At St. Leo the Great School our purpose is to love and teach children as Jesus did, to guide them to a deepening of faith, and to enlighten and enrich their lives. We believe in the power of the individual to lead with compassion, to learn with commitment, and to act with courage. Students are active participants in their pursuit of knowledge, and their service to God and their community. We achieve our purpose by word and deed. Focusing on the needs of each child, we integrate the varied aspects of human knowledge as set forth in the curriculum, and teach according to the strategies of each particular subject. This process results in continual growth in knowledge and Christian values. Why Choose St. Leo's? St. Leo the Great School can boast of excellence in academics, a comprehensive athletics program, a diverse arts program, and a firm commitment to relevant religious education. We view your child as a treasure with a unique cognitive, physical, social-emotional, and spiritual makeup. We take great pride in accepting the privilege and responsibility to enhance each child's growth. Academics The high quality of education that St. Leo's children receive is a direct reflection of the experience and expertise of our faculty. We consistently recruit and maintain a staff of teachers with sterling accreditation. We attract these top quality faculty members by allocating 91% of tuition directly to faculty salaries and benefits. Insistence on a superior faculty has demonstrable rewards. Our students' mean scores for Terranovas are in the 88th percentile nationally. Most students who graduate subsequently enroll in respected private high schools. Early Childhood Education: Pre-School - 2nd grade Intermediate Education: Grades 3-5 Middle School: Grades 6-8 Technology St. Leo's is well equipped to educate 21st Century learners. In addition to a state-of- the-art Computer Lab, a new Early Childhood technology lab was recently added, and is frequently updated to include current instructional software. Children are now introduced to the computer in Pre-school and, with each advancing year, time spent in computer education and access for class projects increases, developing skills ranging from typing to programming. Promethean, an Interactive Whiteboard At St. Leo’s every student gets to experience innovative learning through the use of a new technology, the Promethean interactive Whiteboard. Promethean Whiteboards are large wall screens, which enable teachers to provide the classroom with an interactive lesson visible to every student in the room. In addition, the programs enable educators to integrate text, web, video and audio content, so they can easily capture students’ attention and accommodate different learning styles. Teachers write notes, draw pictures, search the Internet and the Promethean resource library and much more using the large 64” Promethean screen, which literally brings the classroom to life. Promethean was developed by and for educators; it is recognized in over 70 countries as a global leader in interactive learning technology. To see the Promethean whiteboard in action go to the following website to see a short video demonstration: click here MIDDLE School House Program Research indicates that exemplary middle school education begins with relationships. Relationships provide the foundation upon which all other middle school improvements are built, such as exhibiting better attitudes toward teachers and rules, show improved academic performance, and students feeling better about themselves. The Middle School House System at St. Leo the Great is based on two essential beliefs: Students need a connection between each other and something bigger than themselves Each child is born with a unique cognitive profile Our House System creates a connectedness to school and community. Houses provide opportunities to reinforce positive behaviors, participate in social and academic competitions, create new friendships across grade levels, and promote participation in leadership and service activities. This, in turn, allows students to experience both a sense of belonging, contribution, and safety. By combining the theory of multiple intelligence, each student can also feel a sense of self-acceptance. The Theory of Multiple Intelligence, developed in 1983 by Howard Gardner, suggests that by limiting our notion of intelligence to only Linguistics and Mathematics, we miss providing opportunities to acknowledge and value children (and adults) who possess innate gifts in other intelligences; the musicians, artists, athletes, naturalists, designers, mechanics, and others who enrich our world. The details... After completing intelligence profiles, students are divided according to their strengths, with each intelligence equally represented in each house. The students name their own house, logos, and colors. Houses can achieve points on both individual achievements and group competitions and activities. Students are encouraged to engage in random acts of kindness, and “get caught doing something good” by any staff member. The names of the point-earning winners are written down, identified by House, and given to the coordinators to tally and post once per/week. Group activities, from dodgeball to science trivia games will also allow students to accumulate points. Participation in charity events and school sponsored extracurricular activities can also gain points. At the end of the year, in addition to a special prize, a trophy is awarded to the house with the most points. Hours & School Calendar Kindergarten-8th Grade: 8:00am-2:30pm, Half-day 8:00am-12:30pm Pre-School 3-year-old, 2 & 3 day programs :8:00am-12:00pm 8:00am-1:00pm w/ Extended Care, Half-day 8:00am-12:30pm Pre-School 4-year-old 3 and 5 day programs : 8:00am-1:00pm w/ Extended Care, Half-day 8:00am-12:30pm To view the school calendar, click here. Handbook To view the complete school handbook, click here. To view the Hankbook Highlights, click here. Dress Code All students in grades K through 8 must be in full dress code upon entrance to school each day. The dress code is in effect from September through June. Pre-school: Boys & Girls are not required to wear a uniform. They should wear safe, comfortable, closed-toe shoes at all times and clothing that allows for tumbling and playtime. An extra set of clothing should be kept in a zip-lock bag (with child’s name on the outside) in the classroom. Kindergarten through 8th Grades Uniforms are provided by Flynn & O'Hara, (1-800-441-4122). Kindergarten Boys: Khaki Long Pants or Shorts (elastic waist). Navy Long or Short Sleeve Golf Shirt. White or Navy Socks. Girls: Khaki Jumper, Skort, or Long Pants (elastic waist). Navy Long or Short Sleeve Golf Shirt. White or navy socks. Optional: Navy V-Neck Pullover Sweaters. Shoes: Any safe, comfortable, and closed toe style is acceptable. Grades 1st-8th Grades Boys & Girls Summer Uniforms (Optional April 15 through October 15): Khaki Skorts (Girls). Khaki Shorts (Belts must be worn with the boys' summer uniform). Maroon or White Short Sleeve Golf Shirt (only top button may be open). Maroon or White Socks (knee-hi, ankle or crew). Boys Winter Uniform: Khaki pants w/Leather Belts: dark, solid color (boys are to wear their shirts tucked in with a belt). Maroon or White Long Sleeve Golf Shirt (only the top button may be open). Solid colored socks. Optional: Maroon V-neck pullover or Athletes' Alley Maroon Fleece. Girls Winter Uniform (Grades 1st-5th): Khaki Jumper w/ White Blouse or Turtleneck (no logos). Khaki Pants w/ Maroon or White Long Sleeve Golf Shirt (only the top button may be open) or White Turtleneck Shirt. Maroon or White Socks (knee-hi, ankle, crew), Maroon or White Tights. Optional: Maroon Buttondown Sweater, Wine Crew Neck Cardigan, Athletes' Alley Fleece. Girls Winter Uniform (Grades 6th-8th): Khaki Plaid Kilt (no more than 3 inches above the knee). Khaki Pants. Maroon or White Long Sleeve Golf Shirt (only the top button may be open). Black, Light Gray, Maroon, White Socks (knee-hi, ankle, crew) or Black, Light Gray, Maroon, White Tights. Optional: Maroon Button Down Sweater or Athletes' Alley Maroon Fleece. Uniform Shoes: All shoes must be worn properly. All shoes with laces must be tightly tied. Eighth graders may wear UGGS. Boys must wear casual, solid colored, leather (including suede) dress shoes. (i.e. Bucks, loafers, oxfords with non-marring soles). Navy, brown, black, tan or gray colors are required. No sneakers or shoes resembling sneakers including I-Path’s may be worn. Girls can wear shoes with heels no higher than 1 inch with all types of seasonal uniforms. Ballet type shoes (not slippers) may be worn. These shoes must provide support. For safety reasons on the stairs etc., clogs, open-back, slings, sandals, flip-flops or shoes with plastic soles are not permitted. Hair Length: The school expects the students to be clean and neat at all times. Boys hair must be above the collar, eyebrows and ears. The administration reserves the right to judge the appropriateness of any student’s hairstyle, dress, shoes, use of make-up, and/or jewelry. Long hoop or dangling earrings may not be worn. Only eighth graders may wear nail polish and it must be a light color. We deal with fads as they arise. If a child is not in proper uniform, a demerit will be issued. Physical Education Uniform (K-8th Grades) Athletes’ Alley PE Uniform: Ordered through the St. Leo Athletic Association. Black gym shorts with logo. T-shirt with logo. Solid black sweatpants (not legging type pants). White socks. Sneakers (must be tied). Optional: Maroon Fleece All orders must be submitted through the Athletic Association. Please download the order form. Payment must accompany all orders. Please make checks payable to “St. Leo Athletic Association”. Submit all orders with payment to the school office to the attention of the Athletic Association. There are three “bulk” orders done throughout the year (October, January and June). Instant Alerts inform all parents of these orders. Do not contact Athlete’s Alley directly as they will not accept orders or do returns/exchanges. If an item is needed during the year please submit the form, but due to limited storage it is not guaranteed the item needed will be in stock. All orders will be accommodated on a timely basis. Athlete’s Alley will contact each family in August for pick-up; all other orders placed throughout the year will be delivered to school and distributed directly to each student. Students in grades K-5 may wear gym suits to school on their gym day unless directed to do otherwise. Dress Down Day Attire: (On days when students do not have to wear uniforms the dress code will be as follows.) Girls: Pants, Capri’s, knee length shorts, or jeans (no faded or torn jeans, spandex pants, stretch pants, or jogging outfits are allowed). Skirts (length must follow uniform guidelines). Shoes (heels of moderate height for middle school) or sneakers (clean and in good condition) are permitted. Shirts should be appropriate for school (no bare midriffs, bare backs, off the shoulder, spaghetti straps etc.). Casual shirts with printed sayings other than brand logos are NOT permitted. Make-up and jewelry should be minimal. Boys: Pants, shorts, or jeans are permitted (no jeans that are faded, torn, or in disrepair may be worn). Shoes or sneakers (clean and in good condition). Shirts: Solid colored t-shirts, dress shirts, or golf shirts are permitted. Shirts should be appropriate for school. Shirts with printed sayings other than brand logos are not permitted. Closings In the event of a school closing due to inclement weather or emergency, a detailed message will be sent through the Honeywell Instant Alert System to parents’ emergency numbers. (Contact information must be up to date.) Additionally, News 12 New Jersey (TV) makes School Closing Announcements on the average of every fifteen minutes. Saint Leo the Great School © 2009. Site by webweavers.