AWARDS PROGRAM
Helping a child reach full potential is the aim of each person at Nativity School. We feel strongly that academic achievement and appropriate behavior are closely linked. We believe that the Nativity Awards Program supports this belief.

The NATIVITY HONOR ROLL AWARD is given each of the four marking periods. Children in grades 2 through 6 will be eligible for the award. Subjects to be considered are all that receive a number grade. The child's conduct grade is not considered for this award. An award ribbon will be given at the end of each term. A certificate will be given at the end of the year for students who qualified for all four terms.

A-B Honor Roll: Children must have all A's and B's in the academic subjects to qualify for the A/B Achievement Award.

All A Honor Roll: Children must have all A's to qualify for the A Achievement Award.

The PRESIDENTIAL ACADEMIC AWARD is given to sixth grade students at the end of the school year. The award is based on academic grades and standardized test scores for grades 4, 5 and 6.

GRADING SCALE
A 93 – 100   4.0
A- 90 – 92   3.5
B 85 – 89     3.0
B- 80 – 84   2.5
C 75 – 79     2.0
D 70 – 74     1.0
F 0 – 69       0.0

HOMEWORK
As a faculty we are firmly convinced that homework is a necessary part of the child's education in so far as it affords an opportunity for independent personal application of something learned at school each day. Children are responsible for copying down and completing homework. A parent’s signature on the assignment pad will be our way of knowing that the parent or an adult supervised the study and are aware of the quality of work produced by the child.
In an effort to encourage responsibility, no child is allowed to return to the classrooms after 2:45 without the permission of the principal or an adult from the After-School Program.

REPORT CARDS
Report cards are distributed every nine weeks to students in preschool through sixth grade. An interim report is given halfway through the quarter to students in first through sixth grade.

REPORT CARD CONFERENCES
Parents/guardians wishing to conference with the teacher are asked to do so at a pre-arranged and mutually agreed upon time and place. Parents are strongly discouraged from initiating a conference in the classroom or on the playground while the teacher is responsible for the safety and well-being of the class or a group of children. At those times, the teacher is unable to give the question or concern full attention and is unable to fully supervise the children appropriately. ACADEMIC INFORMATION

PROMOTION/RETENTION POLICY
At Nativity B.V.M. Elementary, teachers follow Mississippi College and Career Readiness Standards (MCCRS.) Minimum proficiency requirements are necessary for students to progress to the next grade level.

A. Considerations for promotion are:

1. A minimum average of 70 in current subject/grade level.
2. Potential for doing work in the next grade level.
3. Regular attendance.
4. Willingness to complete work.
5. Mastery of the MCCRS at 70% mastery after necessary re-teaching, re- testing.
6. For students in Grades 1 through 6, four (4) of the five (5) major subjects
(Reading, English, Mathematics, Science/Health and Social Studies)
must be passed in order to be promoted.

B. Several factors influence a decision to retain a student.

1. Parents will be notified in writing, at mid-year, if the child is failing in more than one subject.
2. Parents will subsequently be notified at least six (6) weeks prior to the closure of school if retention of that child at that grade level is probable.
3. The decision to promote (or retain) a student shall be a joint decision made by the parent, teacher and principal, based on the established criteria and other factors.
4. In the event that an agreement regarding placement cannot be reached, every avenue of discussion will be pursued.
5. If an agreement still cannot be made, the principal, in consultation with the teacher and other personnel, will make the final decision.
6. Documentation of this will be included in the child's cumulative file.

TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks used by students are either purchased by Nativity School or are purchased and LOANED to Nativity B.V.M. School by the State of Mississippi Department of Education. Each student is assigned specific textbooks for the year and it is the responsibility of each child to maintain the book properly. At the end of the year, fines may be assessed for such book damages as: spills, writing/marking in non-consumable texts, numerous tears or damage. Fines are determined by criteria of the State of Mississippi Department of Education.

TESTING
The Iowa Assessment is administered each spring to students in Grades 2-6. The results of this nationally normed test are shared with the parents/guardians and are used, by the staff, to better identify areas of academic strength and areas of academic concern. Because of the scope of the testing, it is extremely important that all children in those grades are in attendance during the entire testing period.

As students in an accredited school, Nativity B.V.M. children experience and participate in a wide range of learning activities. Students in all grades study Science, Math, Social Studies, Language Arts, Religion, Art, Music and Physical Education. Experimentation, "hands-on-learning", differentiated instruction, individual, small group and large group instruction, and the use of technology all assist the child in developing potential and in learning necessary skills.

RELIGIOUS FORMATION
Our goal as Catholic educators is to guide each child to live so that he/she may attain the happiness that comes with the living of a fully Christian life. Parents/guardians are the first teachers. We believe that we continue the faith development begun in the home and build on that foundation. Families are encouraged to pray together daily and to worship together as a family with their parish.

Students who are Catholic and are in the second grade are prepared to receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation for the first time. Parents/guardians are expected to participate in adult preparation sessions that are given by members of the parish staff in the months prior to the reception of the sacraments. Information regarding the specific dates for the adult education programs will be given prior to the meetings and will appear on the monthly school calendar.

Parents of Catholic children in third through sixth grade who have not received the sacraments of Eucharist or Reconciliation may meet with the Principal to make arrangements to be included in the preparation.

Family members are always welcome to attend any religious celebration with the children. Due to COVID-19, mass will be live-streamed on the school’s Facebook page so that our family members can celebrate in spiritual communion with us. A school Mass or prayer service is celebrated a couple of times each month. Children are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation regularly.

Children attending Nativity B.V.M. Elementary School who are of other religious traditions are included in all school religious celebrations. They are invited to participate as much as possible.

LIBRARY
Nativity B.V.M. Library is staffed by a certified librarian/media specialist and houses an excellent selection of library books and materials. Students and teachers have access to the materials throughout the school day. Students in preschool through grade six have a weekly time scheduled as a library period.

COMPUTER EDUCATION
A computer lab, adjacent to the Library, was re-established in August 2008. The computers in the lab and throughout the school were updated in August, 2016 through a massive fundraising effort organized by the parents of Nativity BVM School. Chrome books are available to all students.
Children in Pre-School through Grade 6 have regular access to computers and computer instruction in their classroom. Additional exposure to computers is provided through the library program, including the Accelerated Reading program, and in the computer lab itself.

RESOURCE CLASS
Students who have a special education ruling receive special services in the Learning Resource Room. Classes are taught by a certified special education teacher.

If a child is experiencing difficulties, the teacher or parent may request screening. Typically, this screening is done by Nativity BVM personnel. If the results of the screening indicate a need for further intervention, then the Nativity School Resource Procedure is implemented. Communication with the parent/guardian, classroom teacher and other resource personnel is ongoing throughout the process. Hearing and vision screening may also be requested for any students.

SPEECH THERAPY
Speech therapy is provided through the Biloxi Public School District for those students who qualify for the services in Kindergarten through Grade 6. The screening process, initiated at the local school, determines what services are needed. Speech therapy is given at Nativity BVM School on a designated day of the week for these children.
Pre-School children, residing in the Biloxi Public School District zone, receive speech services at Nativity School through Biloxi Public Schools. Pre-School students residing outside of the Biloxi City School District, receive speech services through their home district.
EXPLORE The EXPLORE program is available to students in grades 3-6 who have achieved a certain level of academic performance. Students in grade 2 begin classes 2nd semester. Classes, held every other week, challenge the thinking, creativity and performance of the participants. For specific academic requirements, please speak with the principal.