Mission Statement

​Holy Family Academy provides a Catholic liberal arts education bringing members of a diverse community to a deeper life with Christ. Within a safe and loving environment, students are challenged intellectually, spiritually, and morally so that they may grow in wisdom, grace and strength before God and mankind. 

Vision of the School 
​Holy Family Academy is committed to excellence in the intellectual development and spiritual formation of its students. Our curriculum is designed to teach the basic skills, while enriching each student’s life academically, spiritually, physically, socially, and emotionally. It also challenges each student to love, respect, and honor, others as Jesus taught us. Instruction in the Catholic faith, introduction of sacred scripture, and prayer are the basis for instilling a love of God and helping each student build a solid foundation of faith.

Parents as Partners in Education 
​We, at Holy Family Academy consider it a privilege to work with parents in the education of children because we believe parents are the primary educators of their children. Therefore, it is your right and your duty to become the primary role models for the development of your child’s life---physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically. Your choice of Holy Family Academy for your child’s education involves a commitment and exhibits a concern for helping your child to recognize God as the greatest good in his/her life.

​Good example is the strongest teacher. Your personal relationship with God, with each other, and with the Church community affects the way your child relates to God and others. Ideals taught in school are not well rooted in the child unless nurtured by the example of good Catholic/Christian morality and by an honest personal relationship with God in your family life.

Once you have chosen to enter into a partnership with us at Holy Family Academy, we trust you will be loyal to this commitment. During these formative years (Pre-K to 8), your child needs constant support from both parents and faculty in order to develop his/her moral, intellectual, social, cultural, and physical endowment. Neither parents nor teachers can afford to doubt the sincerity of the efforts of their educational partner in the quest of challenging, yet nourishing, the student to reach his/her potential. It is vital that both parents and teachers remember that allowing oneself to be caught between the student and the other partner will never have positive results. To divide authority between school and home or within the home only teaches disrespect of all authority. If there is an incident at school, you as parents must make an investigation of the complete story your first step. Evidence of mutual respect between parents and teachers models positive, mature behavior and relationships.

Students are naturally eager to grow and learn. However, sometimes in the process of maturation new interests may cause them to lose focus. As this natural process occurs, the student needs both understanding and discipline. At times, your child may perceive discipline as restrictive. However, it is boundaries and limits which provide a young person with both guidance and security.

It is essential that a child take responsibility for grades he/she has earned and be accountable for homework, long-term assignments, major tests, service projects, and all other assignments. This responsibility also extends to times of absence.

​Together, let us begin this year with a commitment to partnership as we support one another in helping your child to become the best person he/she is capable of being.

Parents as Partners
As partners in the educational process at Holy Family Academy, we ask parents to set rules, times and limits so that your child:

• Gets to bed early on school nights;
• Arrives at school on time and is picked up on time at the end of the day;
• Is dressed according to the school dress code; see handbook pages
• Completes assignments on time.

 
We also ask parents:

• To actively participate in school activities such as Parent- Teacher Conferences;
• To notify the school with a written note when the student has been absent or tardy;
• To notify the school office of any changes of address or important phone numbers;
• To meet all financial obligations to the school;
• To inform the school of any situation regarding the student’s well being, safety and health;
• To complete and return any requested information promptly;
• To read school notes and newsletters and to show interest in the student’s total education;
• To support the religious and educational goals of the school;
• To support and cooperate with the discipline policy of the school;
• To treat teachers with respect and courtesy when discussing student problems;
• To see that the student pays for any damage to school books or property due to carelessness or neglect on the part of the student.

Accreditation
​Holy Family Academy is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC). 

Admission Information
Non-Discrimination Statement
Holy Family Academy admits students of any race, color, religion, national and/or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, academic programs and activities.

Admission and Re-admission Policy
The admission policy concerning entrance age for Holy Family Academy is the same as the entrance requirements for Gardner Public Schools in accordance with the guidelines and policies of the State of Massachusetts and the Diocese of Worcester.

Preschool:

• A five day program
• A two day (Tues, Thurs) program
• A three day (M, W, F) program​

The morning program runs from 8:00 AM to 12:15 PM, and the all day session from 8 AM to 2:45 PM.    To enter the two day program children must be at least 3 years old before September 1st. All preschool children must be completely independent in the bathroom. 

Kindergarten:
Children entering kindergarten must be five years of age before September 1st.

Grade One:
Children entering first grade must be six years of age before September 1st. Parents new to the school will need to provide evidence of the child completing a year of kindergarten.

Transfer Students Grades 1-8:
All students new to Holy Family Academy must present the required immunizations and health forms, a copy of the child’s most recent report card, and all special reports and evaluations. Students with a history of academic and/or behavioral problems are placed on probation for the first quarter of the school year. Failure to meet academic requirements or levels of acceptable behavior may result in the student’s withdrawal from Holy Family Academy.

Registration Period
An in-house registration period is held for current families in February and March. After a designated period of time, the registration is then open to the general public. Transfer student are accepted throughout the year if space is available within a given grade. 

*Information concerning pricing and fees can be found on the Holy Family Website under Admissions.

Transfer of Records
When children transfer from one school to another, it is essential that the receiving school have access to the child’s academic records and/or cumulative files in order that the staff might adequately provide for his/her educational placement and program. All requests for transfer paperwork are provided by the school office. The parent must sign a release of records form for the receiving school. No academic or health record can be sent or received without authorization.

Parent Communication/Concerns Policy
​It is the commitment of Holy Family Academy to ensure that all parent questions and concerns are addressed in a timely manner.

All classroom concerns should be addressed first through the classroom teacher.  Teachers will respond to all concerns within two business days of receiving the question. This response could take the form of a phone call, email, or note home, and may include a meeting at school.  If a parent needs further assistance, concerns should then be addressed to the Principal. 

Phone Calls:
Parents wishing to confer with a teacher, should call the office with a request to speak with the teacher and the office will deliver the message. Teachers cannot answer calls during school hours, but they are always available to speak to parents at a time convenient to both parent and teacher.

Students are not called to the telephone during school hours except in the case of an emergency. Your child’s safety is a serious concern. For this reason, at no time is a phone message given to a student that involves a change in ordinary circumstances of transportation unless we are certain of the origin of the call.

In case of sickness or accident, the school will notify parents.

​Permission to use the telephone must be obtained from the school secretary. The office phone is a business phone and students are permitted to use it only in case of an emergency. The telephone in a teacher’s classroom is for the use of the teacher only. Forgotten homework, athletic equipment, etc. do not constitute emergencies. Arrangements for after-school visits with friends should be made at home.

Daily Schedule
Office Hours:
The school office is open on all school days from 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Summer hours are posted when school in not in session.

School Hours:
​Students may arrive no earlier than 7:45 AM. School begins at 8:00 AM for all students. Students arriving after 8:00 AM will be considered tardy. Dismissal is at 2:45 PM. Half-day preschool dismissal is at 12:15 PM.

Visitors
​ Any person entering the school building for any reason MUST SIGN IN AT THE SCHOOL OFFICE IMMEDIATELY UPON ENTERING THE BUILDING and wear a visitor pass. This includes parents who come to visit a teacher, do volunteer work, bring lunch to a child, etc.
Students are not allowed to bring visitors with them to class. If there is a special situation, permission must be given by the principal. All parents and visitors to Holy Family Academy MUST present themselves at the office before going to any destination in the school building. Visitors and/or volunteers are to return their visitor pass and sign out at the time of departure.

​Parents who volunteer may not drop in to a classroom to see their student during the school day. This is an interruption to the teacher and to the educational process. No siblings are allowed with the parent volunteer for liability reasons.  Please make other arrangements for childcare when volunteering.

Custody Issues 
Our school complies with the prevailing laws of the Commonwealth concerning the rights of custodial and non-custodial parent/guardianship.

Because our school has assumed responsibility for the education of your children, we also wish to act responsibly whenever and/or wherever information concerning student records, behavior or welfare is concerned. The school must be informed of custodial or restraining order issues involving the student(s). A copy of such orders in writing should be kept on file in the school office. We are unable to protect your children without such documentation. This information will be kept in the strictest confidence.


Attendance
Regular attendance is essential to learning. The required attendance of children at Holy Family Academy is equivalent to that of children in the public school and is based on the attendance laws of the State of Massachusetts. Seven (7) absences are considered excessive and require the attention of the parents and the school. School begins at 8:00 AM each day for grades K-8.

Students are tardy after the 8:00 AM bell. An Extended Care Program is available before school at 7:00 AM and after school hours until 5:30 PM.

A school staff member will be on duty in the schoolyard at 7:45 AM and until 3:00 PM.  Any student in the schoolyard before or after these times will be sent to the Extended Care room and families will be invoiced accordingly. Parents are responsible for their children before 7:45 AM. Please do not drop off your child before that time unless you place them in Extended Care.
Parents are not to bring their child to the classroom in the morning as this is disruptive to establishing morning classroom routines. 

​​Morning Assembly
All students and teachers will gather on the front lawn for morning prayer. During inclement weather, students and teachers will gather in the main hall of the school.
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Absence Policy
A parent/guardian must call the main office each day of the student’s absence. If the office does not receive a call, a parent/guardian will be contacted. This policy is for the protection of the Holy Family Academy students. After school clubs/sports cannot be attended if your child is absent from the school day.

A written statement giving reasons for the absence or tardiness must be brought to the student’s teacher upon the student’s return. These notes/letters are retained in the school office for one year. Should absence for any reason other than illness seem imperative, parents are requested to consult with the principal and present a written reason for the absence.

The school calendar provides for extended weekends and vacations throughout the school year. Parents are encouraged to schedule trips or family outings during these times so as to eliminate the need to interrupt a child’s learning process. Missed assignments are the student’s responsibility.

Students who are absent due to illness have one day for each day of absence to make up the missed assignments, quizzes or tests. For example, a student who was absent three days would be given three school days to complete the missed work. In the middle school, it is the student’s responsibility to see each one of his/her teachers to get missed work.

When a student is absent for three or more days due to illness, a parent may call the school office before 9:00 AM to arrange for homework assignments. Homework assignments may be picked up at the school office between 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM.

For short absences, students should make arrangement with classmates regarding assignments or receive missed assignments from their teacher when they return to school.
 
Tardiness
Tardiness is disruptive to both the teaching and the learning processes. Students who arrive after classes have entered the building are considered to be tardy and must report to the office for a tardy slip. 

Parents are responsible for getting their children to school on time. Repeated and unexcused tardiness may result in detention and/or a parent/teacher/principal conference.
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Excused tardiness occurs when a valid or serious reason exists as judged by the principal such as a late bus, inclement weather and slippery roads, etc.

Transportation/Arrival/Dismissal
Arrival:
All parents dropping off their children must do so on Nichols Street only.  All children will proceed to the front of the school.

Dismissal:
Students in grades K-2 exit the building in lines from the side door facing the church. Students in grades 3-8 exit the building on the far side and cross the back schoolyard.

Drivers picking up students are expected to be on time. Parents of students in grades K-4 are expected to be waiting for their child/children in the schoolyard.  Students who are not picked up by 3:00 PM will be brought to the Extended Care Program and parents will be appropriately charged.  School policies will be in effect whenever students are in the school yard.
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Busing:  
Bus students will assemble promptly at the designated area near the stairs at the edge of the schoolyard facing Regan Street.
Note: A Bus Lane is marked with NO PARKING (which includes no waiting) signs at the bus stop curb along the wall and no vehicles are to be driven into the schoolyard while students are waiting for buses.

Students missing the bus are to go to the teacher on duty to report that they do not have a ride home. The teacher on duty will send the student to the office to make arrangement for transportation. The student is not to make their own arrangements through cell phone or other parents. We must know where each child is at all times. Missed your bus? You must report to the office to arrange transportation.

NO CHILD MAY GO HOME A DIFFERENT WAY THAN FIRST STIPULATED ON YOUR RELEASE FORM WITHOUT A NOTE TO THE TEACHER/SCHOOL.

Buses are provided for our students by the Gardner Public School System for all students living in Gardner if they meet distance requirements. Any bus concerns should be directed to the Assistant Superintendent for Business at 978-632-1000.

MASSACHUSETTS STATE LAW: STOP FOR ALL SCHOOL BUSES WITH FLASHING LIGHTS WHEN PASSENGERS ARE BEING PICKED UP OR DISCHARGED.
 
Dismissal During School Hours:
Appointments, dental or medical, etc., should not be made during school hours except in the case of emergency or extreme hardship. If a student is seen for a medical reason please send in a doctor’s note to be excused from your absents/dismissal/tardy. Students who are away from school for an appointment for 3 ½ hours or more will be counted as absent for ½ a day. Three (3) early withdrawals are considered a one-half day absence. (without a doctor’s medical note).

The procedure for students being dismissed during school hours is as follows:

• Student must present a note to the teacher explaining the reason for requesting the dismissal.
• Note must be brought to the office in the morning during homeroom.
• Student will be issued a dismissal slip (grades 5-8 only).
• The dismissal slip must be brought to the class from which student is being dismissed.
• Dismissal slip must be given to the teacher at the time of dismissal (student will not be called out of class).
• Parent must sign student out in the office at the time of dismissal.
• Student must leave as quietly as possible so as not to disturb the other students.
• It is the student's responsibility to find out homework assignments that are given out after the time of dismissal.

Inclement Weather
If the Gardner Public schools find it necessary to cancel school or dismiss early because of weather conditions, Holy Family Academy will also cancel or dismiss early. In the event that this occurs, it will be announced on television and radio. Parents will also be contacted through the Connect Ed phone system with details about school closings. It is very important that parents keep the school informed of any changes in phone contact information to keep this system current and you contacted when needed.

​In the case of dismissals, students who travel by bus will call home before they are allowed to leave on the school bus. If parents cannot be reached the child will be kept at school.
Students who travel to school by carpool will be dismissed upon the arrival of their ride. Students will call their parents (or carpool) after the bus students have made their phone calls.
Parents are asked to please listen to the local radio or television stations for such cancellations or dismissals and in the case of dismissals, try to avoid calling the school while children are attempting to call home or a Connect-Ed message is being sent.

Emergency Calls
​In case of emergency, parents are contacted first. If a parent cannot be reached, then a person designated by the parents on the child’s emergency form is contacted. Parents have the responsibility to keep the emergency form up-to-date.
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Homework and Grades
Progress Reports and Report Cards
Formal grades are available online and appear on the student’s report card throughout the school year.  Progress reports are also available online throughout each quarter. All reports are available on line via EDGE and/or may be directly provided to the parent(s).  Kindergarten is graded twice per year. A secondary evaluation to assess skills is completed in the fall and again in June.  
 
Homework 
Homework varies from day-to-day and by grade levels.  General guidelines are 15 minutes per grade.  Grades 1-4: 15-60 minutes/night and Grades 5-8: 75-120 minutes/night, combined classes.
 
Grading Scale
Holy Family Academy uses the following grading standards in its assessment of students:
A+ 100 – 95
A 94 – 90
B+ 89 – 85
B 84 -80
C+ 79 – 75
C 74 – 70
D 69 -65
F 64 and below.

​Grade reporting is available to parents 24/7 on the Edge2day Schools website with the use of a password. Parents are encouraged to check academic progress often to stay abreast of their child’s progress. Go to: http://edge2day.com

Academic Restriction: 
Any student receiving 2-D's or 1-F is put on academic restriction and may not participate in any extra curricular activities- sports, dances, clubs, etc.
 
Honor Roll
Honor Roll is one way we celebrate success and recognize those who are working hard both academically and behaviorally.
The honor roll is released each grading period and sent to the Gardner News for publication. The guidelines for honor roll are the following:
Holy Family Academy will emphasize high academic standards and achievement. The levels of academic excellence will be recognized for grade 6, 7, and 8.
 

• Principal’s List includes all students with a 96 average and no incident of behavioral or disciplinary issues.
• High Honors includes all students with all A’s and no incident of behavioral or disciplinary issues.
• Honors includes all students with all A’s or B’s and no incident of behavioral or disciplinary issues.

 
Note:  Religion and world languages (i.e. Spanish or French) for Grades 6-8 are an integral part of the calculation of honor roll status.
Art, music and gym do not count towards honor roll.
 
 Parent/Teacher Conferences  
Parent/Teacher Conferences are held at the end of the first grading period.  Any other time is at the discretion of the teacher or by request from the parent.  Conferences must be scheduled outside the regular school hours.  Parents may not interrupt class periods and, if an emergency arises, must be directed to the Principal’s office.

School Uniform Policy - click here to view

Discipline Policy
1. Philosophy:
Successful discipline is based upon clear expectations. Our children are given structure, order, and security within the school and they are expected to contribute to that structure. The goal, ultimately, is self-discipline. It is our aim to help children behave as reasonable, well-mannered students. It is the aim of our faculty to provide a positive school environment that is conducive to good student behavior.
 
2. Implementation of Discipline:
Most students will experience little difficulty living with the policies in this handbook and our school procedures. When a student is in violation of a school policy, attempts to have the student change his/her behavior in line with school rules will be made by the teacher and /or the Principal. Students involved with a violation will be require to write, sign and date an incident report stating their observation of the incident. This is consistent with our philosophy of teaching the children responsibility for their words and actions. Additionally, they are taking responsibility for the consequences of inappropriate behaviors. Infractions may then result in detention or loss of privileges. It is hoped that an infraction will not warrant an in-house suspension from school. Parents will be notified of a serious infraction or continual infractions.
Disciplinary measures will be taken at the discretion of the Principal in accordance with the seriousness of the offense.
 
3. Code of Conduct:
It is important that each child know what is expected of him/her in school. Please discuss the following points with your child(ren) before the opening of school.

1. Fighting or violent behavior of any kind is forbidden at all times. Violent behavior will result in detention or possible suspension from school. Violence is not appropriate school behavior and will not be tolerated.
2. Children are to respect the school property and take pride in their school. Therefore, no student should mark or damage property in any way. The chewing of gum is not allowed at school. Parents will be held responsible for payment of damaged school property. Damage to school property results in both suspension and restitution.
3. Smoking is forbidden in school, around school, and to and from school. Punishment for violation of this rule is suspension and possible expulsion.
4. Possession or use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, drugs or weapons while on school grounds or at any function under the auspices of the school will be penalized by immediate suspension or expulsion.
5. Profanity and abusive language does not reflect a Christian attitude and is not accepted by the school. Respectful language should always be used with teachers and other students.
6. Cheating on quizzes or tests, or copying, or allowing work to be copied (homework or schoolwork) will result in loss of credit and disciplinary action. Students plagiarizing and paraphrasing from the internet or another source will face the same consequences.
7. The dress code is an essential aspect of the school’s image. Students must adhere to the dress code standards.
8. Students may not have on their person, cellular phones, iPods, Apple watches or any other electronic devices. If these devices are observed during school hours they will be confiscated by school personnel and returned only to a parent.
9. The use of technology in school must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy in place at this school.

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Detention
Detention is issued due to chronic misbehavior or a breach of school rules. Students are allowed to have a snack and a beverage. They may also use the bathroom before detention begins. Detention is meant to be a reflective time for the student. The room is quiet, hands are on the desk and the student looks forward. Reflective questions: Why am I here? How can I change my behavior? What can I do to make things a more positive experience? The day, date and time of the detention are at the discretion of the teacher/principal who monitors the detention. Detention takes precedence over appointments, practices, lessons, tutoring, ballgames etc. At the end of each marking period all students are given a fresh start.

Suspension
A student who is given an in-school suspension is required to work on assignments with an aide or a designee of the principal.
A student who receives an out-of-school suspension is not allowed on school grounds during the time of their suspension. A student with an out-of-school suspension receives failing grades for all work missed during this time.

Expulsion
Expulsion is an extremely serious matter. Students who pose a threat to themselves or to others may be expelled from Holy Family Academy. Students who have been expelled are not allowed to return to the school without prior permission from the principal.

Items such as, but not limited to, questionable books and pictures, white-out, knives, guns, matches, cigarettes, radios, pagers, laser lights, palm pilots, or anything that detracts from a learning situation are not allowed at school at any time. The use of MP3 players, iPods/iPads, CD Players. Gameboys, etc. are not allowed at school at any time during the school day. They are allowed by Middle School students while doing homework at Extended Day Program. 

Cell phones are not allowed at any time during the school day or Extended Day Program without the consent of the teacher. The School Administration, in accordance with state laws, determines the appropriate disciplinary measures to be taken concerning the presence of these items in the school. Items taken away from students will be held by school administration until contacted by a parent/guardian. 

Elastic Clause:
Because it is impossible to foresee all problems which arise, this clause empowers the Administration and Faculty to take disciplinary action for any behavior which violates the spirit, philosophy, and mission statement of Holy Family Academy even though not specified in this code of conduct. 

​The Principal and Leadership Team reserve the right to determine the appropriateness of an action if any doubt arises.

Bullying Policy
​Holy Family Academy attempts to provide a safe environment for all individuals.  Verbal or written threats made against the physical or emotional well-being of any individual are taken very seriously.  Students making such threats (seriously or in jest or online) face detention, suspension, and/or expulsion. A comprehensive plan has been reviewed and put into place in conjunction with Diocese.  It may be found on our Bullying Policy page.

Social Media Policy
Holy Family Academy recognizes the importance of the Internet in forming public opinion. Therefore, it is essential that administration, faculty/staff, parents, students and volunteers join together and help shape the way the school is perceived in the community via interaction in social media. The following guidelines will help everyone make appropriate decisions about utilizing various social media.
 

• Parents, students, employees and volunteers are personally responsible for the content that they post, share and respond to online.
• Online postings and conversations are not private. Do not share confidential information, internal school discussions, or specific information about students, staff or other parents.
• Never discuss sensitive school matters using social media outlets.
• Under no circumstances should offensive comments be made about students, parents or staff nor the school in general.
• Social media sites using the school name may not be created without permission.
• Do not use any school logo or image without permission.
• Public postings on social media should not be used to challenge or ridicule Church teachings.

 
Holy Family Academy reserves the right to require parents, students, employees or volunteers to remove content or comments posted on social media for any reason, including but not limited to the administration’s opinion that the comments violate this policy.  The core values of the school apply to behavior both on and off campus including the online environment. Failure to comply with any of the provisions of this policy may be grounds for disciplinary action, including dismissal from the school and/or termination of employment and/or volunteer activities.

Crisis Plan
​Holy Family Academy has implemented a “crisis plan” in case of a lockdown emergency.  All teachers and staff are aware of the procedure to follow to keep your children safe.

Closing Remarks
We the administration, faculty and staff at Holy Family Academy look forward to a partnership with you the parents (guardians) in providing the essential educational foundation for your child/children through a Christian perspective. Through our joint efforts to instill solid moral and ethical Christian values, your child/children will be prepared to take on life’s challenges in the pursuit of God’s mission in their lives.
 
Right to Amend
Holy Family Academy reserves the right to amend this Handbook at anytime.