Academic Policies & Procedures

Parent-Teacher Communications and Conferences
We encourage open, direct communication between parents and teachers. Regular parent-teacher conferences are held in November after the first grading period. Dates will be posted on the website and in the school newsletter.

At any time, however, parents and teachers are welcome to arrange a conference to discuss a student’s progress or any other matter that may arise. To schedule a confidential meeting, simply call the school office. We encourage questions and concerns be discussed with the teacher prior to scheduling a meeting with the Principal or Vice Principal.

Testing, Report Cards and Interim Reports
Examinations include teacher-developed tests, quizzes from school textbooks, readiness tests and standardized tests (including high school placement tests for 8th grade students). Diocesan standardized testing – each Fall – is provided to students in 3rd through 7th grades. Results are shared with parents in December.

Our grade scale is defined by the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Joliet. Honor roll status may be achieved only in grades seven and eight. The A-B-C system is used for grades 3 through 8. Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd uses a separate alpha-abbreviated system: Exceeds expectations, Meets expectations, and Needs Improvement.

Progress reports are issued midway through a grading period. Report cards are issued quarterly. Parents are asked to sign and return to school both the progress reports and the report card envelope (except in the fourth quarter).

Promotion and Retention
Generally, students who complete a grade-year’s work to the extent of their ability will be promoted to the next grade. To retain a child at the same grade level for another year, the teacher must demonstrate 1) retention is warranted, and; 2) retention will benefit the child. When it is likely or certain a student will not be promoted, parents will be notified and a written record kept on file.

Student Support Services
Parents may be asked to obtain private tutoring for a child who is having difficulty keeping up with class work. (Tutoring is not the responsibility of a teacher.) St. Isaac Jogues has on staff a professional resource teacher, speech pathologist and a social worker. We do not, however, provide comprehensive special education services. Instead, parents may request these services from the public school district through our Resource Director. For more information on our student support services, visit the Student Support Services page.