Home

About ICS

Alumni News

Archive of Mrs. Greco's Notes

Cares and Extended K

Fall Social and Benefit Auction

Financial Aid Information

Girl Scouts

Handbook

Hot Lunch Info

Hot Lunch Menu

ICS Fee Schedule

Links

Middle States Accreditation

Our Picture Page

Registration Information

Stationery Requirement

Science Fair Information

Scrip Selling Schedule

Tuition Payment Schedule

Uniform Requirement

Site Map

Philosophy and Mission

Mutual Respect, Academic Excellence, All in the Name of Christ

The mission of Immaculate Conception School is to integrate Catholic culture and faith in all subjects taught. In an atmosphere of respect and acceptance, age-appropriate strategies and techniques are used to enable students to experience a variety of concepts. Fundamental skills are introduced in a logical and concrete way. Though content aware, we are process oriented to motivate our children to acquire and use skills to be independent learners, critical thinkers, and creative problem solvers. A cooperative, supportive, Christian family atmosphere promotes moral, prosocial behavior that enables each child to live life to the fullest in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Back to top

Our Curriculum and Methods

Early Childhood

The kindergarten program fosters children’s natural curiosity and develops their creativity in order to encourage them to become life long learners and explorers. The unique differences of each young child are not only recognized – they are celebrated as a gift from God. A positive self-image as well as a respect for others is developed through practicing and modeling our Catholic beliefs.
The children are provided with many hands-on opportunities to grow in all developmental areas: physical, social, emotional and intellectual. Teacher planning focuses on finding ways to stimulate and encourage children to connect new with previous experiences, to experiment, to categorize, to theorize and to draw inferences.

Our curriculum follows the guidelines set forth by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in all the mandates required by Pennsylvania state law. Religious education is integrated across the curriculum.

Primary

Reading skills are introduced through a literature based program beginning in Kindergarten which emphasizes a variety of strategies including phonics, spelling, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, usage and mechanics.

Our Mathematics program uses a hands-on approach for the teaching of computational skills, number theory, and elementary geometry.
Our well-equipped science lab enables our students to put theory into practice by using a hands-on approach. An extension of our science curriculum is the non-violent crisis intervention program, “The Second Step.”

In addition to weekly computer classes in the computer lab, the children benefit from the use of educational software and connectivity to the Internet on classroom computers. Our curriculum also includes a weekly Art, Music, Library Skills and Physical Education class.

Third Grade students practice 15 minutes daily on keyboarding exercises on the laptop computers in the library.

Intermediate Level (Grades 4-5)

The basic curriculum for grades four and five at Immaculate Conception School is provided by the Curriculum Committees of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Individual teachers present this required course of study in varying ways and methods that complement the nature of the content and the nature of the student. At this level the faculty recognizes that the acquisition of basic skills is fundamental in order to develop higher order thinking skills. Teachers strive to structure their classes to meet the individual developmental stages of each child and to respond to their unique needs and differences. Students in grades four and five are grouped heterogeneously in self-contained classrooms for all subjects except Physical Education, Music, Computer Education, Art and Library skills. Beginning with fourth grade, advanced students are enrolled in our Honors Math program. The Integrated Language Arts Program continues to emphasize a creative instructional environment encouraging freedom of exploration and attention to individual differences. Our science program includes physical and biological science using updated texts and equipment with a “hands-on” approach in a centrally located laboratory. The fourth grade pays special attention to the state of Pennsylvania. Our Social Studies program continues to expand geography skills with a focus on the Western Hemisphere.

Middle Years

The curriculum subject areas are presented by the teachers in a variety of ways that complement both the nature of the content and the nature of the student. Learning styles of the students are honored; instructional tempo is varied, and higher order thinking skills are stressed. Instructional techniques include: lecture, discussion, demonstrations, and cooperative group activities. Provisions are made by the teacher to meet the needs and interests of the exceptional student. Independent learning activities and research are encouraged for those students whose interests have been piqued by material presented in class. Independent projects, by their very nature, foster critical thinking and active learning in the student.

Back to top

Our Students

We have approximately 200 students enrolled in kindergarten through eighth grade within the configuration of one class per grade level. Our students reflect a predominately Catholic population. This shared Catholic Identity allows for a common goal. Most of the students fall within or above the normal ability range and the academic program reflects this need for enrichment. Provisions are made for children who need support in order to successfully participate in the curriculum requirements. A modified curriculum policy following the guidelines of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is implemented when warranted. The majority of students who enroll in the primary grades complete all nine grades here. Our school welcomes 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. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration policies, scholarship, athletic and other school-administered programs.

Registration for kindergarten begins in February for the following September. Re-registration of current students and registrations for all other new students for the coming year begins in March. An interview and tour of the school while it is in session is strongly recommended. As a parish school, parishioners are granted priority during the enrollment process. For each grade level, there is an enrollment cap of 30 students, with our preferable class size being 25. An exception is made if a family moves within the parish boundaries and becomes a registered parishioner. During the school year, registrations are accepted and the student is enrolled only if there is an opening in that classroom level.

Back to top

Family Information

The children who attend Immaculate Conception are mainly from middle to upper middle class families who value Catholic education. We do a yearly family survey to determine income eligibility for special services. Children within the borough of Jenkintown are considered to be within walking distance. Bus service is offered by all surrounding townships and the city of Philadelphia. A parent financial survey is completed each year to determine our eligibility for Title 1 services as well as E-rate funding. Currently, 12% of our families are considered low income. There has been a slight increase in single parent status and employment outside the home for both parents in two parent families.

Back to top

Parent’s Role in Education

We consider it a privilege to work with parents in the education of their children because we believe that parents are the primary educators of their children. It is your right and duty to become the primary role models for the development of your child’s life – physically, spiritually, emotionally, morally and psychologically. Living by a good example is the strongest teacher. Your personal relationship with God, one another, and with the Church community will affect the way your child relates to God and others. Ideals taught in school are not well rooted unless they are nurtured by the example of good Catholic/Christian morality. Once you have chosen to enter into partnership with us at Immaculate Conception School, we trust you will be loyal to this commitment. During these formative years (K-8) your child needs constant support from both parents and faculty in order to develop his/her moral, intellectual, social, cultural and physical endowment. Parents and teachers must respect the sincerity of the efforts of one another as educational partners in the quest of challenging, yet nurturing the student to reach his/her potential. Evidence of mutual respect between parents and teachers will promote mature behavior and relationships

It is essential that your child take responsibility for the grades he/she has earned and be accountable for homework, long-term assignments, major tests, service projects, and any additional assignments.

Back to top

Parents as Partners

As partners in the educational process at Immaculate Conception, we ask parents:

1. To set rules, times, and limits so that your child:
   1. Gets to bed early on school nights;
   2. Arrives to school on time and is picked up on time at the end of the day;
   3. Is dressed according to the school dress code;
   4. Completes class assignments on time;
   5. Is prepared for lunch each day.
2. To actively participate in school activities, Parent-Teacher Conferences, and Home & School events.
3. To notify the school with a phone call followed by a written note when the student has been absent or is tardy.
4. To notify the school office of any changes of address or important phone numbers.
5. To fulfill all financial obligations to the school as agreed and scheduled.
6. To inform the school of any special situations regarding the student’s well-being, safety, and health.
7. To complete and return any requested information to the school.
8. To read the weekly communication.
9. To support the religious and educational goals of the school.
10. To treat teachers with respect and courtesy in discussing student problems.

Back to top

Staff & Administration 2005-2006 School Year

Back to top

Admissions Policy

ICS Registration Dates for 2006-2007

Back to top

Operational Funding Sources

Our school relies primarily upon three sources of revenue: parish subsidy, tuition, and development by fund raising efforts including a newly instituted Annual Fund. Tuition rates are determined on a yearly basis after the Parish Finance Committee makes budget recommendations. There are two major fundraisers each year sponsored by Home & School. The Development Committee has also established an annual Alumni campaign to strengthen our Alumni programs and provide extra funding for needed capital expenses. Through these means, our school maintains a healthy financial budget and looks forward to continued stability in the future.
School support for parish families consists of tuition, a set weekly contribution, and the purchase of scrip, a gift certificate program which raises money for the school and parish. Families receive a reduction in tuition based upon the number of children enrolled. Tuition payment may be made annually, semi-annually, quarterly, or monthly. Miscellaneous fees for both parish and non-parish families include a registration fee and a lunch fee. An extended kindergarten program and an after school C.A.R.E.S. program are available with payments independent of the tuition scale. Tuition rates for the next school year are established in January and published in time for the Kindergarten Open House.

Back to top

Non-Discrimination Statement

Immaculate Conception School admits students of any race, color, or 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, or ethnic origin regarding its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship programs, athletic, or other school administered programs.

Back to top

School Procedures and Regulations

Absences: For the protection of our students, parents must call daily to report a child as absent. Recorded messages may be made through the evening and up to 9:00 am on the day of absence. A note signed by a parent must be presented before a child returns to class. A doctor’s note may be requested after three consecutive days of absence. Discrepancies between the class absentee lists and taped messages will be investigated. Students are responsible for making up missed tests and homework. It is the student’s obligation to check with teachers regarding missed work and assignments. Unnecessary absence hinders the student’s academic growth. Patterns of frequent absence will be investigated by the teacher and/or principal. Absences for family trips are strongly discouraged as they deprive the student of important classroom instruction. Although the student may make up some of the work within a reasonable time, it is important that the parents understand that the child will miss important instructional time. It is not always possible for homework or classwork to be assigned in advance of planned absences because teachers make adjustments daily to differentiate instruction for their students.

Back to top

Appointments

Teachers or Principal: Arrangements for personal conferences with a particular teacher or the principal may be arranged by a written note, a personal email to the teacher, or a telephone call to the school office. Teachers are given messages and respond at their earliest convenience. Teachers are not available for conferences at any time when they are on duty. If you have any questions or have a message to convey to a teacher, please follow the procedure as stated.

C.A.R.E.S: C.A.R.E.S. is the afterschool program and is administered and supervised by teachers. Regulations and costs are provided to families who use the service and specific information is included in the Parent Guide.

Cell Phones: Cell phones are permitted to be carried in school bags only for safety purposes if the child is so instructed by the parent. At no time should the phone be removed or turned on while in school. If phones are in sight, they will be confiscated and the child loses the privilege of carrying the phone in his/her backpack.

Communication: All communications from school are sent home with the youngest or only child in each family on Thursday if hard copies are requested by a family. Communications are also posted on our website www.icsjenkintown.org Wednesday afternoon by our 8th grade Webworkers.

Computer Use of the Internet: Students are allowed access to the Internet in school for writing papers, research, and other class-related projects under the supervision of school personnel. Objectionable sites are blocked by a restricted access program. Students are not allowed to bring discs or cds from home to insure that our network is protected from viruses. Each student has a “place” on the server so that saving information is not an issue. In order for a student to be allowed to use the Internet, an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) agreement for that student must be on file in the school office.

CYO: Immaculate Conception School and Parish CYO are in mutual agreement as to expectations of conduct required of our members. A suspension from school will result in immediate communication to a designated member of the CYO board from the principal. Corresponding communication will take place to the principal from the designated CYO board member should serious misconduct occur at a CYO sponsored activity.

The objectives of the communication are

1. to assist all those involved in the development of the child in providing appropriate, supportive intervention.
2. to guide the child in accepting the responsibility of his/her actions in all school/parish activities.

Any CYO member suspended from school will be, at a minimum, suspended from the next schedule CYO activity. The suspension includes participation in or attendance at the scheduled activity.

Detention: Detention is held after dismissal on Tuesday. It is assigned if a student violates school policies and procedures. To warrant detention, the student’s behavior is considered serious enough to disrupt the learning climate of the school.

Dismissal: School ends at 3:05 pm. Children are not allowed on the school grounds after the regular school hours without the direct and close supervision of a parent, teacher, or coach. Children who are picked up by car or bus are not permitted to walk to a car or the bus without an adult. If your child is changing his mode of transportation home, this information must be in writing.
Early Dismissal: Parents requesting the release of their child/children during regular school hours must sign the ledger in the office and give the reason for early dismissal before leaving the school. The child/children will then be called to the office. Parents are not permitted to enter the classroom when picking up a student for an early dismissal.

Emergency Drill Regulations: Emergency exit directions are posted in each room used by students. Drills are conducted monthly and concern the safety of the entire school community. Students involved in initiating false alarms, misconduct during drills or tampering with fire alarm signage will be disciplined.

Emergency School Closing: When severe weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances place the holding of regular classes in doubt, listen to “Announcements of School Closings” on the radio. Immaculate’s closing number is 356. KYW (1060 AM) is the official sources of information on closing and delays. Announcements are also posted on TV stations and KYW’s website.
For bus information, please follow the instructions accompanying your phone chain. If you volunteered to be a caller, it is important that you have a copy of the phone chain accessible to you at all times. Our own emergency phone chain is always utilized in a closing/emergency situation.

Family Directory: Family directories should be kept by the parents and its use should be supervised carefully. Under no circumstance is the official directory to be used for commercial or business purposes.

Lateness: A student who is not with his/her line in the cafeteria when the bell rings at 8:15am is considered late and must go to the school office for a late slip. Excused lateness occurs when a bus is late or the child is accompanied by a written note fro a parent. Decisions on lateness due to other unforeseen circumstances are made by the principal on an “as needed” basis. Excessive lateness will result in age appropriate consequences as determined by the teacher and principal. Lateness is also required by state law to be recorded on the permanent record card.

Lunch Program:

1. The lunch price for grades 6, 7 & 8 is $1.70 per day. The lunch price for grades K to 5 is $1.60 per day. Milk is included in price.
2. A LA CARTE beverages are $.30 a day.
3. The menus are in calendar form. You will receive menus once a month AND ENVELOPES EVERY TWO WEEKS. Please keep the menu in a safe place so that you can refer to it each week when placing your bi-weekly order, and so you will know what days you have ordered lunch for your child. We prepare only what is preordered . There are no “extras.” YOUR CHILD MAY CHECK “ALTERNATE LUNCH” IF HE/SHE DOES NOT WANT THE MAIN ENTRÉE. THE MAIN ENTRÉE WILL BE REPLACED WITH PIZZA AND THE REST OF THE LUNCH WILL REMAIN THE SAME.
4. Each child receives a lunch payment envelope/order form for every two weeks. Each envelope is marked with the week the order is for and the date the order is due. You may write one check or include your cash payment in one of your children’s envelope but each child needs an envelope for each week . Checks are payable to Immaculate Conception School. Please have exact change if you include cash. After marking your order and enclosing payment, return the envelope to school. Our credit system takes the form of vouchers sent home to you.
5. Each envelope is for one week only. All food is preordered and no late orders can be accepted.
6. On the front of the envelope write your child’s name, grade, and the amount enclosed.
7. Along the bottom of the envelope there are boxes labeled LUNCH with the initial of the day of the week. Place an X in the box for each day your child wants to order lunch. If ordering a hoagie, indicate what kind on the front of the envelope.
8. MILK IS INCLUDED WITH ALL LUNCHES: Your child can choose Whole milk, 2%, skim, strawberry, chocolate, lactose free.
9. If ordering a beverage that is not milk for either a day or all week, your child has the choice of fruit punch, apple, or orange juice or water. Indicate what drink is preferred for that week, on the front of the envelope.
10. If your child wants to order a beverage only on a day, put an M in the box for that day and circle it. His/her choices include all the milk and juice and water choices.

Medical/Dental Appointments: If a student must leave school before regular dismissal due to a medical or dental appointment, he/she must be signed out in the office and picked up by a parent or parent-designated adult. A child should not be picked up from the classroom. Parents must check in at the office

Monthly Calendar: A monthly calendar of important school events will be sent home with communications and posted on our website. As the calendar is subject to change, it is vital that parents check weekly communications carefully for all of the upcoming activities of the school.

Party Invitations and Birthday Treats: Simple treats, not birthday partices, are allowed at school. You may send treats like cupcakes, doughnuts, or cookies and we encourage healthy treats as well. Personal invitations to parties may be distributed in school ONLY if all the students in the grade are invited, or all the girls if it is a girl’s party or all the boys if it is a boy’s party. Otherwise, they must be mailed from home.

Report Cards: Report Cards are issued to the student three times a year. Except for the final grade in June, each card is a report which indicates how the student is currently doing in each subject. A Permanent Record is made only of the final marks. Explanations of grading scales are found on the report card. Dates for the Parent-Teacher conferences are listed on the school calendar. Academic Progress Reports are sent halfway through each trimester. Parents are encouraged to speak to the teachers at any time about their child’s work. Call or use email to arrange to speak to a teacher either on the telephone or in person.

School Property: Marking, defacing, or damaging school property is strictly out of order and will be met with appropriate disciplinary action. Students will be held financially responsible for property damage.

Smoking/Smokeless Tobacco Products: The building and campus of Immaculate Conception are smoke free areas. This includes any adult meetings held on the campus.

Standardized Testing: The school administers the TerraNova Achievement Test and The Test of Cognitive Skills to all students in Grades 2 through 8. Grades 4 through 8 are tested in the fall and Grades 2 and 3 are tested in the spring. Teachers and parents receive the results of this test. The results are utilized diagnostically and as one of several indicators to measure and evaluate the student’s academic achievement. The classroom teachers and the principal are available to present other significant indicators as well as test interpretation.

Student Record Information: In accordance with the Buckley Amendment, also known as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, parents have the right of access to records regarding their child’s progress. With respect to the rights of the non-custodial parent, barring a court order to the contrary, the school 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.

Student Supervision: On regularly scheduled school days, Immaculate Conception School becomes responsible for students at 7:50am and dismisses students at 3:05pm. On regularly scheduled half days, the school becomes responsible for students at 7:50am and dismisses them at 12 noon. The school is not responsible for supervision of students before or after the times stated above, and the school is not liable for any accidents or injuries which might occur. Parents are advised, for the safety of their children, to follow the times as stated above.

Textbooks: Textbooks and Practice Books that are distributed to students must be covered. Teachers will provide specific directions. A lost or damaged textbook must be paid for by the student using it.
Visitors: All visitors must report to the school office before visiting other parts of the school building. In this way we hope to avoid unnecessary interruptions and provide a safe atmosphere for our students.

Back to top

Support Services

The Montgomery County Intermediate Unit provides guidance services one day a week to meet our students’ needs. In addition, a psychologist is available to administer psycho-educational testing in the school when it is deemed to be in the best interest of the child. An Elementary Support Team (E.S.T.) provides a formal process for team recommendations to aid teachers in further meeting the unique learning needs of students. As a parish sponsored school, pastoral guidance is also available.

Those students in need of speech therapy are provided services one morning a week in the school. Students who require support or enrichment in Reading and Math to succeed academically receive support on a weekly basis.

Health services are provided by the Jenkintown School District two days a week. When our school nurse is not on duty, the district nurse is on call and is readily available for emergencies and consultations. The school secretary and the principal provide necessary first aid when the nurse is not available. A fully equipped nurse’s office is located on the third floor where health records are maintained and stored. The nurse reviews all student files for required immunization and medical records. The nurse compiles a list of students with special health problems, administers required tine tests to staff and students with follow-up as necessary, screens all children for height, weight, hearing and vision, screens students in grades 6 and 7 for scoliosis and acts as a resource person to assist and supply resources to teachers and students as needed. A formal procedure is in effect to ensure parents of the timely notification of student health problems.

Back to top

Administrative Structure

We are a parish-sponsored school and the administrative policies of the school are consistent with the primary religious purpose and philosophy of the school. The administrative staff includes the Pastor, Principal, and Director of Religious Education. Meetings are held on a formal basis and also informally as needed. The pastor and the principal are co-administrators of the school and together are responsible for all decisions relating to the growth and development of the school.

Back to top

Staffing

Our faculty and administrative staff consists of fourteen full-time and five part-time professional educators. In addition, there is one full-time and one part-time secretary. Principal, faculty, and parents work together to provide students with the best possible learning experience. Classes and workshops offered by area colleges, the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, and education services keep our faculty members up to date on current developments in their field. The principal provides staff development and supports each faculty member in identifying ways in which he or she can improve and vary the learning opportunities offered to children.

Back to top

Discipline Response Options

Examples of misbehavior which can usually be handled by an individual staff member but sometimes require the intervention of other school personnel include:

• School Dress Code violations
• Classroom disturbance
• Unexcused lateness
• Inappropriate/unacceptable language or gestures
• Unsafe or disruptive behavior
• Bus disturbance
• Abuse of school property and equipment
• Out of bounds on school property
• Argumentative attitude or exchange with staff

Immediate intervention is required by the staff member who is supervising the student or who observes the behavior. Responses as deemed appropriate by staff member include verbal reprimand, parental contact, student/teacher conference, withdrawal of privileges, infraction notice, detention.

Misconduct which involves behavior whose frequency or seriousness tends to disrupt the learning climate of the school, and includes acts which endanger the well being of others usually results from the continuation of the previous misbehaviors listed. They require the intervention of personnel on the administrative level. The educational consequences are serious enough to require corrective action on the part of administrative personnel. The infractions include:

• Harassment: physical, verbal, or sexual
• Cheating or lying
• Stealing
• Fighting
• Abusive language, roughness, taunting, or similar conduct
• Failure to serve detention assignments
• Leaving school grounds without permission
• Defiant behavior
• Truancy

Disciplinary responses as deemed appropriate by staff and administration include parent/staff conference, counseling, detention, extracurricular probation, school suspension, suspension of bus privileges.

Misconduct which involves acts directed against persons or property whose consequences endanger the health and safety of others in the school are automatically referred to the principal and pastor. Those acts which are criminal or illegal will be referred to appropriate law enforcement agencies. These behaviors include:

• Continuation of previously listed behaviors
• Vandalism
• Smoking/Use of tobacco
• Possession/use of unauthorized substances, (drug or alcohol) or related paraphernalia
• Possession of a weapon

Disciplinary responses as deemed appropriate by parish staff include referral to outside agency, parent/staff conference, school suspension, suspension of bus privileges, expulsion, referral to appropriate law enforcement agency.
In situations requiring formal suspension and expulsion, parents will be notified immediately and Archdiocesan policy as outlined in Policies and Procedures will be followed.

Back to top

School Uniforms

Flynn & O’Hara is the official uniform supplier for Immaculate Conception along with Rose Uniforms. Lacrosse International supplies our gym shorts and they can be ordered through the school office.

Girls’ socks: Navy blue ankle, knee socks or black or blue tights are worn with the jumper or kilt. White or navy blue ankle socks or navy blue knee socks aare worn with skorts. Skorts may be worn with low top white sneaker (not running shoes).

• Boys’ Socks: Navy blue or white socks are worn with long pants. White or navy blue socks are worn with shorts. Shorts may be worn with low top white sneakers (not running shoes).
• Boys’ dress pants must be uniform pants purchased from our uniform suppliers to insure “uniformity” in color and cut.
• Belts are required for boys.
• Nor earrings for boys and no dangling earrings worn by girls.
• If an undershirt is worn, it must be plain white.
• A sweater or sweater vest must be worn as part of the winter uniform. The only exception to this is for girls in grades 1 to 4 who are wearing jumpers. Grade 1 to 4 girls do not need a sweater.
• NO make up or fake nails or excessive jewelry.
• Uniform length may not be shorter than 2 inches above the knee.
• Uniforms may not be “rolled” or altered by cutting and left unfinished. Boys pants are worn at the waist.
• Shoes must be a sensible uniform shoe – no clogs, slides, backless shoes or sneakers are worn with the dress uniform.
• Additionally, depending on fashion trends there are reasonable expectations which will be published as reminders each year.

If you are