FAQS

When do classes begin and end? 
Our classes begin at 8:00 each day and end at 3:05 p.m. every day except Wednesday. 
Wednesday is an early out day, with classes completed at 1:10 p.m.

Where do I drop off and pick up? 
Drop-off is in front of the gym. Please do not drop off or pick up in front of the school.

Do you have a bus service? 
We have a bus service that runs to the west side in the morning and afternoon. The city Sun Tran bus also picks up a route at the corner of Camino Seco and 22nd street. Check the Sun Tran bus schedule for more information.

How and when do we sign up for the buses?
Emails are sent  inviting parents to sign up to use the bus service. If for whatever reason you didn’t sign up with that email, please call the school office (520-751-8300). 

What is the typical academic path a student will follow as well as with honors classes?
Please refer to the St. Augustine Course Catalog for an explanation of different course tracks.

When is the best time to contact a teacher on academic issues?
Anytime a parent or student has a question about assignments they should email the teacher. Emails are responded to within one business day.

Is there any way to track if students submit something through Google Classroom so both teachers and students can confirm when online submissions took place? 
Yes, all assignments using Google Classroom are time stamped and have a revision history. The revision history would include when it was assigned, turned in and returned. Please note, not all assignments are turned in electronically. Please reach out to the teacher to confirm submission of physical copies of assignments.

Are grades updated automatically or will it take a day or two to post?
Per school policy, teachers have one week to grade and update assignments into RenWeb.

How do honors, AP and DE  classes work with weighting?
Advanced Placement  and Dual Enrollment Courses are weighted +.5 (an A=4.5) and Honors Courses are weighted +.25 (A=4.25). All other courses are un-weighted (A=4.0). 

Are AP classes the same as honor classes?
No. Advanced Placement (AP) classes are more rigorous than an honors class, and can count for college credit depending in the grade received on the AP Test (taken in May) and the college the student is entering,

At what point are students allowed to take classes for college credit?
Generally, students may begin taking Advanced Placement classes beginning in their sophomore year. Dual Enrollment classes are offered to all students who qualify beginning their junior year.

Do you have a specific student uniform? 
Students do wear a uniform. Please check our Parent/Student Handbook for the full uniform policy. St. A's uses Screen Craze for uniforms. 

Do students get electronic devices at the school? 
Students are assigned an electronic device to use for the school year. They must bring their fully-charged devices to class daily. Devices, chargers and cases must be returned in good repair at the end of the school year.

How do we get textbooks for our child? 
Most textbooks are loaded onto the student devices and are included in the annual technology fee. Some classes use hard-copy textbooks. Those are provided to the student and must be returned at the end of the year. 

Can my child bring a device from home?
No home devices are allowed on campus.

What about cell phones? 
Although students may bring cell phones to school, they must remain in their backpacks during the school day. 

How are communication and grades handled? 
Each student will be assigned a Gmail account during the first day of school. We use Renweb to post grades and the students will set up an account, as well as the parents. Always reach out to teachers if you have any questions or concerns throughout the year.

 

What are the policies for early release or appointments such as dental? 
Parents should call the office (520-751-8300) for the absence to be considered excused. Students are encouraged to email their teachers to see what they will miss but parents must call in order for the absence to be marked as excused.

In Renweb’s attendance records, why are all absences listed as A and not AE or AU?
If a student is not present for a class, they are marked A (Absent). St. Augustine does not use  AU (Absent Unexcused) or AE (Absent Excused) codes in Renweb. However, it is still important for parents to communicate absences with the school and submit doctor’s notes, as this information is taken into consideration at the end of the semester.

In Renweb’s attendance records, what is the difference between TE and TU?

If a student arrives late to class but misses no more than half of the class, they will be marked TU (Tardy Unexcused). If the student misses more than half of the class, they will be marked A (Absent).  A student may be marked TE (Tardy Excused) if they are late, but provide a note from an administrator.

What is the policy for missing class that day? And if there is a quiz/test, etc…
If absent, the teacher will allow the student to make up the quiz in a subsequent class period.

How do students pay for their lunches?
Lunches are to be ordered through RenWeb regardless of lunch status (Reduced or Full Pay). Funds can be added to your Hot Lunch Prepay Account at any time. You do not have to pay for the lunches when you order.

How much advance notice does my child need to notify their teacher in order to schedule tutoring?
Students should notify their teachers immediately when they feel they need tutoring. Teachers are available every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 3:05 - 3:30 pm for tutoring. Students can always visit their teachers for tutoring during this time without prior notice. 

Is there a cost to tutoring?
There is no charge for tutoring.

Do all teachers offer tutoring?
Yes, it is school policy that all teachers offer tutoring.

Is there communication with parents when your child doesn’t recognize that tutoring or extra support is needed?
Yes. teachers will include parents on emails missing work and failing grades.

What is the process or timeline with working with college/career counselor and how does that process work - what grade do they start? Do the kids have to seek her out? 
 

The college and career counseling program at St. A’s spans all four years.  Click here for the College and Career counseling webpage. 

During freshman year, students are guided in looking at graduation requirements and planning their four years to meet them.  We also work with student interests to begin learning about potential careers.  

As sophomores, discussion focuses on the benefits of postsecondary education, as well as how students’ personal interests and academic strengths impact their options for continuing their education.  We continue to explore career options with these things in mind.  

The focus of junior year is on laying the groundwork for making decisions about postsecondary plans.  We discuss the role of admissions tests, begin to work on personal essays, and create a college list.  

Finally, senior year is devoted to completing college applications, financial aid (FAFSA and scholarships), and making decisions about next steps in the students’ education process.

Students interact with the college counselor all four years in class lessons and small group activities.  Underclassmen are encouraged to schedule individual meetings with the counselor to ask questions about the college-going process and discuss their postsecondary options.  Juniors and seniors are required to attend some individual meetings for guidance and support in the tasks leading to postsecondary education, and to share updates on their progress through the process.