Establishment Policy

POLICIES

TITLE: 302.01.01 Establishment

St. Thomas More School is operated and maintained primarily through the financial support of the members of St. Thomas More Parish, in order to provide a Catholic elementary education to the children of the parish. Admission is nondiscriminatory in terms of race, creed, and national origin, with the exception that first priority in admission is given to children of duly registered parishioners. Acceptance of students requiring special education services will be on a case-by-case basis with annual review. Admission of all new students is subject to the approval of the school principal after review of academic and disciplinary records. The family registration fee is due upon registration, and acts as a non-refundable deposit for all students.

Registration for kindergarten will be announced in January via the church bulletin, and restricted to members of St. Thomas More Parish until March 1. After March 1, registration will be open to non-parishioners, with priority given to families with children currently enrolled at St. Thomas More. Others will be accepted on a first-come/first served basis.

Registration for returning students will be held during February, with registration forms, tuition information, and other information sent home in the monthly packet. Families who are delinquent in tuition or other school financial matters will not be permitted to register until all financial obligations have been resolved.

Admission Priorities

Students will be admitted to St. Thomas More School based on the following priorities:

1. * He/she has an older sibling attending St. Thomas More

2. * He/she has an older sibling who graduated from St. Thomas More

3. * He/she is the first child of a registered family at St. Thomas More Parish

4. He/she is a member of a newly baptized Catholic family.

5. He/she is a member of an active* Catholic family which has recently registered at St. Thomas More Parish and students previously attended a Catholic school.

6. He/she is a member of an active* Catholic family which has recently registered at St. Thomas More Parish.

7. He/she is an active* member of a parish that does not have a Catholic school.

8. He/she is a non-Catholic student whose parents understand and accept that the student will be required to participate in the total school program with the exception of reception of the sacraments.

* family has a history of active participation in the faith life and financial support of the parish.

Before admission will be approved, the following documents must be presented to the school office:

• A copy of the student’s baptismal certificate

• A certified birth certificate

• A School Transfer information form (to be completed by previous school if admitting for Gr. 1-8)

• If the parents are divorced, the school must receive a copy of the court order designating custody and parent rights.

• Proof of Immunization as required by state law

Students who require special physical, psychological, or academic support may be required to provide additional information in order to determine if St. Thomas More School is able to meet the needs of the student.

Returning Students

• Priority for registration will be given to STM families who have met all financial obligations, including tuition, lunchroom, library and fundraiser charges. Registration packets will not be issued to families who have any outstanding charges at the school or parish.

• Requests for a specific teacher are not accepted, as our intent is to provide competent, caring staff in all positions.

Author: STMEC

Approval: ________________________________ Date: __________

________________________________ Date: __________

References: STM Handbook

Implemented:

Reviewed/Revised: