Policies and Expectations

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS
It is expected that each family become actively involved in our St. Joseph Faith Formation (FF) Program and parish activities.  Doing this helps children see that participation in parish life is a priority for their family.  Working together (Family and Church) helps to model how to live a conscious and active life in Catholic Faith.

PARENT PARTICIPATION
We ask parents to participate with their children by accepting the following responsibilities:

1. Attend Mass on a regular basis including Holy Days with your children.  This, too, is faith formation.  It is making the connection between what your child learns in class and having community and family experience to support it.  Faith Formation (FF) clases are not a replacement for going to Mass.
2. Have your child attend their FF classes regularly.
3. Work with them on their prayers and assisgnments.
4. Contact the Office of Faith Formation with any concerns.
5. Parent meetings are held to educate you about the programs.  It is essential you attend these, especially during your child's Sacrament years (2nd and 8th grade).

1. Make a personal commitment to regularly attend sessions and participate in their group activities and discussions.
2. Be responsible to bring their book and other materials requested by their catechist.  Lost textbooks are to replaced at the cost of $20.
3. Complete assigned homework or projects on time.
4. Show respect of self, others and property at all times.
5. Be open to personal prayer, group prayer and parish liturgies.

CLASS CANCELLATION
In the event we need to cancel FF classes, we will communicate this to you in several ways: via MyParishApp (download on your SmartPhone), the email adress you provided on your registration forms, and St. Joseph Facebook page.

ATTENDANCE/ABSENCES/EARLY DISMISSAL
Please do not drop your child off to class any earlier than 10 minutes before class begins, unless you are willing to wait with them until their Catechist arrives.  Parents are to call (734) 676-9082 Ext. 22 to report an absence or email dpetrlich@stjosephtrenton.com .  Four (4) absences are allowed for all grades.  Any missed assignments must be completed.  When a student needs to leave early for any reason, the parent must come to the school and sign their children ourt.  Be prepared to show ID.

TUITION PAYMENT
Tuition is to be paid by the end of September.  Tuition is waived if you choose to volunteer your time as a Catechist or Assistant.  Please keep in mind, that no child will be denied religious education if there is a financial hardship in being able to cover your tuition costs.  Arrangements can be made however, you will need to communicate this need to us.

DRESS CODE
Following the guidelines developed based on local school districts policies; the general rule is that a child's body should be covered from shoulder to mid-thigh.  We  stress this to be in line with an important part of religious education, teaching the value of respect of self and others.
Additionally:
   * No sleepwear/slippers
   * No exposed undergarments/spandex/bike shorts
   * No low cut neck lines/backless or strapless tops/exposed midriffs
   * No hats worn once inside the building
   * No holes in shorts or pants above fingertip length
   * Skirts must reach the tips of your fingers
   * No items that pose a danger
   * Items with pictures, labels or symbols must be appropriate for church.
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By registering your child(ren) for Faith Formation at St. Joseph, the parent is acknowledging and will be in compliance to this policy and the safety policy.  Additionally, the parent understands that, as a parent, you "have the first responsibility for the education of my child(ren)" (Catechism of the Catholic Church #2223) and will work with your child(ren) on his or her home assignments, if any, to the best of your ability.