St. Bridget of Sweden School
  • Home
  • About
    • Mission and SLEs
    • Faculty and Staff
    • Handbook and Expectations
  • Admissions
    • Application
    • CEF Application
    • Tuition and Fees
  • Parents
    • After School Day Care
    • School Calendar
    • FACTS Online Payment
    • Gradelink
    • Dennis Uniform
    • Choicelunch
    • Opportunities for Service Hours
  • News
  • Contact Us
Picture
Contact Us
APPLY NOW

Handbook & Expectations

​​General Information This Parent Student Handbook is for use by St. Bridget of Sweden School parents, faculty, and staff exclusively for school-related functions. It is not to be used for commercial or other purposes. 
The principal and administration reserve the right to amend the Parent Student Handbook at any time. Parents/guardians and students will be notified of any amendments and will be asked to sign an acknowledgment of receipt. 
Sections of this Parent-Student Handbook are particular to St. Bridget of Sweden School. Other sections are policies and procedures of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, most of which can be found at http://handbook.la-archdiocese.org/
There are also some sections in this handbook that are linked to the Archdiocese website. 
The information in it is important to the welfare of our children and you are encouraged to read it carefully. Parents and students of St. Bridget of Sweden School are expected to adhere to these policies in order to ensure a safe, educational, and spiritual learning environment for each and every student.

Mission Statement 
St. Bridget of Sweden School, recognizing that parents are the primary educators and teachers are facilitators of learning, provides an atmosphere conducive to the maximum development of all students, enabling them to become well-integrated individuals with Catholic principles, values and attitudes who are capable of living their lives according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Schoolwide Learning Expectations 

  • To become a well-integrated individual with Catholic principles and values 
  • To become an active life long learner 
  • To recognize the value of self- expression through diversified art forms
  • To develop respect for the thoughts and opinions of others 
  • To create a positive attitude toward physical development 
  • To develop a willingness to participate in the community 
  • To develop respect for all life 
 


Code of Christian Conduct
Students can best receive a quality, morally based education if students, parents/guardians, and school officials work together. Normally, these parties can resolve their differences. In some rare instances, however, the school may find it necessary, in its discretion, to require parents/guardians to withdraw their child.
As an express condition of enrollment, students and parents/guardians shall follow standards of conduct that are consistent with the Christian principles of the school, as determined by the school in its discretion. These principles include but are not limited to any policies or procedures set forth in the school's parent/student handbook.
These Christian principles include but are not limited to:
  • Parents/guardians are expected to work courteously and cooperatively with the school to assist the student in meeting the academic, moral, and behavioral expectations of the school.
  • Students and parents/guardians may respectfully express their concerns about the school operation and its personnel. However, they may not do so in a manner that is discourteous, scandalous, rumor driven, disruptive, threatening, hostile, or divisive.
  • In a place where a school employee is required to be in the course of his or her duties, any parent/guardian or other person whose conduct materially disrupts classwork or extracurricular activities or involves substantial disorder may be guilty of a misdemeanor. This statement does not apply to any otherwise lawful employee-concerted activity, including but not limited to picketing and distributing handbills.
  • Any parent/guardian or other person could risk his or her child's continuation in school if he or she insults or abuses the principal or any teacher in the presence of students, parents/guardians, or other school personnel while on school premises, public sidewalks, public streets, other public ways adjacent to school premises, or at some other place if the principal or teacher is required to be there in connection with assigned school activities.
These expectations for students and parents/guardians include but are not limited to all school-sponsored programs and events (e.g., after school care, athletics, and field trips). The school reserves the right to determine, in its discretion, when conduct is severe enough to warrant immediate action without warning and/or without an intermediate step short of withdrawal.

Dress/Uniform Code
Personal appearance: Attention to personal appearance is important always. Students are expected to be in full uniform and well-groomed each day. A student who arrives to school without proper attention to uniform, personal cleanliness, or neatness of dress will call home to have the appropriate clothes brought to school. Continuous breaking of the dress code will result in more serious consequences.
Appearance matters as part of ongoing learning to be young people who, as adults, realize that it matters that they are contributing members of society.
Please label all articles of clothing. Iron-on transfers with student names are acceptable on the inside of school uniform apparel. 
 Required Uniforms
Boys Standard Uniform
  • School Polo - maroon
  • Uniform pants or walking shorts - Navy blue
  • School sweatshirt/ v-neck sweater/cardigan/vest
  • Tennis shoes or walking shoes - Blue, black, or white
  • Socks - White or black
Girls Standard Uniform
  • School Polo - maroon
  • Uniform plaid skirt, jumper, or skort
  • Navy blue uniform pants or walking shorts 
  • School sweatshirt/ v-neck sweater/cardigan/vest
  • Tennis shoes or walking shoes - Blue, black, or white
  • Socks/Tights - White or black only

PE Uniform
  • School PE T-shirt and shorts or sweats; sweatshirt
  • Black, or white tennis shoes
Boys Formal Uniform
  • Button down collar shirt - White or Oxford Blue
  • Navy blue uniform pants
  • Maroon tie
  • Navy blue cardigan sweater, v-neck sweater,  or vest
  • Dress shoes/walking shoes
Girls Formal Uniform
  • Plaid jumper, plaid skirt, or uniform blue pants only
  • White button down blouse
  • Maroon tie
  • Navy blue cardigan sweater,  v-neck sweater, or vest
  • Dress shoes/walking shoes (white, black, or navy blue)
  • White socks or tights only


Dress Code Rules


    •    St. Bridget of Sweden School polo shirts MUST be worn tucked in.
    •    ONLY navy blue St. Bridget of Sweden School logo sweatshirts may be worn on school days.  Non- school sweatshirts, sweaters, or jackets are not permitted.
    •    Standard flat soles are required footwear. No slip-on shoes, light-up shoes, boots, roller shoes, or open-toed shoes are permitted.
    •    Uniforms MUST be modest in appearance. No oversized clothing: shorts, pants, or polo shirts.
    •    No tight clothing is permitted.
    •    No long-sleeved thermal shirts, turtlenecks, or colored undershirts may be worn under school
uniform shirts. Only white undershirts are permitted, but should not be visible.

    •    Students are not permitted to wear make-up or nail polish of any kind.
    •    Hair must be a natural color, clean, neatly groomed, and above the eyebrows. Extreme hairstyles are not acceptable. For boys, hair should be above the collar, and above the eyebrows. For girls, hair should be above the eyebrows. No mohawk or shavings with design hairstyles allowed.
    •    Any piece of jewelry that disrupts normal school activities will be confiscated. One single necklace and/or bracelet per hand is permitted. One single stud earring may be worn in each earlobe. No hoops or dangling earrings may be worn. No other body piercing or markings will be permitted.

Free Dress Rules 

    •    Casual dress is permitted, but a wholesome look is expected. Oversized, short, or tight clothing is not permitted. No spaghetti straps, no tank tops.  Length of skirt /short should be covered by hand when placed parallel to the body.
    •    Regular school guidelines for shoes apply to free dress days.



Cell phones, Expensive Toys, Hand Held Video Games, Smart Phone Watches, Etc.

We have telephones at school for emergency needs. If there are extenuating 
circumstances that require your child (4th grade through 8th grade) to have a cell
phone or smart phone watch at school, written approval from the parent, must be 
filed with the homeroom teacher to have it at school, and the cell phone or must be 
turned in to the teacher at the beginning of the school day, and picked up at the end 
of the school day. Having cell phones at school is discouraged. We are not liable for 
any lost or stolen phones brought to school.

If a student uses a portable communication device or any of its functions for any 
reason during the school day without adult permission, the following measures will 
be taken:
  1. The device will be confiscated from the student.
  2. The device will be returned only to the student’s parent or legal guardian.
  3. Repeat violations of the policy will result in measures appropriate to the circumstances, including expulsion if warranted.
  4. If a device is used for cheating during a test, the student will be removed from the testing situation and appropriate action will be taken.

The school is NOT responsible for lost, misplaced, stolen broken portable 
communications devices or for any unauthorized use of such devices. The school will 
NOT pay to replace devices that are lost, misplaced or stolen after they are 
confiscated and will NOT pay for any communication charges.

Expensive toys, hand-held video games, etc. may not be brought to school under 
any circumstances. Too many things could easily happen to destroy such 
toys/games, and the school cannot be held responsible for them.

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

We have a Parent/Teacher Organization, as well as Room Parents, and invite all 
parents to become active participants in these groups.

St. Bridget of Sweden School promotes parent/guardian support for the school 
program, increase mutual understanding between the school and 
parents/guardians, build a sense of school community, and assist in the financial 
support of the school.

Parent organizations:
    • Are advisory in nature
    • Have no legal status apart from the school and, therefore, may not be separately incorporated
    • Function in accordance with a written constitution and bylaws that comply with all current provisions of archdiocesan policy that govern the structure and operation of such an organization
    • Are subject to all Department of Catholic Schools regulations and policies.

School Schedule and Calendar

7:50    First Bell

8:00    Second or tardy bell 

9:40 – 10:00    TK & K Recess

10:00-10:15    1-8 Recess

11:00-11:45    TK/K Lunch

11:30-12:15    Lunch/recess Grades (1 – 4)

12:00-12:45    Lunch/recess Grades (5 – 8)

2:30    Dismissal (Every Friday dismissal is 12:30 for curriculum, faculty, grade level meetings, professional development, etc.)

2:46    Any students remaining on campus to be picked up will go to After School Care (12:46 on Fridays). A daily fee of $10.00 will be billed through Facts.

Supervision is provided from 7:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays and 7:15 
a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Fridays. Supervision cannot be provided before the morning hour 
stated and parents are cautioned not to leave students at school early as they are 
unattended. After 2:45 (Mondays to Thursdays) and 12:45 (Fridays) any remaining 
students will go to After School Care for their safety and a fee will be charged.

Zero Tolerance Policy

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles will not knowingly assign or retain a priest, deacon, 
religious, lay person, or volunteer to serve in its parishes, schools, other pastoral 
ministries, or in any other assignment when such an individual has previously 
engaged in the sexual abuse of a minor.

Under the Zero Tolerance Policy of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, any person guilty 
of sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 18:
    • May not have any paid or volunteer assignment in any ministry in the archdiocese
    • May not volunteer in any non-ministerial activity or event

Safe Environment Training for Children and Youth

Each elementary school, high school, religious education program, confirmation 
program, and youth ministry program must offer an annual VIRTUS® Touching 
Safety Program for Children.

Each location must provide home-based materials to all parents/guardians to help 
them understand and support their children's education regarding child sexual abuse 
prevention.

All volunteers should recognize that while they are engaged in service or activities 
that involve children or youth, they are role models who are called to treat each child 
or youth with respect and care.

Workers and volunteers:
    • Are required to observe all rules and regulations established by their school and by the school or agency they are serving
    • May not associate with or be present with children or youth or be party to activities that violate civil law and/or school rules
    • Should exercise caution in all interactions with children, including verbal, written, and electronic communications
    • Games or sports with children should be engaged in only in the presence of adults, or in a place openly accessible and visible to adults
    • Should keep the door open or be visible through door windows while in a room with children or youth
    • Should not discuss topics or use vocabulary with children or youth that could not be comfortably used in the presence of parents/guardians or the school principal
    • Should never give gifts or mementos to individual children or youth unless this is authorized by the principal
    • Must respect the physical boundaries of children and youth; children and youth must never be touched punitively, nor should they be touched in any way that could be construed as inappropriately affectionate

Please refer to Archdiocese handbook for more details:
http://handbook.la-archdiocese.org/chapter-9/section-9-4/topic-9-4-4 and 
http://handbook.la-archdiocese.org/chapter-9/section-9-12

Guidelines for Adults Interacting with Minors at Parish or Parish School Activities 
or Events

All adults acting in a staff, faculty, ministerial or other paid or volunteer position in 
the Archdiocese are role models who are called to treat each minor with respect and 
care. Clergy/staff members/faculty/volunteers serving either in a paid or volunteer 
position need to maintain professional relationships with minors whether on or off 
the parish or parish school locations. These guidelines are part of the commitment of 
the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to keep children and youth safe and to provide a role 
model for all minors under our care.

Please refer to Archdiocese handbook and beginning-of-the-year paperwork for 
actual guideline: 
http://www.la-archdiocese.org/org/protecting/safeguard/Pages/policies.aspx


Parent/Student Complaint Review Process

Concern for the dignity and rights of each person is intrinsic to the Church's mission 
as a true witness to the spirit of the Gospel.

Conflicts may occur among students, parents/guardians, and school staff, and all 
parties are encouraged to use every available means to resolve these conflicts when 
they occur. However, if the involved parties are unable to resolve their conflicts, 
families may use the complaint review process for additional assistance. All those 
participating in the complaint review process are responsible for striving toward 
reconciliation and acting in good faith. Legal representation is not permitted at any 
meeting or mediation of the complaint review process. Any person filing a complaint 
is to be free from restraint, coercion, discrimination, or reprisal in any form. The 
complaint review process must be included in the parent/student handbook.

Addressing Complaints at the Local Level: Schools

The person bringing the complaint is encouraged to try to resolve the complaint by 
discussing it with the people who are directly involved at the school. If the complaint 
is not resolved, the person bringing the complaint should discuss it with the principal 
(or the pastor, if the principal is the subject of the complaint). For elementary 
schools, if the principal is unable to resolve the conflict, the principal will bring the 
pastor into the process as appropriate. After reviewing the facts and facilitating 
discussion of the problem, the principal or pastor will respond to the person bringing 
the complaint.

Escalating Complaints to the Central Level: Department of Catholic Schools

If the complaint is not resolved at the local level, the complaint may be submitted in 
writing to the Dept. of Catholic Schools, outlining the concerns and reviewing the 
local process. The assistant superintendent will review the complaint (with such 
consultation as may be appropriate) in a timely fashion and will endeavor to 
mediate and resolve the matter. However, if the parties cannot reach an agreement, 
the assistant superintendent will apply the policies and/or regulations of the 
Archdiocese and school to make a final and binding determination, and then 
communicate that determination in writing to all parties.

Catholic Identity
Faith Formation
St. Bridget of Sweden School is a religious community within an academic
community. As a school it is a community of learners and teachers, 
administrators and parents/guardians, staff and resource people. At the same time, 
it is a faith community of young Christians and adults who come together to make 
Christ present among them in a special way.

There is always a twofold purpose in a Catholic school: learning and believing. To be 
an exemplary Catholic school, there must be the proper blend of learning and 
believing (Distinctive Qualities of the Catholic School, p. 11).

St. Bridget of Sweden School promotes knowledge of the faith, liturgical education,
moral formation, teaching to pray, education for community life, and missionary
initiation. We are committed to providing an academic education that integrates
Catholic values across the Curriculum. For more detailed information on our Catholic
Identity, please go to http://handbook.la-archdiocese.org/chapter-4

Religion Curriculum

All schools, whether archdiocesan, parish, or those owned and operated by religious
orders, institutes, or governing boards, are required to meet the following Catholic
identity standards from the accrediting agency for archdiocesan elementary
schools, the Western Catholic Educational Association.

Please see the following link for more details on the religion curriculum:
http://handbook.la-archdiocese.org/chapter-4/section-4-3/topic-4-3-13

Admission, Attendance, and Communication Procedures
Office Hours

Office hours are 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. each school day. Please use the buzzer for
entrance.

School Student Non-Discrimination Policy

The school, mindful of its mission to be a witness to the love of Christ for all, admits
students regardless of race, color, national origin, and/or ethnic origin to all rights,
privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to
students at the school.

The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, disability, medical
condition, sex, or national and/or ethnic origin in the administration of educational
policies and practices, scholarship programs, and athletic and other
school-administered programs, although certain athletic leagues and other
programs may limit participation and some archdiocesan schools operate as
single-sex schools.

While the school does not discriminate against students with special needs, a full
range of services may not always be available to them. Decisions concerning the
admission and continued enrollment of a student in the school are based upon the
student's emotional, academic, and physical abilities and the resources available to
the school in meeting the student's needs.

Inclusion Process/Support Team Education Plan (S.T.E.P.)

Archdiocesan schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, disability, sex,
or national and/or ethnic origin in the administration of educational policies and
practices, scholarship programs, and athletic and other school-administered
programs.

As stated in the previous section, while schools do not discriminate against students
with special needs, a full range of services may not always be available to them.
Decisions concerning the admission and continued enrollment of a student in the
school are based upon the student’s emotional, academic, and physical abilities and
the resources available to the school in meeting the student’s needs.

Parents/guardians must be informed that they may request a minor adjustment for
students with a disability and of the appropriate procedure to address any
complaints of disability discrimination. Please follow this link for more detailed
information about this process: http://handbook.la-archdiocese.org/chapter-14

The Support Team Education Plan (STEP) is a collaborative process that brings
together students, parents/students, teachers, and administrators to seek positive
solutions based on a student's strengths and special needs to help that student
benefit from his or her education and to facilitate participation in the Catholic school
curriculum. Please follow this link for more detailed information about this process:
http://handbook.la-archdiocese.org/chapter-14

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal statute that prohibits
discrimination on the basis of disability in certain settings. The purpose of this
Complaint and Review Process is to provide a structure for bringing about resolution
and reconciliation when disagreements arise between a school family and the
school arising out of a student’s physical or mental impairment or disability.

Everyone involved in the Complaint and Review Process is to be free from restraint,
coercion, discrimination, or retaliation in any form. The Complaint and Review
Process should be followed when issues arise at the school relating to a child’s
disability, and the parties have been unable to reach a resolution with the child’s
teachers or other members of the school staff.

The definition of a disability under Section 504 is a mental or physical impairment
that substantially limits a major life activity. Major life activities include breathing,
speaking, walking, eating, working, learning, etc. Under Section 504, the standard for
a covered private school to provide services to a student with a disability differs
from that of a public institution. A public school must provide a student with a
disability with “reasonable accommodations” to assist him/her in accessing the
education provided in a general education classroom. In contrast, Section 504 only
requires certain private schools to make “minor adjustments”—a different and lesser
standard than “reasonable accommodations”—to their programs for students with
disabilities.

The minor adjustments provided by the school must be documented in order to
comply with the requirements of Section 504. In the public school, this
documentation is called a Section 504 Plan. A Section 504 Plan applies only to the
school that creates the document. It is not transferable and is not applicable to a 
private school. So, if parents/guardians have a Section 504 Plan that was written for 
his or her child by a public school or any other school, that plan is not valid at your 
school. The minor adjustments provided by the school are documented in the STEP 
process and the STEP plan and are compliant with Section 504. In the event of a 
disagreement arising out of a child’s physical or mental impairment or disability, the 
school shall adhere to the process that follows. Please follow this link for more 
detailed information about this process:
http://handbook.la-archdiocese.org/chapter-14


Admissions Policy

Other items to consider:
  • Under Archdiocesan guidelines for financial considerations, the optimum number of students per classroom is 35.
  • The recommended age for Transitional Kindergarten students is four years of age on or before September 1.
  • The recommended age for Kindergarten students is five years of age on or before September 1.
  • The recommended age for First Grade students is six years of age on or before September 1.
  • All students must comply with current California immunization and health requirements prior to enrollment.
  • The parish school will strive to provide an accessible Catholic education to as many students as possible, both with its educational programs and financial considerations; however, the school may have insufficient resources to meet the educational and financial needs of all students.
  • The pastor and principal will review students' continued eligibility for enrollment in the parish school.

Tardiness

8:00 am is a reasonable hour that allows parents, as well as students, to arrive at the 
school on time, regardless of the distance and/or traffic conditions. Tardiness will 
impede your child’s learning. He or she needs to be present and arrive on time in 
order to fully comprehend all class lessons. We understand that there are 
exceptional cases when an emergency arises, which causes a child to be late. 
However, these occasions should be very rare and the exception, rather than the 
rule. Each trimester, after three unexcused tardies, there will be a daily $2.00 fine for 
each additional day. 

Truancy

A student is considered truant when he or she is absent from school without a valid 
excuse for three full days in one school year or is tardy or absent for more than any 
30-minute period during the school day on three occasions in one school year, or 
any combination thereof. The school shall report the student to the local public 
school district's attendance office or its superintendent.

In the event that a school suspects that a student is truant (absent from school 
without a valid excuse), the school administration should first contact the 
parents/guardians. If the school suspects that the student is a habitual truant 
(absent three times in a school year without a valid excuse) and all resources at the 
school level have been exhausted, the school principal should notify the local Child 
Welfare and Attendance authorities.

If a student has been reported once as a truant and then is absent again for one or 
more days without a valid excuse or tardy on one or more days without a valid 
excuse, the school should again report the student as truant to the local public 
school district's attendance office or its superintendent. A student who has been 
reported as truant three or more times is considered a habitual truant and is subject 
to dismissal.

If a student has been absent without excuse, and it is impossible to contact the 
parents/guardians within 24 hours and after repeated attempts, the school should 
notify the attendance office of the local public school district, the local police 
department, Child Protective Services, or all of those agencies.

Excused and Unexcused Absences

When a student is absent, the student must submit a written excuse signed by a 
parent/guardian and the school must keep excuses on file for one year. Excused 
absences include illness, medical or dental appointments, funeral services for family 
members, quarantine directed by city or county officials, or emergencies or special 
circumstances as determined by the school. Doctor’s notes are needed for medical 
excuses. Excessive unexcused absences may result in the loss of academic credit. If 
parents/guardians wish to temporarily take their child out of school for family 
reasons, the principal and teacher should discuss with the parents/guardians the 
possible effects of such an absence.

Summer school (at St. Bridget of Sweden School if available or another program)
may be required if a student is absent for 15 or more unexcused days.


Planned Vacations During the School Term
It is understood that it is the parents’ prerogative to take children out of school at 
their discretion. It also needs to be understood that the school discourages such 
absences.

Students can make up the homework upon their return or during their trip, but they 
miss the instructional time and that time cannot be recovered. Teachers develop 
lessons on a weekly basis. Students leaving for such vacations are responsible for
asking the teacher(s) for the work they have or will miss. Trips (unless for a death or 
illness in a family) is considered unexcused. Summer school (at ISt. Bridget of 
Sweden School if available or another program) may be required if a student is 
absent for 15 or more unexcused days.

Movie or Television Contracts

If a student is absent from school because of movie or television contracts, this is
considered an excused absence and is marked as such in the attendance register 
and records.

Leaving School Early

A student may not leave the school before the regular dismissal time without a 
written request from a parent/guardian. The request must state the reason for 
leaving school early.

Work Permits

Under California law and other relevant laws, a minor student may not work without 
a work permit issued by the appropriate authority. To obtain a work permit, certain 
information is required from the student's school. Information regarding work 
permits and how to apply is available from the California Department of Education.

After receiving a promise of employment, the minor student must obtain a 
Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit. The minor, 
employer, and parents/guardians must each complete their sections and submit the 
completed application to the school. The school will verify the information entered 
on the application by the minor and parents/guardians and will also examine the 
student's records and consult the teacher to confirm the student's satisfactory 
academic achievement to date. The student must then submit the form to the work 
permit issuing authority: the superintendent of the local public school district or those 
persons authorized in writing by the superintendent to issue the permit. If all 
requirements are met, the work permit issuing authority may issue the Permit to 
Employ and Work. The school must keep a copy of the signed work permit in the 
student's file. For additional information and forms, see California Child Labor Laws: 
http://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSE/ChildLaborLawPamphlet.pdf

School – Home Communication

In order for St. Bridget of Sweden School  and home to work together it is necessary 
that frequent and clear communication lines remain open. We all want what is best 
for our children, and the following guidelines will be a great help to ensure that 
everyone is and remains informed. Thank you!

Wednesday newsletter: This email through Gradelink will come on Wednesdays
with a newsletter, flyers, announcements, calendars, etc.

Gradelink: Parents, teachers, and administration will communicate through
Gradelink, specifically in sending and receiving emails, viewing of grades, etc.

Website (www.stboss.org): Go on our website for the school calendar,
links, information, teacher pages, and more!

Appointments: The principal welcomes parental visits when there is need to speak 
with her. Making an appointment is the best way to ensure she is available. If the visit 
concerns a classroom teacher or concerns in a classroom, the protocol is meeting 
with the teacher first to discuss/resolve any concern. If that has been done and there 
remains a concern, then set the appointment through the office.

Appointments with Teachers: Appointments with teachers can be made by calling the school office or by sending a written request with your child. Your request will be filled as soon as possible. It is the school's policy that you e-mail teachers with questions/concerns. They will make every effort to respond within 24 hour window (weekends not included). We ask parents to follow this procedure in making appointments with any faculty/staff member. 

Back to School Social/Orientation: There will be an annual Orientation for Parents 
early in the school term. It begins with a prayer and words from the pastor if he is 
available, opening remarks and introductions from the principal and periods for 
classroom visitation where teachers will provide parents with classroom guidelines, 
curricular expectations for the term, supply drop-offs, and provide opportunity for 
parents to ask questions. 

Parent/Teacher Conferences: These are scheduled for everyone after the first
trimester reporting period, and by appointment after school as needed. You are 
asked not to meet with teachers before school without scheduling the time, as they 
are preparing for the day with your children.

Special Parent Meetings: These include First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, High 
School Information Night, Graduation Information Night, and meetings about special 
topics. All are welcome to PTO and Room Parent meetings.

Report Cards: These are issued at trimester times, and progress reports will be sent 
at intervals throughout the year. Please take special note of these reports. You will 
also receive test results and corrected student work (hard copies).

It is important that you look for communications frequently from your child and 
through the email addresses you give to the school. Sometimes the communication 
goes home and spends extra time in the backpack before it finds its way to you and 
sometimes emails get piled up in your inboxes.

You are asked to ensure that your child comes to school prepared: books, 
homework, lunches, after-school pick-up arrangements. None of these forgotten 
items or communications are emergencies, and it is important for classes not to be 
interrupted except for emergencies.

Safety and Security Procedures: Safety for our students is of the utmost 
importance in determining guidelines and policies regarding campus safety. 
Consistent support of all parents is necessary for us to maintain security and safety 
for the children.

Emergency Phone Numbers: The importance of current emergency contact 
numbers cannot be emphasized enough. Please notify the school immediately of 
any changes and make these changes on Gradelink. It is imperative that you provide 
us with at least TWO other names of people authorized to care for your children if 
we cannot reach you.

In case of emergency DO NOT phone the school. Please do not phone the school 
to ask about your child or what we are doing. It would be impossible for us to field 
such calls while we are trying to look after the students, ensure their safety, and 
make emergency calls, e.g. to police, fire, etc. Tying up the school line would 
make it impossible for us to make emergency calls. We will contact you via email 
and/or text message. Thank you.

All visitors, including parent visitors, must sign in at the office before proceeding
to their destination. Please no loitering in or around school grounds. We must 
always be vigilant for our children. Not every employee knows all parents, and we 
must be certain that our children are safe. If someone asks who you are, do not be 
offended, because that someone is trying to protect your children.

Closed Campus: To preserve the academic environment and school security, 
archdiocesan and parish schools are designated as closed campuses. No person 
may enter the campus unless authorized by the school administration. Visitors must 
present themselves at the school office if they need information or have business to 
conduct with the school.

Smoking: Smoking is prohibited at all times anywhere inside Archdiocesan buildings, 
offices, and classrooms and outside and around buildings as specified by state and 
local regulations.

Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of all entrances. Smoking is only allowed in 
outside areas that are designated for smoking. This policy also applies to electronic 
cigarettes.

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

The safety of our children is of the utmost concern, it is imperative that we all remain 
patient. If being patient requires that we leave home a bit earlier then that must be 
given consideration. That being said please follow the guidelines below.

Morning Arrival 

  1. Gates will be open before 7:15 a.m. and close promptly at 8:00 a.m.
  2. Supervision begins at 7:15 a.m.
  3. Enter gate near the church and exit gate next to the playground. 
  4. Drop of students at the Hall door nearest the playground.
Dismissal
  1. Gates will open at 12:30/2:30.
  2. Please park car, walk to pick up your child(ren).
  3. Exit Sherman Way gate.
  4. Gates will close at 12:45/2:45.

Rainy Day Dismissal

  1. Gates will open at 2:30. Please park your car.
  2. Please go inside and pick up your child from the hall. 
After School Day Care Program 

After School Day Care is provided from dismissal until 6:00 p.m. on school days, 
except days at the beginning of “vacations.” The Extended Day fee is paid separately 
from tuition. Students not enrolled in After School Day Care may stay on a given day
for “Occasional Use” fee charges. Inquire at the office for fees.

Prompt pick-up and payment of fees is required for us to provide ongoing service
for your family. Please be reminded that the people who serve your children and 
your family have lives too, and they need to lock up and leave promptly at 6:00.

If you are in need of this service, please check with office personnel regarding fees 
and times.

A signed agreement is necessary for participation. The Archdiocesan insurance 
covers students during the time of the program. This program can only serve 
children enrolled at St. Bridget of Sweden School 

A completed emergency card with up-to-date information is required, as well as 
records of arrival and departure from the program.

Rules for Non-Custodial Parent/Guardian Visits

Parents/guardians are responsible for providing any custody orders or other legal 
documents to the school that they wish the school to follow. Schools should take all 
reasonable steps to comply with these orders and are advised to ask the 
parents/guardians to provide the underlying agreements for these matters. The 
archdiocesan Office of the Legal Counsel is available to advise on how to handle 
these matters. The parent/guardian who has custody should be encouraged to 
present legal evidence to the school regarding the extent of the visitation rights of 
the other parent/guardian.

If a parent/guardian does not have legal custody of his or her child but has visitation 
rights, that parent/guardian may visit the child (subject to the school’s visitation 
policy and if the school does not have a legal order prohibiting such a visit). Prior to 
taking action, the principal must identify the parent/guardian and determine if he or 
she has visitation rights.

Visitation rights are usually limited by the court to specified days and hours. The 
principal must be aware of these restrictions. If a parent/guardian without visitation 
rights attempts to visit a student at school, the principal shall inform the custodial 
parent/guardian.

Schools may not provide legal analysis of custody orders or advise 
parents/guardians on the interpretation of custody orders. If parents/guardians 
disagree on the meaning of a custody order, the parents/guardians must consult 
legal counsel or come to an agreement on its meaning and provide the school with 
written documentation of their decision. Schools do not guarantee enforcement of 
custody orders. If a parent/guardian violates a custody order, schools should call the 
other parent/guardian, the police, or both for assistance.

Children in Foster Care
When a child is in a foster home and the parents/guardians request to visit the child 
at school, the school shall inform the agency that is responsible for placing the child 
in the foster home.

Health, Illness, Accident Procedures

Emergency Card: The Emergency Card for each student shall be complete and 
current, must be readily available to authorized employees, and shall indicate 
whether or not the parents/guardians have given the school permission to choose a 
physician in an emergency.

At the beginning of each school year as well as mid-year, the Emergency Card for 
each student should be completed by the parents/guardians. Subsequently, the 
parents/guardians must inform the school when there are changes to key 
information, including addresses for home or work, numbers for cell or work phones, 
names of persons to notify in case of an emergency, or medication prescriptions for 
the student. They must also make these changes online.

In case of an emergency, the Emergency Card should be shown to the paramedics 
or emergency room staff in order to authorize treatment and advise them if a 
student has any particular medical needs or is on medication.

Therefore, it is imperative that the Emergency Card information be accurate, 
complete, and current. Parents/guardians are required to update information about 
any medication the student takes on a regular basis.

When a student becomes ill or injured, the parents/guardians must be contacted 
immediately. If the parents/guardians cannot be reached, the school shall contact 
another person listed on the Emergency Card.

Medical Immunizations and Exemptions: The California Health and Safety Code 
requires students to provide proof of immunization for school entry and also 
requires schools with kindergarten or seventh grade to assess and report annually 
on the immunization status of students in these grades. Issued annually by the State 
of California, all directives regarding immunization shall be implemented.

Up-to-date information on immunization requirements can be found at Shots for 
School, the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health, and the California 
Code of Regulations section on immunization.

Students may be subject to routine examinations in school, including hearing, vision, 
dental, head lice, and scoliosis.

School Health Records: Every school must comply with all department of public 
health requirements. Every school shall have on file a health record for each student 
enrolled in the school. Upon a student's transfer, student health records are 
forwarded with the student transcript to the receiving school. Schools shall comply 
with all Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act rules as applicable.

Medical Appointments: Early dismissal for medical or dental appointments shall be 
granted when the parents/guardians make a request. Parents/guardians shall be 
urged to keep such requests to a minimum and encouraged to make arrangements 
for care during vacation periods or after school hours.

Medications Administered at School: The school shall not furnish medications. All 
medications administered at school shall be provided by the parents/guardians.

    • The Medication Authorization and Permission Form must be provided. This form, which states the nature of the medication, must be signed and dated by the doctor and the parents/guardians.
    • Medication administered at school must be in the original container and labeled. The day's dosage must be sealed, be labeled, and have the student's name attached. It shall be in an appropriate container and be kept in the school office or nurse's office.
    • The student shall come to the office for medication.
    • Because of the risk of students sharing medications, students may not carry medication of any kind to be self-administered at school. If a student is seriously at risk without an EpiPen or inhaler on his or her person, the student may receive special consideration.
    • A student may not be given medicine prescribed for family members.
    • These medication regulations apply to both prescription and non-prescription medications.
    • A student who is diabetic is allowed to test his or her blood sugar at school in the health room or office and self-administer medication as necessary. If a student is too young or otherwise unable to self-test his or her blood sugar, a location may make arrangements with the student's family to assist with testing. All medications must be kept in the school office or nurse's office and appropriately labeled as described above. School employees may not administer injections to a diabetic student except in emergencies, unless other arrangements are made in advance.

If parents/guardians do not complete the Medication and Authorization Form by 
indicating the student's prescribed medication, the parents/guardians will have to 
come to school and personally administer that medication.

Communicable Diseases: When communicable diseases are identified at a location, 
the person in charge shall immediately refer to the reporting requirements of the 
county health department in accordance with local requirements (Los Angeles 
County Department of Public Health).

A reported communicable disease may cause a staff member to miss work or a 
student to miss school. Before the staff member can return to the workplace or the 
student can return to school, he or she must have appropriate permission issued by 
the department of public health, a physician, or a nurse.

Allergies: Some students may have severe, life-threatening allergies. While the 
school will make reasonable efforts to prevent or minimize an allergic students’ 
contact with allergens, the school does not promise an allergy-free environment.

Pregnancy Involving Students or Other Minors: Should a pregnancy occur 
involving a student or other minor, the entire school or parish community should 
offer Christian support to the mother and father to assure appropriate prenatal 
medical and counseling care so that the pregnancy can be brought to term and the 
infant will have an opportunity to grow and be nurtured as a child of God. In such 
circumstances, the principal, pastor, youth minister, and other appropriate staff 
should meet with the pregnant couple and their parents/guardians to plan for the 
pregnancy, including discussing alternatives to school and religious education 
arrangements that are appropriate for the needs, health, and safety of the child in 
the womb, the pregnant couple, and the school or parish community.

In schools, the principal, in consultation with the Department of Catholic Schools and 
the pastor (for elementary schools and parish high schools), shall review all aspects 
of each case and make a determination, based on the particular circumstances, of 
the need for any schooling accommodations or arrangements.

In cases of pregnancy, the father (if known) and mother of the child should be 
encouraged and assisted to obtain professional medical care and counseling 
consistent with Catholic teachings, including teachings on the immorality of abortion. 
The Department of Catholic Schools can assist in the process and serve as a 
resource for services and referrals.

Student Accident Insurance: The Student Accident Insurance Program is provided 
for all full-time students in archdiocesan and parish schools. This program 
supplements other health insurance maintained by the family and assists only with 
medical expenses incurred because of accidental bodily injury sustained by students 
while attending school, while traveling to or from school, or while participating in 
school-sponsored and school-supervised activities, including school-sponsored 
sports, field trips, and extended school day programs.

Research Projects and Rights of Parents

Parents/guardians must be informed if a research project involving their child is to 
be conducted at the school and they must be provided with sufficient information 
about the research to enable them to give informed consent. Parents/guardians 
have the right to withhold permission allowing their child to participate in research 
studies. Parents/guardians have the right to withdraw their child at any time from a 
research project without reprisal.

Parents/guardians have the right to request to preview the materials to be used in a 
research study that involves their child. Requests to review the Research Materials 
should be made with appropriate written advance notification to the school and to 
the researcher.

Except in a limited range of research areas where an Institutional Review Board 
determines that a waiver of assent is appropriate, student assent to participation in 
a research project must be obtained. If a student reaches the age of consent 
applicable to the subject matter of the research project, the student must be given 
the opportunity to provide informed consent. Students have the right to withhold 
their assent and have the right to withdraw without penalty. Students who are not 
participants in research studies may not be singled out in any way or penalized.

Privacy and Access to Records

Maintaining confidentiality is the legal, ethical, and professional responsibility of 
every member of the school community, including students, parents/guardians, 
teachers, aides, and all other employees. Every member of the school community 
must respect the privacy of all students, families, employees, the principal, and the 
pastor.

Pupil Records: "Pupil records" means any record related to a student that is 
maintained by a school or one of its employees. It includes health records. It does 
not include directory information or a school employee's informal notes, if the notes 
remain in the sole possession of the maker and are not made available to others, 
except to a substitute teacher.

Only the principal, as custodian of the records, may authorize the release of pupil 
records. Only teachers or administrators charged with pupil oversight have the right 
to view or use pupil records. A teacher's aide may view or use pupil records only with 
direct teacher supervision.

Pupil records may be released by judicial order, such as a subpoena or search 
warrant. In specific cases, such as suspicion of kidnapping, police officers may be 
given access to records.

Parents/guardians of minors have the absolute right to access their child's pupil 
records in accordance with the school's reasonable procedures for providing such 
access. Parents/guardians may grant any specified person written consent to 
access specifically identified pupil records. In cases of legal separation and/or 
divorce, California state law gives the custodial parent/guardian and non-custodial 
parent/guardian with visitation rights the right to access and examine pupil records. 
However, only the custodial parent/guardian may consent to the release of records 
and has the right to challenge the content of the records and to write responses to 
information regarding disciplinary action. A non-custodial parent/guardian without 
visitation rights has no right of access to records of any kind.

Directory Information: “Directory information” means one or more of the following 
items: a pupil’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major 
field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and 
height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards 
received, and the most recent previous public or private school attended by the 
pupil.

To the extent possible, the school will minimize access to student phone numbers 
and email addresses, unless the parents/guardians consent to broader access. To 
the extent possible, other users of directory information should also try to minimize 
access to and distribution of student phone numbers and personal email addresses, 
unless the parents/guardians consent to broader access.

In no cases should commercial enterprises have access to directory information. 
Lists of room parents/guardians, students in each grade, phone numbers, email 
addresses, and any other personal information about families and students are 
considered confidential and may be used only for the purposes specified.

Publication of the Image, Name, Voice, or Work of a Student or Minor: Without 
the written permission of the parents/guardians of a student or minor, a location 
may not publish or use for noncommercial purposes the image, name, voice, or work 
of the student or minor. This policy includes but is not limited to publicity, exhibits, 
printed or electronic media broadcasts, student publications, marketing, or research. 
The location must obtain the signature of the parents/guardians on the 
Parent/Guardian Release for Student or Minor (Noncommercial) before any such 
publication or use (which will be given to the students in the beginning of the year).


Verbal or Written Confidences: Students or parents/guardians may provide 
confidential information to school employees in many ways. Students may 
communicate verbally or in writing, such as using a note or writing/journal 
assignment.

All school employees must respect the verbal or written confidences of students and 
adults, except in cases that involve the health or safety of students or others. If the 
confidence relates to a health or safety issue, the school must promptly notify the 
pastor, principal, other person in charge, or appropriate authorities, keeping in mind 
the privacy rights that apply. The school must follow the archdiocesan policy on 
reporting suspected abuse of children or vulnerable adults.

Transfer of Records

Student Transfers, Withdrawals, and Graduation: Whenever a student transfers, 
the former school shall provide a copy of the Cumulative Pupil Record form and the 
original health records to the intended school when the intended school requests the 
information and the student's parents/guardians submit a release. The original 
Cumulative Pupil Record form will remain at the school.

On the original Cumulative Pupil Record form and in the attendance register, the 
former school shall record the transfer, reason for the transfer, and name of the 
school where the student is transferring or entering after graduation. A school will 
not give official transcripts to students or parents/guardians.

Principals may be required by the county office of education to report the transfer, 
withdrawal, or expulsion of any student. The school grants full credit for all work a 
student accomplishes up to the time of transfer, withdrawal, or expulsion.

Withholding of Records: Under California law, a private school cannot refuse to 
provide student records to a requesting elementary school or high school because of 
any outstanding charges, including tuition or fees that the student or 
parents/guardians owe. However, in accordance with school policy, the school may 
withhold from parents/guardians the grades, diploma, or transcripts of a student 
pending the payment of certain amounts for damaged property, the return of 
loaned property, or unpaid tuition or fees.

Cumulative Pupil Records: On the official Archdiocesan Cumulative Pupil Record 
form for each student, the school enters full and accurate records, including 
standardized test results.

Cumulative Pupil Record forms are kept on file permanently as hard copies in secure 
fireproof containers or as electronic copies. Only authorized personnel may have 
access to these records. The school must maintain health records in a separate file 
for four years.

International Students

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles welcomes international students. Through the 
cultural exchange of learning, praying, playing, and growing together, the presence 
of these international students enriches the educational and religious experiences of 
everyone in the school community.

All international students who do not live with a relative must live with host families 
who are identified on the student's I-20 forms. Student apartments, dormitory-style 
living, and unsupervised living are not permitted, even if the students are 18 years 
old or older.

The school is not involved in the selection of host families. A letter from the student's 
parents/guardians that identifies and approves the host family and place of 
residence is required.

The parents/guardians, host family, and/or ISEVPO, if used, shall notify the school if 
there is any change in the student's host family or residence.
Faculty, staff, coaches, and/or their spouses may not serve as host families or 
guardians. Host families are required to meet with the school for orientation and 
periodically thereafter. Host families must attend meetings and functions required of 
domestic parents/guardians. Host families that are not contractually required to
attend safe environment training are nevertheless encouraged to do so.

All international students are required to be enrolled in a religion course for a 
grade/credit each semester. The international student will be expected to participate, 
as appropriate, in religious functions and events.

For more information about international students see: 
http://handbook.la-archdiocese.org/chapter-13/section-13-1/topic-13-1-6

Academics/Co-Curricular Activities and Athletics
Academic Curriculum

The curriculum includes Religion, Language Arts (Literature, English, Spelling,
Vocabulary), Family Life, Mathematics, Science/Health, Social
Studies, Physical Education, Music, Computer Skills.

The curriculum at Archdiocesan Catholic schools integrates the mission of Christ to 
teach the Gospel message to all. The archbishop and archdiocese are committed to 
providing strong academic experiences for students in school communities that 
reflect two purposes: the teaching mission of the Church and the need to educate 
youth for life in a way that relies on academic skills and requires sound preparation.

The curriculum consists of all learning experiences that are planned and organized 
under the principal's leadership, implementing the school's educational goals in a 
manner that reflects a commitment to Catholic teachings. The curriculum must be 
consistent with the philosophy of the school, educational policies of the archdiocese, 
and requirements of the applicable sections of the California Education Code. The 
commitment to ongoing academic excellence, personal growth, leadership, and 
service as components of Catholic Identity extends to all aspects of the academic 
program.

Homework

Homework is assigned to support and provide practice for concepts learned during 
class.

If your child is having difficulty finishing homework on a consistent basis, please
speak with your child’s teacher.

In addition to homework, students MUST read every night. 

Helping children with homework is acceptable and good as long as people at home 
are not actually doing the homework for the student. When children arrive home 
after school a healthy snack with protein, a short period of play time (not computer 
time or video game time, but active play time), a quiet, well-lit, consistent place to 
study are all recommended.

Religion Program
School Masses: These are planned for Fridays. Second grade children will be 
prepared for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.  Every first Sunday of 
each month, except one after a holiday, is a school mass at 9:00. All families are 
encouraged to attend and participate in those liturgies.

Daily Masses: Please see church schedule for daily Mass schedule.

Our Catholic Faith: Children celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation with their 
classes during Advent and Lent. In addition, there is prayer each day at school 
during morning assembly. Students pray in classrooms, at lunch, and at the closing 
of school each day, as well as at other times during the day.

Children will learn the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church age appropriately in 
all Grades TK – 8. Christian values are embedded in all aspects of life at St. Bridget 
of Sweden School.

Graduation and Promotion Requirements

It is expected that students will have completed the eighth grade course of study 
satisfactorily. Parents will be contacted early in the year if there is a question about 
a student completing the work, and a plan developed to ensure success of the 
student assuming a best effort is given.

Parental responsibility for tuition, fees, fundraising must be met prior to 
graduation/promotion. Not meeting those responsibilities could result in students not 
participating in year-end activities, walking at graduation/promotion, and/or 
receiving a diploma/certificate of promotion.

Testing, Assessment, and Books

STAR Testing: These are administered multiple times a year. Results and parent 
reports will be given to parents.

ACRE: These Religion Achievement Tests are administered in Grades 5 and 8 in
January each year.

Assessment procedures play an active role in each subject area in each grade. Some 
assessments are formative (administered before instruction to determine student 
needs). Some assessments are summative (administered after concepts have been 
taught).

Students have both consumable and non-consumable books. Students must respect 
these books. Students may not write in non-consumable books. Any books lost or 
damaged must be paid for.

Grading

Grading scales are found on the school report cards. Please log-on to gradelink.com 
In order to monitor your child’s progress. 

The school is on a trimester system, with those reports going home three times a 
year.

Retention

The decision to retain a student in the present grade shall be based upon a 
consideration of the overall welfare of the student, (i.e., carefully weighing academic, 
social, and emotional factors).

The principal, in consultation with the parents/guardians and faculty, shall make the 
final decision regarding retention.

Counseling

The mission and purpose of the school is education. Schools may not assume the 
responsibility for psychological counseling or therapy because they are not qualified 
or licensed to do so.

In addition to providing classroom instruction, schools may engage in the following 
limited counseling activities:
  • Provide advice and counseling regarding academic subjects and student progress in school
  • Give limited guidance to students who present with non-academic personal issues or situations
  • Provide students with referrals to marriage and family therapists, child psychologists, licensed educational psychologists, psychiatrists, and similar professionals for diagnosis and treatment; if the school provides referrals to parents/guardians, the list must include at least three names of qualified people or entities
  • Retain, where necessary, appropriate professionals to provide psychological counseling services for the school or include educational testing to assess a student's academic ability, learning patterns, achievement motivation, and personality factors that are directly related to academic learning problems (prior to a contractual relationship, the principal will ensure that the professional is credentialed, licensed, insured, or otherwise properly qualified); as appropriate, the school may refer a student for specific or additional testing, generally at the expense of the parents/guardians
  • Provide high school and college counseling, sharing information with parents/guardians and students about application procedures, entrance exams, scholarships, and ; schools may also provide catalogs and information sessions

Co-Curricular/Extra-Curricular Activities

All co-curricular/ extra-curricular activities are a privilege and not a right. Students 
representing St. Bridget of Sweden School  at any co-curricular/extra-curricular 
activities and/or social events need to be models of Christian Values.

Offerings include: Student Council, sports, and music.

Field Trips and Excursion
Field trips are a privilege and not a right. Students representing St. Bridget of 
Sweden School  at any field trip need to be models of Christian Values and uphold
our St. Bridget of Sweden School  mission. 

Field trips are organized by the school for the educational and/or cultural 
development of our students. In order to participate in field trips, it is necessary for 
the school to have an authorized release form from the parents before the trip. Only 
the authorized form is acceptable, and must be dated and signed by the parents or 
legal guardians. These forms are supplied by the school, and, as a rule, all students 
are expected to participate in these events as they become part of the curriculum. 
Phone calls cannot be accepted as a release for a student to participate in a field 
trip.

Students who are not allowed to attend a field trip (no parent permission, 
consequence of behavior, etc.) must still attend school. They will be given work to do 
and will stay in the office or another classroom.

Chaperones for field trips must commit to supervision. The safety of our children is 
paramount, and visiting with friends is not supervision. Younger siblings not 
attending our school are not allowed on field trips for the same reason. Thank you 
for your cooperation.

Transportation: Transportation may include personal automobiles, school or 
chartered bus or van, boat, or plane.

Personal Motor Vehicles: Although this is discouraged, employees and volunteers 
(including teachers, religious education instructors, and coaches) may use their 
personal motor vehicle to drive two or more minors to and from athletic, youth, and 
other trips or events. Employees and volunteers may not be alone in a vehicle with a 
single minor who is not their own child.

School staff, parish staff, parents/guardians, and volunteers who drive students in 
their own vehicles must be at least 25 years old, have a clean driving record for the 
past three years, possess a valid Class C driver's license, and have a current and 
valid California automobile insurance. The school must keep on file a copy of that 
driver's license and proof of current insurance.

Vans: Schools and parishes may transport students in vans or other vehicles 
designed for 10 passengers or fewer, including the driver. Vehicles designed for more 
than 10 passengers may not be reconfigured to seat only 10 passengers, including 
the driver. A driver of a vehicle designed for 10 passengers or fewer does not need a 
commercial driver's license.

Youth Buses: Schools and parishes may use vehicles designed for 15 people or fewer 
to transport students within 25 miles of the school or parish. Individuals who drive 
these vehicles must have a commercial driver's license with a youth bus certificate. 
Every youth bus must have on the front and rear a plainly visible sign with the words 
"YOUTH BUS" in letters at least eight inches high. A school may not use a youth bus 
without the consent of the Department of Catholic Schools.

Commercial or School Buses: Locations may only hire buses, vans, or other 
passenger carriers from transportation companies that have valid permits, licenses, 
or charters approved by the State of California and that maintain current insurance 
on their vehicles.

Student Publications

Student publications are an important component of the instructional program and 
contribute directly to each school's goals.

The principal is the publisher and has the legal responsibility for all student 
publications, including the newspaper, yearbook, and website. All school publications 
must observe copyright laws. The principal may appoint a moderator who exercises 
control over submitted material.

Before the material is printed and distributed, the moderator must review all 
material and submit a copy of the publication to the principal for approval.

Additionally, the principal (or the moderator, if one has been designated), shall:
  • Establish a clear understanding of the purpose of the publication and the limitations on the editor's authority
  • Confirm that topics are in good taste
  • Assure that material complies with Catholic teaching
  • Encourage students to treat others respectfully and avoid personally attacking people
  • Require that students check facts carefully before publishing a story
  • Have parents/guardians sign the Parent/Guardian Release for Student or Minor (Noncommercial)
Athletics

A separate athletic handbook will be given to students upon athletic participation.

Tuition, Fees, and Service Hours

Tuition

Tuition may be paid by the year, semester, or monthly. FACTS tuition, an online
tuition payment system, handles tuition collection. Families must enroll online and 
are given soft or hard copies of their invoice. Families may
pay by credit card, debit card, or check.

Tuition Collection Policy: If unable to make a tuition payment on-time for any 
reason, it is the parent’s responsibility to contact and inform the school. The school 
may allow a grace period and in some cases may set up a formal, temporary 
payment plan. Note that this also applies to school fees, miscellaneous dues, and 
church dues for those receiving the Parishioner tuition rate. The school reserves the 
right to ask parents to withdraw their children where parents fail to abide by 
these policies, including:

  • Failure to contact and inform the school of a late or missed payment
  • Multiple missed or late payments
  • Failure to follow through with or abide by any agreed upon payment plan established by the school
  • Failure to adequately communicate with the school regarding finances (i.e. not returning phone calls or responding to emails regarding finances or failure to follow through with what is indicated in that correspondence)

Students cannot register for the following school year until all tuition, fees, and other
payments are made for the current year.

Components of Tuition Plan:
  • Annual registration and fees
  • Tuition Payments
  • Service Hours
  • Student Participation in School Fundraisers: Student participation in all fundraisers is expected. 
Additional Fees
Additional student fees are assessed each year to cover a portion of the cost of items such as technology, student insurance, magazines, book covers, computer needs, classroom supplies, software, testing, duplicating materials, textbooks/ workbooks (purchase and rental), etc.

Failure to meet financial obligations may result in the exclusion of your child from s
School until payment is made or arrangements are made with the principal.


Tuition Assistance

Each year there are opportunities for parents in need to apply for Catholic Education 
Foundation Funds (CEF). You will be notified when application time arrives.

Discipline
Discipline in the Catholic school is considered an aspect of moral guidance and not a form of punishment. The purpose of discipline is to provide a school climate that is conducive to learning and promotes character development and the common good. Each school must publish its discipline policy in its parent/student handbook.

Discipline is maintained in a classroom or school when students work cooperatively 
with the principal, the teachers, and their classmates towards class and school 
objectives. However, the legitimate interest of the school extends beyond the school 
day and school hours.

Behavior Guidelines

“May it be my will that my mercy may surpass my anger that my mercy may prevail 
over my other attributes, so that I may deal with my children in the attribute of
mercy and on their behalf and stop short of the limit of stern justice.”

The history of valuing traditions rests in the life of Jesus. Jesus Christ modeled what
it is to recognize self-worth, reverence, dignity, and integrity of persons in His time.
He lived a life - a non-judgmental acceptance of people for who they were and 
where they were in life. He was the epitome of compassion, of what it means to 
honor and respect each person.

In like manner, it is with commitment and affirmation, that we model Christian values, 
promote a valuing learning process, and provide an atmosphere where children can 
come to accept in their own lives the values of Jesus.

In this process, children come to recognize their own value and self-worth. They 
make age appropriate choices and decisions compatible with what they believe. 
Children come to be responsible and accountable for the choices and decisions they 
make, are able, (with guidance at times) to determine appropriate consequences for 
inappropriate behaviors, and are able to determine what amends to make to others 
when they have offended them.

Students must be praised for appropriate works and take ownership for, and 
determine consequences for their inappropriate choices.

This statement does not allow students to do as they please.

The kinds of things children normally do are not unlike the inappropriate things we, 
as adults, do. When the children do something inappropriate, ownership is 
necessary, forgiveness must be requested from the student who was offended, and 
the offending party needs to determine a consequence appropriate for the 
inappropriate action. It is the responsibility of the teacher and/or principal to 
encourage and instruct students through questioning, to take ownership, request 
forgiveness, and determine an appropriate consequence for the offense.

  • Gum is not allowed at school for practical reasons, health, safety, and care of the building.

Maintenance of Effective Discipline

Effective discipline is maintained when there is:
  • Reasonable quiet and order in the building
  • Effective classroom management
  • Constant encouragement of acceptable classroom conduct
  • Consistent follow-through
Disapproved Disciplinary Measures

The following disciplinary measures are disapproved:
  • All corporal punishment, including shaking and slapping
  • Language that is sarcastic or ridicules a student, his or her parents/guardians, or his or her family background
  • Using religious exercises or important class assignments as punitive measures
  • Bizarre and unusual punishments
  • Any disciplinary action that isolates a student without proper supervision

Suspension

Any of the listed reasons for expulsion with mitigating circumstances are adequate
cause for suspending a student. No student shall be suspended from school for 
more than two consecutive weeks, unless there is an ongoing police investigation of 
a possible crime, in which case the student may be suspended during the entire 
investigation. The school must give a notice of the suspension to the
parents/guardians verbally by phone, in writing (hard copy or electronic), or in 
person during a conference.

The principal shall schedule a conference with the suspended student's 
parents/guardians to discuss matters pertinent to the suspension, especially the 
means by which the parents/guardians and school can cooperatively encourage the 
student to improve his or her behavior. The suspended student may be present at 
the conference. In no case will a teacher on his or her own authority suspend a 
student.

Probation

A school may accept a student for admission on probation for an initial trial period if 
circumstances warrant it. The probationary status of the student and the terms of 
the probation must be clearly documented in writing and signed by the 
parents/guardians.

A school may decide to place an enrolled student on probation as a disciplinary 
matter. Disciplinary probation occurs when student's behavior has reached a point 
where a more serious response from the school is required. If the student's behavior 
does not improve while on probation, the disciplinary process may lead to 
suspension and/or expulsion .

Typically, disciplinary probation requires the suspension of activities and athletics so 
that the student must focus solely on his or her academic work and behavior. If a 
school decides to place a student on disciplinary probation, it must insure that the 
seriousness of this status is communicated to the student's parents/guardians. Due 
to the great variety of student offenses that can result in disciplinary probation, a 
school has many options in determining the extent of a student's probation (limiting 
activities, no athletics, community service, etc.).

Expulsion

Reasons for Expulsion: Reasons for expulsion include but are not limited to the following offenses:
  • Actions that are gravely detrimental to the moral and spiritual welfare of other students
  • Habitual profanity or vulgarity
  • Assault, battery, or any threat of force or violence directed toward any student or school personnel
  • Harassing, bullying, or hazing other students or school personnel
  • Open, persistent defiance of the teacher's authority
  • Continued willful disobedience
  • Use, sale, distribution, or possession of narcotics, drugs, or any other controlled substance
  • Use, sale, distribution, or possession of any alcoholic beverages on or near school premises
  • Smoking or possession of tobacco
  • Theft
  • Forgery of signatures
  • Cheating or plagiarism
  • Willful defacement or damage of school property, real or personal
  • Habitual truancy
  • Possession of harmful weapons (e.g., knives or guns) or materials that can be used as weapons
  • Membership in, active involvement in, or affiliation with a gang or group responsible for coercive or violent activity
  • Actions in or out of school that are detrimental to the school's reputation
  • Violations of the electronic acceptable use policies and guidelines
  • Inappropriate conduct or behavior unbecoming a student in a Catholic school

Procedure for Expulsion: Except in cases involving grave offenses, the school must 
take the following steps to expel a student:
  • The principal, teacher, parents/guardians, and student must attend a conference. The principal will advise the family that the student could be expelled unless there is immediate improvement in the student's behavior. In parish schools, the pastor should be notified of the conference, given an opportunity to attend, and provided a report of the discussion.
  • If the student's behavior does not improve, the final decision will be communicated at a second conference attended by the principal, teacher, parents/guardians, and pastor (if applicable). If the parents/guardians fail, without cause, to attend the conference, the final decision will still apply and the parents/guardians will be notified. In a parish school, the final decision rests with the pastor in consultation with the principal.
  • In no case will a teacher on his or her own authority expel a student.
    •    The school will give full credit for all work the student accomplished up to the moment of expulsion.
In high schools, the Disciplinary Review Board listens to the facts of the case, 
discusses the matter, and makes a recommendation to the principal.

Written Records: The school must keep on file a written record of the steps leading 
to an expulsion, with copies of all communications and reports. This record should be 
maintained for one year following the expulsion.

Cases Involving Grave Offenses: In a case involving a grave offense, which may 
include a violation of law or actions so outrageous as to shock the conscience of the 
community, the student is immediately suspended and there is no requirement to 
hold the initial conference. The school should follow this procedure when the 
continued presence of the student at school (even for a short period of time) will 
pose, in the reasonable judgment of the principal, a serious threat to the health and 
welfare of students, faculty, or staff.

When a student is immediately suspended and expulsion is probable, the school 
should clearly explain the rules and consequences of the violation to the student and 
his or her parents/guardians while the case is being investigated.

Time of Expulsion: A school may immediately expel a student if the reasons are 
urgent. Only in exceptional cases shall a school be allowed to expel a graduating
student who has been in the school one or more years. For elementary schools, if an 
expulsion happens during the last quarter of the school year or during the last 
semester in the case of a graduating student, the school needs prior approval of the 
Department of Catholic Schools before the expulsion can take effect.

Reporting of Expulsions: Even if they occur at the end of the school year, all 
expulsions are to be reported by phone to the assistant superintendent at the 
Department of Catholic Schools within 24 hours and subsequently submitted in 
writing. The school shall immediately notify the county office of education of 
expulsions. A copy of the Cumulative Pupil Record should be held until requested.

Right to Make Exceptions: The principal, in consultation with the pastor (for a parish 
school), retains the right to make exceptions in cases where mitigating 
circumstances call for a different response than policy suggests.

Home Study

Certain circumstances may dictate that a student, at the discretion of the principal, 
be excluded from school attendance for a period of time. This is a remedy for 
unusual situations and is not considered a suspension. The school may give students 
tests, etc., outside school hours so that grades can be reported. A student placed on 
home study is expected to pay full tuition.

Parents/guardians are responsible for supervising a student on home study.
At the discretion of the principal, any student who is accused of a felony may be 
placed on home study until the case is resolved.

Student Harassment, Bullying, and Hazing Policy

The school is committed to providing a safe and comfortable learning environment 
that respects Christian values and is free from harassment, bullying, or hazing in any 
form. Harassment, bullying, or hazing of any student by any other student, lay 
employee, religious, clergy, school volunteer, or parent/guardian is prohibited. The 
school will treat allegations of any such conduct seriously and will review and 
investigate such allegations in a prompt, confidential, and thorough manner. This 
policy shall be communicated clearly to faculty, staff, volunteers, parents/guardians, 
and students.

Substantiated acts of harassment, bullying, or hazing by a student will result in 
disciplinary action up to and including dismissal of the student. Students who file 
false or frivolous charges will also be subject to disciplinary action up to and 
including dismissal. For students in transitional kindergarten through third grade, this 
disciplinary action shall depend on the maturity of the students and the 
circumstances involved. For students in fourth through eighth grades , the 
disciplinary action may include suspension or dismissal.

Harassment: Harassment occurs when an individual is subjected to treatment or a 
school environment that is hostile or intimidating. It includes but is not limited to:

Verbal Harassment: Derogatory comments and jokes; threatening words spoken to 
another person

Physical Harassment: Unwanted physical touching, contact, or assault; deliberate 
impeding or blocking of another's movements; any intimidating interference with 
normal work or movement

Visual Harassment: Derogatory, demeaning, or inflammatory gestures, posters, 
cartoons, written words, drawings, images, and photos. [Visual harassment can be 
communicated in person, in hard copy, or electronically (including on social media)]

Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature

Bullying: Bullying is the habitual harassing, intimidating, tormenting, browbeating, 
humiliating, terrorizing, oppressing, and/or threatening of another person. Bullying 
typically consists of direct behaviors, such as teasing, taunting, threatening, hitting, 
shoving, and stealing that are initiated by one or more students against a victim or 
victims. In addition to direct attacks, bullying may also be indirect, such as spreading 
rumors that cause victims to be socially isolated through intentional exclusion.
Whether the bullying is direct or indirect, the key component of bullying is physical or 
psychological intimidation that occurs repeatedly over time to create an ongoing 
pattern of harassment and abuse.

Cyberbullying occurs when students bully each other using the Internet on 
computers, mobile phones, or other electronic devices. This can include but is not
limited to:
  • Sending inappropriate texts, emails, or instant messages
  • Posting inappropriate pictures, videos, or messages about others on blogs, social media, or websites
  • Using someone else's username to spread rumors or lies about another person
Hazing: Hazing is any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any student or other person.

Student Threats: The school will take all student threats seriously, including those
from students that threaten to inflict serious harm to themselves or others or to 
destroy property. Whoever hears or becomes aware of any threat made by a 
student should immediately report it to the pastor, the principal, or a teacher. The 
principal should notify the police and the Department of Catholic Schools 
immediately.

The student who has made the threat should be kept in the school office under 
supervision until the police arrive. The parents/guardians of the student who has 
made the threat will be notified by the school. Any student or adult who has been 
identified as a potential victim, or mentioned in writing as a potential victim, should 
be notified immediately.

The student who has made the threat shall be suspended until the police and school 
investigation has been completed, and at that time the student may face other 
disciplinary sanctions, up to and including removal from school. The school will take 
all actions of a threatening nature seriously, including practical jokes or offhand 
comments, and the school will investigate them. The school may suspend or remove 
a student from school while the investigation is pending.

On a case-by-case basis, the pastor and principal will make any decision to re-admit 
a student who has made a threat. This student threat policy shall be communicated 
clearly to students, parents/guardians, faculty, staff, and volunteers.

Guidelines Related to Possession and Use

  • All school policies must comply with state and federal laws that prohibit the use, sale, or delivery of alcohol to persons under 21 or of controlled substances to persons of any age, without a prescription.
    •    The school should consult law enforcement agencies when an alcohol or controlled substance violation occurs or the school learns of a violation, with each case judged individually.

  • If a student is known to be dealing in controlled substances or providing alcohol on or off campus, or if a student is convicted in court for drug sale, possession, or use, the student will be asked to withdraw from the school and will be expelled.

  • If students or their friends experience problems related to the use of alcohol or controlled substances, the students should be encouraged to seek help from a school counselor for themselves or their friends. School personnel should have access to public or private resource agencies for substance abuse rehabilitation so that they can offer help to students and parents/guardians.

Law Enforcement

Student Interviews by Law Enforcement

In performing their official duties and upon presenting proper identification to the 
principal or his or her designee, duly authorized representatives of law enforcement 
agencies and Child Protective Services shall be allowed to interview students in those 
cases where an interview outside of school hours is impossible or impractical or 
would duly interfere with the enforcement of law.

Law enforcement officers have the right during the school day to interview students 
who are suspects or witnesses. Child Protective Services representatives may 
conduct interviews to investigate reported child abuse or neglect.

Before releasing a student for an interview, the person in charge must confirm that 
the person seeking the interview is properly authorized and presents appropriate 
identification as well as confirm that the interview is being conducted as part of the 
interviewer's professional duties.

In the archdiocese it is the policy that the person in charge should inform the 
parents/guardians that such an interview will take place, except when law 
enforcement or the agency has a specific reason to not inform the 
parents/guardians. In all events, it is the policy of the archdiocese that an adult, 
either a parent/guardian or a school staff member, will be present for any interview 
unless the student being interviewed elects otherwise.

Student Removal by Law Enforcement

A properly identified representative of a law enforcement agency or Child Protective 
Services has the right to enter a school to take a student into temporary or 
protective custody or to make a lawful arrest of a student. In the case of an arrest, 
the person in charge shall request to see the warrant for the student’s arrest or court 
order issued by the juvenile court. A warrant is not necessary if the officer has 
reason to believe that the student has violated the law and makes an
oral statement to this effect. The person in charge and at least one other staff member should be present to hear and witness the officer’s oral statements.

The officer or representative may also remove a student from school with the 
permission of the student’s parents/guardians or, in the case of exigent 
circumstances, without the permission of the parents/guardians.

Informing Parents/Guardians about Removal

While it is primarily the role of the law enforcement officer to notify the 
parents/guardians that a student has been taken into custody, the person in charge 
shall also take immediate steps to notify the parents/guardians about the release of 
the student to the officer and where the student has reportedly been taken. 
However, the person in charge shall not notify the parents/guardians when a 
student has been removed from school as a victim of suspected child abuse or the 
officer has specifically requested that the student's parents/guardians not be 
notified. In the case of suspected child abuse, the officer will determine whether to 
notify the parents/guardians that the student has been removed from school. The 
person in charge shall provide the officer with the address and phone number of the 
student's parents/guardians.

School Searches

Students' legitimate expectation of privacy in their person and in the personal 
effects they bring to school must be balanced against the school's obligation to 
maintain discipline and provide a safe environment for the school community. 
School officials may conduct a search of a student's person and personal effects 
only upon a reasonable suspicion that the search will disclose evidence that the 
student is violating or has violated the law or a school rule.

If school officials have a reasonable suspicion that the student has violated or is 
violating the law or a school rule, school officials do not need a warrant or 
permission from parents/guardians to conduct the search.

A "reasonable suspicion" may be established in many ways, including but not limited 
to personal observations, information provided by third parties or other students, or 
tips provided by law enforcement. An alert from a trained and certified detection 
dog is sufficient to establish a reasonable suspicion and serve as the basis for a 
warrantless search of the student's person, locker, car, or personal property and 
effects.

Whenever a school official conducts a search of a student's person or personal 
effects, an adult witness should be present. The school should notify the student's 
parents/guardians of any search of a student's person or personal effects.

Expectations of Privacy

A student does not own a locker or other school property. The school makes lockers 
available to the student. The student does have some expectation of privacy in his or 
her locker from other students. However, a student does not have a high expectation 
of privacy in his or her locker from the school and may not prevent school officials 
from searching the locker if the school official has a reasonable suspicion that the 
student has violated or is violating a law or school rule.

A student has a greater expectation of privacy regarding his or her person and 
personal effects. A school official who conducts a search of a student's backpack, 
purse, clothing, cell phone, or other personal effects must have a reasonable 
suspicion that the student has violated or is violating a law or school rule. Strip 
searches or searches that include a student's underwear may only be conducted by 
law enforcement and may not be conducted by a school official.
Every student is subject to the Acceptable Use and Responsibility Policy for 
Electronic Communications ("Archdiocesan AUP") and Archdiocese of Los Angeles P 
rivacy Policy of the archdiocese and school; these types of policies concern cell 
phones and other electronic devices, whether the devices belong to the student or 
the school.

Student Cooperation
If a student refuses to cooperate in a reasonable search of school or student 
property (including electronic devices), the school may call the student's 
parents/guardians and/or the police for assistance or referral.

Electronic Usage Policies
St. Bridget of Sweden School  Acceptable Use and Responsibility Policy for 
Electronic Communications (“Archdiocesan AUP”)

All information created and used in the course of activities for or on behalf of the 
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles ("Archdiocese") or an archdiocesan 
school , a parish, the seminary, a cemetery , the Archdiocesan Catholic Center , or 
another archdiocesan department or operating unit ("Location") is an asset of the 
Archdiocese and/or the Location, as appropriate.

Electronic information and communications require particular safeguards and 
impose unique responsibilities on all users. The Archdiocese maintains a system of 
information security to protect its proprietary data. Integral parts of this system are 
the policies, standards, and procedures designed for users. All users must adhere to 
these policies, standards, and procedures for the complete system to remain viable.

These policies, standards, and procedures apply to all users of technology, whether 
adults, children, or youth and whether they are paid or volunteer staff, clergy, or 
members of religious orders in the Archdiocese or in any Location. These policies, 
standards, and procedures include but are not limited to maintaining data 
confidentiality, maintaining the confidentiality of data security controls and 
passwords, and immediately reporting any suspected or actual security violations. 
The Archdiocese prohibits the use or alteration of archdiocesan data and/or 
information technology without proper authorization.

All users have an obligation to protect the confidentiality and nondisclosure of 
proprietary, confidential, and privileged data, as well as personally identifiable 
information.

Definitions: Electronic communication systems include but are not limited to email, 
telecommunications systems (including telephone, voice mail, and video), 
stand-alone or networked computers, intranets, the Internet, and any other 
communication or data transmission systems that may be created in the future.

Electronic communication devices include but are not limited to regular and mobile 
telephones, two-way radios, facsimile machines, computers, laptops, electronic 
notebooks, tablets, audio and video equipment, flash drives, memory sticks, media 
players, and other communications equipment that may be created in the future.

Electronic communication materials include but are not limited to DVDs, CDs, laser 
discs, audiotape and videotape, audio and visual recordings, films, microfiche, audio 
and visual broadcasts, computer operating systems, software programs, 
electronically stored data and text files, computer and web applications, emails, text 
messages, instant messages, and all other electronic content that is downloaded, 
uploaded, retrieved, opened, saved, forwarded, or otherwise accessed or stored.

Person in charge refers to the department head, manager, or supervisor of an 
archdiocesan department, entity, or corporation; the pastor, parish life director, 
pastoral associate, or parish business manager; or the superintendents of 
elementary schools or high schools, a supervisor in the Department of Catholic 
Schools, a principal, or a president or head of school, as applicable.

Location refers to an archdiocesan school, a parish , the seminary , a cemetery, the 
Archdiocesan Catholic Center, or another archdiocesan department or operating 
unit.


Electronic Communication Systems, Devices, and Materials and the Users 
Covered

Electronic communication systems, devices, and materials and the users covered 
include:
  • All electronic communication systems, devices, and materials in the schools
, parishes, seminary , cemeteries, archdiocesan departments or offices, or other archdiocesan operating units (the "Premises")
  • All electronic communication devices and materials taken from the Premises for use at home or on the road
  • All personal devices and materials brought from home and used on the Premises during regular business hours
  • All personal devices and materials, regardless of where they are situated, that are used in such a manner that the Archdiocese and/or the Location may be implicated in their use
  • All users of electronic communication systems, devices, and materials, including but not limited to volunteers, clergy and religious, students, employees, staff, or contractors associated with the Archdiocese and/or the Location

Ownership and Control of Communications

All electronic communication systems, devices, and materials located on 
archdiocesan premises, and all work performed on them, are the property of the 
Location and/or the Archdiocese. These systems, devices, and materials are to be 
used primarily to conduct official Location and/or Archdiocese business, not 
personal business.

With permission from the person in charge of the Location, individuals may use 
archdiocesan systems, devices, and materials to access and use the Internet for 
personal business and web exploration outside regular business hours or during 
breaks. All users shall conform to appropriate content management and web surfing 
guidelines, whether during or outside regular business hours.

The Archdiocese and Locations, as applicable, reserve the right to monitor, access, 
retrieve, read, and disclose all content created, sent, received, or stored on 
Archdiocese and/or Location systems, devices, and materials (including connections 
made and sites visited) to law enforcement officials or others, without prior notice.

Internet Safety Policy

Any device accessed or used by minors on the Premises must use functioning and 
properly configured content filters to preclude access to prohibited content, 
including obscene, sexually explicit materials; adult or child pornography; and 
materials including applications that are otherwise harmful to minors or in violation 
of this Archdiocesan AUP .

Content filters for minors may NOT be disabled or turned off without obtaining prior 
permission from the archdiocesan Department of Applied Technology or the person 
with equivalent authority at the Location. No unauthorized personal identification 
information regarding minors may be disclosed, used, or disseminated without 
proper authorization by a responsible person at the Location.

Minors' use of email, chat rooms, social networks, applications, and other forms of 
direct electronic communication on electronic devices at the Location must be 
monitored. No person may engage in unlawful activities online, including hacking 
archdiocesan or Location systems or any system while using Archdiocese or 
Location devices or while on the Premises of any Location.

Prohibited Practices

Users of Archdiocese and or Location electronic communication systems, devices, or 
materials and users of personal devices and materials on the Premises under 
circumstances when the Archdiocese and/or the Location may become implicated in 
the use may NOT:
  • Violate any rules of conduct, codes of ethics, or safe environment or any educational policies, including but not limited to those that apply to communications or the use of information
  • Host any website on a domain that is not owned by the Archdiocese or, if the domain is owned by a third party, is not under contract with the Archdiocese
  • Use the name, logo, identifying photograph, mission statement, or other singularly identifying information of the Archdiocese or a Location on a website or other social medium in such a manner that readers/viewers are lead to believe that the website or social medium is an official site or medium controlled by the Location itself
  • Post or cause distribution of any personally identifying information about the user or others without permission of or review by a responsible adult person, unless required by the user's job duties or assigned responsibilities (personal identifying information includes but is not limited to names or screen names; telephone numbers; work, home, or school addresses; email addresses; or web addresses/URLs of social networking sites or blogs)
  • Post or distribute any communications, videos, music, or pictures that a reasonable person, according to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, would consider to be defamatory, offensive, harassment, disruptive, derogatory, or bullying; these include but are not limited to sexual comments or images, racial or ethnic slurs, or other comments or images that would offend someone on the basis of race, creed, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, political beliefs, mental or physical disability, or veteran status
  • Engage in improper fraternizing or socializing between adults and minors
  • Engage in cyberbullying or other abusive online behavior
  • Engage in pirating or unauthorized copying, acquisition, or distribution of copyrighted materials, music, videos, or film
  • Post or send chain letters or engage in spamming (sending annoying, unnecessary, or unsolicited commercial messages)
  • Record any telephone, video, or other conversation or communication without the express permission of the other participants in the conversation or communication, except where allowed by law
  • Upload, download, view, or otherwise receive or transmit copyrighted, trademarked, patented, indecent, or pornographic material, trade secrets, or other confidential, private, or proprietary information or other materials to which the user does not have access rights (regarding copyrighted materials, certain exceptions are given for educational and liturgical purposes; see the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Copyright and Video Screening Policy)
  • Damage, alter, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computers or other systems (e.g., use another person's passwords; trespass on another person's folders, work, or files; or alter or forward email messages in a manner that misrepresents the original message or message chain)
  • Give unauthorized persons access to Archdiocese or Location systems, provide access to confidential information, or otherwise jeopardize the security of the electronic communication systems (e.g., by unauthorized use or disclosure of passwords)
  • Transmit confidential, proprietary, or sensitive information unless the transmission falls within the scope of the user's job duties or the assignment as given by a responsible adult
  • Introduce or install any unauthorized software, virus, malware, tracking devices, or recording devices onto any system
  • Bypass (via proxy servers or other means), defeat, or otherwise render inoperative any network security systems, firewalls, or content filters
  • Allow any minor to access the Internet on Archdiocese or Location communication devices without active, monitored filtering of prohibited materials
  • Allow any minor to use email, chat rooms, social networking sites, applications, or other forms of direct communications at the Location without monitoring
  • Use electronic communication devices or systems to transmit any radio frequency signal that is not permitted and/or licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or that would violate FCC rules or policies
  • Access or manipulate services, networks, or hardware without express authority
  • Violate any other applicable federal, state, or local laws or regulations

Consequences of Violations of the Electronic Communications Policy

Violations of this policy, including breaches of confidentiality or security, may result 
in suspension of electronic communication privileges, confiscation of any electronic
communication device or materials, and disciplinary action up to and including 
termination of employment, removal from parish or school activities, expulsion from 
school, canonical review, referral to local or other law enforcement, and other 
appropriate disciplinary action.

Guidelines for Email Correspondence, Cloud-based Services and Other Electronic 
Communications

All users of Archdiocese and Location communication systems and devices should 
use care in creating email, text, video, still images, instant or voice mail messages, or 
any postings on any social networking site. Even when a message has been deleted, 
it may still exist on a backup system; it may be restored, downloaded, recorded, or 
printed; or it may have been forwarded to someone else without its creator's 
knowledge. The contents of email and text messages are the same as other written 
documentation and cannot be considered private or confidential.

Email, texts, and other electronic communications are not necessarily secure. As with 
paper records, proper care should be taken in creating and retaining electronic 
records for future use, reference, and disclosure, as applicable.

Postings to "All Employees," "All Parents/Guardians," "All Seminarians," "All 
Parishioners," and the like on intranets or the Internet must be approved by the 
person in charge of the Location before the postings are sent out.

Use of personal electronic communication devices and materials during regular 
business hours should be kept to a minimum and limited mainly to emergencies.

Archdiocese and Location systems, devices, and materials are not private and 
security cannot be guaranteed. User IDs and passwords are intended to enhance 
system security, not to provide users with personal privacy. User account passwords 
for systems that are not controlled by a centralized user directory or authentication 
system must be on record with the person in charge of the Location.

User IDs and passwords should not be disclosed to unauthorized parties or shared 
with other employees, students, or volunteers. User accounts are intended to be 
used only by the assigned party.

All information systems that create, store, transmit, or otherwise publish data or 
information must have authentication and authorization systems in place to prevent 
unauthorized use, access, and modification of data and applications. Systems that 
transmit or publish approved information that is intended for the general public may 
allow unauthenticated (anonymous) access as long as such systems do not allow 
unauthorized posting and modification of the published information.

All files downloaded from the Internet, all data received from outside sources, and all 
content downloaded from portable memory devices must be scanned with current 
virus detection software. Immediately report any viruses, tampering, or other system 
breaches to the person in charge of the Location.

Critical information should be periodically copied onto backup storage. Information 
that is backed up should be stored in a safe place and be available for recovery in 
case of a loss of the original information. Depending on the complexity of a 
Location's information systems, a detailed disaster recovery plan may need to be 
developed.

Computer networks must be protected from unauthorized use. Both local physical 
access and remote access must be controlled. Information systems hardware should 
be secured against unauthorized physical access.

The use of any email services, file storage/file sharing services or other 
communications and collaboration services that has not been explicitly approved 
and contracted by the Archdiocese or Location for official communications is 
prohibited. All electronic work product and official correspondence must use services 
either owned by the Archdiocese or Location or explicitly contracted by the same to 
provide services. Do not use your personal email accounts to conduct business in 
the name of the Archdiocese.

All hosted services that provide line-of-business support to the Archdiocese or 
Locations or that publish publicly-accessible information on the Internet must be 
approved and under contract by the Archdiocese or Location.

Domain name registrations must be in the name of the Archdiocese or the Location. 
The registrant and administrative contacts for all domain names must use an official 
business street address and the phone number and email address of a person 
authorized to manage domain name registrations. The Archdiocesan Administrative 
Offices offers Locations delegated domain management services for free.







Acceptance of Handbook Form

YOUR COPY OF THE ACCEPTANCE OF HANDBOOK:

St. Bridget of Sweden School Parent/Student Policies Agreement Form

ACCEPTANCE OF PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

Our family has received and read the St. Bridget of Sweden School Parent/Student 
Handbook. We are aware of, understand, accept and agree to follow the policies and 
procedures stated in the Handbook. We acknowledge that the school has the right to 
amend the Handbook during the school year as needed and we agree to follow the 
policies and procedures as may be added or amended. We understand that we may 
be asked to withdraw our child(ren) from the school or our child(ren) may not be 
invited to return the following year, if we fail to fulfill our responsibilities under the 
Handbook and any additions and amendments that may be made. Our signatures 
below indicate our commitment to fulfill our obligations according to the 
requirements of the Handbook.


Father’s or Guardian’s Signature: __________________________    Date_____      
Mother’s or Guardian’s Signature: __________________________ Date:_____     
Print student names and grades:

__________________________        _________________________

__________________________        _________________________

















ST. BRIDGET OF SWEDEN SCHOOL

7120 Whitaker Ave.
Lake Balboa, CA 91406
(818) 785-4422 
Contact Us
Apply Here
Picture
  • Home
  • About
    • Mission and SLEs
    • Faculty and Staff
    • Handbook and Expectations
  • Admissions
    • Application
    • CEF Application
    • Tuition and Fees
  • Parents
    • After School Day Care
    • School Calendar
    • FACTS Online Payment
    • Gradelink
    • Dennis Uniform
    • Choicelunch
    • Opportunities for Service Hours
  • News
  • Contact Us