Grades K-5 students have three (3) excused absences during the year. Parents must call the Office of Faith Formation at 978-562-7662 or email faithformation@stmikes.org to report if the child will not be attending for that day or night class. More than three absences will necessitate a call to the parents to schedule a make up class. This is especially important in the first and second grade classes. Children with excessive absences may need to repeat these particular grade levels in order to be properly prepared for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and that of Sacrament of the Eucharist.
The following policy is in effect so that our students can get the most out of their Faith Formation Education experience. We are asking for your cooperation in this endeavor. As they aspire toward Confirmation, there is knowldege and experiences presented at each class which these children need to have in order to move onto the next stage of their journey with Christ in His Church. Your children's faith formation is of highest priority for us.
Grades 6-Confirmation are allowed two (2) unexcused absences during the year. An unexcused absence is defined as missing Faith Formation Education for a sporting event, extracurricular activity etc. If a student exceeds two (2) unexcused absences then a parent meeting will be set up to determine if the student can move onto the next grade level. Parents must call the office at 978-562-7662 or email faithformation@stmikes.org to report if the child will not be be attending for that day or night class.
Students may attend another class for the same grade level on a different day, one time, if he/she is unable to attend his/her assigned class time. If a student is absent more than 4 times (excused and unexcused combined), make up work will be required.
Students who are ill or have a family emergency are excused from class so long as the parent contacts the Faith Formation office in advance (before the start of the start of class).
Grades K-5
Disrespectful or continuously disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
Catechists deserve respect from students and other students deserve the chance to learn without constant interruption.
When discipline problems arise, the student will be given three warnings:
Every effort will be made to work with the parents and students to find solutions to allow the student to remain in the program. However, in extreme cases, parents will be asked to instruct their child at home under the guidance of a Faith Formation Coordinator or to participate in classes along with the child for the remainder of the school year.
Grades 6-11
Catechists sacrifice their time to help students in their faith formation. They spend countless hours trying to make the child/teen's faith formation experience as positive as possible. In order to maintain a peaceful class experience, respect is expected of all- pre-teens, teens, catechists, volunteers, staff, etc.
When discipline problems arise, the students will be given two warnings:
1. The catechist will give a verbal warning to the student.
2. The cathechist will send the student to discuss any concerns or issues with the program director. If the student continues to be disrespectful, the student will be required to attend class with a parent for two classes.
Every effort will be made to work with the parents and students to find solutions so the student can remain in the program.
The staff and volunteers of St Michael's Parish are committed to the care and protection of the children in our parish programs.
All staff and volunteers are required to complete a CORI application through the parish (Criminal Offender Record Information).
Additionally those who come into contact with children during their volunteer roles are also required to attend the Protecting God's Children® training. Opportunities to attend this training is provided multiple times each year. Please contact the Office of Faith Formation if you are a volunteer who has contact with children and have not yet completed this training.
If anyone in our parish community suspects any form of child abuse, then please do not hesitate contact the Office of Faith Formation at 978-562-7662.
The privacy of both the child and of the reporter will be strictly protected.