Holy Spirit Preschool - Holy Spirit Catholic Church

When bringing your child to school, we ask that you accompany your child to his/her classroom. No child is to enter the building alone or be let our of the car in the parking lot alone. The children should arrive no sooner than 9:00AM for morning classes (unless using the "early morning drop off" program) or 12:45PM for the afternoon classes. Prior to that time, the teachers will be busy setting up the rooms and activities.

When picking up your child, please make arrangements to be on time and come to the door of the classroom promptly at 12:00 Noon, or 3:45PM, or 4:00PM for the extended day care.

Children will be released to authorized persons only. If you are carpooling, please make sure a teacher knows which children are going with you. In the event that you wish for someone other than a parent or the person authorized to pick up your child, a writeen note will be required. This is for your child's safety. If there are any doubts on our part, we will not allow your child to leave the premises.

If you will be late picking up your child, please notify the school immediately. Children feel very insecure when all their friends have left and no one has come for them. As mentioned on the fees page, a late fee will apply to children picked up after 12:15PM or 4:00PM.

(top of page)

School Closings:

Our school schedule is similar to that of the Virginia Beach Public Schools. If inclement weather causes Virginia Beach Schools to close, you can assume that Holy Spirit Preschool and Extended Day Care Program will also be closed. Information about school closings is broadcast on local radio and television stations. On days when the opening of public schools is delayed one hour, Holy Spirit Preschool will also open one hour later, at 9:00AM rather than at 8:00AM. If public schools are delayed two hours, we will open at 10:00AM. Afternoon classes will meet at regular times. Unlike the public schools, we are not obliged to make up any days lost due to snow or bad weather.

Health and Safety of Your Child:

Your child's health is very important to us. A medical history of your child as well as a current copy of his/her immunization record showing that standard immunizations have been administered is required. Please be considerate of others and keep your child home if he/she has:

1. A stomach virus within the past 24 hours (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.)
2. A fever or has had one during the previous 24 hour period.
3. A cold, heavy nasal discharge, constant cough, or headache.
4. Ear ache or sore throat.
5. Swollen or inflamed eyes.
6. Skin rash or sores.
7. Any symptoms of a possible communicable disease. Any child diagnosed with a contagious disease should be reported to the school in order for a notice to be posted for parents.

No medication will be dispensed by any teacher or the director during the preschool day.

Please dress your children in comfortable clothing that is free of complicated fastenings. Since we play outside everyday when the weather is nice, sturdy clothing is appropriate. Shoes for both girls and boys should have rubber soles which provide a good grip on any climbing equipment. No open sandals please, due to dirt, gravel, and stubbed toes.

Because we value creative art experiences, the children will be using paint and glue often. Please do not send the children in their Sunday best, and choose washable clothing.

Each child will need to bring an extra set of clothing to be left at school in case of an accident, spill, or toilet accident. Paint smocks will be provided by the school for all children to protect their school clothes during art activities.

Finally, please label all your children's clothing, book bags, lunch boxes, etc.

Nutritional Snacks:

Holy Spirit Preschool does not offer food service. However, the children do eat a mid-morning or a mid-afternoon snack everyday. You are asked to send in snacks that are nutritional and low in sugar, suck as fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, cheese/peanut butter crackers, muffins, half a sandwich, raisins, granola bars, applesauce, or yogurt. Please do not send any candy or gum. They will also need a drink, either in a thermos, or a fruit drink box. For those children enrolled in our extended day care program, parents must also send them to school with their lunch and afternoon snack.

Cookies, cakes, and other sweets are allowed on special occasions, such as birthdays and holidays. Birthday celebrations are held during snack time. Please make arrangements with your child's teacher if you care to bring in special treats on your child's birthday. Party invitations can be given out in class if everyone is invited. If not, please mail them so that no one feels left out.

Show and Tell days will be scheduled on the average of twice a month, at which time the children will have the opportunity to share something from home related to a weekly theme or to a lesson they are working on in class.

Personal toys should not be brought in at any other time since they can be easily misplaced or broken. Please do not send any sharp objects or toy guns. We do encourage books, tapes, or records. These materials can be easily shared with the group.

Discipline Policy:

Holy Spirit Preschool's philosophy is to help children develop their social skills in an atmosphere of love and mutual respect. Members of our teaching staff are trained in early childhood development and understand apropriate behavior and expectations for children 2-5 years. The education and positive formation of students here at Holy "Spirit is effected in a manner that nurtures self-esteem, responsible behavior, and independence.

We believe in setting limits ahead of time, so that children know what is expected. The positive value of limits gives children a feeling of security and confidence. If a child becomes disruptive, we emphasize constructive methods of re-directing the child's energy and interesttoward another activity. If a chald needs time to reflect on his/her behavior, he/she is temporarily removed from the group for a shor "time-out" until he/she feels ready to rejoin an activity.

If a behavioral problem persists, the teacher and parents are encouraged to work together to resolve the issue in a mutually supportive approach. A family may be asked to withdraw their child from the program if all guiding methods have been tried and behavior fails to improve, or if there is reoccurring destruction of property, or willful injury to other children or teachers.

Open communication between you and our teachers is essential to our ability to relate to your child. Please keep us informed of things that can be affecting your child's behavior and state of mind (i.e. Dad's deployment, death or illness of a family member, impending divorce, or the birth of a new sibling).

Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled mid-year to evaluate your child's educational, social, and physical needs, and to assess his/her progress. If you feel the need to discuss a concern at anytime prior, please request a conference with the teacher. Conferences should not be held during class time.