Dear PSR Families,

We welcome you to the Immaculate Conception Parish School of Religion (PSR) program.
Religious education classes are very important to all of us on the PSR team and we take our
vocation very seriously. It is our hope that by sharing our gifts of faith with you and your
children, our own faith will be strengthened as we help to guide you to a better understanding of
the Church and a closer relationship with God. We look forward to sharing our enthusiasm and
faith with all of you.

While the catechists strive to instruct the children in the Catholic faith and what it means to be
true believers of Christ, you as parents are the principle educators in your child’s faith
development. By your participation in the Mass each weekend and on Holy Days, and by your
Christian example through prayers at home, you will have more religious impact on your children
than the catechists and other PSR staff could ever have. However, please remember that we are
always here to assist you in any way we can.

This promises to be a very exciting year for all of us involved with the PSR program as we
continue to grow and welcome new families. Fresh ideas are being introduced and a few new
faces can be seen among the staff. We are so excited about the addition of a kindergarten class to
our program for the first time this year!

We truly look forward to working with all as we walk our faith journeys together. Your questions
and/or concerns are always important to us; we do value your input. Visits to the classrooms are
welcomed and strongly encouraged. Your participation and support can enrich this process of
religious education that begins with baptism and ends when life on this earth is complete.

May God bless you and your family and grant all of us a successful 2009-10 school year.

Sincerely yours,

Janet Janson, DRE Hope Wienhoff, CRE

The Catechists & Staff of the PSR Program

Revised 08/08, 07/09

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 GOALS

1. To instruct students in the fundamental values and doctrines of the Catholic faith.

2. To enable each individual to nourish his/her own personal relationship with God through
prayer, study scripture, and frequent participation in the sacraments of Eucharist and
reconciliation.

3. To bring the students to recognize the Eucharistic liturgy as the source, expression, and
celebration of who we are as Catholic Christians.

4. To encourage students to grow through prayer, study, and participation in the liturgical and
active life of the Church. To respond to their baptismal call to make the Kingdom of God
present her and now in the world.

POLICY ON PARISHIONER STATUS

The purpose of this policy is to define who is a “parishioner” as it applies to paying parishioner
registration fees for the Parish School of Religion Program.

A parishioner is a Catholic who is an active, registered member of Immaculate Conception Parish who lives
within parish boundaries (as defined by the diocese of Belleville).
To be “active” means:
• To attend weekend Masses regularly
• To provide regular financial support to the parish
• To be actively involved in parish life

Non-parishioners who wish to register their children in the Parish School of Religion Program must obtain
the permission of their proper pastor and the pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish.

PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION PROGRAM

EDUCATIONAL POLICIES

Catechists

1. Parents and families are the primary educators of their children.

2. Those called to be catechists are required to attend Mass regularly, practice their faith, and
uphold the teachings of the Catholic Church.

3. Opportunities for catechist formation will be provided at the parish and diocese levels through
such activities as new catechist days, leadership days, and regional days

4. Catechists will be expected to work towards achieving catechist certification as prescribed by

the diocese of Belleville.

Registration

Registration for students in grades Kg through 8 in the PSR program is held each year before classes
begin in the fall. Currently registered families are given the opportunity for pre-registration in the
spring before classes dismiss for the summer. Information regarding the dates of registration, fees, and

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 the starting date of fall classes will be published in the parish bulletin. A NEW REGISTRATION
FORM MUST BE COMPLETED FOR EACH STUDENT EVERY YEAR!

Fees

1. Registration fees are assessed each student/family every year.

2. Fees are payable at the time of registration. All fees are due by the designated date or a late fee
will be added.

3. If extenuating circumstances exist that prevent a family from paying the required fees, please
notify the DRE as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made for delayed or partial
payment.

Attendance

1. Each child is expected to attend all of the scheduled classes as listed on the PSR calendar. Attendance
at weekly liturgies is an essential part of the child’s religious education.

2. It is the responsibility of the parents to notify the catechist or CRE prior to the beginning of class time
when a child must be absent. Please call 281-5353 to report an absence

3. When a student is absent, he/she is responsible for making up any missed work. Arrangements should
be made with the catechist to get assignments.

4. Students having 3 or more unexcused absences may be retained and required to repeat the class.
Students will be considered excused for:
a. illness
b. death in the family
c. family emergency
d. other significant reasons approved in advance by the CRE or DRE
Pease remember to always call and report a child’s absence!

5. Some students may be unable to attend all classes due to parental visitation rights. It is the
responsibility of the parent to notify the DRE as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made
for missed assignments to be completed. The cooperation of both parents is encouraged so that the
child misses as little religious education as possible.

Tardiness
PSR classes begin promptly at 10:15 a.m. Late arrivals are disruptive to the class and result in the student
missing out on important class time. Therefore, students arriving after 10:25 a.m. will be marked tardy.
One “unexcused absence” will be given for each three tardy marks accumulated.

Safety
The safety of all students is our primary concern. Students and parents are asked to enter and leave the
building by way of the doors to the school located closest to the church. The doors will be kept locked
while the students are in class beginning at 10:25 a.m. Those wishing entry will be required to sign-in.
Students arriving late or being picked up early must be signed in or out by a parent or other
authorized person.

Due to congestion on the parking lot and street sides of the building, parents will be assigned guard duty to
assist students in meeting up with their rides safely.

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 Special Education

Families with children enrolled in Special Education classes may enroll their children in the PSR program
or have classes arranged for their child by calling the DRE.

Baptismal Certificates

All students not baptized at Immaculate Conception Church are required to present a copy of his/her
baptismal certificate to be kept on file in the parish record. If the original is brought to the DRE, a copy
will be made and the original promptly returned.

Communication

1. Information regarding the PSR program will be printed in the weekly parish bulletin and on
the parish web page.

2. Schedule changes and communication regarding upcoming events and other points of interest
will be sent home with the students by way of a newsletter or note.

3. Questions or concerns regarding the program should be directed to the catechist, CRE, or
DRE.

Discipline Policy

1. Minor disciplinary problems in the classroom are handled and documented by the catechist as
they occur.
2. When a student’s behavior disrupts the class on a continual basis, the catechist will send the
student to the DRE. In these cases, one of the following will be instituted depending on the
incident and the student’s response:

a. The student will return to the classroom and receive a written warning to be signed and
returned by the parents.

b. The severity of the disruption will determine if the student is allowed to return to the
classroom. The DRE, CRE, and catechist will be involved in making the determination
of whether to return to the student classroom. Parents will be notified, and the student
will be held responsible for making up any missed work if required to spend the day with
the CRE or DRE.

c. In cases of repeated, disruptive behavior, the student will not be allowed to return to the
classroom, parents will be immediately notified by the DRE and requested to pick up the
student. Discussion will ensue concerning the child’s future in the PSR program. A
meeting may be necessary involving the parents, pastor & DRE to discuss options.

3. Documentation of discipline problems will be kept in a permanent record.

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 Homework

1. Reasonable written and/or reading assignments may be given at the discretion of the catechist.

2. Students are expected to hand in assignments by the designated date.

3. Work requiring the signature of parents should be returned promptly to the catechist.

Evaluations

1. Student evaluation forms will be sent home a minimum of twice during the course of the
school year. Parents are asked to review these reports, sign them, and return the form to the
child’s catechist.

2. Meetings to discuss the student’s progress may be requested by either the catechist or the
parents.

3. Students may be asked to take tests on materials presented in class in order to assess the
mastery of a subject area or to determine areas requiring additional catechesis.

4. Parents are encouraged to discuss the progress of their children with the catechist whenever
they feel the need.

Education in Human Sexuality

The PSR program is mandated by the diocese of Belleville to provide Education in Human Sexuality
class for students of all ages. A copy of the publication “Guideline for Education in Human Sexuality”
issued by the diocese of Belleville is on file in the office of the DRE and available to parents.

• A parent meeting will be offered prior to the first class to afford an opportunity to preview the
materials, ask questions, and voice concerns.
• A child may be excused from the classes if the parents give written permission. However,
parents have the responsibility to seek alternative forms of instruction in human sexuality
for their children. Please inform the DRE of your alternative prior to the first PSR Education
in Human Sexuality session.

Child Protection Policy

Immaculate Conception Parish strictly adheres to the Child Protection Policy as prescribed by the diocese
of Belleville. All catechists, adult aides, and student aides who have reached the age of 18 years,
substitutes, and adult volunteers who have contact with the children more than one day per month are
required to complete the Initial Child Protection Class and submit completed forms as prescribed by the
diocese of Belleville, and participate in an annual education program on child abuse specifically designated
to address their area of service.

The diocese of Belleville mandates that all young people in the PSR program be educated in “Safe
Touch” to fulfill the Child Protection Policy children’s educational component.

Permission Forms

No student will be permitted to attend a field trip or event outside of the Immaculate Conception grounds
without a properly signed permission form on file. The only exception is the student whose parent is in
attendance also.

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 CRISIS MANAGEMENT

The PSR Program follows the ICS Crisis Management Plan in the event of natural
disasters such as tornados or earthquakes, for situations of fire or natural gas leakage,
chemical spills, or bomb threats, or any other accident or crisis situation. Catechists,
student aides, and students will be informed of proper procedures and drills will be
conducted. Pick up destinations where parents will meet students in times of crisis
will vary depending upon the emergency.

PSR FAMILY DIRECTIVES

1. REGULAR CLASS ATTENDANCE IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE

- Irregular attendance breaks continuity and fosters lack of interest.

- Parents can set the example with a positive attitude about the importance of regular
attendance.

- PSR classes must be viewed as a priority!

2. BE ON TIME.
- Tardiness is discourteous and creates distraction to a class in session

3. TAKE CARE OF PERSONAL NEEDS BEFORE THE START OF CLASS.

- Students should use the restrooms and get drinks before coming to class.

4. EARLY DISMISSALS SHOULD ONLY BE NECESSARY IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

- The catechist and CRE must be informed prior to the start of class if there is a need for
early dismissal. Parents are required to give written permission before a child will be
dismissed.

- Student safety is a top priority. If someone other than the parents will be picking up the
student, the CRE and catechist must be notified.

- Students should always exit classrooms in a quiet manner so as to not interrupt others.

5. DISMISSAL
- At the conclusion of class sessions, students are asked to leave in an orderly fashion so as
not to disturb other classes. Parents should designate a place where they will meet the
students. Both students and parents are asked to observe extreme caution on the busy
parking lot and streets surrounding the church campus.

- Parents are asked to pick their children up promptly at the time of dismissal. Failure to
do so results in catechists and the CRE being detained as students are never left
unattended.

6. VISIT CLASSROOMS
- Parents are always welcome to visit classrooms. In fact, catechists encourage your visits
and the students enjoy having you present.

7. RELIGION TEXTS AND FOLDERS

- Each student is responsible for the care of his/her textbook and folder.
- Lost texts will be replaced at an additional cost to parents.

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 - Folders are needed for loose papers and written work should be kept in them. Parents are
encouraged to check folders after each session for notes or other important papers being
sent home with the student.

8. OTHER SUPPLIES
- Pencils, crayons, glue, scissors, paper, and books will be provided for the students at no
additional cost.

9. BEHAVIOR
- Students are expected to behave in a respectful and considerate manner towards
catechists, aides and fellow students at all times.

- The discipline Policy of the PSR program will be followed and enforced.

- Rude behavior, rowdiness, or foul language will not be tolerated. Students are always
expected to conduct themselves in a courteous and proper manner when in the school,
church building, or on the parish grounds.

10. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

- All information regarding students is considered confidential and will only be shared with
the necessary personnel.

- Permanent records will be kept of attendance, sacramental celebrations, and other

pertinent information concerning each student.

- Parents should feel free to share with the catechist, CRE, and DRE any information
(medical, psychological, social, etc.) that will aid in the educational process of the child.

11. SNACKS
- Due to a number of our students dealing with food and other allergies, the PSR program
has adopted the policy of being a “nut free environment.”

- To assure that all foods served in the classroom are safe for our students, we ask that only
purchased treats in the original containers with the ingredients listed on the label be
provided for the children.

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 CLASSROOM RULES

1. ARRIVE ON TIME.

2. ENTER AND LEAVE THE BUILDING IN A PROPER MANNER.

3. USE RESTROOMS AND GET DRINKS BEFORE CLASS BEGINS.

4. DO NOT BRING CANDY, GUM, OR SODA TO CLASS.

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED ON OCCASION.

5. TREAT EVERYONE WITH RESPECT; TREAT OTHERS AS YOU

WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED.

6. RAISE YOUR HAND TO SPEAK.

7. SIT QUIETLY AND LISTEN WHEN SOMEONE IS SPEAKING.

8. ABSOLUTELY NO USE OF FOUL LANGUAGE OR HAND GESTURES.

9. NO NAME CALLING OR SEXUAL HARASSMENT.

10. SILENCE ALL CELL PHONES & PAGERS WHILE IN CLASS & IN
CHURCH.

11. ATTEND CLASS REGULARLY.

12. COMPLETE ALL ASSIGNMENTS & HOMEWORK.

13. NOTIFY YOUR CATECHIST AND/OR THE CRE IF YOU WILL BE

ABSENT FROM CLASS.

14. MAKE UP ALL MISSED WORK.

15. REMEMBER THAT REGULAR MASS ATTENDANCE IS AN

ESSENTIAL PART OF YOUR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION.