Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some questions that parents frequently ask. Questions not addressed here may be answered in the school handbook or elsewhere on this website.  Also, you are welcome to call the school office with any questions: 402-371-2784 (high school) or 402-371-4584 (elementary school).

WHAT ARE THE SCHOOL HOURS?
Elementary School:
Please do not arrive before 7:30 AM

Morning Pre-School: 8:00-11:00 AM
Afternoon Pre-School: 12:00-3:00 PM

Grades K-6 runs from 8:05 AM until 3:05 PM. Students are considered tardy if they are not in their classrooms by 8:05 AM

High School:
8:15 AM until 3:16 PM

DO STUDENTS ATTEND MASS?

Yes, students attend Mass once each week, on Wednesday. Our Pre-School -6th grade students worship at 8:20 AM; our 7-12 grade students attend at 9:35 AM.

HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE THE CATHOLIC FAITH IN YOUR SCHOOL?
Along with weekly Mass, religion class is part of our daily curriculum.  Prayer is woven throughout the day.  Classrooms begin and end their day in prayer and always pray before meals.  Discussions and celebrations of the liturgical seasons and lives of the saints are incorporated throughout the year.  Opportunities for reconciliation are provided during Advent and Lent for all students who have received that sacrament.  Preparation and instruction is provided in second grade for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.

HOW MUCH IS TUITION?
Tuition rates for the 2011-2012 school year are as follows:
Pre-School:  $1,530 per year ($170 per month; $42.50 per week)
K-5th Grade:  $2,400 per year ($266 per month; $66 per week)
6th-8th Grade:  $2,700 per year ($300 per month; $75 per week)
9th-12th Grade: $3,050 per year ($338 per month; $84 per week)

Family Cap is $7,900

As the school is a parish ministry, it is financed through a combination of parish subsidy, tuition, and donations. The cost to educate a student at Norfolk Catholic is approximately $4,800; tuition payments defray a portion of the cost, but the parish must make up the rest.

Families of students are encouraged to contribute to the parish through regular Sunday contributions. To help make it possible for families to have their children attend Norfolk Catholic School, financial aid is available for parish families.

IS A HOT LUNCH PROGRAM AVAILABLE?
Lunch (with milk) is served daily at a minimum charge.  Milk is also available to students who bring their own lunch.

Families may check their family lunch balance and see what their children are eating by visiting our Sycamore school webpage.

IS THERE A DRESS CODE?
A uniform code of dress is required for all grade levels. Our Catholic school uniform shows dignity to the process of education and is a visual sign of our school community. Our dress reflects our belief of basic equality in the eyes of God, and shows respect for authority and order. Norfolk Catholic students should wear their uniform in a manner which reflects pride in themselves and in our school.

IS BEFORE- AND AFTER-SCHOOL CARE AVAILABLE?
There is no before-school program available; however, we do provide after-school care for students in grades K-6. Hours are 3:05-6:00 PM. The after school program also is available on early dismissal days from the time of dismissal until 6:00 PM. Contact the school office for more information and pricing.

WHAT ABOUT SCHOOL CLOSINGS?
In the unlikely event that school is closed due to bad weather, please check Norfolk’s local radio stations or the school’s websites.

IS THERE A PARENT ASSOCIATION?
The Home and School Association is an active group of parents who support Norfolk Catholic Elementary School. Home and School is an organization that, through the combined efforts of our entire staff and our parents, strives to create a spiritual and learning environment where our students at Norfolk Catholic Elementary can succeed.

Academic Excellence is a group of parents dedicated to supporting academic clubs and activities at Norfolk Catholic High School.

There are also very active Music Boosters and Athletic Boosters organizations at our school. For a full listing of these support groups, please refer to the section on the web site entitled "Support Our School".

HOW DO I LOG-IN TO SYCAMORE?
Our School ID is 1119. You should have a unique username and password. Contact the school office if you have misplaced this information. Pick up your username and password information from the school office. 

There is a link to Sycamore on this website. You may also log on to Sycamore by visiting www.sycamoreeducation.com.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL CLASS SIZE?
Generally, classes at Norfolk Catholic range from 16 to 25 students. We like to keep classroom in grades K-2 to 25 students or less and grade 3-6 classrooms to less than 30.

Pre-School classes are limited to 24 in each section. An aide is employed in both sections of Pre-School, ensuring a teacher-to-student ratio of no more than 1 to 12.

WHAT IS THE SCHOOL'S CURRICULUM?
The Curriculum is a standards-based curriculum of the Archdiocese of Omaha. The curriculum in each area is written and revised each summer by Archdiocese of Omaha teachers. Many Norfolk Catholic teachers have spent time helping to write and revise our curriculum.

Curriculum guides offer clear expectations for education in the following subject areas: Religion, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Math, World Languages, and Technology.

Teachers use the curriculum as the basis for planning their lessons for the year. Use of the curriculum will assist students in attaining the standards for which they are accountable.

All graduates of Norfolk Catholic and all schools in the Archdiocese of Omaha will demonstrate:

  • Religious knowledge, virtues, morals, and practices;
  • Knowledge of core disciplines and fine arts; 
  • Higher-order thinking skills;
  • Effective communication skills;
  • Effective social interaction skills;
  • Independent learning skills;
  • Life-long learning with the ability to access and utilize resources;
  • Knowledge of practices essential to:
  • Sound health and stable families
  • Responsible stewardship
  • Mature, responsible, and sensible use of technology; and
  • Effective citizenship.

MY CHILD IS CURRENTLY IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.  CAN I TRANSFER HIM/HER TO A CATHOLIC SCHOOL?
We're eager to welcome your child at any time, any grade. It is never too late to begin a Catholic education.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF CATHOLIC SCHOOL PARENTS?
Parents are the child's first and best teachers. Therefore, parents are expected to reinforce and exemplify the Catholic values reinforced at school: faith, respect and responsibility. Parents are expected to:

  • Practice their Catholic faith by attending Mass weekly.
  • Share their time, talent and treasures with the parish and school community.
  • Display respect for themselves and for others.

Participate in their child's education by partnering with teachers and school administrators to ensure their child is completing homework and following school rules


 

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