| About
St. Theresa School
Goals
St. Theresa School is continually updating textbooks in all curriculum areas. In 2002, we implemented a new math series; in the fall of 2003, we added a new religion and a new science series. A new social studies series will be added in the fall of 2004. We plan to update our present reading series for the 2005 school year.
In addition to our networked classroom computers, our computer lab opened in the fall of 2003 with ten new computers. This addition enables us to more effectively utilize the Compass Learning Program that was installed in the fall of 2002. All computers have internet access. We continue to update classroom computers and to purchase additional software.
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Where We Excel
St. Theresa School has an atmosphere that fosters the spiritual, moral, intellectual, and emotional growth of the whole child. The Middle States Association commended our faculty and administration for creating an environment where learning is valued and students are encouraged to do their academic best. For over sixty years our school’s quality academics have provided this essential foundation to thousands of Lehigh Valley families. To assure academic development, St. Theresa School follows the guidelines provided by the Diocese of Allentown. Due to the emphasis we place on academics, our students consistently score above average on standardized tests. In addition, we received a commendation from Middle States for our outstanding scores on the PSSA tests.
The Middle States Association also commended St. Theresa School for the extraordinary relationship that exists among the church, the school, and the home. The school community was commended for its dedication and respect for the teachers, and its belief in the important role that parents play in the educational process.
Our most recent diocesan visit commended us for our religious atmosphere in the classroom; the courtesy, respect, and hospitality demonstrated by the students, faculty, and staff to one another and to visitors; and our outreach programs.
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Buildings And Grounds
St. Theresa School is located on a two-acre lot in a residential neighborhood. The building is housed on a campus that also contains the church, rectory, and convent. This brick building has one main and four supplemental exits that provide easy access to the play area and parking lot.
The interior of the building is divided into three instructional areas. The primary wing has large classrooms with doors that exit directly to the play area. The intermediate wing has interconnecting classrooms with twelve-foot ceilings. The junior high wing provides lockers in the hallway as well as ample storage space in the classrooms. All classrooms have overhead fans and large windows.
Our multi-purpose room serves as a lunch area, a meeting area, and as a gym during inclement weather. An efficient and well-equipped kitchen is located at the rear. A stage is located at the front.
Our main office is located in the primary wing. Part of the main office is used as the health center. The library is in the basement of the convent, which is approximately fifty feet from the primary wing. The computer lab is in the basement of the rectory, which is approximately fifty feet from the primary wing. A large black top play area is located outside the primary wing and is utilized for gym and recess.
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Enrollment
Procedures
There is an open enrollment policy at St. Theresa School. Although most of the students are members of the parish, students from other parishes as well as non-catholic students are welcome.
Preschool students in the three year-old program must be three (3) years old on or before October 15 of the school year in which they are enrolling. The four year olds must be four (4) on or before October 15. All students in Preschool must be able to use the bathroom facilities independently.
New kindergarten students must be five (5) years old on or before October 15 of the school year in which they are enrolling. New first grade students must be six (6) years old on or before October 15. All incoming kindergarten students must take part in a kindergarten screening.
There is an Open House during Catholic Schools Week, which is held the last week of January. New student registration takes place during this time. Parents are invited to visit the school and observe classes during this special week.
Appointments may be scheduled at other times by calling the school office at (610) 838-8161 between 8:00AM and 3:00PM. New students in grades 2 - 8, and their parents, will have an interview with the principal. There is a probationary period of 60 days for these students.
At the time of registration, the parent is requested to sign a transcript-release form granting permission to the student's school to forward transcripts and personal records to St. Theresa School. Upper level students who are transferring from other schools should arrange to provide copies of their academic record to insure their admission to the proper classes.
A physical examination is required when a student enters school for the first time. Ages must be verified by a birth certificate and immunization records must be complete.
Registration forms must be completed and submitted with a nonrefundable registration fee.
Families will be notified by the school concerning the admission of the student(s).
Registration Requirements:
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Birth Certificate
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Baptismal Certificate
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Proof of Immunization
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Student's Social Security Number
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Medical History Form
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Registration Fee (nonrefundable)
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Report Card and Standardized Tests (students transferring to our school)
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Tuition And Fees
The annual tuition rates and fees for the upcoming year are announced in the spring. These are set while keeping within the parameters of the Allentown Diocese for tuition rates. Tuition rates are set for registered active parishioners and non-parishioners. Rates are set according to the number of children in a family.
Parents have two (2) options with regard to paying tuition. Parents may choose
to use FACTS or pay the tuition in full by August 15. There is a school discount when paying in full and no additional
FACTS service charge.
FACTS is a tuition management service that enables tuition payments to be made directly to a bank.
FACTS charges an annual enrollment fee.
A set School Fee is charged to pay for those workbooks and instructional materials not covered by our government funding and to support our Technology Plan.
Fundraisers are in important part of our funding. The major fundraiser is the Dollars for Scholars supermarket certificate program. The school purchases certificates at a 5% discount and sells them for face value. Each family is required to purchase a set amount of certificates, or they can “buyout” this requirement for a set fee. Parents are encouraged to participate in the various other fundraising activities throughout the year.
A set amount is established for Preschool. This class is self-supporting and receives no parish subsidy.
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Student Dress
Code
Experience
has demonstrated that the advantages of a standardized dress code
serve to encourage full attention on religious and academic
development. St. Theresa
School strives to instill the promotion of school spirit and
classroom decorum. With
this in mind, students are expected to wear either the winter or
summer uniform and their appearances must meet the criterion as
outlined in our handbook
(PDF, 125 KB).
The
students are to take pride in their appearances and to be neat and
clean. Their daily
appearances reflect the quality of our school, as well as their
conduct and schoolwork.
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Student
Support Services
Lunch: Lunch is served in two sessions. Students may pack a lunch or purchase a hot lunch prepared on site. Lunch is served five days a week. School lunches must be purchased in advance. Beverages can be purchased in advance or on a daily basis.
Health: We share a school nurse with the public school. The nurse is responsible for charting height and weight; screening for vision and scoliosis; the maintenance of student health records; and assistance in health education. The nurse is also available for any emergencies that may arise.
Instructional Support Team: The Instructional Support Team is a state-funded service available for parents and teachers to deal with problems of an academic, social, or emotional nature. The team consists of the school psychologist, the Intermediate Unit remedial teacher, the principal, a teacher representative, the recommending teacher, and parents. The team meets biweekly to discuss issues or concerns presented to them by the teacher or the parents. Feedback and instructions guide the recommending teacher, parents, and students on how to better accommodate a specific issue and to maximize learning potential.
Rainbows: Rainbows is a support group for children of a single parent family, a stepfamily, those who have experienced the death of a loved one, or those struggling through another painful experience. This is an opportunity for students to share with someone on the outside what is happening on the inside. Trained facilitators organize and implement this program.
Diocesan Crisis Manual: The Allentown Diocese has provided a reference guide to provide general guidelines for an immediate response when extraordinary situations arise. Reference Guides are provided to all faculty and staff so the needs of the entire school community can be met.
Remedial Services: The Intermediate Unit provides a part time remedial teacher to assist in math and reading. A speech teacher is also provided on an as needed basis.
Compass: Compass is a computer program that provides an array of curriculum designed to supplement classroom activities. The curriculum is organized to easily accommodate the students’ learning needs whether they be remedial or for enrichment.
Transportation: Transportation is provided by the local public school district in which the student resides. If the children do not ride the public school bus, they are either car riders or they walk to school.
Extended Care: Extended care hours on school days are from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM and after school from dismissal to 6:00 PM. There is no extended care on days when school is closed. If the school dismisses early for an emergency situation, there is no extended care. Students in extended care during after school hours have a snack and begin their homework. Fees are charged on an hourly basis.
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Governance
St. Theresa School is a parish school in the Diocese of Allentown. Responsibility for the administration of the school and the educational programs, as well as the spiritual formation of the students, is taken on by the pastor, priest, principal, and the Director of Religious Education. The faculty takes a serious role in maintaining the religious atmosphere of the school by choosing the educational materials and developing and fostering learning styles. Following the Diocesan Guidelines, we strive to teach all children to become responsible members of their school family, their parish, and their community.
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