General School Information

St. Ambrose School is a suburban, co-educational parish school with an enrollment of approximately 250 students in grades Pre K - 8.We have a dedicated faculty which includes  the Sisters of The Presentation, the Sisters of Saint Joseph, a Franciscan Sister of the Atonement and lay teachers. 

The Academic program meets or exceeds the curriculum objectives of both the New York State Department of Education and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. Our students participate in all New York State testing. Children in grades 3-8 also take the IOWA standardized exam every year. In conjunction with the core curriculum, the following classes are also offered: physical education, music, library, art, Spanish, and computer. In order to meet the needs of all our students we also offer remedial and speech services based upon teacher recommendation. Students do not have to be classified to receive services.

School Hours
  School hours are 8:25 am -3:pm. 
  Children are required to be in their classrooms by 8:25 am. 
  Dismissal begins promptly at 3:00pm.

Absences and Tardiness

•  Parents should call the school, Between 8 AM and 9 AM, on the first day of a child's absence explaining the reason.
   A message can be left on the answering machine.
• Attendance is taken at 8:30 am daily. Each grade sends a daily absentee list to the office. Any student reporting after 8:30 must report to the school office with a written note before proceeding to his/her classroom.
• When reporting a LEGAL absence, parents may request their child's missed work on the date of the absence and not before. The work will be ready for pick up at the school office by 3 pm.
• A legal absence includes :sickness, sickness or death in family, impassable roads or weather, religious observance, quarantine, music lessons and attendance at health clinics.
• Most absences not mentioned above are interpreted under  the law as illegal absences or unlawful detention. Such excuses as the following come under this heading: visiting, away, vacation, shopping, needed at home, caring for baby, work, no shoes, overslept, etc.
• When a student returns after an illness or is late, a written excuse is to be presented; no child will be permitted to attend class without the written excuse or until parent brings excuse to the school. The excuse will be kept on file by the classroom teacher. (The state requires all notes be kept for three years).
• Consistent with other school districts, if a student's absence reaches 20 days, a parent, teacher, and principal meeting is mandatory. Excessive absences may jeopardized promotion to the next grade.

After School Program:

• This program is available to every child. Parents who use the program are to adhere to the rules as outlined on the 'After school Service" form. For specifics on the after school program, click here.

Arrival of Students:

Circular Drive: Please abide by the signs posted in the circular drive. There is absolutely no parking allowed in the circular drive.
Arrival: Students being dropped off by care are to use the door at the south end of the school near the circular drive. The circular drive is closed to all traffic (except school buses) from 7:30-8:30a.m. Parents dropping students off during this time must park in the lot and walk them to the entrance.  After 8:30a.m. parents may pull around the circle to drop off their student. At this time, students are considered late and must report to the main office and sign in before proceeding to their classroom.

Before School Care:

• This service is provided at no additional cost. Students can be dropped off at 7:00 am.

Birthday Parties: Will be at the discretion of the teacher.  The school does not provide class lists with address and telephone numbers to parents for any reason. Please do not ask teachers or the office for this information. To avoid hurt feelings, no party invitations are to be distributed in school unless every child in the class is invited.

Bus Discipline Policies

 The school bus driver has the same authority and responsibility on his bus as does the teacher in the classroom. While the discipline on the school buses is the primary responsibility of the Transportation Department, administrators may be expected to assist in individual situations wherever possible.

Calendars

•  We follow (as close as possible) the North Colonie School District calendar. A copy of our yearly calendar is issued at the beginning of the school year to every family.
• Every student is given a Monthly Calendar. Please ask your child for your copy. Should it be necessary to issue a second calendar to your child, parents will have to send a signed note to the teacher making this request.
• For your convenience, the monthly calendar is also available on the school website www.rcdaschools.org/stambrose .

            Special Circumstances: There are few families with special circumstances. 
            If you want a calendar mailed to your home, you must contact the school office.

 Discipline Policy
At St. Ambrose, we believe that every child has the right to learn and every child has the obligation and responsibility to allow that to happen.

In light of this, our students are expected to:

I. Respect the rights of others

2. Walk quietly in the halls when changing classes

3. Settle arguments by talking them out or asking for help

4. Have the courtesy to listen when someone else is talking

5. Be on time for school each day

6. Be prepared for each class daily

We present these directives because it is essential that a safe and orderly environment be maintained here at St. Ambrose School. Whenever the need arises to correct any misbehavior, we strive for a fair and consistent approach. Our long-term goal is to strive for appropriate and acceptable student behavior in all school activities: Any consequences deemed necessary will be at the discretion of the teacher. Below you will find a list of possible student misbehaviors and consequences. (This is not a complete list)

Dismissal of Students
Parents are asked to follow this procedure for dismissal
Dismissal for ALL students K -8 at St. Ambrose begins at 2:50 p.m. with walker & riders
Parents are asked to pick up children (walkers and riders) at the North exit ONLY.

Once students leave the building (at dismissal time) they are not to re-enter the building via the exit door. 
Parents, please cooperate with the teacher who is stationed at the door. It is her responsibility to see that this policy is carried out.

Dismissal time is not "play time". Children should not be on the play ground or be allowed to "play" in the parking lot.

During winter, no child is to climb snow banks or throw snowballs
A note from the parent (for early dismissal) MUST be sent to school to school in the morning with the child, so the teacher and office are aware of the dismissal. Children will be dismissed from the office when the parent comes. (Please specify reason for: early dismissal )

Students who are normally bus riders who need to be dismissed with walkers and riders (on a particular day) MUST have a written note from the parents, and present it to the teacher in the morning. Children who do not have a written note will be put on the bus as usual.

Due to insurance coverage problems, school districts will only transport students belonging to that district, (e.g. North Colonie students may not ride a Shenendehowa bus, and/or Cohoes students cannot ride on any school district buses) 

Please try to avoid calling the school between 2:50 - 3:20 p.m. as your call may not be answered due to dismissal. Messages will not be heard until dismissal is complete. Parents are asked to please cooperate with the school on this matter. We request that you follow this procedure, to ensure the safe dismissal of all our children.

Early Dismissal:
The early dismissal of school districts, ( North Colonie, South Colonie, Shenendehowa etc) does not mean that Saint Ambrose School is closing at that time. Saint Ambrose will remain open for the full day.

Walkers and riders will be dismissed at the regular dismissal time of 2:50 pm and the after school program will continue. However, parents using the after school program should make every effort to pick up their children as soon as possible.

In the event that Saint Ambrose School deems it necessary to dismiss early please listen to the radio and TV stations. It will be announced that "Saint Ambrose School" is closing at (time will be listed). Walker and riders plus after school children will be expected to be picked up at that designated time. This situation would occur only when extreme weather or emergency conditions exist.  

If school districts request us to dismiss 15 minutes to a half-hour early due to inclement weather there is no time to put this information on radio or TV stations. Therefore, dismissal via bus transportation can be a little early or late on days when the weather is unpredictable. Parents, please make sure that your child knows where to go (e.g., to a neighbor) under these circumstances.

If you are concerned about weather and road conditions you may come to the school and your child will be called to the office for dismissal.

Our primary concern, always, is to get children, parents, and faculty home safely when there is severe weather conditions.

Emergency School Closing: When school must be closed for inclement weather (or any reason of emergency) listen to your local radio stations for information (WGY, WROW, FLY 92 FM, B95.5 FM, WTRY, WPTR) or TV stations 10 or 13. If North Colonie School District is announced as closed (in the morning) St. Ambrose School is automatically closed.

Saint Ambrose School may not always be listed separately. We do, however, have the option to close Saint Ambrose School independent of North Colonie if deemed necessary.

Delay: If North Colonie School District delays opening school, (1or 2 hours, etc.) Saint Ambrose School is automatically delayed. DO not bring your child earlier. 

There is no before school care on these days.

Pre-K Delay Policy: 
  One hour delay - AM Class begins at 9:30 a.m.
                          - PM Class begins at regular time (12:30)
  Two hour delay - NO AM Pre-K classes
                           - PM Class begins at regular time (12:30)

Homework Policy:

• All children in grades 1 - 8 will have homework There is not adequate time for students to complete homework in school. We recommend that parents allocate enough time for their children to complete their homework. Consequences for missed homework will be at the discretion of the teacher..
  Grade 1 - usually 15 to 20 minutes for word study or math drill
  Grade 2 - about 30 minutes for word study, spelling or math drill (a little longer for tests)
  Grade 3 - about 30 minutes (a little longer for tests)
  Grade 4 - about 45 minutes to an hour
  Grade 5 - approximately an hour - longer for testing
  Grade 6 ,7 ,8 -approximately 2 hours 

Homework Request: When reporting a LEGAL absence, parents may request their child's missed work on the first day of the absence and not before by calling the office by 9 am.. The work will be ready for pick up at the school office by 3 pm.
 No homework and/or class work will be provided for illegal absences.

Internet/computers: We are please to be able to offer you access to the Internet. Using the Internet will allow you to do research, find homework, and communicate with a  variety of students, teachers, scientist, and people from all walk of life. However, Internet access is a privilege, not a right. You are expected to behave in the online world the same way you would in an ordinary classroom. All students are required to sign an Acceptable Use Policy. Misuse of the Internet/computers will result in disciplinary action.

Lunch and Playground - Parents should provide a lunch every day, either through the hot lunch program or a bagged lunch.  Please no glass containers. The hot lunches can be pre-paid in blocks of twenty. Milk, chips, and juice are sold at lunch. Microwaves are not available for student use. Lunches are eaten in the auditorium. Faculty members supervise the lunch room and playgrounds (during the lunch/recess time). 

Nurse: Health services for the school are supplied by the local school district. Parents and School Nurse are on duty through the entire school day. They are involved in the educational health program as well as keeping records of physical examination, height weight, sight and hearing and communicable diseases.

Allergies: If your child has a FOOD or BEE STING allergy, please:
                 1) Notify the school and health office immediately ( verbally and then in writing)
                 2)Specify what type of reaction occurs when your child comes in contact with allergen.
                 3)If medication is required (Epi-pen, Benadryl, etc.) a note from you and your doctor giving permission to administer 
                     medication is needed.

Illnesses:1) Notify the school if you child becomes ll. This is especially important with any type of communicable illness.
                 2) If your child has had a fever, he/she may not return to school until he/ she is fever free for 24 hours.
                 3) Any child with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher or who throws-up at school must be picked up and taken home.

Immunization: Each student must have all immunizations up to date prior to entering school in the fall. Please check to be sure your
child(ren) have had all their required immunizations.

Medication: The school nurse is in the health office daily between 8:30am - 3pm and will be glad to administer any needed medication during those hours.  However, to do  so you must have the following:

     1) Written  instructions from the child's physician.
     2) Written note from parent giving permission to administer the medication.
     3) The medicine should be in the original container and labeled with child's name.

                No medication will be given out without these 3 conditions being met.
                These same 3 conditions apply even for non-prescription items such as Tylenol, cough syrup, etc.

Physical Exams:  All students entering Kindergarten,1st, 3rd, or 7th, as well as any student that new to the school district, will need a physical to enter school in  September  (green form). This exam may be performed any time after April1. For Kindergarten students, physicals completed as of  January of their entering year will be accepted.

Those students not receiving physicals before September and not having a note listing the date of a scheduled exam will be scheduled for an exam by the school physician in the fall.

Parent-Teacher Conferences: The faculty welcomes conferences with parents by appointment. Appointments may be arranged by written request or phone call to school. The secretary will take your number and have the faculty member return your call. Teachers are not available for conferences without an appointment, including in the morning or during dismissal time. Please do not call faculty at home.

Parking Lot/Circular Drive: Please do not park in the circular drive. This is for buses only. Pick up (at 2:50pm) occurs in the north parking lot.

Physical Education Classes:
    All students pre-K through 8 are required to attend their assigned physical education class and to be properly prepared to participate. 
    Failure to do so could affect a student's grade.  Students unable to participate for medical reasons must present a written medical excuse to the principal. Those students who are so excused are nevertheless required to report to the gym during their assigned class period. Students wear their gym uniform to school on their assigned gym day. 

Progress Reports:
    Progress reports will be mailed home to students experiencing difficulties in their school work. If you have any questions regarding school and
    your child, please feel free to contact us so we can discuss them together.

Psychological Services: Psychological services can be initiated by either the parent or teacher in conjunction with the parent through the student's school district. 

Recess:  As weather permits, student with recess will go outside every day. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. Teachers supervise recess. Please do not drive through the north parking lot when you see children playing in this area. (Usually between 12 noon -2 pm).

Registration: 
 For new students, registration takes place in January/February. Notices for registration are published in the monthly school calendar. Birth and Baptismal Certificates, Immunization records, registration fee, and tuition deposit are necessary. Consistent with North Colonie School district, Kindergarten students must be 5 years old  by December 1.  As should Pre-K students be 4 years old by December 1.

Retention Policy:
   For all grades, a teacher may recommend retention for a student with excessive absences. For grades K-3, a teacher may recommend the retention of a student for academic, behavioral and/or social concerns. For grades 3-8, a teacher may recommend the retention of a student for failure to pass and/or complete core curriculum. If a student has been recommended for retention, the parents have the option of following the teacher's recommendation or choosing another school.

Returned Checks (NSF): ANY check returned to Saint Ambrose School (tuition, after school, fund-raising, etc.) is subject to a twenty ($20.00) dollar service fee. This fee is to be paid in cash.

School Visitors: Visitors are welcomed, but must sign in at the main office and obtain a visitor's pass.  No one (including parents) should go to classrooms or be in the school facilities without checking in with the office and obtaining a visitor pass. Please enter by the main office only. Once a student has been dismissed he/she may not re-enter the school building through the exit door.

Telephone Use: Children are encouraged to come to school prepared for the day. This will eliminate the necessity for telephone use for forgotten items, etc.

Toys/Electronic Games, Etc: The school will not be responsible for missing or damaged toys or electronic games, etc. brought to school. The school prohibits any electronic devices during school hours including but not limited to: CD's, walkmans, gameboys, handheld computers, beepers, cell phones, and laser pointers. Teachers permission to confiscate and send to the office any item they deem unacceptable for school. It will then become the responsibility of parents to pick up items from the office.

Transportation: Most school districts provide transportation to Saint Ambrose School. Call your local school district for information regarding transportation. Application for transportation MUST be filed with your school district by APRIL 1 each year.

Tuition:  

Our school uses FACTS TUITION MANAGEMENT. Information about FACTS is available at the school office and in the registration packet.

For Pre-K:  Parents choose the payment plan that best fits their budget and sign a tuition agreement. It is expected that parents will adhere to that agreement. Tuition for Pre-K may be paid in:
     10 monthly installments, beginning in August and ending in May. 
      2 payments due August 1 and January 1
      1 Payment in full due September 1 

The school does not mail monthly reminders to parents. Payments are due the First of each month. Reminders are on the monthly school calendar.    

Uniform:

All pupils at Saint Ambrose School are required to wear the school uniform at all times. Only the Saint Ambrose School sweater may be worn with the uniform. The sweater is not to be covered with another sweater, jacket or sweatshirt during the school day. 
           The required minimum jumper/skirt length is to the knee. No Exceptions!

When some unforeseen occasion arises necessitating the wearing of apparel other than the uniform, the student is expected to "dress up". The apparel must be neat, clean and absolutely no jeans may be worn. A note must be signed by a parent stating the reason for no uniform being worn. No sneakers may be worn to class -always dress shoes. No boots are to be worn in school at any time. Regulation shoes for both boys and girls are to be worn.

HAIR/ JEWELRY (BOYS) :
Boys' hair must be cut so that it does not touch the collar. No boy may have a ponytail, dyed hair or spiked hair. Jewelry is not permitted. NO earrings or other visible body piercing.

HAIR/JEWELRY/MAKE-UP (GIRLS):
Jewelry and Make-up are not permitted. Girls who have pierced ears may wear only the posts or an earring which is set close to the ear.  NO other  visible body piercing. NO dyed or spiked hair.

DRESS DOWN DAY: Dress Down Day is not a right, rather it is a privilege. We are more than happy to allow the children this exception to the standard uniform as long as the quality of dress is maintained. Students may wear jeans and sneakers in good condition. The following may NEVER be worn for Dress Down Day or at any time:

Bicycle Shorts -Tank Tops -Spandex Pants -Shorts -Cut off Jeans, Hats (baseball hats, etc), T-Shirts with inappropriate logo or slogan.

Any child that dresses inappropriately for Dress Down Day, will loose the privilege to "dress down" the following month. 

The following company carries our school uniform:
    A. Gary's Treasures : 383-1171 629 Plank Road Plaza Clifton Park 
        This store will remain our primary source for school uniforms and will continue to come directly to Saint Ambrose School twice a year to 
        measure and take orders. You may also contact then directly at their store location.

Home

This page was last updated on 09/13/2005

http://www.irenescorner.com/graphics