ADMISSION POLICY – Revised January 8th, 2007

St. Patrick’s School recognizes the unique blessings and capabilities of each child. In an effort to “teach as Jesus did,” we encourage students to give selflessly to others and to offer their time and talent for the betterment of their school, parish, and community.  We ultimately recognize, however, that the best teaching approach is modeling.  Many school families already contribute much-appreciated time, talent, and resources to the St. Patrick’s Community.  For their giving, we are grateful.  For other families, stewardship (time, talent, and treasure) has yet to become a priority. In recognition that we need to practice what we teach, the St. Patrick’s School Board holds the expectation that all families participate in stewardship opportunities (parish or school) in whatever capacity they are able.

Therefore, in order to register a child at St. Patrick’s School (with parishioner status), parents/guardians must complete a Parishioner Registration Form and a Stewardship Form.  In order to receive parishioner tuition, families are expected to follow through with their stewardship plan.  A stewardship committee has been created to assist in the review of each family’s stewardship commitment.

ADMISSION GUIDELINES – Revised January 8th, 2007

The Principal along with the Admissions Committee will make the decision concerning your child’s acceptance and placement into our school.  We will use the following criteria in descending order when we have a waiting list.

1. The family is following the expectations of a parishioner, including:

• being registered in St. Patrick’s Parish (length of registration may be a factor);
• having a stewardship form on file;
• attending Mass regularly;
• actively participating in a parish ministry or organization;
• contributing regular financial support (or some agreed upon terms with the pastor and/or principal).

    3.  The family has siblings of current students attending St. Patrick’s School.

    4.  The family has siblings of accepted, new students.

    5.  The family is Catholic, non-parishioner; date of school application and availability of parish 

         school will be considered;

    6.  The family has students planning to attend our K-8th grade program (this applies only to

          preschool and pre-kindergarten programs).

    7.  The family is non-Catholic; date of school application will be taken into account.

As a way to better acquaint them with St. Patrick’s School, all parents/guardians and students will be required to meet with the Principal at school as part of the enrollment process.

St. Patrick’s School requires all parents/guardians to give the school a copy of their child (ren)’s birth certificate and baptismal certificate. 

ADMISSION AGE REQUIREMENTS

St. Patrick’s School complies with Nebraska State age requirements for kindergarten and grade one students.  Children entering kindergarten ordinarily must be five years old on or before October 15th.  A child turning five between October 15th and December 31st and desiring entrance must be tested and the Principal must approve his/her enrollment.  Children entering first grade must be six on or before October 15th or must have successfully completed an approved Kindergarten evaluation.  The Principal will make final placement and approval.

The 3-day 4 & 5 year old Pre-Kindergarten program requires that the child be four years old on or before October 15PthP in order to attend the following fall.  The child must be completely toilet trained as well.

The 2-day 3 & 4 year old Preschool program requires that the child be three years old on or before UJune 1stU in order to attend the following fall.  The child must be completely toilet-trained as well.

NON-DISCRIMINATION ENROLLMENT

All parishioners, non-parishioners, and non-Catholics are welcome to attend St. Patrick’s School.  Saint Patrick’s Catholic School does not discriminate and admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. 

Since we are religiously oriented for the Catholic community, we give preference to members of the Catholic Church, but welcome members of the other denominations after our own community is served.

NEW STUDENT ADMISSIONS

For the admission of a kindergarten student or a transfer student, the parent/guardian must follow these guidelines:

• BIRTH CERTIFICATE - St. Patrick’s School complies with Nebraska State Law requiring that a birth certificate with a raised seal must be on file for every student who is enrolled.  The original should be brought to the office to be copied.
• HEALTH RECORD - An up-to-date health record.  Record of a physical examination by a doctor is required of any student entering kindergarten, seventh grade, and of all students who transfer in at any grade level from outside Nebraska.  A dental examination is also recommended at this time.
• IMMUNIZATION RECORD - An up-to-date immunization record.
• SACRAMENTAL RECORDS - Parent/guardian is required to submit a Baptismal Certificate regardless of religion.
• CUMMULATIVE RECORDS - For students transferring into St. Patrick’s School, a copy of records from the previous school attended is required.

New Student Application

Parish Registration Form

Parish Stewardship Intention Form