St. Emily Parish - Mount Prospect, Illinois

St. Emily & St. Thomas Becket

2011–2012 Religious Education

PARENT HANDBOOK

CLASS SCHEDULE

TUESDAY 5-6:30 pm WEDNESDAY 6-7:30 pm

SEP	–	–	20	27	SEP	–	–	21	28
OCT	4	11	–	25	OCT	5	12	–	26
NOV	1	8	15	29	NOV	2	9	16	30
DEC	6	13	–	–	DEC	7	14	–	–
JAN	3	10	17	24	JAN	4	11	18	25
FEB	7	14	21	28	FEB	8	15	22-XLD	29
MAR	–	13	20	–	MAR	–	14	21	–
APR	3	10	17	24	APR	4	11	18	25

REL ED CONTACT INFORMATION

ST. EMILY RE OFFICE

Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Phone: 847-299-5865 Fax: 847-544-5035

Joan Kobylski, Coordinator of Religious Education jkobylski@stemily.org

Pat Martin, Program Assistant pmartin@stemily.org

Linda Kestler, Administrative Assistant lkestler@stemily.org

ST. THOMAS BECKET RE OFFICE

Hours: 9am – 4pm Phone: 847-296-9051

Renata Sosin, Coordinator of Religious Education rsosin_stb@sbcglobal.net

*The use of the word “parent” in this document refers to parents and guardians.

Dear Parents & Guardians,

Welcome to Religious Education 2011-2012, Partners with Parents in Children’s Faith Formation. The most successful partnerships occur when everyone knows what they can expect from others and what is expected of them as they work toward accomplishing the same goal. As a child’s first and foremost catechist, a parent’s role in passing on our Catholic values is irreplaceable. It is by observing your actions in everyday life – how you treat others, what you place value on, what you say, and what you do – that will have the greatest impact on your child’s moral development and determine the value they will place on their Catholic identity for the rest of their lives. As Catholic parents and godparents, you are the only ones who can fulfill those promises that you made for your children on the day they were baptized.

Our role as catechists is to pass on the history, rituals, and traditions of our Catholic faith through class room learning, faith and Scripture sharing, Prayer, Sacramental preparation and Sacramental celebration. We have your children with us for 90 minutes a week, 26 weeks of the year. We cannot turn them into great theologians, but we can and will do our best to teach, mentor, and nurture the Catholic faith. Our role is designed to support and enhance all you do to raise your children in a faith-filled home.

Thank you for partnering with us,

Joan Kobylski, CRE

COMMUNICATION

Our PRIMARY method of communication is through E-MAIL. We must have a current e-mail address on file for every family. You should tell us if you do not have computer access or if your email address changes. Parents are expected to routinely check their email account for messages and updates. There will still be times that important correspondence is sent home with children, so parents should continue to check student’s folders and back packs regularly.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Religious Education program works in partnership with parents to ensure a strong environment for faith development by providing comprehensive catechesis consistent with current Archdiocesan curriculum requirements and its guidelines, policies, and procedures. Relevant faith formation based on the four pillars of the Catholic Church – Creed (what we believe); Sacraments (what we do); Prayer (how we worship) and Morality (how we live) is presented in a spiral scope and sequence. Each year builds upon the previous year reinforcing what has already been learned and presenting new age-appropriate education and formation as the children grow both intellectually and spiritually. This is fostered through classroom learning, faith sharing, prayer, observance of liturgical seasons, rituals and traditions, sacramental preparation, and developing an awareness of stewardship and Christian service.

Therefore, it is required that children be enrolled every year from first through eighth grade for St. Emily and first through ninth grade for St. Thomas Becket, in order to receive the greatest benefit from the program and to participate in the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation.

STUDENT GRADE LEVEL PLACEMENT POLICY

Some families may find themselves in situations where consistent formal religious education has not occurred for one or more of their children. We will work with parents and children to place them in the best possible learning environment to get caught up with missing formation and into classes with their peers as soon as possible. This may require parents to work with children on a Home School basis over the summer or at some other time during the year. NO CHILDREN ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE SACRAMENTS IN THEIR FIRST YEAR OF ENROLLMENT IN THE PROGRAM. The following is the placement policy for all BAPTIZED children who are in second grade or older and whose religious education is outside of the standard requirements. In cases where it this may be in questionable, the CRE will consult with the Pastor before a mutual decision is agreed upon.

NEW STUDENTS WITH NO PREVIOUS REL ED

Grades 2 – 3 Year 1: Basic Faith class or appropriate grade level with additional home school work

Year 2: Primary Sacramental Preparation (PSP) for Reconciliation & Communion

Grades 4 – 6 Year 1: Basic Faith class or appropriate grade level with additional home school work

Year 2: Intermediate Sacramental Preparation (ISP) for Reconciliation & Communion

Grade 7 – 8 Year 1: will be determined after conference with student, parent, and CRE

RETURNING students who have missed one year

Grades 4 – 7 First year back: Basic Faith class or

Appropriate Grade Level with additional home school work for the missing year, to be determined after conference with student, parent, and CRE

RETURNING students who have missed TWO or MORE years

Grades 4 – 6 First year back: Basic Faith class or home school work

Second year: Appropriate grade level, with approval of CRE

Grade 7 – 8 First year Back: Basic Faith class or placed one year behind – and home school work

Second year: Placed in 7^th or 8^th grade level, respectively, with approval of CRE

EXPECTATIONS

It is expected that, by enrolling in the Religious Education Program, parents understand their responsibility to attend Mass with their children every Sunday (or Saturday evening) and on all Holy Days of Obligation; to participate in the Sacraments, and to raise their children according to the values and attitudes of a Catholic Christian lifestyle. Regarding the Rel Ed Program:

Parents are expected to:

enroll children consistently each and every year, from 1^st grade through 8^th grade
ensure children arrive on time and are properly prepared for each session
spend time previewing or reviewing children’s religious education lessons
participate in service and social justice work with their children
participate in parish and religious education family events

Children are expected to:

attend consistently each and every year, from 1^st grade through 8^th grade
arrive on time, properly prepared each week with necessary supplies
complete any reading and/or other assignments given by catechists
participate in service and social justice activities with family and/or peers
show respect at all times for students, catechists, volunteers, staff, and parish property

CURRICULUM

Grades 1 – 6 We Believe, with Project Disciple, by Sadlier Religion Publishers

Grades 7 – 8 We Live Our Faith, Vol I and II, by Sadlier Religion Publishers

“For over 179 years, Sadlier has provided Catholic schools and parishes with the very best in catechetical materials. You can be assured that all Sadlier materials, in print and online, will be correct and faithful to the new translation of the Roman Missal.”

* Visit www.SadlierRelligion.com/RomanMissal for more information.

HOME SCHOOL GUIDELINES

It is preferred that children experience faith formation within their peer community whenever possible. St. Emily parents or guardians who find themselves faced with unavoidable conflicts or who, after prayerful reflection and discernment, express a desire to teach their children at home may request to enroll in the Home School option. St. Emily’s Coordinator of Religious Education will schedule an initial meeting with parents/guardians and children to discuss and review Home School program guidelines and expectations.

Parents/guardians will be expected to:

give priority to completing chapters on a timely basis according to syllabus provided by the CRE,
send all completed Chapter Reviews to the CRE, no less than once a month,
attend required grade level meetings and group activities with child, whenever necessary
participate in at least two Rel Ed or parish formation events, activities, or masses as a family,
and participate in at least one community service outreach activity each year as a family.

St. Emily’s Religious Education Office will be expected to:

supply parents/guardians with all necessary student books and parent teaching materials, in addition to information about additional resources available,
grade and return student’s chapter reviews within a reasonable amount of time,
and keep accurate record of student progress. (four chapters missing will be indicated as Incomplete)

Families wishing to continue on the Home School program after their first year will be allowed to re-enroll without meeting with CRE providing:

the parents are fully comfortable with the program,
the CRE is fully comfortable with parent and child progress,
and that the following year is not a sacramental preparation year.

Periodic meetings with the CRE may be in the best interest of families depending on circumstances each year, i.e., if there is a major curriculum change and/or if a child is ready to begin sacramental preparation.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

An important note to Parents and Guardians

Safety, security, traffic flow, parking conditions, and arrival and dismissal procedures are reviewed each year by parish staff, board members, and local law enforcement to ensure that we have the best possible plan in place for the well-being of the children. ALL drivers are expected to follow the arrival and dismissal traffic and safety rules as listed in the next section. This is really no different than following the procedures at the public schools that your children attend. If, for any reason, you are unable to comply with these rules, please call the RE Office. Working together as partners, we can explore options that will resolve difficulties and accommodate physical limitations or most any other situations, whether permanent or temporary, for children or adults.

Unfortunately no matter how hard we try, each year there are some drivers who disregard the safety procedures, putting everyone else in danger including their own children. There are 2-3 Safety Volunteers on duty each night, but we could use many more adults to step in and stop inappropriate behavior. If you see a car or driver creating problems or going against traffic procedures, you might try letting this person know, just in case they are new or unfamiliar with the procedures. If, on the other hand, you see the same thing happening week after week or the driver is rude or disrespectful, then please get as much information as possible (description of the car and driver, their name, license plate, etc.) and report the incident to us! We will follow through to resolve the situation. Any family who knowingly chooses not to comply with safety procedures may have the option of home-schooling their children.

Please make sure that any family members or friends who may be driving your children are informed of the procedures that should be followed here at St. Emily. If you have any experience to share or an idea for improving safety at arrival and dismissal times, please call me directly. I am open to listening to new ideas and I welcome the opportunity to answer questions personally.

Joan Kobylski, St. Emily CRE

ARRIVAL

Children should arrive at 4:45 on Tuesday and 5:45 on Wednesday.
Parking is available on both the east and west sides of church. Do not park along the sidewalks, grassy areas, at either end of the driveway, or anywhere you see bright yellow painted lines which designate “NO PARKING.”
ENTER the school building through the main CENTER DOORS only.
Grades 1–2 parents MUST park and walk children all the way to their class rooms.
The following procedure has been amended, 2/14/12:
Grades 3-8 on TUESDAY - parents must park and walk their children to the safety of the front doors of the school building. Drive-through & drop-off is not available on Tuesday evenings.
Grades 3–8 on WEDNESDAY – parents may also park and walk in with their children or “drive-through & drop-off” by entering the property through the east parking lot and proceeding to the circular drive-through lane in front of the school building. This is one-way only in an east to west direction. Follow the directions of the Safety Personnel. Stop where they indicate and only then, let the children out of your car, and only from the right side of the vehicle onto the sidewalk. Wait until you are directed to move forward. NEVER attempt to drive around any other cars stopped in the drive-through lane.

DISMISSAL

ALL DRIVERS MUST PARK (in designated parking spots only) and exit their vehicle to walk to the school building in order to pick up the students.
The circular drive-through lane in front of the school will be coned-off and designated as a SAFETY ZONE. NO ONE MAY DRIVE OR PARK A CAR IN IT OR NEAR IT.
Weather permitting, drivers may wait in the black-topped area until the children are dismissed and come outside to meet them. During inclement weather, drivers may wait in the school’s main hallway.
Grades 1 & 2: When the 6:25 & 7:25 pm bells ring, drivers may go to pick up the little ones at the class rooms. Catechists should be made aware of car-pooling arrangements or if a child will be picked up by an older sibling.
Grades 3–8: When the 6:30 & 7:30 pm bells ring, children are dismissed to walk on their own to the front CENTER DOORS.
SAFETY PERSONNEL will be positioned at both ends of the Safety Zone to supervise dismissal and prevent ANY and ALL children from going beyond the orange cones without a responsible driver escorting them through the parking lot.
Children will not be released via the back doors into the north parking lot.
Siblings in 6^th – 8^th grades will be allowed to pick up younger brothers and sisters and escort them to the SAFETY ZONE to meet their driver.

WALKING HOME

Students may walk home during the months of September and April ONLY. We must have written consent and a signed waiver from parents. Forms may be obtained from the Religious Education office.

SUPPLY LIST

GRADES 1 – 4 GRADES 5 – 8

two-pocket folder two-pocket folder

2-3 pencils with good erasers 2-3 pencils with good erasers

box of 24 crayons 2 pens

broad-tip washable markers highlighter

glue stick spiral notebook

scissors Catholic Bible

REPORT ALL ABSENCES – CALL 847-299-5865

24 hour voicemail is available - Parents should call the office in advance to report all absences. Leave your child’s NAME, GRADE, and the REASON for the absence.

ATTENDANCE – NEW POLICY FOR 2011-2012

Faith formation should never be considered an “extra-curricular activity.” Parents are strongly encouraged to make regular attendance at Religious Education a priority for their children. This year families with students in grades 1-6 will receive a new Family Book to keep at home. This contains a summary of each chapter along with simple plans to help children review what they did in class at any time and/or to teach it at home when they are absent. If a child is absent, it is the parent’s responsibility to make sure the missed chapters are completed BEFORE the child returns and that they turn in their completed Chapter Reviews to their catechist. This will fully excuse the absence and clear it from the records. If this is not done, the absence will be recorded as “unexcused.” Four (4) unexcused absences in one year will require make-up work before moving on to the next grade level.

TAKING CHILDREN OUT EARLY

Since children are here for only 90 minutes, one night a week, we ask that parents do all possible to avoid scheduling any other activity during this short time slot. If you must take your child out early, you will need to call the office ahead of time and report your child’s name, grade, pick-up time, and the reason. In addition, you should send a note to inform the catechist. Children will not be released from class on their own. Parents must come into the building and sign the Early Dismissal Log. At that time, a volunteer will go to the class room, get the student, and bring him or her to the front to meet the parent. Be sure to allow yourself enough time to accomplish this

APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR and DISCIPLINE

Good relationships are based on mutual respect. As Christians in a Christian environment, respectful behavior is expected from everyone involved in the program. Since session time is limited, disruptive or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated in class. The first time a negative incident occurs in class, the catechist will speak with the student in an attempt to find an acceptable resolution. If there is a second occurrence, the student will call home from the CRE’s office to explain the situation to their parent and ask to be picked up.

Students are expected to show proper respect for parish and personal property. If a student is found to have intentionally taken, damaged, or destroyed any parish or personal property, that student and his or her parents will be responsible for the repair or replacement of the items. Children also have the right to expect respectful behavior from adults. If a student should ever feel they have been treated unjustly by anyone while at Religious Education, they should speak directly and immediately with the CRE.

DRESS CODE

Proper attire promotes a respectful atmosphere and is a reflection of our own self-image. Students may go to church at any time during RE, so they should dress with proper reverence for our worship space and appropriately for the weather. Specific items of apparel NOT allowed for girls are: short shorts, cami’s, strapless t’s, tops that expose cleavage or bare mid-riff. Boys may not wear low-rider pants with exposed shorts, hats, or hoods. Clothing that depicts gang-related insignias, alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, or offensive language is strictly prohibited.

CELL PHONES, I-PODS, ELECTRONICS

Cell phones and i-pods must be turned off before entering the building. They may not be turned on until after the dismissal bell rings. Catechists have the option of collecting all cell phones at the beginning of class and returning them at dismissal. If a student attempts to use their cell phone to talk or text during the time they are here, the phone will be taken from the student and placed in the RE Office. Parents (only) may pick them up after class.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Parents are responsible for advising St. Emily about all special needs, health concerns, or physical disabilities that pertain to their children, especially if there is a need for specialized individual attention. This information will be shared with the child’s catechist or aide for the benefit of the assisting in class room management.

MEDICATION

Except in extraordinary circumstances which must be approved by the CRE, the Religious Education program or personnel will not maintain, supervise the taking of, or administer medication. Parents are responsible for advising the CRE if their child carries an inhaler, epi-pen or other life-saving medication that they may need during class sessions; for making sure the child has the necessary supplies; that the child is trained in proper usage, and able to administer the medication as necessary; most importantly, parents are responsible for seeing that information is always current and updated through constant communication. In the case of peanut allergies, parents will be allowed to come into the class room to wipe down the desk and chair that will be used by their child.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

Due to health and allergy concerns for our students and the students who are here during the day, children are not allowed to bring any food or beverage into the classrooms. The only exception is a water bottle during the warmer weather. GUM is not allowed. Catechists may occasionally arrange treats when appropriate only after consulting the Religious Education Office and/or parents.

INAPPROPRIATE ITEMS

Students are not to bring toys, games, dolls, stuffed animals, magazines, trading cards, etc. Anything that could be used to harm or threaten another person, including “toy” weapons, will be confiscated and parents notified. Alcohol, cigarettes, or any illegal substances are prohibited. We reserve the right to inspect personal property when there is reasonable belief that a student is violating the policies of St. Emily RE Program.

EMERGENCY CLOSING INFORMATION

If the decision to cancel class is made, we immediately notify the Emergency Closing Center (ECC), then the catechists who begin calling parents. In case of inclement weather, parents should check the ECC website: www.emergencyclosings.com Families can receive automatic e-mails directly from the ECC by going to their website and signing up for this free service. You may also tune in to any of the following TV/Radio station: CBS, NBC, ABC, WGN, FOX, CLTV News, WGN Radio 720 or WBBM News Radio 78.

SERVICE & MINISTRY

It is crucial for children to be aware of the importance of service – to family, church, community and the world. It is also crucial for children to recognize their own gifts and how to use those gifts in service others. Every grade level is expected to participate in Christian service at least minimally as suggested below.

1^st grade – parents should help children identify good deeds whenever they see them – in books, on TV, and in everyday life; catechists should discuss this often in class
2^nd grade – help parents get the family ready for Mass on Saturday or Sunday and create handmade rosaries for gifts to nursing homes
3^rd grade – offer special prayers for 2^nd graders preparing for the sacraments, make cards for homebound parishioners
4^th grade – extra service at home – something really special
5^th grade – service in the neighborhood – helping elderly or infirm neighbors
6^th grade – service in the community – participate in village or town projects, events, activities
7^th grade – service in the parish – assist with parish formation events and service projects
8^th grade – service in any categories above in addition to specific service to the marginalized and/or; develop independent individual or group projects

PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS

This program can only achieve its phenomenal success through the loyalty and devotion of our faith-filled and generous volunteers. Fifty to sixty volunteers are needed each year in many different positions in order to make things run smoothly. We rely heavily on the parents of children in the program, but also look to all parishioners, young and old, who love children and love sharing their faith. All volunteers over the age of 18 must be willing to complete an online registration, submit to a criminal background check, and attend a 3-hour workshop from the Archdiocese Office of Protecting God’s Children regarding how to recognize signs of child abuse, within the first 60 days of service. All volunteers are expected to fulfill at least one full year.

CATECHIST

Catechists are responsible for lesson-planning, presenting material according to the class syllabus schedule, leading prayer, and sharing faith experiences with a class of 10-15 children.
All necessary training, support, materials, resources, and formation opportunities are provided by St. Emily’s Religious Education Office.
Catechists are expected to attend monthly meetings for training, faith formation, support, and fellowship. Assistant catechists and substitutes are invited and encouraged to attend also.
Catechists are expected to take advantage of the opportunity of spiritual and educational growth provided by the Archdiocese of Chicago Fostering Faith Program, by completing five 10-hour classes, or to at least be in the process of working on these classes leading to Catechist Certification.
St. Emily Parish covers the cost of all classes for all catechists, assistants, and subs.

ASSISTANT CATECHIST

Assistants are responsible for helping the primary catechist during class times each week with a variety of duties, i.e. presentation of material, hands-on activities with students, work with small groups, and assisting with attendance and other paperwork.
Assistants may be asked to take primary responsibility for teaching if the regular catechist is unable to secure an approved sub.
Assistants are strongly encouraged to attend meetings, workshops, training, and formation sessions and are entitled to the same benefits as regular catechists.

SUBSTITUTE CATECHIST

Subs are those who cannot commit to the full schedule but are willing to be on call to fill in occasionally for catechists who are unable to be at class due to conflicts or illness.

Subbing gives full flexibility to choose when you are available and what grade level you prefer to work with.
Subs are encouraged to stay active in meetings, workshops, and formation and are entitled to the same benefits as regular assistants.

PERMANENT SESSION VOLUNTEER …

Responsible for outdoor traffic and safety procedures at arrival and dismissal times.
Responsible for monitoring safety and behavior in the hallways during class times.
Assist with student attendance record-keeping, office tasks, and/or phone calls.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD

PURPOSE AND MISSION

This Board was formed to support the Religious Education Program and serve as an advisory group to the Coordinator of Religious Education in matters pertaining to the current and future operation of the program, especially in the areas of structure, curriculum, finance, enrollment, and parent involvement.

The Board’s Mission is:

To be a visible sign of leadership within the parish community
To promote awareness of the Religious Education program in both St. Emily and St. Thomas Becket parishes and within our local civic communities
To encourage collaboration between the Rel Ed program and all parish ministries
To facilitate communication and encourage cooperation between local public schools and the Religious Education program
To welcome parents and help nurture a sense of belonging to the community
To listen to expressed needs of parents and catechists
To affirm and support the Religious Ed staff, catechists, and all volunteers
To be informed about the present and future needs of the RE program
Members are expected to serve a minimum of two years.

2011/12 RE ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

Cassie Busse Laura Ellsworth

Tom Laures Jeff Prostko

Martha Ann Scodius

REGISTRATION GUIDELINES

Registration takes place each year during the months of March and April. St. Emily’s RE office distributes a Registration Packet to all families enrolled in the program at that time. They are sent home via back pack with the youngest or only child in each family. ALL families are expected to return these forms to St. Emily’s RE office before the last class session in April.

Current families are given the opportunity to receive a reduced Registration Fee if their registration is turned in before May 1^st. Class placement is determined by the date that the forms are returned.

St. Emily families who withdraw their registration before August 1^st will be eligible for a full refund of any Tuition or Book Fees paid. After August 1^st, families will receive a full refund of Tuition paid and a refund of Book Fees minus a $15 Ordering Fee. In BOTH cases the Registration Fee will be refunded minus a $15 Processing fee.

NEW families may register at any time during open enrollment in person at St. Emily’s Religious Education Office by calling 847-299-5865 to make an appointment. Archdiocesan policy requires proof of a child’s Baptism in order to be enrolled. If transferring from another program or Catholic school, transcripts must be supplied before a child’s grade placement can be finalized. The RE office staff is happy to assist parents in obtaining these records.

No child is denied religious education due to financial constraints. St. Emily families may speak to the Coordinator of Religious Education to discuss your situation confidentially. St. Thomas Becket families should speak to the pastor or his designated staff member.

ACCESS TO RECORDS

Under Illinois law, a non-custodial parent cannot be denied access to the school records of his/her child, unless that parent is prohibited by an order of protection from inspecting or obtaining the records. It is the responsibility of the custodial parent or guardian to provide the program coordinator with an official copy of the court order.

CUSTODY ISSUES

St. Emily Religious Education Program presumes that both parents of a child have equal access to the child, even if the parents are divorced or separated. Unless informed otherwise and in writing and with adequate evidence that a parent is not permitted to have unqualified access to the child, we will permit either parent to have access to the child while at St. Emily Parish and will release the child from the site to either parent.

POLICY ON NON-DISCRIMINATION

St. Emily Religious Education Program is operated under the auspices of the Catholic Bishop of Chicago, a corporation sole, in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

St. Emily Religious Education Program admits students of any sex, race, color or national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students in this religious education program.

St. Emily Religious Education Program does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, or national and ethnic origin in administration of its policies, supplementary programs or any other program-based function.

Insofar as it is reasonable, St. Emily Religious Education Program will make accessible its catechetical programs to persons with disabilities. The parish will assist with alternate options for catechesis should a person be unable to participate in the regular program of catechesis.

AMENDMENT POLICY

Statements in this handbook are subject to amendment with or without notice. The Religious Education program will attempt to keep you informed of all changes as soon as practical, however, some changes may be made immediately, due to unforeseen circumstances.