St Michael’s Prep
Parent/Student Handbook
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Chapter 2: General Policies
1. INTRODUCTION
The success of everyone at St. Michael’s depends on the active cooperation of the Norbertine confreres, students, parents, lay
teachers, staff and benefactors in working toward the common good of this unique community. St. Michael’s Prep believes that
for harmonious living, academic growth, and wholesome personal development of the student, a well-regulated life is fundamental.
Like any community, a school must establish certain standards and rules which express the school’s philosophy in a variety of
circumstances. Likewise, it must enforce the same so that its every member might be best served. [Return to Table
of Contents]
2. HEADMASTER’S RIGHT TO AMEND
In developing the policies and rules for St. Michael’s, this handbook is written as clearly and as explicitly as possible.
Nevertheless, during the school year new and unusual situations might arise. Therefore, the headmaster reserves the right to amend
school rules and regulations as necessary during the school year. Parents will be promptly notified by mail of any such amendments.
The ordinary means of this notification is the To Parents and Friends. The Headmaster is the final recourse within the school and
may waive any regulations in this handbook if deemed in the best interest of fairness and justice. He is the final interpreter of all
regulations and policies in this handbook. [Return to Table of Contents]
3. NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
St. Michael’s Preparatory High School admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges,
programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis
of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its education policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs,
or athletic and other school-administered programs. Non- Catholic students are welcome and participate in the religious celebrations and
rites of the school within the guidelines established by the Catholic Church.
In those cases where the number of applicants exceeds the number of students the school can enroll, Catholic students are given
precedence over those who are not Catholic, and this without regard to race, color, or national origin. [Return to
Table of Contents]
4. ACCEPTANCE OF NEW STUDENTS
New students are accepted who are capable of benefiting from and contributing to the spiritual and academic community of the school.
New students after the freshman year will only be considered if their Grade Point Average (GPA) is 3.00 or above, and if their
schedules can be easily adapted to the class schedule of St. Michael’s Prep. New seniors are not accepted into the school.
Within its limits, the school does make reasonable accommodations in its programs to serve the students it accepts.
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5. STATEMENT OF ACCEPTANCE OF ST. MICHAEL’S POLICIES
Before admission to St. Michael’s, the parents sign a legally binding statement by which they subscribe to
St. Michael’s philosophy, regulations, disciplinary decisions, course offerings, and accept all financial and other obligations as
stated in this handbook and other school literature even as amended from time to time. A copy of this statement of acceptance is
called the “Agreement and Waiver” form, and is found on the school’s web site, www.StMichaelsPrep.org. [Return to Table of Contents]
6. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
St. Michael’s does accept a small number of international students. It is necessary that all students have a speaking and writing
fluency in English to participate actively in the classes and broader school life. Either the Test of English as a Foreign Language
(TOEFL) or the Advanced Placement International English Language (APIEL) is a prerequisite for admission; respective scores of 550 (on
paper) or 220 (on computer) and 4 would indicate appropriate fluency in English.
International students pay the actual costs of education at St. Michael’s. This is typically more than twice the amount
paid by local students. There are also additional charges for special courses (such as Applied English) which the school provides in order
to accelerate the students’ academic preparedness.
St. Michael’s issues an I-20 form for those students who are both enrolled in the school and have paid their fees.
All students have a deposit with the school business officer that anticipates the student’s expenses such as: educational and
recreational outings, snacks, school supplies and personal laundry. This deposit is replenished as it is depleted. Depending on individual
spending patterns, the deposit balance may be raised.
It is important for international families to know that the school is closed to all students several times a year: Long weekends and
holidays are posted on the school’s online calendar. It is the responsibility of the family to arrange for their sons to be hosted
elsewhere during these holidays. [Return to Table of Contents]
7. COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SCHOOL AND HOME
Regular contact between school officials and parents fosters dialogue and understanding for the benefit of the individual and
common good. To this end the school regularly mails home an electronic newsletter, the abbey quarterly, and other items.
Informally, contact with the school administration is welcome either when picking-up or when dropping off a student or by a telephone
call. Formal communication either by school officials or by home should be established by appointment and written letter. [Return to Table of Contents]
8. TRANSPORTATION
Transportation to and from school is the responsibility of the parents. Weekly carpools may be arranged at the first meeting of the St.
Michael’s League. Such carpools are useful if the driver is on time. Since carpools are entirely the option of the parents,
problems or difficulties arising from these arrangements cannot be referred to the school. Teachers may not provide transportation for
any student without the expressed permission of the headmaster. [Return to Table of Contents]
9. DROP OFF AND PICK UP OF STUDENTS
Students report to school every Sunday between 7 pm and 7:30 pm. Students arriving late will stay the following Friday
afternoon until 4:30 pm. Pick up time is Friday after room inspection which is typically about 12:15 pm. Drop-off and pick-up location is
exclusively in front of the school. Students should know before they return to school who will pick them up the following Friday.
Students will not be excused during school hours (from Sunday night to Friday afternoon) for vacation or other non-school functions
unless special arrangement is made with the headmaster. Those who do receive this authorization to leave St. Michael’s when
school is still in session are required to spend one weekend for each day of “leave.” During that compensatory weekend
fees are charged and the student will work for the on-going needs of the school.
Doctor’s appointments should be made only for the afternoon recreation period. The pick up can be no earlier than 2:30 p.m.
The student must be back on campus by 8:00 p.m. A doctor’s (not nurse’s) certificate is required if the student must
return late from a long weekend or holiday break.
Students always arrive and depart in their uniform. [Return to Table of Contents]
10. FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT OF 1974
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (The Buckley Amendment), parents of students under 18,
students 18 years old, and parents of students 18 years old and in high school but still an income tax dependent have the right to
review school records. It is the right of those named above to challenge the records (not to change them).
Likewise, this school abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the rights of non-custodial parents. In the
absence of a court order to the contrary, St. Michael’s will provide the non-custodial parent with access to the academic
records and to other school-related information regarding the child. If there is a court order specifying that there is to be no
information given, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with an official copy of the court order.
It is the practice of St. Michael’s that the Grade Point Average (GPA) of each Honor Roll student is publicly posted quarterly.
The Transcript of Records is automatically sent to award and contest programs as well as schools (in case of intended transfer), colleges
and scholarship or loan agencies at the request of the students. Routine directory information is also made available. Should the
parents have any objection to these policies it must be registered with the headmaster no later than the time of their nonrefundable
tuition deposit, in writing on standard 8.5 by 11 inch (or A4) paper.
Other agencies requesting a student evaluation, unless requested by the parent or student of 18 years or older, will be notified that
because of the Buckley Amendment it is against school policy to give out such information.
Herewith parents and students are to be considered notified and “informed of their rights.” [Return
to Table of Contents]
11. WAIVER TO CALIFORNIA SENATE BILL 183, SECTION 10939
By signing the school Agreement and Waiver, parents agree to the school policy of not allowing student to sit for quarterly or semester
exams until all financial and other obligations are settled with the school. [Return to Table of Contents]
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