Friday Academic Program

2023-2024

The Parish's Friday Academic Program provides homeschool students in grades 1 through 12 an opportunity to learn subjects not easily provided at home:

  • religious instruction taught by our priests, including Sacramental preparation for First Holy Communion and Confirmation;
  • Gregorian chant, in which the students of all ages learn the ancient music of the church and even sing the Divine Office and all of the music normally provided by the choir for several High Masses throughout the year;
  • drama, in which students in grades 7 through 12 prepare for and perform plays;
  • competitive sports, using the glorious facilities of the East Shore YMCA;
  • and more.

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This is all done through the cooperation of students, parents, and the parish. The program includes four classes at each grade level, all of which require participation. Children should plan to attend Mass at 7:10 am each Friday morning, followed by the Divine Office of Terce, then breakfast. 

NEW THIS YEAR: Please note there will be no general preschool. Preschool is only for families with a parent who is regularly teaching or assisting in the program.

 

Daily Schedule

Course descriptions for each grade are found here.

All policies and student guidelines are found here.

Parents' assistance is required in some capacity. Information about what roles are available and their descriptions are found here.

Academic Calendar

Fall 2023

September: 8, 15, 22, 29,

October: 6, 13, 20, 27

November: 3, 10, 17

December: 1, 8 (Immaculate Conception), 15, 22

Spring 2024

January: 12, 19 (MARCH FOR LIFE) *, 26

February: 2, 9, 16, 23

March: 1, 8, 15, 22

April: 12, 19, 26

May: 3, 10, 17

 *All are encouraged to attend the March for Life as a group with families. Students who choose to participate must have a responsible family chaperone in attendance. A fee will be needed for travel. 

 

Cost for Parishioners

$100 for first child or $160 for a family. Registration opens on Friday August 4th.

Cost for Non-Parishioners

$200 for one child or $400 for a family. Registration opens on Monday August 14th.

Payment can be submitted in one of these ways:

1. Online – Follow this link for online payment.

2. Parish Office – You may bring your payment to the Parish Office and deposit it in the drop box.

3. Mail – You may mail it to the Parish: St. Lawrence Church, 110 State Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101. (Checks only, please do not send cash through the post.)

 

Important program changes:

  • Classes will be limited to 20 students. Submit registration early to ensure your spot.
  • There will be no general preschool this year. Preschool is limited to families with a parent who is regularly teaching or assisting. If you wish to enroll your child in the preschool, you must be willing and able to commit to work in the nursery or preschool.
  • Preschool is limited to children (ages 4-5) of regularly teaching parents only.
  • The nursery is available for infants and toddlers during the classes when a parent is actively teaching. 
  • Textbooks will be purchased and loaned to students for their use while in the program.
  • Parents must review academic handbook with their children and initial each section by the parent meeting on Sunday August 27.

The presence of at least one parent or guardian is required for a parent meeting on Sunday, August 27, at 10:15am in the Parish Center at 112 State Street in the Aula Magna (3rd Floor).

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ST. LAWRENCE CHURCH

FRIDAY ACADEMIC PROGRAM 2023-2024

REGISTRATION FORM

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Family Information

Father/Guardian Name *Primary Contact
Father/Guardian Phone Number *
Primary Email *
Mother/Guardian Name Secondary Contact
Mother/Guardian Phone Number
Secondary Email
Home Address
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Student Information

Please enter the name and age of each child to be enrolled in the program. If you have more than six (6) children to enroll, please make it known by sending an email to fridayeducation@stlawrence.cc.

First Student's Name
1. Age
1. Grade
First Student Taking Sacramental Preparation Class?
Yes
No
Second Student's Name
2. Age
2. Grade
Second Student Taking Sacramental Preparation Class?
Yes
No
Third Student's Name
3. Age
3. Grade
Third Student Taking Sacramental Preparation Class?
Yes
No
Fourth Student's Name
4. Age
4. Grade
Fourth Student Taking Sacramental Preparation Class?
Yes
No
Fifth Student's Name
5. Age
5. Grade
Fifth Student Taking Sacramental Preparation Class?
Yes
No
Sixth Student's Name
6. Age
6. Grade
Sixth Student Taking Sacramental Preparation Class?
Yes
No
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Student Information (continued)

Do any of your children have special medical concerns?*
No
Yes
If yes, please indicate those concerns below.
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Parent Assistance Information

One parent/guardian is required to assist with the program according to their capacity. There are several ways to fulfill the “volunteer” requirement of participation in the program.  Please review and specify which positions best match your talents and capabilities for 2023-24. Descriptions for the positions are found here. We will do our best to accommodate the needs of your family. 

Please indicate the position(s) for which you would like to assist. *Formal assignments will be finalized following the parent meeting on Sunday August 27.
Carpool shuttle driver
Late Elementary Teacher or Assistant
Late Elementary Physical Education Teacher or Assistant
Early Elementary Teacher or Assistant
Early Elementary Physical Education Teacher or Assistant
Nursery Attendant
Preschool Coordinator, teacher, or attendant
Door Monitor
Attendance Record and Dismissal Coordinator
Carpool Coordinator
Church Seating Coordinator
Cleaning Team Coordinator
Clearance Coordinator
Communications Coordinator
End of Year Celebration Coordinator
Field Trip Coordinator
Floater/Bathroom Break Aide(s)
Graders
Major Clean-up/Prep Days Coordinator
Major Clean-up/Prep Days Volunteer(s)
March for Life Coordinator
Name Tag Volunteer
Nursery Coordinator
Preschool Coordinator
Service Coordinator
Substitute Coordinator
Sung Mass Volunteer(s)
Supplies Coordinator
 Terce Seaters
Terce Book Reset Volunteer
Terce Book Distributor
Textbook Coordinator
Volunteer Coordinator
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Parent Assistance Information (continued)

In order to assist, each person must have the proper youth protection clearances as required by the Diocese of Harrisburg. This consists of an online training, a disclosure statement, and necessary background checks. If you have not completed this process in the Diocese of Harrisburg, please begin as soon as possible.

Please select from the following:*
I have completed the requirements of the diocesan Youth Protection Program
I am in the process of completing the diocesan Youth Protection Program
I have not yet begun the process for the diocesan Youth Protection Program
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Payment for Tuition

Cost for Parishioners

$100 for first child or $160 for a family.

 

Cost for Non-Parishioners

$200 for one child/$400 for a family.

 

Payment can be submitted in these ways:

1. Online – Follow this link for online payment.

2. Parish Office – You may bring your payment to the Parish Office and deposit it in the drop box.

3. Mail – You may mail it to the Parish: St. Lawrence Church, 110 State Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.

(checks only, do not mail cash)

Are you and your family registered parishioners at St. Lawrence Church?*
Yes, we are parishioners
No, we are not parishioners
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Policy Agreement

General Policies and Procedures

  • Children are encouraged to arrive for the 7:10 am Mass and sit in their assigned place in St. Lawrence. (Assignments will be given on their first day of class.)
  • The day officially begins at 8:00 am. All children must have arrived and be in their assigned seating in St. Lawrence for Terce. Attendance will be taken.
  • After Terce, and accompanied by designated teaching assistants, children will proceed through the courtyard on St. Joseph’s side to their assigned homeroom for a quick breakfast that they bring from home.
  • Parents and younger siblings may gather in the social hall for the duration of classes.
  • Class begins promptly at 8:30 am.
  • Dismissal will take place at 12:30 pm. Students must check out and exit through the side alley at Buttonwood Street.
  • Students assigned to clean must work diligently and exit by 12:45 pm.
  • The Emergency Number for parents to reach their children during class is 717-889-4217.
  • If dropping off a child after the school day begins, do so at the front door of the parish center.

Academic Policy

  • It is imperative that students take seriously their obligation to complete all assignments for each class. Assignments will be given every week either in class or via email.
  • Teachers should be notified in advance if a student will be absent. If your child is absent from class for any reason, please send a written note explaining the reason for the absence when he returns.
  • If your child/children have more than 3 unexcused absences or fails to make efforts to complete the required work, they will be removed from the program at the teacher’s discretion. This must be done to ensure that those students who are dedicated are not held back in their studies.
  • Please be punctual.

Discipline Policy

 

Saint Lawrence Program is an extension of the Catholic education that your children are receiving at home and the careful exercise of virtuous behavior is an expectation of all participants. If a student is in violation of these expectations the following procedure will be followed:

  1. Teacher or assistant will speak with student. A note will be sent home with an explanation of the behavior. The paper should be signed by the parent and returned. It is assumed that the parent will discuss the incident with the student to avoid repetition of the behavior.
  2. 2nd violation—teacher, assistant, or administrator will directly address parent by phone or in person, not by email or text.
  3. 3nd violation—meeting with teacher/assistant, parent, administrator (Father Smith or his representative) to identify concern and propose an action plan for the child.
  4. A violation of the resolution results in suspension from attending class for the following week.
  5. Students with repeated disciplinary actions will forfeit continued participation and be expelled.

Note: Serious violations may accelerate the disciplinary process of removal from the program.

 

Church Etiquette

  • Holy silence should always be maintained in the church.
  • After Terce, students should remain kneeling in their pew until directed to exit in an orderly fashion by their teacher.
  • If a student arrives after Terce, he or she should take a seat in a back pew until the Office has ended.

Dress Code

 

Clothing should be neat and modest. 

All Females: Standard uniform will be appropriate skirts and dresses that should be below the knee, no tight fitted clothing, or low necklines.

All Males: Standard uniform will be slacks (no jeans), polo or button-down shirts with collars and dress shoes.  Shirts should be tucked in, and belts worn. 

Gym: Tennis shoes, T-shirt, shorts, or loose-fitting sweatpants, (Skirt with leggings are also appropriate for girls.) Sweatpants and sweatshirt as needed. No tight fitting or sleeveless attire.

 

Student Rules of Conduct

  • Students must be in the church, class, the social hall where a volunteer supervisor is always present, or with a parent who is actively supervising the student.

  • Students will be expected to always show proper respect for adult authority. Instructors and staff should be addressed with Father, Dr., Mr., Mrs., or Miss along with the last name.

  • Students should not bring any items which may pose a distraction to the Catholic, nurturing, educational environment that is being provided.
  • Students are not to bring electronic equipment (iPods, laptops, cell phones, game boys, etc.).  Electronic devices should be left in the car or with a parent during class/choir hours.
  • Students are not to bring weapons including pocket knives, air-soft, paintball or other guns, etc.
  • Each person is responsible for cleaning up after himself in the classrooms and after snack.

Maintenance Policy

 

Students need to show thoughtfulness and respect toward St. Lawrence parish by always taking care of the facilities. All families participate in a rotating schedule for maintenance of our facility including classrooms, library, social hall, and bathrooms. Students are paired with their peers to complete tasks in a timely fashion at the end of each class day. A semester schedule will be emailed.

 

Parking Policy

 

Payment is necessary for parking on the street after 8:00 am. It is helpful to use the ParkMobile app found here. Please include this expense in your planning for the year. Additionally, organized carpooling has proven effective in cutting down costs. Please email Mrs. Dawn Forbeck at fridayeducation@stlawrence.cc if you are interested in more information or wish to participate.

 

Safe Environment Policy

 

No child is to leave the facility without supervision.

It is necessary for all volunteers to complete the Diocesan Safe Environment Program which includes criminal records check and an online training program. To  find these requirements, please follow this link.

 

Parental Supervision Policy

 

You, as the parent of your child(ren) are responsible for their actions at all times, whether you are present while your child is in class or not. Students must always be supervised by safe environment certified adults. 

Our priests are not available to supervise at any time.

 

Illness Policy

 

The 'Golden Rule' applies here as much as anywhere else—if you would not want your child exposed to any of the symptoms that they have, others would not want their child exposed, either. Thank you for keeping your sick child home and keeping our priests and families as healthy as is possible.

 

Weather Policy

 

We will follow Central Dauphin County School District for closings and delays. If CD is following the flexible instruction or snow day schedule, we will not have class. If there is a delay, we will follow the delayed schedule. Students will gather in the chapel and be directed to class from there. If it is dangerous to drive in your area, please do not risk it!


Please check the website before traveling to St. Lawrence:  https://www.cdschools.org/Page/25691

 
Accept Terms *

I have read and agree to the above policies, rules of conduct, and dress code.

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