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St. Thomas More School Handbook
NOTE: You must use the St. Thomas More School website password, found on a sticker inside the front cover of the hard copy of the handbook, to access this resource.

Handbook Updates

Archdiocesan Compliance

St. Thomas More School is in full compliance with all archdiocesan requirements as stated in the Policy Manual for Catholic Schools. This manual is available for parent review. Please see the Principal or Assistant Principal.

Audio Video Recording

No audio/video recording or photography, including cell phone cameras, may be used during daily functions of the school without the permission of the principal.  Events include but are not limited to:  classroom presentations, birthday celebrations, parent conferences, administrative conferences, and religious services.  This policy also includes tape recording of conversations, either in person or by telephone, by or among students, parents, teachers or school administrators on school property, or involving the use of the school telephone.

You are welcome to photograph your child at school wide performances such as Book Fair celebration, and Award ceremonies.
(Updated 10-19-06)

Cell Phones

STM No Cell Phone Zone

We ask that you please do not use your cell phone during morning carpool, afternoon carpool or while volunteering on campus.
(Updated 3-12-07)

Dismissal

If your child normally carpools or goes to Aftercare and is going to walk home with a friend or go home with a friend, please send a note or e-mail the homeroom teacher to make him/her aware of the arrangement.

If you are going to be away and have made other arrangements for your child to be picked up, please e-mail or jot a note for the homeroom teacher, including any phone numbers that might not be on the health card, just in case there is any confusion during dismissal time.  It would be a huge help to us.
(Updated 10-19-06)

Extended Day Notice: Important! Please Read!

If your child is registered for the Extended Day Program and is inviting a friend over, but that friend is not registered for Extended Day, the friend can not attend the Extended Day Program until you pick them both up.  The Extended Day Program is state certified and must comply with certain regulations.  They are not allowed to have students in the program who are not registered.  Please, either make arrangements to pick up your child and his/her friend at dismissal or make other arrangements for getting the friend to your house.

REMINDER:  Please do not use initials to sign-out .  Only a signature is acceptable.  Thank you for your cooperation in helping to make the program run smoothly and ensure safety for your children

Any changes made to Extended Day attendance must be submitted in writing, for example, a change from part-time attendance to full-time attendance. The letter must be dated, signed, changes noted and the letter sent to “KARYL DAVIS” in the School Office. Please do not bring the letter to Extended Day Program when you pickup.  The change will take effect when Karyl receives the notice. 

The first invoice for extended care was mailed out on 9/18. Please note that there is not a daily rate for morning care.  There is only a weekly charge even if your child is there only 1 day.  Payments are due 10 days after the invoice date – the due date is on your bill.  IF PAYMENT IS NOT RECEIVED IN THE SCHOOL OFFICE WITHIN 15 DAYS AFTER THE INVOICE DATE, A LATE CHARGE OF $25.00 WILL BE ADDED TO YOUR NEXT BILL.  To avoid any late charges, everyone is more than welcome to pay in advance.
(Updated 10-19-06)

Hair

Unusual or dyed hairstyles are not permitted.  Girls are not permitted to wear chopsticks/knitting needles or hair pins to put hair up.  All boys’ hair should be cut, not pushed back, to NOT exceed the eyebrows, the top of the shirt collar or the top of the ears; no ponytails or side burns are permitted for boys.
(Updated 10-24-06)

ITBS

The homework load during the ITBS is lighter. No major tests or projects will be due during that time.
(Updated 3-15-07)

Mass

During Mass, classes offer a Communion Meditation as a prayerful reflection .This is part of the Sacred Liturgy. It is our final special prayer of thanksgiving to God. The community refrains from clapping out of respect and reverence for our celebration of the Mass.
(Updated 3-12-07)

School Structure

St. Thomas More Catholic School is fully accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS).

Tardiness

Students are considered tardy at 8:10 AM.  It may not be fair to punish the students for what may be considered their parents’ problem, but  as soon as students start missing lunch recess they know how to effect a change in the morning pattern at their house.   All students who are tardy will lose lunch recess.     In Middle School 5 or more tardies will result in an ”N” in conduct on the student’s report card for the quarter. Of course, we make an exception if some traffic problem has caused major delays for a majority of students or if a doctor’s note is presented. Try leaving your house ten minutes earlier and make it a great start to the day for your kids.
(Updated 10-24-06)

Uniform Policy Change

Students may begin wearing sweater vests as an option to wearing a sweatshirt, pullover sweater or cardigan.  Grades K-5 must wear Navy Blue and Grades 6-8 need to wear Burgandy.  These are available through Buckhead Uniform .
(Updated 10-19-06)

Heelys or any other type of roller shoes may not be worn at any time.  This includes out of uniform days or  any school function on school property.
(Updated 3-12-07)

Summer Uniform Begins April 10, 2007

Navy blue Buckhead Uniforms walking shorts (worn at the waist) or skort (not more than 4” from
the top of the knee when kneeling down or below the knee)

Light blue blouse for girls in grades Kindergarten to 5th grade (4th & 5th Grade girls may wear oxford
shirt or Parker overblouse)

Light blue knit shirt for boys in grades Kindergarten to 5th Grade

Light blue oxford shirt for boys in Middle School

Light blue oxford shirts or Parker overblouse for middle school girls

Plain white crew socks that cover the ankles (NO SPORTS SOCKS,NO LOGOS, NO DESIGNS or
RUFFLES
)

PLAIN WHITE canvas or leather athletic shoes Keds, Saddle oxfords or tennis shoes (NO HIGH
TOPS/NO Mid-Rise
; NO BEADS OR CHARMS)
(Updated 3-12-07)

 

 
 
St. Thomas More Catholic School
630 West Ponce de Leon Avenue
Decatur, Georgia 30030
stm@stmga.org
404-373-8456 Main Office
404-377-8554 Fax
St. Thomas More Catholic School is a ministry of St. Thomas More Catholic Parish.