| The Regis School of the Sacred Heart | |
|---|---|
|
Scholars and Gentlemen
in the Sacred Heart Tradition |
|
| Location | |
| Houston, Texas, United States | |
| Information | |
| Type | Independent |
| Religious affiliation(s) | Roman Catholic |
| Patron saint(s) | Saint John Francis Regis |
| Established | 1990 |
| Chairperson | Jeff Manley |
| Dean | Scott Granito |
| Asst. Principal | Tina Nicholson |
| Headmistress | Nancy Taylor, Ed.D. |
| Faculty | 25 |
| Enrollment | 228 |
| Average class size | 14 |
| Student to teacher ratio | 7:1 |
| Campus | Suburban |
| Color(s) | Maroon, Gray, and Navy |
| Athletics | Lower School: Soccer, Basketball, and Baseball Middle School: Soccer, Basketball, and Rugby |
| Mascot | The Knight |
| Tuition | $17,945 |
| Sister school | Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart |
| Website | www.theregisschool.org |
The Regis School of the Sacred Heart is a primary and middle school for boys located at 7330 Westview Drive in the Spring Branch area of Houston, Texas. The school's location is relative to the IKEA on Katy Freeway, the Edwards Cinema, and Awty International School. It offers a pre-university preparatory education for boys in pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. The Regis School presents a high level of high school preparatory education. The school has been coeducational and non-profit since its founding and is a Houston Area Independent School. Regis is also part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. As of 2011, the school had about 250 students enrolled. The learning establishment also celebrated its twentieth anniversary during the 2010-11 school year. Regis has a sister school named Duchesne Academy. They are located just one exit off the other side of the Katy Freeway. They have been connected since the school's founding through the Sacred Heart Network.
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For several years, parents of girls attending nearby all-girl Duchesne Academy had longed for a similar school for their sons. In 1990, a group of Duchesne families founded The Regis School with the goal of being accepted into the Network of Sacred Heart Schools.[1]
Key to the founding of the school were Anne Storey Carty, Headmistress (1990–2006), Linda Falco, Head of Early Childhood and Lower School, and Madeline Stawnicz, Director of Admissions.
In August, 1991, the school opened with 38 students in facilities leased from Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Since these temporary facilities were inadequate, a search was started for a more permanent solution. The current Milestones and Administration building was purchased and renovated, and classes began there in August 1992.
In 1995, The Regis School earned accreditation from the Texas Catholic Conference Educational Department. The same year, The Network of Sacred Heart Schools accepted The Regis School as a provisional member. Full membership was granted in 1998.
Over the years, growth of the school necessitated the installation of three temporary classroom buildings to house the upper grades. Through a capital campaign, the purchase of adjoining properties paved the way for expansion. In 2001, construction began on a new lower/middle school building and several additional improvements, including a regulation sports field. In 2002, lower and middle school classes began the school year in the new building.
In 2005, Anne Storey Carty, the founding headmistress, announced that she would be retiring after the 2006 school year, the 15th anniversary of the school's founding. After a thorough search, Dr. Nancy Taylor was selected as the second headmistress of the school. In late 2010, construction began for a new student center with the demolition of the former pavilion. The project that is currently in progress will result in a new gymnasium, weight-lifting room, and cafeteria. This is set to be completed in time for the 2012-13 school year.[2]
In 1998, Regis was the first school ever voted into membership in the National Network of Sacred Heart Schools. Through its reflective process concerning how its community lives the Goals and Criteria, Regis received its SHCOG renewal site visit in March 2009. Regis is also accredited by the TCCED, under the auspices of the Texas Education Agency. The Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) invited Regis to membership as its 86th accredited school in June 2010.
For the 2009-10 school year, annual tuition ranges from $7,925 for half-day 3 Pre-K to $14,950 for middle school.[3] There are multiple payment plans and financial aid is available.
The Regis School was built with a library at its founding. It maintains an extensive book collection in both buildings as an area of learning essential to the School’s educational program. Students have weekly library instruction with the opportunity to check out books. Families are be billed for lost or damaged books. All library materials must be returned by mid-May in order to complete an annual inventory.
Regis admits all students to the rights, privileges, programs, and activities made available to the student body, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of our educational and admission policies, athletics, or other school-administered programs. Additionally, Regis adheres to archdiocesan policies. The following policies have been formulated in relation to student admission:
1. A personal interview may be required for admission for 5th – 8th grades. Applicants must be scholastically qualified. All prospective students must present acceptable transcripts, current report cards and achievement test results and/or professional testing results. All new students must be tested. Applicants for K-8th grade will be invited to visit the school.
2. Eligibility for admission and continued attendance is contingent upon payment of all current and past due tuition and fees as indicated in the Parental Fee Agreement.
3. Yearly admission will be based on the following priorities:
a. Students presently attending the school
b. Brothers of students presently attending Regis
c. Families who have daughters attending Duchesne Academy, without sons presently attending Regis and
d. All others on a first-come basis
4. Vacancies must exist within the established teacher-student ratio at a specific grade level.
5. All required forms must be returned and fees paid before placement is assured. Forms include application, record of birth, health records, and all school records (report cards, standardized tests, and teacher recommendations).
Each student’s admission constitutes a year-to-year contract and renewal is dependent upon successful completion of academic courses and appropriate behavior on the part of the student.
1. Regis is appropriate for students of average to above average ability, and enrolled students are expected to perform within the average to above average range in the classroom.
2. Students are expected to exhibit the following characteristics:
a. Observe school and classroom rules
b. Control talking and disruptive behavior
c. Show concern for others
d. Respect others and their property
e. Be kind and courteous to others
3. Satisfactory work habits are required. The student shall:
a. Listen attentively
b. Follow directions correctly
c. Work well independently
d. Cooperate in group activities
e. Complete homework and submit it on time
f. Come prepared to class, and achieve passing grades
Highest Honors are presented when a student has earned no grades below 93 in all academic subjects, an A in all ancillaries, and an S in conduct in all subjects and areas. The Regis School certificate is awarded to all who merit Highest Honors.
Honors are presented when a student has earned A’s with no more than two B’s in academic and ancillary classes, and an S in conduct in all subjects or areas.
Excellence in Conduct is given when a student has earned all E’s in conduct in all subjects (including ancillary), regardless of academic grades. The Regis School pin is awarded to all who merit Excellence in Conduct.
The Diligence Award is given at the end of each trimester to those Lower School students who work diligently on a consistent basis in a particular subject and in conduct. Each Lower School homeroom teacher may present up to eight awards. Certificates of Diligence are awarded at the end of the academic year in the Middle School.
The Goals and Criteria are the conditions for every school that belongs to the Sacred Heart Network. In the late 1960s and in the aftermath of the Second Vatican Council, Sacred Heart schools faced a number of serious challenges. A declining number of religious workers available for work in the schools, a diminishing number of Sacred Heart schools open and operating, and the development of independent Boards of Trustees in the remaining establishments were some of these. Sacred Heart educators began to meet to find a way to secure the legacy and vision of a Sacred Heart education in the United States. Eventually, five goals true to the inspiration of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat were published that helped to define what a Sacred Heart school strives to do. Specific criteria were drawn up for judging whether an institution was indeed following the five goals and deserved membership in the Network of Sacred Heart Schools. The original Goals and Criteria published in 1975 were adapted and redefined in 2005 to reflect more accurately the challenges facing the schools.[4] The Regis School teaches according to these goals and criteria:
The Regis School is divided into three divisions by grade level: Early Childhood, Lower School, and Middle School for grades Pre-K through 8th grade.[5]
The Early Childhood playing is started with learning. Developmental and readiness goals are established for each of the following broad areas: Religion, Language Arts, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, computer technology and physical education. Every student learns to use his unique talents for personal growth and to help to live cooperatively with others. The school tries to understand and recognize each student learns at his own pace.
The curriculum of Early Childhood is strong and challenging. The framework of Sacred Heart Schools: faith, academics, service, community building and the making of wise decisions is incorporated in all sectors. To ensure each student’s success, Regis provides a strong communication link with the parents. Self-discipline is taught through modeling, positive reinforcement and redirection. Regis believes in children and srives to work to reach each student’s potential. There is an atmosphere of family and nurturing which is felt and an indelible acceptance of serenity and peace when one walks through the door.[6]
The Regis School also embraces knowledge, adapting the teaching styles to encourage a joy for learning. They consider hands-on activities as an important element of the boys' learning, and their classes involve active learning throughout the day. Classroom size continues to be a small number of about 12 students per class. The use of technology throughout the school extends lessons even further as they interact with Smartboards and computers.
The firm foundation of skills developed in lower school are to help boys develop independence, confidence, and competency. The core curriculum is based on Religion, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. In addition, Regis offers Art, Music, Computer Literacy, Spanish and Physical Education. In all course areas, students are encouraged to think, share, reason, predict and apply their knowledge to scenarios. Field trips are also done in the Lower School area.[7]
The Middle School offers students a rich core curriculum integrating active and experiential learning. Close attention is given to reading, writing, and study skills. The curriculum is designed to engage and challenge the intellect, imagination, and energy of talented students. The middle school experience is focused on energy that supports the development of the individual student. Boys profit from the skill of the faculty and receive the individual attention that they deserve. Regis creates an environment which is conductive to learning.
Students become well-versed in using technology to help them explore the information within their course of study and produce multimedia presentations for projects. Technology is fully integrated into the entire curriculum. At the sixth grade level, boys are given laptops. Smartboards are also located in each classroom, enabling the teachers to extend their teaching possibilities.[8]
A President, Vice President, Secretary, and Social Justice Representative are elected by the student body during the late spring of the school year. Each candidate must campaign for one week and present a speech. The Student Council meets every week to discuss problems, organize events, and give a voice to the students. This is a great leadership preparation for the students, which will always help them in life.
Middle school students, beginning with the sixth grade, are required to purchase a school-specified laptop computer. In class, students use the computers in various ways to assist in learning. For example, they use the laptops to write papers, produce presentations and movies, and access educational web sites. In the 2010-11 school year, middle school students began to receive Macbook Pro laptops. Textbooks and computer-formatted workbooks are loaded onto the computers for the students. The school sells and loans the laptops pre-loaded with the information.
The academics is based on the same core subjects throughout a student's tenure at Regis. This is more strongly influenced with specific educational programs that are used thogh textbooks. The ones used mainly throughout the school includes Everyday Mathematics, Harcourt Science, Voyages in English, Wordly Wise, Sadlier Religion, the Foss Program, and Glencoe Social Sciences. These textbooks and others provide a strong base of knowledge for Regis students. The school also uses the Accelerated Reader program for Literature to bring students to read advidly. Many teachers also try to provide their own form of a structured and well-managed curriculum for their own subject.
Academic subjects always refer to math, reading or literature, religion, English, science, social studies, and modern language. Additionally, the Regis educational program offers instruction in fine arts (art, drama, and music), computer literacy, and physical education. Since education at Regis involves the emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual development of the child, our evaluation procedures reflect each of these aspects, some of which are evaluated through testing, others through observation, discussions, and class participation. There will be three written report cards per year as well as three interim progress reports. There are two mandatory parent conferences for all students during the first and second trimesters (October and February). Students in third through eighth grades will be present at these conferences in order to be a part of the evaluation process. The final report card will be mailed home at the close of the school year. When a student has difficulty at other times during the year, written notifications are sent to the parent. Formal progress reports will be sent home at mid-trimester. Additional notices will be sent as needed. Teachers may not accept payment for tutoring done for their own students during the academic year.
Kindergarten and lower school athletics are organized and coached by parent volunteers. The boys play soccer in the fall, basketball in the winter, and baseball in the spring.
Middle school athletics are organized and coached by Mr. Gary Holub, the school's athletic director. Through tryouts, boys may be selected to junior varsity and varsity teams. Middle school students also play soccer and basketball, but substitute rugby for baseball. Additional fees, for referees, uniforms, and league feeswill be required for each team a student joins. The Regis Knights play in the Southwest conference of the Greater Houston Catholic Sports Association.[9]
Daily school uniforms are mandatory and dress uniforms are required to be worn on certain occasions. These events include school masses, assemblies, and other important events. Other than on these days, a regular school uniform is worn. Students are expected to be well-groomed and dressed in complete presentable uniforms at all times. Uniforms are available through Sue Mills Uniform Company. A Regis boy who is well-groomed presents himself in a clean, complete uniform. Additionally, with regard to haircuts and as befits the decorum of The Regis School, hair must be trimmed so that it does not touch the ears, the shirt collar, or the eyebrows. The School will contact families when compliance is a concern.
Shirt: White collared knit shirt with the Regis logo (short or long sleeves)
Pants: Khaki trousers
Shoes: Mostly white or black athletic shoes; no sandals, high tops, or low cut boots
Socks: White or black socks (must be visible above shoes)
Belt: A dark brown leather belt is required
Optional: Khaki dress shorts or khaki pleated shorts (no cargo style shorts)
Regis is the only Houston-area school that offers Kidventure as an organized after school option for the convenience of parents and the benefits of students. Morning extended day is available from 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM for an additional fee. After-school extended day is available from dismissal to 6:00 PM. The purpose of the After School Camp is to provide a program geared towards the continued development and growth of each boy in the areas of academics, sports, and fine arts. In addition, the program seeks to enhance and further a student’s social, emotional, physical, and creative abilities. As a separate, but complimentary program to school, The Extended Day Program aims to enrich the life of each young boy through the guidance, instruction, and example of the qualified and caring Kidventure staff. Students will participate in a variety of activities including: homework assistance, athletics and games, as well as, arts and crafts.
The 21-member Board of Trustees consists of the head of the school, parents of current and former students, Sacred Heart nuns, and other religious leaders.[10] The Members of the Regis Board of Trustees as of 2008-2009 included: Robert Archer, Anne Burke, Anne Caire, Johnnie Taylor, Alicia Freysinger, Carol Kelley, Matt Kemple, Daniel Lahart, Jeff Manley, Lonnie McKinney, Kendall Miller, John Niemann, Tom Price, Ronald Schwenzer, Dr. Nancy Taylor, and Bradley Whalen.[11]
The Parent-Teacher Association is a service organization of involved parents of Regis students and staff. The association is led by President Donna Hotze. The Association’s objectives are fourfold:
- To provide support, education, and communication among students, teachers, parents, and the Board;
- To build and strengthen community with mutual respect, instilling Sacred Heart values and the Regis tradition;
- To raise funds for the School by recruiting and organizing volunteer efforts to plan and execute fundraising activities, and;
- To provide support for parent education concerning student academic and social development.
The Association sponsors special events and promotes specific fundraising efforts, provides cultural and program enrichment, donates gifts to the School, and supports the marketing and outreach efforts of the School’s administration.
Students are expected to be courteous and respectful to each other, all School personnel, and all campus visitors at all times. Courtesy and politeness are taught and practiced in school. The school Code of Conduct, which outlines desired specific behaviors, is actually covered in the Five Positive Rules. Students will have an opportunity at the beginning of each semester to review the Code of Conduct and apply specific situations to the school's Five Positive Rules. Parents and students are asked to read and sign the Code of Conduct each year. The signed form is kept on file in the office. Students may not attend class until this form is signed. The Regis Code of Conduct is:
1. Be on time.
2. Come prepared to learn.
3. Respect your rights and the rights of others.
4. Work at learning.
5. Ask for help.
This Code of Conduct is not intended to be a comprehensive list. It is supposed to be a guide to help students understand general expectations for conduct. Each behavior will be judged as to its gravity on an individual basis, taking into account the specific circumstances, age, and development of the boy. Students who choose to settle differences in a physical way will will be sent home in Early Childhood, or receive a suspension, which is normally an in-school suspension in Lower and Middle School.
In case of emergency inclement weather, such as flooding, storms or icy streets, Regis families will be notified via the IRIS communication system (phone calls or text messages). Regis follows the decision of Spring Branch Independent School District regarding school closing. If a general closing of Catholic schools by the Superintendent of Catholic Schools is necessary, it will be announced on the radio and television as “Catholic schools in Harris County and Montgomery County are closed,” at which time, Regis will also be closed. In extreme situations, it may be necessary to announce that “all Catholic schools are closed,” meaning all schools in all counties.
It is imperative that the School has current telephone numbers for each family in case of emergency. Home, office, and cell numbers for both parents or legal guardians, as well as the number of a person who may assume authority if neither parent can be located, must be on file at all times. Our Lady of Walsingham Church, located at 7809 Shadyvilla Lane, serves as Regis's safety evacuation point, in the event that the school must clear the entire Regis School complex. Students will walk in line to Walsingham where parents will be notified via the IRIS alert system to pick up their children. The entire staff will be in charge of student supervision until all students are safely connected with their families.
All students who wish to participate in any school-sponsored activity (athletics, Student Council, or clubs) must maintain a C average in all Middle School subjects, and no conduct grade less than an S in order to be eligible to participate. It is important to note that a student’s conduct grade may change due to unacceptable behavior at any time during the grading period. Eligibility is determined by the most recent grading period and parents will be notified as soon as all grades have been posted for the interim or the trimester. A student’s eligibility to return to activities and sports will be reviewed by the Division Head after three weeks. If a student has not regained his eligibility at that point, he will remain ineligible for the remainder of the grading period. If a student receives an “Incomplete” grade in a course, he shall be only be ineligible until the work has been made up and submitted to his teacher. The Division Head or Dean and parents will meet to review the student’s circumstances and determine if it is in the best interest of the student to allow extra-curricular participation.
Annual Auction: Coordinates with the Director of Special Events to plan, organize, and oversee all aspects of this fundraising event, supporting the needs of the School
Book Fair: Coordinates and assists the Librarian with book fairs
Fall Fest: Coordinates with the Director of Special Events to plan, organize, and oversee all aspects of this fundraising event, supporting the needs of the school
Family Bingo: Assists the Director of Special Events in planning and executing this community-building occasion
Field Day: Coordinates with the Director of Special Events to plan and execute this annual event, celebrating students’ athletic abilities, and sportsmanship
Go Texan Day: Organizes an educational program and lunch for the students
Grandparents’ Day: Assists the Headmistress and the Advancement Office in hosting this annual event honoring Regis grandparents and their grandsons
International Feast: Highlights a country of special interest and its culture through entertainment, curriculum activities and a special feast.
Steps for Students: Coordinates with the School administration to plan, organize, and oversee all aspects of this fundraising event, supporting Catholic schools
The true goal of any disciplinary measure is to assist a student in achieving self-discipline. Such self-discipline will manifest itself in clear and logical reasoning and in action that is consistent with good moral principles. Regis students are expected to exhibit self-respect as well as courtesy and respect to each other, adults, and property. At no time will defiance, violence, or insubordination be tolerated. The school also has expectations of parents; they believe that discipline begins at home and should be reinforced by the School. Parents are the primary educators of their children. Both the School and the parents should reinforce and support good behavior. All members of the Regis School community are expected to conduct themselves, whether inside or outside school, or at school-sponsored activities, in a manner befitting the stated philosophy, expected behaviors, and reputation of an independent Catholic school. Violations of our stated policy or behaviors that are an embarrassment to the School can be subject to the adult being asked to leave the venue or to withdraw their volunteer services. As citizens in a democratic society, students must be given the opportunity to participate actively and responsibly in school life. When a student’s behavior infringes on the rights of others and militates against the educational process, he will be corrected and he will be led to understand the reason for any corrective measure administered. It is helpful to all people to know the limits of their behavior and to have clear and concise guidelines for expected behavior. The Regis School rule in regard to disciplinary measures is as follows: Students who misbehave or infringe the academic process will have chosen a consequence. Parents will be notified whenever a child has seriously misbehaved. Parents can be assured that prior to a telephone call informing them of a disciplinary problem, previous disciplinary techniques will have been used, such as individual conferencing with the student or withdrawal of privileges. The telephone call serves to alert the parents that stronger disciplinary action may be taken and that their assistance is needed. The teacher reserves the right to make his or her own classroom rules within the guidelines of school policy. These rules will be reviewed and posted.[12]