Parents, Guardians and Students, please read and familiarize yourself with the policies listed below. You will acknowledge that you have read these by signing the bottom of the form below.
The SJHS Parent promise is a pledge to set age-appropriate family guidelines for your children and know where they are going, whom they are with, what they will be doing, and when they are expected to return home.
Parents and guardians who sign the pledge will actively supervise all youth gatherings, will not allow the possession or use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs by youth, and set expectations to supervise youth parties to ensure that these social gatherings remain drug and alcohol free.
Parents who belong to this network know that when their children are at a party function with other “safe homes” parents present, their child is in a safe place free from alcohol and drugs. The SJHS Promise helps promote consistent guidelines for parents and young people as well as share names and phone numbers. The SJHS membership directory will be mailed to only those parents who give permission to release their information.
Parent Do Care Promise!
I will be home when my child(ren) have friends over.
I will not permit the underage use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs in my home.
I will permit my name & contact information to be published in the SJHS Parent Promise Directory.
The Directory will be distributed to only those families who participate.
The Promise encourages parents or youth to report underage drinking 1-888-UNDER-21.
As a parent of a student in a Catholic school, I understand, affirm, and support the following:
The primary purpose of a Catholic school education is to form students in the values of Jesus Christ and the teaching of the Catholic Church.
Catholic schools are distinctive religious education institutions operated as programs of the Catholic Church; they are not private schools but are administered and supported by the sponsoring parish(es) and the diocese.
Attending a Catholic school is a privilege, not a right.
While academic excellence and involvement in extracurricular activity (i.e., sports, clubs, etc.) are important, fidelity to the Catholic identity of the school is the fundamental priority.
The school and its administration have the responsibility to ensure the Catholic values and moral integrity permeates every facet of the school’s life and activity.
In all questions involving faith, morals, faith teaching, and Church law, the final determination rests with the diocesan bishop.
As a parent desiring to enroll my child in a Catholic school, I accept this memorandum of understanding. I pledge support for the Catholic identity ad mission of this school and by enrolling my child I commit myself to uphold all the principles and policies that govern a Catholic school.
Saint Joseph High School is privileged to be a partner with parents in the religious and moral formation of their sons and daughters. Mutual cooperation, trust, and support are essential for the fulfillment of this responsibility.
By enrolling your child at Saint Joseph High School, you agree to support its policies.
We ask you, therefore, to become familiar with the school’s philosophy, regulations, and procedures.
Parents/guardians are required to state that they have read the Student/Parent Handbook, that they accept Saint Joseph High School’s philosophy, policies and procedures, and that they and their child will comply with them.
State Law (Act 195) authorizes the loan of textbooks by the Secretary of Education to students enrolled in nonpublic schools and (Act 90) authorizes the loan of instructional materials. Saint Joseph High School participates in this loan program. The law requires, however, that a parent/guardian of each student attending the nonpublic school individually request a loan of textbooks and instructional materials. Thank you for your continued assistance and cooperation.
I hereby request the loan of textbooks and instructional materials in accordance with Pennsylvania Act 195 and Act 90 for my child/ren attending Saint Joseph High School.
The use of the Internet, electronic mail and telephones at Saint Joseph High School is a privilege and not a right. I understand and will abide by the Internet Use agreement. I further understand that any violation of these regulations is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation my access privileges may be revoked and school disciplinary action may be taken.
*** Please refer to the SJHS Student/Parent Handbook Computer, Telecommunication and Network Access Policies.
As the student, I have read the rules for acceptable on-line behavior and use of the telephone. I understand the rules and agree to comply with the above stated rules.
As the parent/guardian, I have read and discussed with my child the Computer, Telecommunication and Network Access Policies. I understand that access is designed for educational purposes. I give my permission for my child to access the Internet while supervised at Saint Joseph High School.
Permission is hereby granted to the Department of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Pittsburgh and Saint Joseph High School to use recordings, photographs, video, written material, and quotations of:
To assist in its community awareness, educational efforts, and related public relations purposes. In exchange for the opportunity to participate in the endeavors of the Department of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Pittsburgh and Saint Joseph High School, I hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Department of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and Saint Joseph High School, their agents, servants and employees from any and all claims, demands, and/or causes of action of whatever kind or nature arising from the use of voice recordings, photographs, video, written material, and quotations.
I further agree that I waive any right for compensation, fee, or royalty for aforesaid materials.
- We will take proper care of the Apple iPad that has been assigned to me, including but not limited to keeping it clear of food and beverages, keeping it in the school case when not in use, not stacking objects on it, not leaving the iPad outside or near water, and being accountable for the iPad at all times.
- We understand and will adhere to school policies, procedures, and fees outlined in the Student Handbook and Saint Joseph High School's Acceptable Use Policy.
- We understand that I am responsible for all damage or loss caused by neglect or abuse. If I lose the iPad or damage incurred, we understand that we will be required to pay for a replacement iPad or for the repair of damage beyond normal wear and tear that may not be covered by the warranty.
- We will not leave the iPad in an unlocked locker.
- We will not loan the charger and cords to others.
- We will notify the school immediately in case of theft, vandalism or other violation. We will file a report within 24 hours in case of theft or vandalism, and submit a copy of that report to the school for insurances purposes.
- We will not disassemble any part of the iPad nor attempt repairs.
- We will not remove school-required applications.
- We will not deface the serial number, manufacturer labels or school labels on the iPad. I will not place any distinguishing decorations on the iPad that cannot be safely removed.
- We agree to return the iPad, case and power cords in good working order by the date set by Administration when requested for service or when I leave the school for any reason. We understand that failure to do so will result in the replacement fee of $505 being added to our financial account with Saint Joseph High School.
- We understand my iPad is subject to inspection at any time without notice and remains the property of Saint Joseph High School.
- We understand that the iPad and all parts of the power cord are to be returned to Saint Joseph High School upon my departure from Saint Joseph High School.
- I understand there is a technology fee ($100 for incoming freshmen due to device upgrades; $80 for upperclassmen) due Sept. 25, 2020.
Through the Intermediate Unit, Saint Joseph High School participates in several Federal programs that provide your children with a variety of materials and services. It is one of the few ways in which your children receive benefits from your tax dollars. We certainly do not want to lose these benefits. Please review the enclosed survey and simply answer Yes or No to the questions. This information is very important in order for us to continue receiving support from these programs. All information will be kept confidential.
It is important that we receive a survey back from every school family.
The Civil Rights Law of 1964, Title VI, requires that school districts/charter schools identify Limited English Proficient (LEP) students. Pennsylvania has selected the Home Language Survey as the method for the identification.
Click here to view the home language survey
I understand and agree to the following means of safeguarding the School community in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
- The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic and is extremely contagious. The School has put in place reasonable preventative measures and standards of behavior in which members of the School community are expected to comply to reduce the spread of COVID-19 at School. Such precautions include, but are not limited to, wearing a face covering throughout the school day, handwashing/sanitizing, social distancing, and self-screening. Even with implementation of these safety protocols, the School cannot guarantee that you/your child/a household member will not become infected with COVID-19 and attendance at School and/or participation in the School activity, sport, or event could increase your/your child/a household member’s risk of contracting COVID-19.
- Prior to each School day, activity, sport, or event, I understand and agree that I must ask myself the questions below. Should the answer to any of the questions on any given day be "Yes," I understand my child is not permitted to attend School and/or participate in the School activity, sport, or event.
- Has my child had a fever as defined by the CDC during the past 24 hours?
- Has my child had a new or unexpected cough during the past 7 days?
- Has my child been around anyone exhibiting these symptoms within the past 14 days?
- Is my child living with anyone who has been sick, has exhibited symptoms of COVID-19, or is currently under quarantine for exposure to COVID-19?
- Has my child traveled internationally within the last 14 days?
- Has my child traveled to a state identified by the PA Department of Health as having high amounts of COVID-19 cases in the last 14 days?
- Has my child disregarded CDC guidelines and failed to limit his/her exposure to COVID-19?
- I understand that, in the event my child develops symptoms or suspected symptoms of COVID-19 or other illness, or if otherwise requested by the Principal, at his/her discretion, I will be contacted by School, and I will make immediate preparations to have my child picked up from School. In the event of a medical emergency, I authorize the School to call 9-1-1 and have my child transported to a hospital or healthcare facility.
- I further understand that, in the event that my child contracts COVID-19 or becomes exposed to someone with COVID-19, my child will need to be isolated or quarantined as directed by CDC.
- I understand that no one may be present on School property or attend a School activity, sport, or event until he/she meets Pennsylvania Department of Health and Pennsylvania Department of Education’s criteria to return to School.
COVID-19 SYMPTOMS? |
COVID-19 TEST? |
MAY RETURN TO SCHOOL AFTER: |
YES |
NO |
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YES |
YES COVID-19 POSITIVE |
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YES |
YES COVID-19 NEGATIVE |
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NO |
YES COVID-19 POSITIVE |
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CLOSE CONTACT WITH SOMEONE WITH COVID-19 |
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- I understand that individuals who have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised) due to a health condition or medication may need to take additional precautions and/or stay home longer than 10 days in the event of infection. These individuals are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider and work with the School Principal to effectuate any necessary reasonable accommodations.
To preserve the integrity of the School program throughout the pandemic, I further understand and agree to the following:
- School will make every effort to provide remote learning available throughout the pandemic, enabling students to continue their education seamlessly in and out of the classroom setting. Such distance learning shall be consistent with School’s mission, providing faith formation, academic rigor, quality, academic support, and assessment of objectives consistent with in-person classes, and is subject to the Student Parent Handbook and School internet use policy.
- I understand that in-person School classes may be recorded and/or live streamed to facilitate distance learning, and I hereby give permission to record and/or live stream my child in the classroom setting for such educational purposes. The teacher shall have the sole ability to make such recordings, which shall be used strictly for educational purposes by the School community on approved platforms. Screenshots of individuals are strictly prohibited.
- I give permission for my child to participate in any distance learning offered online by the School through educational platforms such as Google Classroom and Zoom platforms for online synchronous video instruction. I understand that web-based activities entail known and unanticipated risks that cannot be eliminated. As a result, School recommends the use of appropriate Internet filtering software.
- I understand and agree that in the event it becomes necessary for School to solely educate students via distance learning for any time period, I will not be entitled to a refund of or release from payment for any tuition or fees.
I understand and voluntarily assume the risk of my child contracting COVID-19 by attending School and/or through participating in a School activity, sport, or event and hereby waive any and all claims against and agree to hold the School, Parish/Region, and Diocese of Pittsburgh harmless as set forth below:
- In consideration for providing my child the opportunity to attend School and/or participate in a School activity, sport, or event and any related transportation to and from the same, both my child and I voluntarily agree to waive, and discharge any and all claims against School, its Governing Bodies, the individual members thereof, the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the Most Reverend David A. Zubik, Trustee, and all successors, assigns, officers, agents, employees, volunteers, and representatives and release them from liability for any exposure to or illness or injury from an infectious disease including COVID-19, including claims for any negligent actions of the School or its employees or agents, to the fullest extent allowed by law, for myself, my child, our estates, our heirs, our administrators, our executors, our assignees, and our successors.
- I also agree to release, exonerate, discharge and hold harmless the School, its Governing Bodies, the individual members thereof, the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the Most Reverend David A. Zubik, Trustee, and all successors, assigns, officers, agents, employees, volunteers, and representatives from all liability, claims, causes of action, or demands, including attorney fees, fines, fees, or other costs (e.g. medical costs) arising out of any exposure to or illness or injury from an infectious disease including COVID-19, which may result from or in connection with my child’s attendance at School and/or participation in a School activity, sport, or event and any related transportation to and from the same.
- I understand and hereby authorize the School, Parish/Region, and Diocese of Pittsburgh to enforce such other reasonable measures and directives as may be deemed necessary by the School. I/We am/are the parent or legal guardian of the student named above. I/We have carefully read and fully understand all provisions of this COVID-19 Acknowledgement, Waiver, Release, and Assumption of Risk. I/We have the legal authority to consent to and, by signing below, I/we hereby do consent to the forgoing terms and conditions on behalf of myself/ourselves and the above-named student(s).