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What is the reason a tunic length shirt is required when wearing leggings?

This policy was developed as leggings became more and more popular/accepted in the last few years as everyday wear. In keeping with our Catholic mission to form the whole child, our dress code reflects values of modesty, dignity, and respect. Leggings are not permitted as stand-alone school attire, as they are considered athletic wear and are typically form-fitting. This guideline supports a focused learning environment and helps students develop appropriate habits. It applies to staff, students, girls and boys alike. On spirit days this policy is usually spelled out again to ensure consistency and reduces ambiguity in enforcement.

A blanket rule like “no leggings” is also easier to enforce fairly than trying to define acceptable tightness, thickness, or length or brand. As one would not wear tights out in public without a longer shirt or tunic (even…

What do non-Catholic students that attend St. Patrick do during sacramental preparation if they are not receiving the sacrament?

Students who are not Catholic participate in all the same daily lessons, formation, and preparation as their peers who are preparing for the Sacraments (First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in 2nd grade, and Confirmation in 8th grade).

While they study the material alongside their classmates, they are, of course, never required or expected to receive the actual Sacrament. When the class visits the church to practice and familiarize themselves with the service, non-Catholic students join them so they remain part of the group. In eighth grade, the students also complete the assigned essays and projects, approaching the topics from their own faith background or perspective.

After Care Specialist

(Part Time)

Description:

Saint Patrick School (Parnell) is currently accepting applications for an After Care Specialist.

The hours of the After Care program are M-Fri during days students are in school, M-Fri, from 3:15pm to 5:30pm. Job share is also an option.

Required Qualifications:

After Care Specialist

(Part Time)

Description:

Saint Patrick School (Parnell) is currently accepting applications for an After Care Specialist.

The hours of the After Care program are M-Fri during days students are in school, M-Fri, from 3:15pm to 5:30pm. Job share is also an option.

Required Qualifications:

As parents, we often find ourselves trying to provide guidance to our children in a difficult culture, filled with societal pressures and conflicting values. Regardless of the current culture and pressures, there is one historically effective parent tool that stands out and it’s the power of saying "no" and meaning it.

I was fortunate to grow up under the guidance of my mother, a dedicated middle school teacher,  who enforced this principle with incredible strength and discipline. She recognized the importance of setting clear expectations for her three children, particularly during our adolescent years after going through her divorce and having to establish the rule of law on her own. She made it clear that family, education and help in the house were non-negotiables. Although I did not like it at the time, she established herself as the unquestioned authority and always meant long-term good with her decisions.

In recent…

St. Patrick School is a private, non-profit, religious organization and does not receive any government or public funding. Instead, we depend on funding from tuition, a parish subsidy, fundraising, and donations. 

To keep tuition affordable and assist those experiencing financial hardship, we have a service requirement that is intended to support community building and fundraising efforts. During the summer, families are asked to make two service commitments for the upcoming year. We provide diverse options for this commitment to accommodate our families’ various schedules and talents. Those who prefer not to complete a service commitment can choose to pay a fee and waive the requirement. 

Beyond the mandatory service requirements, there may be other opportunities to volunteer throughout the year. Volunteering is not mandatory but is certainly encouraged.

Both St. Patrick School and the Diocese of Grand Rapids offer financial aid to eligible families. Parents must complete a financial aid application annually to be considered for financial assistance.

If your family experiences a change in circumstances during the school year, please speak to our principal, Scott Czarnopys. Part of our mission at St. Patrick School is to make Catholic education available and affordable for families in our community.

The parish finance council works closely with our pastor, Fr. Tom Cavera, to ensure that the parish and school remain financially healthy. Their responsibilities include the following:

• Approving annual budgets

• Reviewing special expenditure requests

• Overseeing capital improvements

• Setting annual tuition rates

• Allocating funds for financial aid