SAFETY PROCEDURES

Morning Star School has some safety procedures that are designed to ensure the safety of children, visitors and staff. If you have any questions about the procedures listed below, please contact the Morning Star School administration.

Diocesan Letter Regarding the Swine Flu

May 6, 2009



Dear Parents/Guardians:

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has amended, once again, its guidance to elementary and secondary schools regarding their response to H1N1. In light of the updated guidance, we will follow the directives from the CDC.

What does this mean for our schools? The decision to close a school and/or cancel activities will be made locally using the criteria provided by the CDC, namely that the operational mission of the school can not be fulfilled due to the large number of students or faculty members who are absent.

In the previous directive from this Office, we required the physician to complete our form indicating that the student did not have H1N1 before the child was allowed back to school. We will not longer require a student who is absent to return the doctor’s form before being allowed to return to school, except in the event that the student’s absence was the result of a confirmed diagnosis of H1N1.

Following the lead of the experts at the CDC, I believe the above listed amendment to the previous directive is appropriate and will continue to safeguard the health and well-being of the entire school community.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we attempt to address this issue in a calm and responsible manner.

Sincerely yours,



John L. Cummings, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Catholic Schools and Centers

VISITOR CHECK IN

Every person coming on campus must sign in at the front office and receive a visitor’s pass.

This applies to everyone, no matter how long they plan to be on campus. Board members, Chairperson and Homeroom Parents are included. MSS staff and faculty also wear photo I.D. badges at all times.

These procedures are for the safety of the students as well as everyone else on campus. Moreover, the sign-in books enable all persons on campus to be accounted for in the event of an evacuation, lockdown, or other emergency.

All visitors must comply with this requirement. MSS thanks you in advance for your cooperation and understanding when a faculty or staff member asks to see your badge.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION AND CLEARANCE

If you wish to participate as a driver or chaperone for field trips or classroom activities, the following requirements must be met.

  1. Complete the Volunteer Application Form. This form is in the Morning Star School Office and will be provided upon request. The application includes three (3) Personal Reference forms to be completed and mailed to Morning Star School.
  2. Submit your fingerprints for a Level 2 Background Screening. The fingerprinting must be performed by a Diocesan-approved screener. The cost is approximately $50. You must go on-line to register and then make an appointment. Please see the fingerprinting instructions for details.
  3. All volunteers/individuals who have the care or supervision of children MUST be trained in safe environment issues and procedures. This is a requirement of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. (Classes are offered through many parishes, please contact your parish, if applicable, to determine the next available 3 hour class. If you have completed the class, bring a copy of the certificate to the office.)
  4. A separate form with Driver’s License and Insurance information is required for anyone wishing to drive for field trips (available in office).

SAFE ENVIRONMENT

The Diocese of St. Petersburg must ensure that children and youth who worship, study, or participate in activities sponsored by the Diocese can do so in the safest and most secure setting possible. Parents and caretakers must have confidence in the Diocese before they will allow their children to become involved in Diocesan activities. The Safe Environment Programs of the Diocese of St. Petersburg are designed to instill that confidence and are encouraged by insurance and risk management companies as well.

In accordance with the US Conference of Catholic Bishop's (USCCB) Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Diocese has established safe environment programs under the Diocese of St. Petersburg Policy for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults. The Diocese cooperates with parents, civil authorities, educators, and community organizations in its effort to provide education and training for children, youth, parents, ministers, educators, and others about ways to make and maintain a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults.

For more information about the Safe Environment Programs, please reference the Diocese of St. Petersburg Safe Environment Web Page at http://home.catholicweb.com/dosp_se/.

OTHER SAFETY PROCEDURES

All employees of Morning Star School have an obligation and legal responsibility to report professional misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators, which affects the health, safety or welfare of a student. Suspected cases of professional misconduct should be reported to Ms. Eileen Daly, the Principal of Morning Star School at 813-935-0232.