2025-26 Parent Student Handbook Updates

+ Cell Phone and Electronic Devices Policy

The school strongly recommends that students do not bring cell phones or other electronic devices to school. However, if a cell phone is brought to school, the following procedures must be followed:

  1. The phone must be turned off and turned in to the homeroom teacher upon arrival to school.
  2. The phone may be retrieved at dismissal. (The phone may not be used during the school day, nor during arrival/dismissal. It must remain off and put away at aftercare and practice.)
  3. If a phone is not retrieved at dismissal, it can be accessed the following school day at dismissal.

Smartwatches and other devices with internet access are not permitted at school under any circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to, Apple Watches, Fitbits, tablets, gaming devices, etc. If any of these prohibited devices are brought to school:

  • The device will be confiscated immediately by school staff.
  • A parent or guardian must pick up the device from the school office.
  • Repeated offenses will result in further disciplinary action.

Use of any device as a mobile hotspot is strictly prohibited. This is a zero-tolerance violation. If a student is found using a device to create or share internet access (hotspot), the following will occur:

  • The device will be collected immediately.
  • The student will be suspended in accordance with the school’s disciplinary policy.

The consequence of bringing a device to school and not following this policy will be as follows:

  • 1st offence – Detention
  • 2nd offence – Detention, parent meeting with administration
  • 3rd offence - Suspension

+ Honor Code

The honor code at Saint Henry School helps our students and members of our community to strengthen their ability to make good decisions about basic matters of right and wrong. As part of our commitment to the moral and spiritual development of our students, we strive to develop the students’ understanding of the honor code and their responsibilities to it. All students, parents and staff members are expected to make a personal commitment to the school’s honor code. To foster honor throughout the school community, it is expected that students will abide by the Honor Pledge:

HONOR CODE
I am a member of Saint Henry School. As a child of God and a servant to others, I am honest, responsible, and respectful of myself, others, and my environment at all times. On my honor, I will not lie, cheat, or steal, and I agree to conduct myself responsibly and honorably in all activities at Saint Henry School. I will conduct myself in such a manner that as a follower of Christ, my mind is drawn to wisdom, my heart to courage, and my soul to God.”

Definitions:

Honor - My fundamental belief in myself as a child of God.

Lying - Students are expected to be fully truthful in all their communications with the school. Lying includes but is not limited to:

  • Knowingly telling an untruth
  • Intentionally withholding a truth/information
  • Presenting an incomplete accounting of oneself or a situation

Cheating - Cheating is intentionally presenting another’s work, research, or conclusions as his/her own without teacher approval. Cheating is, but is not limited to:

  • Copying or giving an assignment to another student.
  • Forgery of signatures.
  • Use of unauthorized reference materials (cheat notes) on tests or exams
  • Use of Artificial Intelligence to complete assignments
  • Using any source without giving proper credit
  • Copying or taking ideas from the writing of another person and passing them off as if they were the student’s own, which is known as plagiarism.
  • Unauthorized possession of test or exam information.
  • Student knowingly looking at another student’s exam or sharing an answer and/or sharing the content of a test or exam with another student and/or sibling.

Stealing - Stealing is taking, possessing, using or borrowing someone else’s property or the school’s property without permission. Vandalism is the willful destruction of another’s or school’s property and is a form of stealing.

+ Technology

The integration of technology into Saint Henry School curriculum is a building block for an effective educational experience. The use of technology in education is effective when parents, students, and teachers are aware of the proper usage of technology as a tool of education. Computer and Internet use supports the educational process and is consistent with educational objectives. Student use of school facilities for Internet access is a privilege, not a right. Responsibilities are outlined in the Saint Henry School Internet Acceptable Use Policy.

Internet/Social Media Issues
For educational purposes, Saint Henry School will provide access to the Internet to students who agree to act in a considerate, responsible, and ethical manner. Saint Henry School students will have access to the Internet only under the supervision of the teachers or teacher aides, who will provide guidance in the appropriate use of its resources. Students will be instructed on the following:

  • acceptable use of the Internet and proper Internet safety and etiquette;
  • the potential threats to individual identity and safety posed by inappropriate uses of websites and other means of digital communication;
  • ways to protect individual identity and safety when using the Internet or engaging in electronic or digital communication;
  • appropriate forms of communication over Internet and other electronic or digital devices which respect the privacy, dignity, safety, and good name of others;
  • and, the consequences of inappropriate actions or communication that affect the school, other students, their parents, members of the school staff, or others associated with the school.

Students and parents will sign an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) to demonstrate they have read and understand the school's policies. Access is a privilege, not a right; access entails responsibility. This privilege may be revoked for inappropriate conduct.

Saint Henry School seeks to provide a safe environment by fostering a climate based on Gospel values that emphasize the dignity of and respect for all persons. Words, actions, or depictions which violate the privacy, safety, or good name of others are inconsistent with that goal. Whether occurring within or outside of school, when students jeopardize the safe environment or act contrary to those Gospel values, they can be subject to disciplinary action by the school. Saint Henry School users are representatives of the school at all times. The inappropriate handling of equipment or inappropriate posting of information relating to the school, students, or school personnel on outside internet sites such as, but not limited to: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Snapchat, or YouTube, will result in disciplinary action. The creation of false identities related to the school, students, or school personnel on outside internet sites such as, but not limited to: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Snapchat, or YouTube, will result in expulsion.

Violations of the policies and procedures of Saint Henry School concerning the use of technology and networks are very serious and will have appropriate consequences.

Equipment Responsibility
Saint Henry School’s devices are owned and maintained by the school. Students are assigned certain devices to use during school days. If a device is damaged, the student/parents assigned to that device will be billed for the repair. All charges will be billed through FACTS.

Equipment includes computer/monitor, keyboard, mouse, cables, printer, flash drives mouse pads, scanners, cameras, video equipment and all other technological equipment the student will have access to.

  • All equipment shall be treated with respect.
  • No food or drink is permitted when students are utilizing technology.

Personal Responsibility
Saint Henry students are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of Internet safety and etiquette. These rules include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Students will use appropriate and polite language online.
  • Personal information may not be shared.
  • When student electronic mail (e-mail) is provided by the school, it is owned by the school and subject to school regulation whether accessed from school or from home. Email is not private.
  • Messages relating to or in support of illegal or prohibited activities must be reported to the authorities.
  • Students may not use the network in any way that would disrupt use of the network by others.
  • Students will work only at his/her assigned computer unless asked by the teacher or lab administrator to change computers.
  • Computer work must be consistent with school standards for appropriate content. A student’s use of technology shall not contain or access materials that are profane or obscene, that advocate illegal acts that advocate harassment, violence, or discrimination toward other people.
  • The use of the computer is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in the cancellation of these privileges. Vandalism or intentional modification of system settings will result in cancellation of privileges and/or school disciplinary action. The school reserves the right to seek financial restitution for any damage caused by a student or faculty member. The system administrators will deem what is inappropriate use, and their decision is final. The administration of the school may request that the system administrator deny, revoke, or suspend specific user privileges.

Saint Henry School Acceptable Use Policy
Saint Henry School is a Catholic elementary school in the Diocese of Nashville, Tennessee. The Saint Henry School Technology Committee and administration have worked together to produce a clear Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) in order that every user is informed of the policies for computer and technology use. Saint Henry School technology use policies are subject to the Diocese of Nashville, Catholic Schools Policies and Rules.

Technology Purpose
Our goal in providing this service to teachers and students is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. Electronic information research skills are now fundamental in the preparation of our students. With access to Internet comes the availability of materials that may not be of educational value or that are inconsistent with our academic goals. Saint Henry School firmly believes that valuable information and interaction available outweigh the possibility that users may procure material inconsistent with our school goals.

Internet
Saint Henry School also may provide educational applications and online resources (e.g. Office 365, Google services, Portal Docs, Brain Pop, etc.) to students. The applications and online resources are owned and/or made accessible by the school and subject to school regulation whether accessed from school or from home. Student profiles and all information stored within these applications are property of the school. Students who misuse these applications may be subject to disciplinary action.

This policy applies to communications or depictions through e-mail, text messages, or web site postings, whether they occur through the school's equipment or connectivity resources or through private communications, which: (1) are of a sexual nature; (2) threaten, libel, slander, malign, disparage, harass or embarrass members of the school community or (3) in the principal’s discretion, cause harm to the school, or the school community (collectively referred to as “Inappropriate Electronic Conduct”). Inappropriate Electronic Conduct shall be subject to the full range of disciplinary consequences, including withdrawal for cause.

Internet Safety and Etiquette
Unacceptable Uses
Unacceptable conduct in using the school’s computers, software, and Internet access includes, but is not limited to:

  • Using technology in any manner not in keeping with the policies contained in the Parent Student Handbook. Including but not limited to disparaging the name or reputation of Saint Henry School, faculty and staff members of Saint Henry School, or other students/families in the Saint Henry School community.
  • Vandalism to or destruction of the data of another user, computer system, or network.
  • Violating copyright laws including the copying of system files. Claiming someone else’s ideas as your own without giving the other person credit is plagiarism and violates copyright laws.
  • Willful introduction of computer viruses or any disruptive/destructive programs into the system.
  • Intentionally wasting limited resources including, but not limited to, spamming or engaging in chain mail. Spamming is sending many messages to a person to inconvenience him.
  • Using the network to gain unauthorized access to remote systems (i.e. Hacking)
  • The use of social networking sites during school hours. (e.g. Facebook, Twitter.)
  • Accessing information on the school’s network, which is not one’s own. For example, accessing other students’ files or other files not specifically for one’s use. Hacking into areas of the network or school information system, which are not for students is also an offense.

Inappropriate Electronic Conduct
Administrators of Saint Henry School will investigate and act upon all reported or observed instances of Inappropriate Electronic Conduct.

Students, parents/guardians, and members of the school staff are expected to promptly report to a school administrator all suspected or observed instances of Inappropriate Electronic Conduct. Administrators will consider seriously all reported or observed violations and address them in a timely and appropriate manner according to school and diocesan policy, applicable state or Federal laws, and accepted administrative practice. When making decisions regarding the discipline of students who violate this policy, administrators will give paramount consideration to the safety and dignity of students, parents, members of the school staff, and others associated with the school.

Limitation of Liability
Saint Henry School makes no guarantee that the functions or the services provided by or through the school will be error-free or without defects. The school will not be responsible for any damage a student may suffer, including but not limited to loss of data or interruptions of service. Saint Henry School is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or stored on the Internet or local system. Saint Henry School will not be responsible for financial obligations arising through the unauthorized use of the computer system.

Damage to School Devices
Saint Henry School’s devices are owned and maintained by the school. Students are assigned certain devices to use during school days. If a device is damaged, the student/parents assigned to that device will be billed for the repair. All charges will be billed through FACTS.

Signature Requirement
Parents and students will be required to sign in Blackbaud an acknowledgement that they have read the policies and will abide by them.

+ Uniforms

The dress code provides a standard for students that fosters an environment conducive to learning and respectful behavior.

Pre-K Uniform Guidelines
K-8 Girls Uniform Guidelines
K-8 Boys Uniform Guidelines

Standard or Summer Uniform Guidelines: Uniforms should be clean and pressed with all buttons attached and hem intact. Writing on school apparel or shoes is not permitted. Final decisions regarding the school uniform rest with the principal/administration.

  • No boots of any kind
  • All socks should be above the ankle (solid, no emblems, writing, etc.)
  • All shoes should be below the ankle. Matching laces on all shoes that require laces.
  • All polo knit shirts tucked with pants, shorts, skorts, and skirts.

Sweatshirts
No sweatshirts other than the Saint Henry School approved sweatshirts may be worn during the school day. Students wearing non-SHS sweatshirts will be asked to remove the sweatshirt for the day. If this policy is not followed, students will be issued an MI.

Skirt Length
Girls’ skirts must be an appropriate length. The skirts must be at or below the knee. Skirts that are deemed too short will need to be replaced at the cost of the parents. If this policy is not followed, students will be issued an MI.

Shoes
Grades Pre-K - 8 may wear solid black or white tennis shoes year-round. Shoes should be sized appropriately and be in good repair. Students should not flatten the heel of the shoe. Parents will be notified if their student’s shoes are in need of repair or replacement.

PE Uniforms
Students must have athletic attire for all gym classes. Failure to comply with this standard affects a student's grade in P.E.

All students in K - 8th Grade will be wearing PE uniforms to school on their assigned PE days. This will be considered a required "school day uniform." Below are the items required for each student:

  • PE shirt purchased through Flynn O’Hara
  • PE shorts purchased through Flynn O’Hara
  • PE sweatpants purchased through Flynn O’Hara
  • Black or white athletic shoes following the athletic shoe policy below

A black, crew-neck PE sweatshirt with the SHS logo will also be available for purchase. This sweatshirt is optional and may also be worn with the standard school-day uniform. While Pre-K3 and 4 students do not need to purchase a PE uniform, they may purchase this sweatshirt.

Athletic Shoe Policy
Athletic shoes following the guidelines below are to be worn with the PE Uniform. Grades Pre-k-8 may wear athletic shoes year-round.

  • Athletic shoes must be black or white.
  • Shoelaces must match the color of the upper part of the shoe.
  • Shoelaces are required for grades 1-8; Velcro is allowed for Pre-K and K only.
  • The sole does not have to be the same color as the upper shoe, as long as it is either black or white.
  • No large logos, contrasting shoelaces, or slip-on shoes

Accessories
Girls

  • One pair of post or small earrings (nothing dangling) no cartilage piercing
  • Clear nail polish and lip balm
  • No fake nails are permitted. No nail treatments that cannot be easily removed with standard nail polish remover and cotton balls (e.g. no gel or dip nail treatments). Nails should be kept clean and trimmed short.
  • No facial make-up
  • Socks with uniform plaid trim

Girls and Boys

  • Medical bracelet
  • Religious medal or cross on a chain
  • No other necklaces, rings, or other jewelry is permitted
  • Nails should be kept clean and trimmed short
  • Undershirts for boys and girls, if worn, should be white
  • No Apple Watches may be worn

Grooming
Girls and Boys Hair Style and Length
Hair length must not extend beyond the eyebrows in the front. Hairstyles should be neat and well kept. No hairstyle should be a point of distraction; no unusual haircuts. Hair should not be cut too short (no shorter than #2 guard) or too long (over the collar for boys). Student's hair should be the student's natural color. No dyed or colored hair treatment or fad hair embellishments allowed. Hair barrettes and bows should be simple. Boys’ hair should not be below the collar, nor should it be overgrown and in the eyes. Boys’ hair must be well kept and not overgrown. No hair should be long on top but shaved on the sides.

Hygiene and Cleanliness
Saint Henry School is committed to providing a school environment that promotes and protects our children's health, well-being, and ability to learn. To support this goal, Saint Henry School encourages students to exercise proper hygiene practices. It is our expectation that students bathe and wash their hair regularly. In addition, students should comb their hair, brush their teeth, apply deodorant (age appropriate), and dress in well maintained and clean uniforms daily. Proper hand washing techniques should be practiced throughout the day as needed, especially at snack and lunch times.

Out-of-Uniform Policy

  • Clothing appropriate for school must be worn (For both a dress up day or casual day.)
  • Skirt length same as school uniform (at or below the knee). Athletic type skorts must be appropriate length at or below knee.
  • Jeans and loose-fitting athletic pants are appropriate for out-of-uniform days. No leggings or PJ pants will be permitted.
  • Tank tops, net shirts, mini-skirts, tight fitting apparel (i.e. leggings, yoga pants, jean jeggings or any such fashions, as well as bleached or frayed clothing) are not appropriate for school.
  • All printing or advertisements must be appropriate for school. Preference should be made to SHS Spirit wear.
  • Shirts need to be long enough to tuck in.
  • Shorts are permitted on out-of-uniform days during the time summer uniform is worn. The only shorts permitted on out-of-uniform days are uniform walking shorts or SHS gym shorts or shorts that are the exact same length and style as the gym or uniform shorts. (The gym shorts have an inseam length of at least 6 inches.)
  • Tennis shoes may be worn. No sandals or other open toed or open backed shoes (Crocs, house slippers, etc.).
  • Accessory policy applies on out-of-uniform days.

If a student's clothing is inappropriate, parents will be called to bring appropriate clothing. The student who violates the dress code on an out-of-uniform day may receive a minor infraction.

Uniform Infractions
Students who do not follow the uniform guidelines will be subject to receive the Uniform Infraction. Uniform Infractions (UI) may be given for not following the uniform guidelines with shirts, pants, skirts, sweatshirts, belts, socks, shoes, accessories, and grooming. An accumulation of 4 Uniform Infractions (UI) will result in a Minor Infraction (MI).

+ Arrival and Pickup Procedures

Safety is the main issue when we deal with children during the morning drop-off and school dismissal procedures. Please follow the directions given to you at the start of the school year and please be patient and alert to children during all drop-off and dismissal times. We ask that cell phones only be used while vehicles are parked. There are designated areas for faculty/staff parking.

  • Primary Entrance – All students enter through the Gallery Doors
  • Drop-off for K-8 will begin at 7:15am
  • All students Pre-k-8 must be dropped off by 7:55am (classroom arrival at 7:55 is considered as Tardy)
  • Pre-k students must be walked around to the back entrance near the playground.
  • Pre-k students may begin drop-off at 7:30
  • Parents should remain in their vehicles during drop-off when in the center aisle.
  • For late arrivals, parents should come to the front desk to sign in their students.
  • Students exiting cars should only exit on the curbside side of the car or onto the treelined sidewalk.
  • Treelined drop off allows parents to walk students to the Gallery Doors.
  • PreK dismissal will start at 2:35 pm. Doors will open for PreK families ONLY starting at 2:35 pm
  • K-8 dismissal will start at 3:00 pm.
  • A map will be sent for parking instructions for parking areas for the youngest child.
  • Families with both PreK and K-8 students should pick up in the youngest student’s designated lot.
  • At dismissal, all students exit the building and go to their pickup area to locate their ride.
  • For the safety of all students, please follow the established traffic patterns and directions of teachers on duty.

To ensure the safety of all concerned, we will release student(s) ONLY to those persons listed on the family “Authorization for Release/Pick-up” list in Blackbaud. An authorized adult must sign out students being picked up from the office during the school day in the office. Adults picking up students must park in designated parking spaces, not the fire lane when signing students out.