Admissions and Policies

Saint Jude School offers a sound program in basic skills helping students learn, live, and worship in a Catholic community. Students are encouraged to develop self-worth, and to recognize and respect the uniqueness of all people.

School Hours

Grades K-8
8:00 a.m. - 2:25 p.m.
Every first Wednesday of the month there is a half day dismissal at 11:25 a.m. for Faculty Meeting.

Extended Day Program

Is offered for Grades K-8 for more information click here.

Attendance

It is the obligation of parents/guardians to ensure that the children in their care receive adequate education and training. When children are old enough to attend school, daily attendance is mandatory.

Tardiness

Students in grades K-6 are expected to be in the school yard by 8:00 a.m. Students in grades 7-8 are expected to be in their homerooms by 8:00 a.m. Any student not in homeroom by 8:05 a.m. Is considered late. The exception is students arriving by school bus.

Absences

Absence is defined as attending school for less than three hours in a given day. If a student is absent, the parent/ guardian must call the school office by 8:00 a.m. on the morning of the absence. Each student who is absent must bring a note from the parent/guardian upon returning to school stating the date(s) and the reason for the absence. The student must make immediate plans to do all assignments missed as a result of his/her absence. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain missed work from his/her teachers. If work is not completed in a reasonable amount of time, the result will be a failing grade.

Students going on vacation during the school year will not be given work ahead of time. Teachers will not be asked or expected to provide work.

Dismissals

Students must have a note from their parent/guardian when a dismissal during school hours is necessary. Medical and dental appointments during school hours are strongly discouraged except in cases of an emergency. In the event of illness during school hours, a parent/guardian will be notified. Either the parent/guardian or a person designated by the parent will be allowed to pick up the student. In unusual circumstances, dismissal will be at the discretion of the principal. No student will be allowed to leave the school without a proper escort.

Any time a student is going home by a different route, the homeroom teacher must be notified in writing by the parent/guardian. These notes are kept on file in the office as documentation.

Transportation

The parking lot is reserved for the school buses. Students arriving or departing by car are not to be dropped off, or picked up, in the school parking lot.To assure the safety of students traveling to and from school, inappropriate will not be tolerated.

A.M. Drop Off

Students are to go directly to their assigned lines.

• Grades K-2 in the driveway on the left side of the building
• Grades 3-6 in the paved area on the right side of the building where the parking lot is located.
• Grades 7-8 on the patio located in front of the building
• On snowy and rainy days, all students are to line up on the patio.

P.M. Dismissals

Students are to line up as assigned

• Walkers/Riders
  
• Main Street
• Church / Bowker Road
• Farnum Road

Bus

• Students walk to their buses
• Students line up and wait if buses are delayed
• Students are seated immediately and remain seated until they arrive at their stops

Violations of transportation rules may, depending on the severity of the infraction, result in the forgeiture of privileges.

Emergency Cards

Emergency cards are distributed in September. They must be completed and returned immediately to school where they will be kept on file. This information will allow school officials to contact a parent or designated person should it become necessary. If any information on the card changes during the year, it is necessary to update it as soon as possible.

Visitors

When entering the building, all visitors must report to the main office using the Main Street door. Items that were forgotten at home such as lunch, homework, etc., are to be left at the office. Teachers and classes are not to be disturbed during school hours.

No School Announcements/School Delay

In the case of inclement weather, Saint Jude School will abide by the decision of the Waltham Public Schools. Please listen to radio station WBZ 1030 AM and Television Channel 4 for school closing.

Medication

Medication prescribed by a physician will be dispensed by designated school personnel. Medical authorization, parental permission, and written instructions must be sent to school with the medication. No student may have any medication, except for inhalers, in his/her possession during the school day. Inhalers must be kept on the student’s person; a zippered waist pack is suggested. All other medication must be stored in the school office.

Discipline

One of the most important lessons education should teach is discipline. While it does not appear as a subject, it underlies the whole educational structure. It is the training that develops self-control, character, orderliness, and efficiency. It is the key to good conduct and proper consideration for other people.