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All-school liturgies are celebrated twice weekly, usually on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. and Friday at 8:00 a.m., during the school year. Preparation and participation for the Wednesday liturgy is done by students and faculty.
Sacramental catechesis is a process of faith development that is the concern not only of the individual preparing to celebrate the sacrament but the entire faith community. It prepares both the individual and the community for the celebration of the appropriate rituals and, more important, it prepares all to live more deeply the faith reality being celebrated. Since "community" for a small child is usually his or her family, primary catechesis for Reconciliation (Penance) and Holy Eucharist takes place in both the classroom and the child's home. Parents, who have the basic responsibility for the child's education, are required to attend the preparation classes. A letter with the schedule of classes will be sent home to the parents of each child enrolled in the sacramental programs.
At St. Francis Xavier Parish, our children are prepared in the second grade to receive this sacrament. A child who wants to celebrate the sacrament for the first time must meet the following requirements:
Parent sessions will include the theology and history of the sacraments, an explanation of the rites of Reconciliation and ways that the parents can assist in the preparation of their child. Parent sessions are held in October and November and the Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated in December.
Children are prepared for reception of the Holy Eucharist in the second grade after they have been instructed on and received the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Preparation and receiving the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist takes place during the second half of second grade. All parents must participate in all of the parent classes for this sacrament. Letters will be sent to all parents reminding them of these sessions. If a parent misses these classes and does not make arrangements to get the materials needed, the child will not be able to receive the sacraments at the appointed time.
Children are required to learn prayers and religious material as identified in the grade level curriculum.
A Catholic sexuality program entitled "Love and Life" is incorporated into the religion program in fifth through eighth grade.
Child safety and child abuse prevention curriculum is taught in all grades a mandated by the Diocese.
Non-Catholic school students are required to participate to the same extent in all school activities and courses of study as Catholic students, provided such activity is permitted by Catholic Church law.
A basic curriculum is covered including instruction in religion, language arts, mathematics, science/health, social studies, art, music, physical education, Spanish and computers.
"Sports should be…a total valorization of the body, a healthy spirit of competition, an education in the values of life, the joy of living, the game and fun" -- Pope John Paul II. The element of competition and winning, though it exists, should always be secondary to striving to create a Christian environment as exemplified by the following:
Participation in athletics, both as a player and a student spectator, is an integral part of the student's educational experience. Participation is a privilege that carries with it responsibilities to the team, the community and the student. Any student not exhibiting a Christian attitude will need to conference with the principal, coach and parent to decide any disciplinary action to be taken. Parochial school students can participate as full team members at the local public middle school. St. Francis students have the opportunity to compete with the same students that they will eventually be teammates with when they enter 9th grade. The following is a list of the athletic opportunities for St. Francis Middle School students:
Factors used to determine eligibility to participate in athletics include academic performance and conduct. Participating students must have a Grade Point Average of 1.5 and no "F's" on their most recent grade report (mid-term or report card). They are ineligible to play until they raise their G.P.A. or remove any "F's.
The school has an agreement with Martha Sandholm for instrumental instruction, including lessons, Beginning (Cadet) Band and Intermediate (Concert) Band. Students may begin band lessons when they enter fifth grade or any time thereafter. The program includes only band instruments - brass, woodwind and percussion. Performance opportunities will include two or three evening concerts, a concert for the school, the opportunity of participation in the WMTA auditions for students in grades six through eight and playing for Mass or any other appropriate occasions. An informational recruitment meeting is held in the spring for prospective students and their parents for the following school year. It will include an explanation of the instruments, the band program, and an instrumental rental program of a local music store. Registration for band lessons is done the previous spring to facilitate ordering instruments and scheduling. Tuition for the program is based on the school year at $360.00 for each child, with the school providing a subsidy (approximately $180.00). Parent payments may be made on a 4-payment plan billed quarterly at $45.00. The school will not be responsible for collections nor bookkeeping.
Choir offers opportunities that may include evening concerts and school and community performances. Sixth through eighth grade will have the opportunity of participation in the WMTA auditions.
The Destination ImagiNation Program promotes creative thinking and teamwork by challenging teams to solve divergent problems. Member teams have the opportunity to present their solutions in organized competitions. In the competition, each Destination ImagiNation team is scored in three different areas: the long-term problem solution, the style component of the long-term solution, and how well it solved the spontaneous problem.
Patrol members serve an important role in the safe conduct of the school. One error and serious consequences could result in a fellow student's life. Members are selected from the current 5th grade class. Selection is made by the staff. Several factors are considered in the selection process:
Field trips to points of interest are scheduled by classroom teachers throughout the school year. These trips are designed to supplement and enhance aspects of the learning environment. Parents must sign a "ONE TIME" field trip permission slip. This consent form will cover all field trips for the 2005-2006 school year. Advance notice of field trips will be sent home. Sometimes money may be requested to help defray transportation and/or facility use costs. Parents are encouraged to attend field trip outings with their children. It is important that students demonstrate reasonable academic effort and responsible daily behavior to participate in field trips. Parents will be notified by phone and/or in writing if a child cannot go on the field trip. Parents may be asked to provide transportation. A current Driver Information Sheet must be completed and on file for each person before parents can drive students in private vehicles.
The Iowa Test of Basic Skills will be administered to grades 3, 5, 6 and 7. The Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exam (WKCE) will be administered to grades 4 and 8.
Homework is an important part of the learning process. It is an extension of the learning that takes place in school. Homework provides practice that reinforces classroom learning and provides opportunities for independent study, research, and creative thinking. Parents can help their children by arranging a quiet, comfortable place for the students to work and by seeing that assignments are completed when due. Failure to complete assignments results in less learning and lower grades. Parents are being asked to check, on a daily basis, how their child is progressing in each subject area. A student planner is provided for communication between school and parents. Please check AND sign your child's planner EACH day. Teachers will provide parents with a letter at the beginning of the school year regarding class expectations, grading, and homework guidelines.
Formal parent-teacher conferences are held after the first quarter and may be scheduled midway through the third quarter. Parents are notified of exact dates and times. Parent-teacher conferences other than the above specified can be initiated by either the teacher or the parent.
Report Cards and Progress Reports Report cards are issued following the completion of each nine-week grading period. Please carefully review your child's progress, and contact the school if you have questions regarding the report. The back of the report card should be signed by each parent so the school knows that the parent has reviewed the card, and then return it to the child's teacher. You will be notified of your child's progress during each nine-week period.
If any child is at risk for retention by the end of the third quarter, the parent will be notified. A meeting will also be scheduled with the student, parents, and principal to discuss the situation. By late May parents will be notified whether the student will be retained.
In grades 6, 7 and 8, the honor roll is a special recognition for academic achievement. It is based on a total grade point average of all subjects, required and elective, for each of the four quarters of the school year. The honor roll is based on a 4.0 system with the following categories: Highest Honors: (4.000-3.750), High Honors: (3.749-3.500), Honor Roll (3.249-3.00) and Honors: (3.499-3.250). Results are published quarterly in the Foto News, Merrill Courier and Wausau Daily Herald. An Awards Assembly will be held at the end of the year.
Graduation,
consisting of a Mass, diploma ceremony and awards will be held on (DATE
TO BE ANNOUNCED)
Book covers are required on all school-loaned textbooks. Marking or writing in books will result in a fine. If a book is damaged or abused beyond normal use, the student will be required to pay for damages or possible replacement. Lost books or workbooks must be paid for by the student responsible for their care.
The school library is open to all students. Books and magazines may be checked out for two weeks and renewed for another two weeks. Lost library materials must be paid for by the student who checked them out.
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Received the sacrament of Baptism.