At Saint 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 Saint Leo's? Saint 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 Saint 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 Saint 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 Saint 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 find additional information: 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. For information on Internet Safety please visit the following web sites: Monmouth County Prosecutor Office FBI: A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety The Middle School House System at Saint 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: 7:45am-2:40pm, Half-day 8:00am-12:30pm Pre-School 3-year-old, 2 day programs :8:00am-12:00pm Pre-school 3-year-old, 3 day programs :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. 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. Uniforms may be purchased through Flynn & O’Hara 800-441-4122, www.flynnohara.com Pre-school: Boys and 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: Boys: Khaki long pants or shorts (elastic waist) Long- or short-sleeved navy golf shirt White, tan or any dark color socks Girls: Khaki jumper, skort, (Lands End or Kohls’ uniform skorts are allowed), long pants (elastic waist) Long- or short-sleeved navy golf shirt or Peter Pan collar long or short-sleeve shirt may be worn with the jumper. White or navy knee-hi, ankle, crew socks or tights Navy Sweater (optional) Boys & Girls Shoes: Any safe, comfortable, and closed toe style, including sneakers are acceptable. Grades 1-6 Boys and Girls Summer Uniforms (optional): Khaki skort (Girls), Khaki shorts (Boys) Leather belts: dark, solid color must be worn with the boy’s summer uniform Long- or short-sleeved golf shirt maroon or white (only top button may be open) Maroon or white knee-hi, ankle or crew socks (Girls), maroon, white, tan or brown ankle or crew socks (Boys) Sneakers (optional with skort or shorts) Grade 1-8 Boys Winter Uniform: Khaki long pants Leather belts: dark, solid color must be worn with pants Maroon or white long- or short-sleeved golf shirt (only the top button may be open). Shirts must be tucked in. Solid color socks Maroon V-neck pullover or Fleece (Optional) Grades 1-4 Girls Winter Uniform: Khaki jumper with white blouse or turtleneck (no logos) Khaki pants with long-sleeved golf shirt or white turtle neck (no logo) White, maroon knee-hi, ankle or crew socks, tights Maroon Fleece or Maroon buttoned sweater or crew-neck cardigan (Optional) Grades 5-8 Girls Winter Uniform: Khaki plaid kilt (no more than 3 inches above the knee) or khaki pants Maroon or white long-sleeved golf shirt (only the top button may be open) Khaki pants White, maroon, black knee-hi, ankle or crew socks, tights Maroon Fleece (Optional) Hair Length, Earrings, Make-up, Polish, Skirt Length The school expects the students to be clean and neat at all times. Boy’s haircuts – not on the collar and not covering the ears or eyebrows. Specifically- hair must be short and combed. Girls may not wear their hair in a manner that covers their eyes. (Please see the Discipline section) Only girls may wear earrings and they must be studs (only in the lobes). Only clear nail polish is allowed No eye make-up is allowed. (All grades) School skirts may not be shorter than 3” above the knees Boys Uniform Shoes: Bucks, Loafers, Mocs (Merrill Jungle or other brands with the same style), Boat Shoes or Oxfords Girls Uniform Shoes: Bucks, Loafers, Mary Janes (Black), Boat shoes or Oxfords Eighth grade may still wear Tasman UGGS if worn properly. Grades K-8 Physical Education Uniform: Black, knee-length, mesh gym shorts with or without logo (as seen at Flynn & O’Hara) Maroon t-shirt with logo Solid black sweatpants (not tight, legging type pants) White socks Sneakers –Must be tied Maroon Fleece (Optional) Students in grades K-5 may wear gym uniforms to school on their gym day unless directed to do otherwise. Dress Down Day Attire: On days when students do not have to wear school uniforms the following dress code is still in effect: 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). Shirts must have sleeves (no bare midriffs). Casual shirts with printed sayings other than brand logos are NOT permitted. Shoes (heels of moderate height for middle school) or sneakers (clean and in good condition) are permitted. Make-up and jewelry is allowed for grades 6-8, but should be minimal. Boys: Pants, shorts, or jeans are permitted (no jeans that are faded, torn, or in disrepair may be worn). Sleeved Shirts: Tees, dress shirts, or golf shirts are permitted. Shirts should be appropriate for school. Shirts with printed sayings other than brand logos are not permitted. Shoes or sneakers (clean and in good condition). 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.) Saint Leo the Great School © 2011. Site by webweavers.