

Bus service is provided by the city to residents of Beverly if your child is in Grade K - 6, and needs to walk more the one and one half miles to school. Also, bus service is provided for Beverly students in grades 7 and 8 for a fee who have to walk more than two miles to school.

Teachers supervise the bus students in the building until their bus arrives at the school. We cooperate with the Beverly Public Schools for the safety of the children. We do not have any control over the bus routes, times, or schedules. Complaints, compliments, missing or forgotten articles must be reported to the Beverly Public Schools Transportation Department.
 
Field trips are a privilege not a right. A student can be denied participation for academic and/or behavioral reasons. If a class is leaving the school grounds for any reason, a permission slip MUST BE SIGNED BY A PARENT/GUARDIAN. If the student forgets the slip, he/she will have to stay at the school, since a phone call is not acceptable by law. Signed permission slips -official school form only -maybe faxed to the school office.
Comparatively speaking, all students at St. John’s are very well behaved. However, a student sometimes errs. Most of these situations are taken care of by the teacher, principal, school counselor, and/or assistant-to-the-principal. When a disciplinary problem occurs, it is emphasized to the student that it is the behavior, not the person, that is meeting with disapproval. Speaking to a child about behavior is usually sufficient. Should further steps be advisable, the parents are informed and their support is critical. When parents and teachers work together to stress the same expectations, the highest level of success can be achieved.

If a student’s behavior continues to cause concern, a recommendation for professional help, i.e., school counselor or outside counseling, may be required.  Suspensions rarely occur in grades Kindergarten through 4, but it does happen.  Generally, a “suspension” for younger children is when a parent is called to take the student home because of repeated disruptive behavior.

The discipline code is founded on this premise: The first obligation of students in a Catholic school is to respect the dignity of all members of the school community.

The administration has the right to make exceptions to existing rules and regulations. The principal is the final recourse in all disciplinary situations and may waive any disciplinary rule for just cause at his/her discretion.

Students are not allowed beepers on school premises. Cell phones must be kept in the student’s backpack and in the off mode.

The school assumes no responsibility for any electronic devices such as Ipods that are brought to school.


 
INTERNET USE:

The school has an Internet Acceptable Use Policy that is sent home each September to be signed by parents and students. Violation of the Internet Acceptable Use Policy may result in disciplinary action, cancellation of computer privileges and, if appropriate, legal action. Students wishing to use a personal laptop or notebook may do so for a specific academic purpose and must be authorized by the teacher or principal.



INTERNET: e-mail and instant messaging conducted at home between classmates can be positive and can be negative. In its negative form, it can be a vehicle that moves along gossip, mean comments and causes hurt feelings. These negative social behaviors carried on through the Internet are brought into the classroom causing problems in the school setting. Parents can assist by monitoring Internet use and being aware of what is being written. Also, be aware that inappropriate use of the Internet can be done at another computer outside of parental supervision.
 

St. John the Evangelist School does not tolerate harassment of our faculty, staff and students.  The term “harassment” includes, but is not limited to slurs, jokes about religion, national origin, citizenship, age, or disability; verbal or written name-calling, jokes, teasing, rumors, or other derogatory or dehumanizing remarks; gossip, harassing phone calls, e mails, IMs, text messaging, and pranks.  Harassment, also, includes sexual advances, request for sexual favors, unwelcome or offensive touching and other verbal, graphic or physical conduct of a sexual nature.  Harassment is illegal and it violates this policy, and is not consistent with our school’s philosophy.

A report of harassment will be investigated and may result in a conference with the student’s parent(s) whereupon the situation will be addressed due to the seriousness of the situation and dealt with through appropriate consequences.

 

VIOLENCE – Threatened and Acted

All threats and/or actions of violence will be taken seriously. The safety of everyone in the school is a major priority. Students who, after meeting with the parent, principal, pastor, and counselor, are deemed a threat to the safety of others may be removed from the school.

CONDUCT, Inside or Outside of School

The student is a St. John’s student at all times. A student who engages in conduct, whether inside or outside the school, which is of such a nature as to jeopardize the good name of the school, or which is detrimental to the common good, or harmful and offensive to faculty/staff or fellow students may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.
 

Report cards for Grades 4-8 are issued four times a year and three times a year for Grades 1-3.  Kindergarten issues a progress report twice a year, February and June. Report cards are used to notify parents of their child(ren)’s progress.  Parents are encouraged to confer with the teachers at any time about their child(ren)’s progress, concerns, and/or problems.  Formal conferences are scheduled each fall for all grades.  Each grade sends a folder home once a week containing work from that week.  

Grades 4 and 5: parents are expected to access frequently our online software, Gradebook Wizard, which communicates to parents a student’s test and quiz grades and any missing assignments.  Gradebook Wizard replaces paper mid-quarter reports.

All persons entering the building must report to the school office and sign in. A “Visitor Badge” will be issued upon signing in. Visitors should not go to a classroom before or during school without an appointment or checking with the office first. If a parent wishes to speak to a teacher, an appointment should be made for a mutually convenient time.
Parents are asked to make all arrangements for after school activities before your student arrives to school and make sure that the student knows what he/she is to do at dismissal. Children may not use the school phone to confirm social arrangements during the school day. If an emergency arises, and you must get a message to your child(ren), please call in by 1:30 so that the office staff can deliver messages to the student(s) in a timely manner. Last minute calls can pose problems and confusions at one of the busiest times of the day.
Parent-teacher conferences are formally scheduled in the fall of each year. However, parents may request a conference at any time during the year. Please send a note to the teacher to make an appointment, or call the school office and the administrative assistant will make arrangements. Teachers will notify parents of the need for a parent-teacher conference, also.
Time allotment, determined by each teacher, varies with each grade level. The following is a general time frame for the average student:

Grades 1-2: 10 - 20 minutes
Grades 3-4: 30 - 45 minutes
Grade 5: 1 hour
Grades 6-8: 2 hours

During a child's absence, teachers will not send assignments home unless contacted by a parent concerning the nature of the student's illness. If a parent calls the school by 9:00 a.m. on the day of an absence, homework will be made available by the end of the school day. When students return to school, it is their responsibility to complete their work. The method of doing so will vary at each grade level. Each teacher will explain the implementation of this policy at the opening of school.

Middle School Students: See handbook for procedures.
St. John's School discourages the taking of vacations during school time. When such vacations are taken, the responsibility for completing the work missed will rest solely with the student. No work will be given ahead of time. It is the responsibility of the parent to see that the student understands the material taught. No teacher may be asked to instruct and/or review the work missed.

No student will be admitted to St. John the Evangelist School without the Massachusetts State Health Form.  If your child has a medical problem, please inform the school so that we can assist him/her appropriately if a need should arise.

A school nurse is available five days a week.  Services provided include vision and hearing screening tests; scoliosis screening for students in the middle grades; height and weight.

Medications (prescription or over the counter) must be dispensed by the nurse who will provide the necessary paper work for parental authorization.  All medications must be in the original prescription container, appropriately labeled, and delivered by a responsible adult to the nurse.  Under no circumstances may a student keep prescription or OTC medications in his/her backpack. locker, or on their person.
All students participate in gym classes weekly, conducted in the schoolyard or in the cafeteria. A student will be excused from a class only if he/she brings a note from the parent explaining the reason for non-participation. A student who cannot participate in gym for a prolonged time must bring a note signed by a physician stating the reason for being excused and the length of time involved.
 

Art, music, library, and computer instruction are offered on a weekly basis throughout the school year.  Computers are available to all students both in the library and in classrooms. Grades 1-8 are assigned to a weekly computer class in the computer lab.

The library is a resource available to the students.  The library has a collection of DVDs and videos to support the curriculum.  Students may check out books.  When a book is overdue, a notice is sent to the student.  Failure to return a library book or lost books, the family will be charged for the replacement of the book plus a $5.00 non-refundable handling fee.

In keeping with our philosophy, we expect students to speak with respect and courtesy to adults and other students at all times.  In order to maintain an atmosphere of learning and mutual respect, we require students to walk quietly in the corridors and on the stairs.  Students are expected to be kind, courteous, and considerate of one another.  They should not hit or push other students in school or on the playground.  They should not pick up or throw rocks, branches or snow.  Bad language or saying mean things is never tolerated.

Students may not leave the school grounds at any time.  Students are not to engage in physical fighting (which may be grounds for suspension), run excessively, or use hard balls.  A student may not retrieve any ball that goes over a neighbor’s fence.

The school counselor teaches at all grade levels an “Anti-Bullying” curriculum.  Peer Mediation is available to all students.  Our peer mediators have been trained through a highly respected north shore program funded by a federal grant.

Classroom standards:  Students should be prepared for class, show self-control, and be attentive.  Students must give their teachers full attention and cooperation and accept correction and constructive criticism.  No form of cheating is acceptable.

Students may not bring gum to school.  We do not permit gum chewing anywhere on school property at any time before, during, or after school.
 
Uniforms are required. A description of the uniform is available at the school office. Uniforms are required for gym classes, also. It is expected that students wear their complete uniform purchased through the authorized vendors. Students not in compliance with the uniform will receive a written notice to be signed by parent(s).

A student may remain at the office until 3:00 pm if you experience an unexpected delay in picking up at the dismissal bell.  After 3:00 pm, a student will be sent to the After School Program and charges will be incurred.
At times during the year a “Color Day” or “No Uniform Today” occurs.  These days, a student may elect not to wear a uniform and to wear clothing, which is the “color” or “theme” or just a “no uniform day”.  A fee of $1 is charged to those students who elect to participate.  The profits are usually used to support a Student Council service project or the annual Auction
All students are responsible for caring for school property. This includes school grounds, building, equipment, and materials. Students must pay for excessive damage to school property, as well as for the loss of textbooks and library books.
The use of drugs, alcohol, and/or smoking of any kind will not be tolerated. it is unlawful for a student to possess, use, or distribute cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs on school property, or at any school sponsored function. A violation of this rule will result in immediate suspension and/or expulsion. parents will be notified immediately. If necessary, law enforcement officials will be notified in compliance with the law
First Friday Mass is celebrated as an entire school. Mass is at 9:00 a.m. and parents and friends are welcome. Classes in turn prepare the Liturgy.

All holy day liturgies are celebrated when school is in session on that day.
We encourage students to develop a care and concern about the hungry and needy people in our world. We urge them to form a habit of sharing a little of what they have with the world's less fortunate. We provide opportunities within the school year to contribute to Christ's poor; such as, participating in the parish's Advent and Lenten mission boxes to the poor.

SJS offers the following programs:
  • Boys and girls varsity and junior varsity basketball teams (grades 5 to 8) participate in the North Shore Catholic Elementary School League.
  • Grades 5-8 participate in a ski program at Bradford Mountain.
  • Grades 6-8 participate in a Cross Country Team in the fall.

It is strongly encouraged that parents whose students participate in the above sports programs take the school insurance offered in September of each year by Lester Burdick Company. This will provide the extra insurance needed in case of a sports injury. This is offered at a nominal fee.

Lunch is served each full day that school is in session to those who wish to purchase it.  Several choices of sandwiches are available in addition to the main entree of the day.  Snacks are also available to be purchased at morning recess for Grades 3-5 and for all grades during the lunch period.  Milk is available through a government-subsidized program.  If desired, milk is purchased in September for the entire year at a modest cost.

Parents should not bring lunches to their child from carry-out / fast food restaurants. 

Project DARE: The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program is sponsored by the Beverly Police Department and is presented to grade 5 when available. The program promotes the development of the skills necessary to help students to say no to drugs.

Enrichment Program: National and local performers in the fields of history, science, drama, music, art and literature are scheduled for presentations throughout the school year.
Parental attitude is an important key to a student's success in school. One way parents can help is by communicating their respect for the school and its teachers. Another is to talk about the importance of education. This helps the children to see what they are doing in school is worth doing well.

A good self-concept is also an important factor in learning. Children who see themselves as capable are willing to take risks and have a positive approach to learning new skills. Developing this self-concept is a joint endeavor for the family and the school. Emphasis on the positive and praise for work well done are two ways to help a child become confident in his/her own abilities.

One final word: We're all working toward the same goal - the best possible Catholic education for your child. Mutual respect and communication are of the utmost importance in reaching this goal. If you have questions or concerns, please be sure to contact your child's teacher to discuss the issues and then, if necessary, a conference with parents, teacher and principal may take place. Prompt attention to these matters helps all of us to maintain an effective school environment that is in keeping with our mission and philosophy.

 

The principal retains the right to amend the handbook for just cause and parents/students will receive notification if changes are made.

The principal and pastor are the final recourse in all disciplinary situations and may waive any and all regulations for just cause at his or her discretion.

St. John the Evangelist School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights and privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, in administration of educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and in hiring school personnel.
If you have questions or problems with this site, please contact aburke@stjohnsofbeverly.org