Our Lady of Consolation Elementary School
401 Clay Street, Carey, Ohio 43316
419-396-6166
Home / General Information

 

 

YOUR FAMILY IS WELCOME AT OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION SCHOOL

 

Our Lady of Consolation School in Carey is not just a place to learn facts and figures.  It takes much more than that to prepare a child for adulthood.  Religious formation, academic excellence, fine arts experiences, and athletic opportunities team together to lead students to become children of faith and charity who possess spiritual vision, intellectual curiosity, and inner strength.  We strive to maintain a climate of order, love, and respect to stimulate a lasting framework of positive attitudes and decision-making.                       Families form the core of our energetic school community.  Teachers and staff view themselves as partners with parents in the faith formation and education of their children.  We believe each student is a unique opportunity to nurture God-given talents and abilities so that each one may reach their full potential as mature, respectful life-learners and faith-sharers.  We are blessed with caring parents who take an active interest in their children=s education and support the school.

The spiritual support and financial generosity of all parishioners provide Our Lady of Consolation with its mission to keep Catholic education focused on energizing those who will soon be leaders in our church and our community.   In a society with fast-paced changes, the need for leaders with strong faith and values becomes more and more critical.  Our Lady of Consolation students are being prepared to meet the challenges that lie in their future with a combination of faith, knowledge, and love.

Our Lady of Consolation School also recognizes and appreciates the fine working relationship that exists between our school and the Carey Public school system.  The support and help we receive both from the Carey Public School and the Carey community give us another special reason for continuing our existence.

 

DIOCESE OF TOLEDO CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

DISTRICT PHILOSOPHY

 

AThe duty of human perfection, like the whole universe, has

been removed, recast, super naturalized, in the Kingdom of

God.  It is truly a Christian duty to grow... and to make one=s

talents bear fruit.  It is a part of the essentially Catholic vision to

lock upon the world as maturing, not only in each individual or in

each nation, but in the whole human race.@

(Teilhard de Chardin, The Divine Milieu)

 

 

The schools of the Catholic Diocesan of Toledo assist parents in preparing their youngsters to assume their vocation.  The schools enable youngsters to perfect and grow in the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes to which they are called by Jesus Christ.  This vocation begins and grows as each member hears the message of the gospel, seeks to achieve a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and shares in a commitment of love and service of God and others in order to transform self and society.

 

Christian education in the Toledo Diocesan schools is intended to make students become people of faith who can experience, inside and outside the school setting, learning and living in the light of this faith commitment.  Students are instructed in human knowledge and skills in order to best relate human culture to God’s plan for His evolving creation.  Religious education, i.e. instruction in truths and development of values, is of primary concern.  This religious education serves as the basis by which students can integrate their experience of learning and living at each stage of their development.

 

This integration thrives in a throughly Christian atmosphere where faculties and staffs share and demonstrate in their professional and private lives this same commitment to personal excellence and growth in Jesus Christ.

 

Toledo diocesan schools enable students to extend their personal faith commitment through prayer and service of others.  Together with faculty and staff, students participate in liturgical activities which foster community.  Students explore ways to meet the challenges of tensions and conflicts which occur in community, especially in peacemaking and achievement of justice.  Gospel  values impel students to special concern for all who suffer any disadvantage.  Students are enabled to commit themselves to the public interest by developing the skills and talents needed to contribute to the life of the nation.

 

This experience of integrating learning, and living a commitment of faith is a reason for hope.  It is the duty of the schools of the Diocese of Toledo to continually explore and rekindle hope for the future in the light of the present reality of the universe.  Engaging our members, and the community at large, in a search for growth and perfection is our never-ending obligation.  Our ultimate goal is union with Jesus Christ Athe way, the truth, and the life.@

 

 

Registration/Tuition Policies

 

Admission Policy

Our Lady of Consolation School recruits and admits students of any race, color, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities.  In addition, the school will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarships, loans, fee waivers, educational programs, and extra-curricular activities.  Our Lady of Consolation School will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or ethnic origin in the hiring of its certified or non-certified personnel.

The school admits children of parishioners and non-parishioners who are of school age and abide by Christian principles and school policies.  Students enrolling in kindergarten must be five years old by August 1.  All students must meet State of Ohio vaccination and immunization requirements for admission and continued enrollment.  A copy of the child’s birth certificate, social security number, health record, and custody papers (if applicable) must be provided.

 

Registration

There will be a spring registration for children who are entering kindergarten; also, registration for students entering grades 1-8 will be taken at this time.   At the time of registration, new  enrollees must be able to show parish membership and show legal guardianship of the child to be eligible for parishioner tuition rates.

Non-parishioners may enroll their children in Our Lady of Consolation School, providing class size for the grade(s) is not exceeded.  A judgement regarding class size will be made in conjunction with the Pastor, Principal, and School Advisory Council.  All students must attend Religion classes, school masses, and other school Religious services.

In cases where new students are entering grades 1-8, they will be enrolled on a probationary status, needing to meet the criteria established by the principal, teachers, and pastor.  Criteria to be evaluated include: discipline, academic performance, and following school policies.  Non-compliance may result in dismissal from the school or an extension of the probationary period.

Transfer students are required to:

1. Request a transfer of academic and health records to be sent to Our  Lady of  Consolation.

2. Fulfill all state department requirements for immunizations.

3. Present a copy of the student=s birth certificate.

4. Be in good health.

5. Provide proof of legal custody.

 

Withdrawal

Withdrawal of a student from Our Lady of Consolation will take place upon receiving a written parental request for release of records.  Records may be withheld pending the payment of any outstanding fees.

 


Tuition

The school charges tuition of its patrons as set by Our Lady of Consolation School Advisory Council.  The rate of tuition is based on the number of children enrolled in the school from one family and on membership/non-membership in the Parish. 

The Advisory Council has approved the following payment plan for tuition.   Tuition may be paid in full by July 5; in two payments (July and December); in four payments (July, October, January, & March); or in twelve monthly payments (July - June).  All tuition payments are due on the 5th of each month.   Financial assistance is available in cases of special need by completing a tuition assistance form to be evaluated by the Tuition Assistance Committee.

As adopted by the Advisory Council, these guidelines will be followed if tuition payments are overdue: (1) If monthly tuition is overdue, and arrangements have NOT been made for late payment, a $10 late fee will be added and a notice sent by regular mail.  (2) If the next month remains overdue, another $10 late fee will be added and a notice will be sent by certified mail.  (3)  If a third month occurs with no response, a third notice will be sent by certified mail indicating the last date the student(s) will be able to attend class until some arrangements are made.  (4) Any overdue tuition must be paid in full for students to be admitted to Our Lady of Consolation School the following year.  Records will not be released until payment is received.

 

Tuition Rates

Parishioner  Yearly

1 Child                     $1375             

2 Children               $2600             

3 Children               $3625               

4 Children               $3950                                          

(A supply fee of $100 will be added for each additional child beyond four.)

Non-Parishioner

Non-Parishioners should add $100 per child to each of the yearly figures listed above.

 

Attendance

 Regular attendance is essential to a student’s success in school.  Most subjects are taught in sequence, requiring the understanding of each concept in the order of its presentation.  Persistent absenteeism creates a genuine hardship for a student and is regarded as a very

serious problem.  Absences of more than 5 consecutive days require a doctor=s excuse.  Total absences of more than 15 days will signal the need to evaluate the student=s need for tutoring or retention.  School hours for students are from 8:05 AM to 2:45 PM.  Students should not arrive before 7:55 AM and leave school grounds promptly after school.   (If students must arrive between 7:45 and 7:55 they are to go to the gym until the 7:55 bell rings.)  Supervision is not provided before or after school except in extended day.  Students are not permitted in the building during non-school hours unless permission has been

granted and adult supervision is provided.

 

Absences If a student is absent, the parents (or other responsible adult) are requested to call the school before 9:00 AM or send a note with a sibling.  If you do not contact the school, we are required by law to contact you and notify you of your child=s absence.  If we cannot reach you by phone, we will send a written notice by mail.  Parent cooperation is strongly encouraged.  If you know your child is going to be absent for more than one day due to an illness or other circumstances, please advise the school on your initial call.  This will save repeated calls during the absence.  When a student has been ill, he/she should be kept home at least 24 hours after the body temperature has returned to normal.  Students are responsible for all work missed when absent.  It is suggested that parents contact the school for assignments so that the student does not fall behind.  Many classes have homework helpers that will collect assignments during the day and have them ready by dismissal.

 

Tardiness A child is counted tardy if he/she is not present in homeroom at 8:05.  Tardiness due to a late bus is always excused.  Tardy students are to report to the office for class admission. 

 

Leaving School Once a child is on school property, he/she may not leave the grounds without permission from the parents and approval from the school.   No child will be released without proper approval.  Students must come to the school office to sign out and/or sign in.  They will be released only to the adult designated by the parent note.

 

Special Arrangements: If special transportation arrangements need to be made for a student, these arrangements must be given to the student=s homeroom teacher on the morning of the day the special arrangements are taking place.  To avoid confusion at the end of the day, please do not make last minute phone call arrangements.

 

Appointments: Please avoid medical and dental appointments during school hours when possible.  Parents who need to take children out of school during the day must first notify the office.  Students must sign in and out at the school office during the day.  A student who is absent for more than 90 minutes will be counted as 2 day absent.

 

Family Vacations: Family vacations taken during the school days of attendance are discouraged.  It is impossible for a student to make up all the instruction given by teachers during the missed class time.  If a vacation must be taken during the attendance days, it is considered an unexcused absence and it is the responsibility of the parent and student to make arrangements with the teacher for a record of assignments during the absence.  Teachers are not required to give work in advance for vacations.  Parents are asked to notify the school in advance when a student must be out for a vacation.

 

Excessive absences/Tardiness: Students have both the right and the responsibility to attend school.  It is reasonable to require school and class attendance as a minimal requirement for promotion.  (This is in addition to academic performance requirements.)

 

Excused Absences: Excused absences include:

1.  Personal illness

2.  Serious illness in the immediate family

3.  Death in the family

4.  Attendance at a funeral

5.  Quarantine of the home

6.  Family Emergency

Other absences are considered unexcused.

 

Note: To receive a perfect attendance award, students must have no absences, tardies, or appointments.

 

A Doctor’s Excuse is required for:

  • Absences of five or more consecutive school days
  • Inability to take part in a school activity (gym, outdoor recess, etc.) for more that two days

 

DRESS CODE

We are a Catholic School and are different by design.  The purpose of a dress code is to support an academic environment where emphasis is placed on studies rather than clothing.  There is an acceptable opinion among educators that student learning and behavior are reflected by their appearance.  This dress code was compiled in conjunction with the faculty and School Advisory Council.  The details were designed to accentuate modesty and safety, and discourage “fad” clothing.  Writing a dress code is a very difficult task because of the many variables that go into it.  New fashion trends, styles, and fads create gray areas that make exact, all inclusive rules virtually impossible.  The cooperation of parents is essential to effectively implement any dress code.  We ask that you abide by the letter and spirit of this dress code.  It is your parental obligation and responsibility to insure that your child follows the dress code.

General:  All clothing must be clean, neat, and modestly hemmed.  NO oversize clothing.  NO tight fitting clothing.   NO leather (winter jackets are OK)  NO clothing can contain inappropriate language or pictures, or make references in any way to violence, alcohol, drugs, sex, occult, gangs or tobacco.  Students are required to dress up on Mass days.  (See “Mass day” section)

Shirts:

Acceptable/Garment Requirements

·        Long or short sleeve blouses, knit shirts, sweaters, cardigans, vests, and dress T-shirts are acceptable

·        Untucked shirts must have a hemmed bottom and be no longer than the top of the leg

·        Sleeveless shirts must have a fitted armhole and may be worn until October 31 and resume on April 1

·        Shirts must fit appropriately at the shoulders, sleeves and in length and cover the midriff

·        Sleeveless shirts worn under a blouse, shirt, sweater are acceptable year round

Not-Acceptable

·        NO Tank tops, spaghetti straps, halter, one shoulder, and boat neck shirts/dresses allowed

·        Jerseys not accompanied with an undergarment are not acceptable

 

Pants

Acceptable/Garment Requirements

·        Jeans, dress slacks, and corduroy pants are acceptable

·        Sweat pants and wind suits are acceptable for grades K-2 ONLY. 

·        Pants will be worn such that undergarments remain fully covered and pants remain above the hipbone

·        Leggings may be worn ONLY under a skirt (4” rule applies)

·        Below the knee length pants may be worn year round

Not Acceptable

·        NO Jeans/Pants with holes, frayed legs or severely distressed (even if purchased in this condition) allowed

·        NO pajama pants or breakaway type pants allowed

 

Shorts/Skirts/Skorts/Dresses

Acceptable/Garment Requirements

·        SHORTS may be worn until October 31 and resume on April 1

·        May be no more than four inches (4”) above the top of the kneecap

Not Acceptable

·        NO soccer-style, bike, gym, or athletic shorts are allowed

Shoes/Boots

Acceptable/Garment Requirements

·        Must be in good condition and properly tied

·        Must have an enclosed heel or strap around the heel

·        Must have no higher than a 2” heel

·        Students are encouraged to wear snow boots during inclement weather.  However, snow boots may NOT be worn during class. 

Not Acceptable

·        NO clogs, croc style, flip flops, or shoes with wheels

 Hair

·        Hair should be clean and appropriately cut.  No writing of any kind may be “shaved” into hair.  No hair color sprays may be worn.  All students are expected to be cleanly shaved

 Jewelry

·        Dangling earrings or jewelry that may create a safety hazard are not permitted

Mass Day

Acceptable

·        Dress pants, dress shorts(until October 31st and resume April 1st), skirts, dresses, jumpers and capris are acceptable, including corduroy

·        Knit shirts with or without collar, pullover or button-down

Not Acceptable

·        NO Denim of any color pants (jeans), skirts, skorts

·        No sweat pants, sweatshirts, or printed T-shirts, jersey

NO shorts may be worn in a liturgical role

 

Violations:  The homeroom teacher is responsible for checking for compliance with the dress code between 7:55 and 8:20.  For the first violation the student will be given a verbal warning that will be documented by the homeroom teacher and a note will be sent to the parents.  The second violation will result in the parents being called to bring appropriate clothing, and the student may make up missed work.  Students will return to class when properly clothed.  Third and subsequent violations will result in parents being called to bring appropriate clothing and a one hour after school detention. The student may not make up any missed work. Students will not be excluded from Mass for a dress code violation but other consequences will apply.  The principal has the final say on any questionable items of clothing. 

 

 

 

 

Grading System

 

Grading Criteria

Student’s report cards are given on a quarterly basis for grades K-8.  First grade students will receive a special report for the first quarter, as this is a period of academic adjustment.  Grade cards provide parents with evidence of the various aspects of pupil growth and educational development.   Our Lady of Consolation School uses the standard letter grades of A, B, C, D, and F.  A letter grade of E will be given only if the student is not passing but is working to her/his full potential.  We also use the marks of O (Outstanding), S+ (Above Average), S (Satisfactory) S- (Below Average), and U (Unsatisfactory).   Conduct and effort in all grades as well as Cooperation and Participation in Music and Physical Education will be graded using this scale.

 

Kindergarten

All assessment will be done using the O-U scale.

 

Grades 1-2

The letter grades A-F will be used as an assessment of student progress in the following subjects: Religion, Reading, Language Arts, Spelling, and Mathematics.  Subjects which use the grades of O-U are: Social Studies, Science, Health, Art, Music, Physical Education, and Handwriting.

 

Grades 3-4

The letter grades A-F will be used as an assessment of student progress in the following subjects: Religion, Reading, Language Arts, Spelling, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, and Health.  Subjects which use the grades O-U are: Handwriting, Art, Music, Physical Education, Conduct, and Effort.

 

Grades 5-8

The letter grades A-F will be used as an assessment of student progress in the following subjects: Religion, Reading, Language Arts, Spelling Gr. 5,6/Vocabulary (Gr. 7-8), Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Health, Music, Physical Education, and Band.  Conduct and effort are graded O-U in each subject.  Art is also graded O-U.

Spanish I and Algebra I are courses offered to qualified eighth graders for High School credit.  These courses will be graded using the Carey High School grading scale.

 

Parents should sign the report card and return it to school the next day.  If a conference is requested, please contact your child=s teacher to arrange a time which is mutually agreeable.

 

Midterm Progress Report

Midterm progress reports will be given to all students.  If a conference is requested, please contact your child=s teacher to arrange a time which is mutually agreeable.

Please sign the progress report and return it the following day.

 

Honor Roll

Honor Roll is a special recognition for academic achievement.

Our Lady of Consolation School=s honor roll includes First Honors and Second Honors.  At the conclusion of the academic year, an Academic Achievement Award will be presented to all students who have attained a 3.5 GPA or above, and grades no lower than an S average in all other areas.  The following criteria will be used to determine First and Second Honors:

First Honors: A=s in all subjects graded A-F; S or above in all other academic areas; S+ or O (average for gr. 5-8) in Conduct and Effort.

Second Honors: A=s and B=s in all subjects graded A-F; S or above in all other academic areas; S or above (average for grades 5-8) in Conduct and Effort

 

Grading Scale

 

                                                                                   (93-100%)

A+       99-100%             Outstanding, masters all assigned work

A         94-98%   

A-        93%

                                                                                                                                                                      (85-92%)

B+       91-92%                Above average, masters a major portion of assigned work

B         86-90%               

B-        85%

       

                                                                         (77-84%)

C+       83-84%                Satisfactory, masters an average portion of the assigned work.

C         78-82%               

C-        77%

                                  

                                                                       (70-76%)

D+       75-76%                Below average, masters less than an average portion of                D       71-74%                      assigned work. 

D         70%

        

                                                                       (0-69%)

F            0-69%                Needs help, work is inferior to the accepted standard for                                                               passing.

 

Retention of a Student                                                                                         

 Retention of a child, in most cases, will be a cooperative effort between the school and parents.  The teacher will follow the ordinary channels of reporting pupil progress to the parents including, but not limited to:

1. Progress reports

2. Grade cards

3. Parent-teacher conferences

            4. Classroom observations

If the student is having problems that go beyond the normal range for that grade level, the parents and principal are to be informed immediately.  At this point, data is collected to try to pinpoint the specific problems.  Steps that may be considered are medical testing, psychological testing, achievement tests, school records, parent input, and teacher observation.  If the information suggests a solution, then those steps will be implemented immediately.  But, in most cases, the answer is not that simple but is one that requires patience and understanding to help the child. If retention appears to be a solution to help the child, then the parents and the school will work together to provide a smooth transition for the child.

 

Retention can also occur if a capable student chooses to produce inferior work due to a lack of effort.  Our Lady of Consolation expects and demands that each of its students will fully use the talents that God has given them.  Inferior work as defined by the grading criteria falls between the range of 0-69%.  Every grade that falls in this category increases the chance of retention.  Any student receiving failing marks in two or more subjects will be considered for retention.

 

As is the case with any chartered school, we abide by the Ohio minimum standards at all times.  In cases of an extended illness, the child may need to be tutored to advance to the next grade level.  The teaching staff will also study the results of achievement tests and the degree of mastery of grade level benchmarks in the competency based education tests to provide information that will be used to determine if retention will be considered.