FOR PARENTS

The John Paul II School of Polish Language (Polish School) has been active for over 40 years. Its existence can be attributed to people who have a strong desire for their children to stay in touch with their rich Polish heritage. The students of the Polish School learn the language, literature, geography, and history of Poland. Also included within the curriculum are traditional Polish folk dances. Catechism lessons are also provided. Based on demand, our school is offering preschool education, and adult classes for those who desire to learn Polish.
We would like to inform all who might be interested that after Polish School classes, the Polish Scouting Organization is holding its activities. The Polish Scouting Organization is independent of the Polish School; however, both entities work closely together. Children who enroll within the Polish Scouts are expected to follow the rules and regulations of this organization. The Polish School and the Polish Scouting Organization is providing recreational trips, weekend and summer camps, and other activities that provide our children with unforgettable memories.
The Polish School is represented by its Management, Parent Teacher Association, and Board of Directors. The school cannot function effectively without the close cooperation of parents. It is indispensable that parents stay in contact with the management and board of directors, participate actively in school meetings, and engaged in the overall activities of the Polish School.

Polish School Activities

The Polish School is in session approximately twenty one Saturdays within the school year, between the hours of 9:45 am and 2:30pm. The Polish Scouting Organization meets from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

Saturday sessions start with a 10-minute informational meeting, and a short prayer. All parents are encouraged to participate, since there are occasions in which the Polish School might announce a minimum day. Parents or guardians of the children are required to sign the attendance list, both in the morning and afternoon, when the children are picked up. We ask the parents to promptly pick up their children once the school day is over. The Polish School reserves the right to charge parents a late pick-up fee of five dollars per child for every fifteen minutes of delay after 2:30 pm. As in previous years, parents are expected to provide lunches for their own children.

Enrollment and Tuition

In order to enroll a child for the next school year, parents need to fill out an enrollment form, have all past Polish School fees paid off, and pay the tuition for the current year. The 2010/2011 school year tuition is as follows: first child- $395, second child- $295, and third child- $210, any additional children – free of charge; adult tuition- $410; catechism lessons only- $160. Children who will not reach the age of six by the end of 2010 will be enrolled in the preschool, regardless of past Polish School attendance.

As in the previous year, we offer high school level class for our graduates given there are five or more students interested to attend it.
The Polish School reserves the right to refuse admitting students whose fees have not been paid on time.

Our school offers Polish language exam for our graduates. This exam gives our students opportunity to earn additional credits helpful in admittance to high school and some universities. Graduates have to meet certain criteria before they are allowed to take this exam: 75% attendance record and grade of 85% or more in polish language classes in sixth, seventh and eight grades. Qualifying children will be prepared for the exam during our regular Polish language classes.

In the event of unfortunate circumstances, such as unemployment or other family-related tragedies, the school may consider a reduction or waiver of the required tuition. A request for a reduction or waiver of tuition must be submitted in writing with proof of the qualifying circumstances.

School Duty

Parents are required to have a school duty (two parents per each Saturday). Parents who have only one child enrolled in the school are obligated to perform this duty once a year. Those who have two or more children are expected to perform this duty twice a year. These assignments consist of the following:

• Arrive at school at 9:30 am
• Ring the bell according to the schedule of classes and recesses
• Purchase juices, milk, fruits, and vegetables for children’s snacks (no candies, popcorn, or chips)
• Ensure the children’s safety and monitor their behavior during breaks
• Clean the classrooms and school grounds at the end of the school day

Parents who do no fulfill this obligation will be charged a fee of $150 per required school duty. The fee will be used to reimburse the cost of hired replacement help in case the parents do not fulfill the required obligations.

• School Duty
• Contribution in School Duty

Charity Work

The Polish School is a non-profit organization supported solely by tuition fees, donations, and fundraising events.

Tuition fees alone are insufficient to cover the school’s many expenses. In order to supplement the budget, the board of directors is organizing fundraising events during the school year (ie: the Barbórka Ball, Children’s plays and performances). All these events require assistance from parents. Help is also necessary to assist during cultural events such as: The May 3rd Polish Constitution Anniversary, during field trips, and school dances. Therefore, parents are expected to donate ten hours of their time in support of the activities listed above. If the parents do not meet this requirement, a $100 fee can be assessed. During the enrollment process, parents must declare what kind of charity work they are willing to provide. Charity work for the benefit of the Polish School may encompass:

• Help in organizing the Barbórka Ball
• Help in organizing school dances
• Help in organizing the Polish Poetry Recitation Competition
• Purchase of prizes for children
• Help in organizing the End of the School Year Celebration
• Help in organizing and conducting recreational trips, camps, and various children’s activities
• Help in maintaining the school chronicle

Donations

Donations for the benefit of the Polish School are tax deductible (Inc. No 562505). Donations can be mailed directly to the school’s treasurer:
Barbara Szlachta
3400 Wyman Street
Oakland, CA 94619
Checks shall be payable to the Polish-American Educational Committee of San Francisco, Inc., or PAEC.

Formularze

• Application to Polish school
• Release Form
• Guidelines for students
• Child's Personal Data
• Application to Scouts
• eScrip
• Photo Release Form