General Information

ASBESTOS
Federal law requires St. Thomas to notify all families and employees of the presence of asbestos within our school building. All materials containing asbestos are in good condition or have been removed from the building. A management plan is available in the school office for your review.

CAFETERIA
St. Thomas contracts with the Chartwells company to be the school’s food service provider. They provide a wide variety of healthy menus at reasonable cost. Families may take advantage of a Point of Service debit system, by sending a check payable to “Chartwells”; this allows a student to purchase food using only a student ID card. Families may plan and track food purchases with this system. Contact the Food Services Manager at St. Thomas at x2248 for more information.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Change of address, telephone number, work information, etc., must be immediately reported to the Main Office. It is essential that families provide a preferred email address and promptly notify the school of any change of that address.

EMERGENCY/ATHLETIC FORM
The parents of all students are required to update and verify an emergency form each year. This form must be signed by parent and student, and returned on or before the first day of school and/or before the first practice of any extra-curricular activity. Signature on this form will authorize treatment by a physician or hospital when the parents are not available.

FUNDRAISING
Generally fundraising efforts that involve students are conducted by the school and not individuals or groups. All money collected is the property of the school and is managed through the school’s customary bookkeeping channels. No student is permitted to solicit funds without written permission by the school administration.

ID CARD
Every student will be issued an identification card. Students are expected to carry this ID with them and present it upon request. ID cards are required to gain pass from the cafeteria, participate in food service debit program, and gain admission to athletic/extra-curricular events at school.

INSURANCE
Families should have health insurance for their students. Supplemental accident insurance is available under the Diocesan liability insurance for a student who is injured while participating in a school sponsored event. Contact the school should you need this resource.

LOCKERS AND LOCKS
Students are permitted the use of their assigned locker only. Students are co-tenants with the school and must abide by the rules governing locker use. Lockers must be kept locked at all times. The school will not be responsible for goods stolen from lockers. Personal locks are not to be used. Unauthorized locks will be removed. School officials may, at any time, examine the contents of any locker at their discretion. Students may not change their assigned lockers without permission of the Dean of Students. All problems with locks or lockers should be directed to the Dean of Students immediately. Lockers are assigned as follows: 1st floor 11th Grade, 2nd floor 9th Grade, 3rd floor 12th Grade, 4th floor 10th Grade

LOST ARTICLES
Students are responsible for their own belongings. All found articles should be brought to the Main Office. Lost articles that are not claimed within a reasonable amount of time will be donated to charity. The school is not responsible for replacing personal articles left on school buses at any time.

NON-CUSTODIAL PARENT
This school abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the rights of non-custodial parents. In the absence of a court order to the contrary, the school will provide the non-custodial parent with access to academic records and other school-related information regarding the child. If there is a court order specifying that there is to be no information given, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with a court-certified copy of the court order.

PREGNANCY
Diocesan Policy No. 5138: Pregnancy or early marriage should not be considered a reason for automatic expulsion. Christian concern for the well-being of the individual student should be the prime consideration in resolving such questions. Whenever possible, a married student or a pregnant student could and should get his/her credits to finish high school and receive his/her diploma from one of the Catholic high schools.

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN
All St. Thomas employees and volunteers are required to comply with “Promise to Protect, Pledge to Heal: The Protection of Children and Young People: Policy and Procedures” and “Serving Christ, Serving Others: Code of Ministerial Conduct.” These policies are available for review at the school. Contact the Dean of Students or the Diocese of Manchester with questions or concerns.

PUBLICATIONS
A copy of publications, forms, directions, etc., must be approved by the Principal or a designee before distribution from the school.

SCHOOL HOURS/STUDENT SUPERVISION
The school is open from 7 am to 4 pm each day. The school does not provide supervision for students beyond these hours unless they are participating in a school activity.

STUDENT FILE
The Administration maintains a personal file on each student. The Guidance Department maintains an academic file. Parents and/or students have access to materials contained in both files.

STUDY HALL
Each student’s schedule incorporates study periods throughout the four day cycle. Study halls are mandatory for Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors. Additional study periods may be used by students at their discretion. The school may impose additional study periods in assigned locations for any students in need of this structure.

Sophomore and junior students who achieve Honor Roll are excused from mandatory study hall only for the following quarter.

TELEPHONE CALLS
School telephones are for school business. Students are not allowed to use them without permission. (See Cell Phones in Policies and Regulations.)

TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks that are issued to students for their use become the responsibility of the student.
  • Student name must be printed inside the front cover.
  • Textbooks must be covered for the book’s protection and longer life.
  • Damaged books will be assessed a damage fee.
  • Lost or damaged books must be paid for before a replacement text is issued or exams are taken.
  • Paperback books are available in the school bookstore.
  • Required books are to be brought to class daily.

TRANSPORTATION
An extended transportation system serves the needs of students at St. Thomas. While most students travel to and from school in car pools, the following transportation services are available.

Farmington [Route 6], Somersworth/Berwick [Route 1], Durham [Route 3] or Exeter [Route 7] to Dover
*Requires a transfer at Lilac Mall (Rochester), Shaw’s (Dover), or Fox Run Mall (Portsmouth) to catch Route 2 bus
COAST Transportation (743-5777) - $2.00 each way ($1.00 each bus)/$35.00 month unlimited rides

Rochester/Dover/Somersworth/Portsmouth [Route 2]
COAST Transportation (743-5777) - $1.00 each way/$35.00 month unlimited rides

Newburyport/Seabrook/Hampton/N. Hampton/Rye/
Exeter/Stratham/Greenland
St. Thomas Bus – $4.00/each way

Portsmouth
St. Thomas Bus – $2.00/each way

Dover
Dover Public Schools – free (morning only from St. Mary Academy)