Private Transportation 

Using a staggered drop-off system, families will choose a time frame within which to drop their children at school. It is imperative that families drop their children off within the designated arrival window. Cars in the private arrival / dismissal lines should display family name in the windshield all year.  All arrivals should be complete by 8:05 a.m.

As always, cars are to use the proper entrance and exit on the Church Road side of the property and follow the traffic pattern during arrival and dismissal periods for the safety of our students. 

At designated arrival window: 

SSM + any siblings – drop off at CHILD SAFE ZONE 
PS + K + any siblings in 1-8 – drop off at PRESCHOOL RAMP 
1-4 only – drop off at CHILD SAFE ZONE 
1-4 and 5-8 – drop off at CHILD SAFE ZONE 
5-8 only – drop off at LINK  

If a student is attending Early Morning Care (7:15-7:40 a.m.), Montessori Unit parents should park outside the Sacred Heart Center and walk their child to the door to connect with staff on duty.  Parents of 1-8 students should stop in car line fashion outside of the Student Dining Room doors and watch their child enter the building. 

Bus Transportation 

Bus Transportation for children attending non-public schools is provided under PA Act #372. We ask parents to familiarize themselves with the transportation policies of their school district. Arrangements for bus transportation can be made through the school office. Students using bus transportation should be at the stop five minutes before the arrival of the bus and are expected to obey all bus safety rules. Under no circumstances may a student ride a bus other than the one assigned by their home school district. 

Families’ assigned arrival windows begin at 7:15 a.m. and end at 8:05 a.m. The instructional day is from 8:10 a.m. to 2:50 p.m., and assigned dismissal windows are between 2:50 and 3:25 p.m. Half-day Preschool children and half-day Stepping Stones into Montessori children dismiss at 12:30 p.m.  

Late Arrivals 

Students who arrive at school after 8:05 a.m. are to be dropped off outside the McCoy Center lobby. We ask that parents of late arrivals bring their child to the front door and report their arrival to the receptionist.  These students will be marked late unless they arrive by bus.  

Attendance 
 
Attendance, including repeated late arrivals and early dismissals, can affect many important facets of a child’s experience in school, including achievement and social relationships, and can even be a factor in high school admissions.  Please communicate with your child's teacher and level director. 

To report a child late, parents are to call the front desk before 8:00 a.m. and indicate the reason and time of the late arrival.  

If a student needs to leave school early, a note stating the reason is to be sent in advance to the front desk. Students who leave school early will be picked up and signed out at the McCoy Center lobby. Parents may not pick up students from the classroom.  

To report a child absent, parents are to complete the absentee web form on the Families page of the website before 8:00 a.m. and indicate the reason for the absence. The absence is considered unexcused until this form is completed. After 10 cumulative absences or 3 unexcused absences, a child is considered truant and will necessitate a school attendance improvement conference with administration and parents.  Expect communication from the homeroom teacher and/or Level Director if your child is struggling with attendance.

Notice for an absence due to a family trip is to be presented in writing to the Level Director two weeks in advance. It is strongly recommended that such trips coincide with student holidays and do not conflict with cumulative and standardized testing days. Upon returning, the student is responsible to make up missed assignments. 

Parking 

There are 8 Temporary/Short-Term Parking spaces available along the front of the McCoy Center for visitors to the Academy and parents who have quick needs such as dropping off medication/forms, picking up students for early dismissal, etc. between 8:05 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.

Lunch & Snack - Montessori 

In SSM and Preschool, lunch and snack will be delivered to and eaten in the students’ classrooms. We ask parents, with their children, to make their meal selections using the online order form in advance to assist our dining staff with planning, preparing, and delivering meals. Meal selection forms will be posted on the Parent Portal. 

Lunch & Snack - Grades K-8 

Students in grades K-8 will receive daily snack and select and eat lunch in the Student Dining Room. 

Only students with a Food Action Plan coordinated by the Health Office may bring lunch to school.

Recess 

Daily recess is outside, weather-permitting, and students should be prepared with coats, etc. Students are not permitted to bring toys, games, athletic equipment, or activities to school for recess.  Appropriate equipment will be provided. 

Resource Learning 

Grounded in a respect for all individuals as learners, the Academy’s Resource Learning Center serves students with diagnosed mild learning differences and partners with teachers to provide differentiated instruction for all learners in the classroom to facilitate student success. 

Library 

Students have a scheduled library period, and at designated times, they may work on research, class assignments, or personal interest projects. Library resources can be accessed at any time via Follett Destiny and Canvas.

School Supplies 

A school supply list is available to parents prior to the start of school.  Many supplies are provided by the school and will be on student desks on the first day of school.  Miscellaneous supplies can be purchased at the school store or any store of your choosing.  Ancillae specific items (pencil case, school bag, iPad soft case etc.) are available for purchase in the school store. Families will make school store purchases through the online order form and FACTS. Please consult the Families page of the website for a list of available items and the order form. Purchases will be charged to the family’s FACTS account and delivered to the student’s classroom.  

Academy Media Policy 

During the school year, the Academy takes photos, video and voice recordings of students in classrooms, around the school, or on field trips engaging in various activities, events and programs. We use these images on our websites, on social and digital media, for both educational and publicity purposes. Parents may refuse to have their child/dren’s image used in these ways by notifying the school, in writing, of their desire to do so.  Please see the full Academy Media Policy for further details. 

Private Transportation 

Dismissal will use a staggered pick-up system beginning at 2:50 p.m. Families will choose a time frame within which to pick up their children at school. The last pick-up time begins at 3:10 p.m. It is imperative that families pick up their children within the designated dismissal window. Cars in the private dismissal lines should display family name in the windshield all year. Students not picked up by 3:25 p.m. will be sent to Extended Day and charged through FACTS. 

As always, cars are to use the proper entrance and exit on the Church Road side of the property and follow the traffic pattern during arrival and dismissal periods for the safety of our students. 

• Half-day Preschool students dismiss at the Preschool ramp at 12:30 p.m. 

• Half-day Stepping Stones into Montessori students dismiss from the SSM lobby at 12:30 p.m. 

At designated dismissal windows: 

PS + K + any siblings in 1-8 – pick up at PRESCHOOL RAMP
SSM + any siblings in PS/K – pick up at PRESCHOOL RAMP 
SSM only & SSM + any siblings in 1-8 – pick up at CHILD SAFE ZONE 
Grade 1-8 students only – pick up at CHILD SAFE ZONE 

To facilitate safe dismissal and alleviate traffic congestion, it is imperative to adhere to the pick-up times and not arrive before or after the times stated above. Children must be picked up on school property. When possible, please avoid neighboring streets to access the major thoroughfares.   

Bus Transportation 

Students returning home via bus will be called directly from classrooms to board their buses.  
 
Transportation Changes 

Parents must notify the Front Desk of any changes to the students’ regular transportation means by 1:30 p.m. in order to reach the child before dismissal begins. Please maintain your pick-up location even when a sibling may be absent.

Afternoon Extended Day 

Any family needing afternoon childcare between 3:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. must register for their children’s full-time participation. Extended Day accommodates drop-in students with a per diem rate of $25 per child billed through FACTS. Parents should communicate with the Front Desk by 1:30 p.m. if a student needs Extended Day.  Late pick-up will incur an additional fee.

School Information 
 
The primary means of communicating all school information is electronic. Parents are expected to provide email addresses for all households.  An email containing important information and links will be sent each Thursday to families who have updated email addresses on file with the school. Students who have an assigned email address are expected to check their accounts regularly. Messages requiring immediate attention are posted on the Academy’s website. Changes to school policies or routines will be both emailed and posted to the Academy’s website.  

Parent / Teacher Communication 

Calls to the administration or teachers concerning school matters are to be made between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Requests for a return call will be answered at the administrator’s or teacher’s earliest convenience. In-depth discussions of grades or behavior are best conducted at a conference arranged outside class hours at a time mutually convenient to parent and teacher, rather than by telephone. Parents may also contact the staff via school email and Canvas. Parents are asked to refrain from using teachers' personal cell phone numbers to communicate.

Student Phone Use 

Cell phones are not a part of the student’s educational experience.  However, students are permitted to bring cell phones to school with a completed parent permission form. Cell phones must be powered off and remain in the homeroom’s designated area during the school day. During school-sponsored activities and events, students are not permitted to use their cell phones without teacher/coach permission, and parents are expected to honor this restriction.  

Staff are not permitted to make phone calls for students to home during the school day for any reason other than transportation changes and emergencies. Phone calls may not be made for forgotten items. Parents needing to contact their child/ren are expected to do so through the front desk. 

PowerSchool 

PowerSchool is our student information system which informs parents and students of academic progress in Grades 4 to 8. Parents are strongly encouraged to check PowerSchool routinely for test and homework achievement and comments from the teachers concerning student performance. User ID and passwords are issued to parents (Gr. 4-8) and students (Gr. 5-8.) 

Canvas & Seesaw 
 
Canvas is our learning management system which aggregates students’ digital course content. Canvas is used differently at different levels.  In the upper grades, parents may review assignments and receive course announcements through the parent app. Seesaw is an interactive learning portfolio platform used in preschool through the elementary years. User ID and passwords are issued to parents and students.   

Magnus Health 

Magnus Health SMR (Student Medical Record) is a web-based system through which parents submit their child’s health records to the school’s Health Office.  

Weather and Other Emergencies 
 
In the event of any type of emergency, SchoolMessenger will be activated. Do not text back SchoolMessenger notifications, but rather follow the directions detailed in the message. In a weather emergency, information is available at www.ancillae.org. To learn whether school is canceled or if there is a two-hour delay, please use one of these sources rather than calling school. During a weather emergency, our phones must be free in order to contact bus companies. 

Please be advised that if and when a two-hour delay is implemented due to inclement weather, school will not be open until 9:30 a.m. Homeroom begins at 10 a.m. Unfortunately, because bus service may not be available to accommodate AAA’s delay, families are asked to check with their school district to determine whether bus transportation is also on a delayed schedule. In the event AAA has a delayed opening, and either: 1) buses are running at regular times based on a school district’s decision, or 2) a school district is closed and will not be providing bus service, families are responsible for transportation to school. We ask families to honor AAA’s delay. It is important that you arrive no earlier than 9:45 a.m. since we need time to prepare the property for cars, buses and walkers. In addition, we cannot guarantee sufficient supervision prior to 9:30 a.m. since the delay applies to all faculty and staff.  

Bus Transportation Early Dismissal 

During the school day, individual school districts may decide to close early due to weather conditions. When we are notified of an early dismissal by a particular school district, we will follow the family’s designated plan for early dismissal chosen at the beginning of the school year.  Please be sure that your family’s emergency contact information is up-to-date so that we can reach you in the event of an issue. 

Emergency Contact / Parent Travel

Please make sure that Emergency Contacts are up-to-date in your family's Magnus Health account. This is especially important if parents are traveling and their childen are under another person's care. If you are planning to be away while your children are at school, please provide the homeroom teacher and health office with contact information for the person you have designated for your child's care in your absence.

School Events 

Check the AAA webpage for all closings and delays of events taking place on school property. This includes night and weekend events such as Fine Arts Performances, Intramurals, and parent meetings. The website will offer the latest information and will be your best resource for learning event status. 

Honors 
Honors are awarded for scholastic grade-level achievement in Grades 5 to 8. Distinguished Honors is awarded to students who earn a weighted average of 95 and above with no grade lower than 85 in grade-level curriculum. Students can earn Honors with a weighted average between 90 and 94 with no grade lower than 85 in grade-level curriculum. Teacher report card comments reflect effort, participation, attitude, and other behaviors. 
 
Grading Scale 

Progress in Grades 1 to 3 is assessed on a continuum from “approaching level” to “beyond level.” 

Progress in Grades 4 to 8 is assessed with numerical values up to 100. 

E=Exceeds expectations; M=Meets expectations; I=Improvement needed; U=Unsatisfactory 

Independent Work 

Students in Grades 1-8 will receive independent assignments designed to coordinate with and reinforce the learning experiences of the school day. Independent assignments are an extension and reinforcement of skills and activities completed during class periods.  We recommend that students review and study each day’s work to ensure that they have understood the material that has been presented.  Independent work will be checked for completion and understanding/accuracy and may be assigned a grade. Students are responsible for handing in assignments on time, neatly, and completely and for communicating with teachers when an issue arises. Teachers will communicate with parents about independent work issues. Discipline points may be issued for incomplete or missing assignments.  

Communicating Academic Status 
 
Parent-teacher conferences for all students in Stepping Stones into Montessori through Grade 8 are scheduled during the first and second trimesters, presenting the opportunity to discuss the student’s goals and performance.  Parent-teacher conferences may be held remotely. Parents of students in Grades 5 to 8 should routinely review the progress and grades of their child online through the use of PowerSchool. The information provided gives students the opportunity to improve their work, if needed. Any student in Grades 4 to 8 who is failing to meet academic expectations will be subject to intensified supervision. If careful monitoring and evaluation of the student’s progress warrants it, the student may be asked to consider such alternatives as attending summer classes, repeating the grade, or seeking a different school placement. This will be determined after an academic review with the administration, teachers, and parents. 

Tutoring

Although teachers offer additional support to students in their classes without charge, parents may inquire about paid tutoring opportunities with other Ancillae faculty. Arrangements must be processed through the Academy's Business Office and approved by the Level Director.  Tutoring may only occur before 7:30 a.m. and after 3:30 p.m. Please inform your child's current teacher if tutoring is arranged.

Report cards for Grades 1 to 8 will be shared in December, March, and at the end of the school year.  Progress Reports for the Montessori Unit will be shared in December and at the end of the school year.  Parents of students in Grades 4 to 8 should routinely review students’ grades through PowerSchool. 

All parents may meet their child/ren’s teachers and become acquainted with their academic and disciplinary expectations by attending these classroom orientation meetings: 

SSM through Grade 4 - Tuesday, September 16
Grades 5 through 8 - Thursday, September 18

Parent-Teacher Conferences are held by appointment on the following dates and times:  

Thursday, October 16                
Friday, October 17 
Wednesday, February 11 
Thursday, February 12

Citizenship 

Children are expected to act in a manner which demonstrates respect and concern for their teachers, classmates, and all whom they meet. Each student should respect the rights of others and make a sincere effort to follow the directives of the school. Each trimester, a Student R.I.C.E. Award is given to two students from each homeroom in Grades 4 to 8 who demonstrate the values of R.I.C.E. The recipients are selected by the homeroom teacher (who has conferred with subject area teachers). A student must meet behavioral expectations in order to be considered for this award. 

Discipline Points 
 
Students in Grades 5 to 8 will receive discipline points at the teacher’s discretion for failure to observe school regulations related to academic policies, behavioral expectations, and uniform requirements. Any student copying or giving his/her assignments to be copied for any academic class will receive a discipline notice.  In the area of behavior, conduct that infringes on the well-being and rights of others to a safe and productive learning environment, disregard for the truth, inappropriate language, intentional disregard for community property, lateness for class, leaving school property during school hours and events, and other infractions will warrant discipline points. Points may also be issued any time the student is involved in misconduct, whether on school grounds or while representing Ancillae-Assumpta at any school event or school-related activity. Point notices are handed directly to the student who is then responsible to inform his/her parents and return the point to the teacher with his/her parent’s signature. All forms of bullying and harassment are prohibited at Ancillae, whether on campus, on the bus, or at school-related functions and activities. Complaints of bullying or harassment will be handled in accordance with the Anti-Bullying and Anti-Harassment Policies set forth in the policies list on the school website. Behavioral difficulties of students in Preschool to Grade 4 will be handled on an individual basis and parents will be contacted directly. In the event that a child is extremely disruptive, it may be necessary for a parent to take the child home. 
 
Student participation in class trips depends on class behavior and academic standing. 

Detention 

A student who receives an accumulation of four points in one trimester for academic omission, behavioral difficulties, and/or not wearing the full and proper school or gym uniform will have an email sent to parents arranging a detention. If a student accumulates a second set of four points within one report period, it will be necessary for the child and their parent(s) to meet with the administration to determine the student’s future status. Detention will be scheduled during the week from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Parents are responsible for picking up their children after detention at 4:30 p.m. Detention always takes precedence over attendance at after school activities and practices.  

Intensified Supervision 

Students who are in academic or disciplinary difficulty will be subject to intensified teacher and administrative supervision, curtailed co-curricular activities and/or other corrective measures as necessary. The school decides the need and duration for intensified supervision. Afterward, each child’s case will be reviewed to determine whether s/he may regain full school privileges or continue with intensified supervision for an additional period of time. 

Suspension/Expulsion 
 
Suspensions will be served in school. Suspension means that a student will be excluded from classes and any co-curricular activities for a period of one to five school days as determined by the administration.    Students who receive two suspensions in the same school year may be expelled (permanently excluded from the Academy) after attending a review of their school records with parents and administration. Tuition and fees will not be refunded if a student is expelled. 

Substance Abuse 
 
Alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or vaping use or possession are not permitted and will result in immediate consultation with parents, suspension, and possible expulsion. 

Uniforms 
 
The Ancillae uniform visually represents each student's and family's commitment to the cohesion of the school community and the equality of its members. Parental cooperation is expected in seeing that the children wear the complete, required school or gym uniform as described in the uniform guide until the last day of school. The homeroom and physical education teachers will issue notices for missing or incorrect parts of the school or gym uniform which may result in a detention. If there is a legitimate reason why a student is not wearing the regulation attire to school or in gym class, parents should communicate this in writing to the homeroom or physical education teachers respectively. 

Respect for School Property 

Students are expected to be considerate in their use of all school property. Any student who damages or defaces books, furniture, equipment, technology or the school building will be disciplined and held financially responsible to repair or replace the item. This includes library books that are not returned after receiving late notices and/or discipline points. Students are also expected to use school-owned and/or school-issued technology appropriately and for educational purposes. Please see the Acceptable Use Policy listed in the full policy section of this page. 

The Health and Medication Policy is formulated according to the guidelines of Pennsylvania School Health Law, the Cheltenham Township School District, and the needs of our Ancillae-Assumpta school community. All of our health forms are available on the Parent Portal. Health policies addressing class trip medicine and food allergens are listed in the full policy section of this page. 

All required health forms for new students and students in certain grades (health history, physical examination, dental) are due in the Health Office, via submission on Magnus Health, before August 1. Ancillae requires all children to be vaccinated against a wide variety of diseases. Exceptions are not granted, except for medical reasons. 

The Academy adheres to a strict food allergen policy. No food items can be brought to school without consulting the Health Office and the Food Service Coordinator. Only non-edible treats are permitted for classroom celebrations.  

For over-the-counter or prescribed medication to be given at school, both a physician’s note and the written permission by a parent/guardian are required. Medicines in the original, labeled container are to be delivered to the Health Office by a parent/guardian only. Students may not carry medicines to or from school or on their person during school. Only Health Office personnel may administer medications to students. 

People who have symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, such as cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea, should stay home. Students may return to school/school events when they are asymptomatic for a full 24 hours without medication.

If a student arrives at school feeling ill or becomes ill during the school day and is recommended to be sent home by the school nurse, it is the responsibility of the parent, or an individual designated by the parent, to pick the child up at school as soon as possible. Children who are sent to the Health Office may be asked to wear a mask while waiting for parent pick-up at the discretion of the nurse. 

For brief or extended illness-related absences, students in grades 1-4 should contact the teacher for missing assignments. In grades 5-8, students will follow class materials in Canvas.  

For any student missing five or more consecutive days of school, both a physician’s note and a parent’s note are required to be given to the Health Office. 

Students with fever, vomiting, or diarrhea may return to school/school events when they are asymptomatic for a full 24 hours without medication.

Health Office Phone 215-885-1636 x109 
Health Office Fax 267-627-5181 

The safety of our students is a priority. Students are not permitted to bring dangerous objects such as matches, weapons, etc. to school. 

Any language or behavior that can potentially endanger another person will result in immediate contact with parents, and appropriate action will be taken.

Security measures are implemented to safeguard the students and staff. All doors are locked at all times.  Volunteers and visitors are welcome in school buildings, though the Academy reserves the right to alter that policy at any time. Volunteers must have all clearances on file. Volunteers and visitors must follow all security protocols and any posted health protocols. During the school day, teachers and classrooms are not to be interrupted for any reason including student/teacher deliveries. Only Academy staff deliver messages and forgotten items to students’ classrooms. 

Students are not permitted to leave school property while attending after school activities. 

Parents and others attending group events/meetings are expected to follow any health and safety protocols established for those events. 

Weather will be a factor in deciding between uniform pants, uniform shorts, kilt, jumper, gym shorts, or gym sweatpants but standard warm and winter uniform change dates will be published. All items can be purchased at FlynnO'Hara. School uniform requirements, including shoes and gym uniforms, are detailed in the school's uniform guide found on the Families webpage.

Students are expected to wear the proper uniform to school and in gym class. A neat appearance and personal cleanliness are to be maintained every day. Students are to pay particular attention to tucking in shirts and keeping shoes in good condition.  School shoes must be worn until the last day of school. Boys must wear a belt. Jewelry should be small, simple, and not distracting.  Smart watches are not permitted.

Students may not wear make-up or fingernail polish. Hair should be neat and clean. Acceptable colors for hairbands are solid white, gray, navy blue, black, or school plaid.

The mission of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is to make the Lord’s presence alive in the world through Eucharistic Adoration and apostolic service. The Sisters pray daily for members of the Ancillae community before the Blessed Sacrament.

Throughout the year, the school community gathers for regular community Masses and prayer services.

In the fall, second grade students prepare to celebrate the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. Beginning in the spring of first grade, their parents attend several meetings to assist them in preparing their children for these sacraments both of which are administered at the Academy. 

Complete instruction for the sacrament of Confirmation is an integral part of the sixth grade Religion curriculum. Parents are to make arrangements for their child to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation in their home parish and notify the Religious Education Office with this information.

Eighth grade students participate in a spring retreat at the Saint Raphaela Center in Haverford. The day's activities focus on recognizing God's presence in their lives, marking both the end of one stage of life's journey and the beginning of another for members of the graduating class.

Students put their gifts at the service of others and engage in age-appropriate, meaningful service opportunities connected to Catholic Social Teaching in order to help them understand the call to Christian service and their identity as baptized Christians. Students connect with local groups and Handmaid ministries through education, prayer, reflection, and acts of charity. 

A Mission Fund, supported mainly through donations on Mission Day in October, is used throughout the year to enable the Academy to respond to many requests for assistance from those in need.

Sneak Up On Hunger is an outreach program providing non-perishable foods to local emergency food cupboards. All families are encouraged to make food donations to this program on a monthly basis during the school year.

Heart to Heart, a R.I.C.E. networking program designed to actualize the ACI Mission, networks with Handmaid missions throughout the world, enabling children to help other children. By sharing resources, Heart to Heart builds unity and promotes justice and peace. Families are encouraged to participate by making a donation to educate a child in impoverished schools served by the Handmaids.

The ACI Associate experience invites women and men to deepen their relationship with God in the spirit of St. Raphaela Mary. This bonding challenges them to live in the spirit of reparation and Eucharist in their daily living. Monthly meetings include faith sharing and the prayer of Adoration. Contact Sister Maureen Gillespie if interested in learning more.

The Advancement Office promotes participation and financial support from our public in order to secure the overall growth and long-range plans for the Academy’s future. Membership in the Annual Sustaining Fund is solicited in October and January. Gifts to the Academy may be made in cash, stock, real estate, gifts in kind or any negotiable securities. For further information, contact the Advancement Office. Anyone wishing to make a donation toward or seeking information about funding a Scholarship Endowment is directed to contact Sister Kathleen Helbig.

The Academy’s magazine, FIAT, and Annual Progress Report, is distributed to parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends. The school yearbook, Belgrame, is published annually. Community and curricular information is published on the school website. The Academy’s social media includes Facebook and Instagram which share the latest classroom and school happenings.

Graduates of the Academy are encouraged to attend reunions and various events conducted by the Alumni Association. Current information about the activities and accomplishments of graduates is welcomed for publication in the FIAT magazine, Alumni E-Newsletter, and Alumni webpage. Please direct communications to the Advancement Office.

As a commitment to life-long learning, the Center of Life and Learning provides ongoing adult education and information sessions on a variety of topics. Members of the community are encouraged to participate as well as share their expertise and talents by offering programs.  Contact CeCe McGovern to join in.

The Academy welcomes and is enriched by volunteer services in classrooms, Student Dining Room, Art Room, and offices. The Parents’ Association offers opportunities to assist in various events throughout the year. All school volunteers are required to obtain the necessary clearances mandated by PA State Law. Contact Mary Beth Somogyi for assistance. 

In addition to the Academy’s school counselor, Montgomery County Intermediate Unit provides counseling services (Act 89) which are administered by a certified school counselor, and include educational evaluation, consultation with parents, staff, administrators, and students, and individual and group counseling. These services are initiated by Ancillae's Director of Student Services. Through the Resource Learning Program, an instructional support team develops intervention strategies to assist students with mild diagnosed learning differences. A challenge component of combined enrichment and accelerated activities which assists students to develop higher level thinking skills is incorporated into all curricular areas. Class Meetings, School Success class, and Advisory periods foster student wellness, DEIB understanding, and digital citizenship while deepening student and teacher relationships to support individual and community growth.

The Health Office is staffed daily with nurses who prepare and assist teachers to implement medical care plans for students with medical needs. Cheltenham Township provides a school nurse to conduct screenings and oversee medical, dental, and immunization records. The school website provides complete information on the medical and food allergen policies. The Wellness program is an ongoing commitment to promote a healthy lifestyle for our students.

The R.I.C.E. process in action (Respecting all Individuals by Caring for Everyone), based on the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, is incorporated into the curriculum and school schedule to support the Academy’s vision of personal excellence in a warm, friendly atmosphere. In a school that emphasizes gospel values, the importance of a global viewpoint, and the interrelatedness of peoples, we are committed to educating the whole child and to teaching our students how to positively relate to one another through shared responsibility, human interdependence, dynamic creativity, and people empowerment. Classroom meetings, activities, discussions, and lessons support this aim. These efforts are further strengthened by the school-wide involvement of all adults and the school’s anti-harassment policy.

Student Council

Elected officers and class representatives support the school by promoting school spirit, developing a positive student morale, learning to solve problems and make decisions, and sponsoring academic, service, and social activities. Regular student government meetings help to develop leadership skills.

Student Activities

Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of clubs and activities such as Girls on the Run, Forensics, and other offerings within the Athletic, Fine Arts, and Innovation programs.

Co-curricular Offerings

In addition to an outstanding academic program, the Academy offers a variety of co-curricular activities. Offerings such as arts and crafts, technology, cooking, and sports enable students to acquire skills and self-confidence in artistic as well as practical fields.

All full-day students participate in a snack and lunch program offering a nutritious menu of hot and cold food items. The cost of food services is included in tuition.

Share RESPONSIBILITY – do your part. 

Work INTERDEPENDENTLY – be a team player. 

Be CREATIVE problem solvers – think positively. 

Be EMPOWERED – use energy for good; be leaders.

At AAA, the performing and creative arts provide children with authentic learning experiences that engage and connect their bodies, minds, and hearts. As a result, these artistic experiences become meaningful for them and allow for the further development of cognitive, social, and personal competencies. While learning in other disciplines may often focus on the development of a single skill or talent, the fine arts consistently involve and incorporate numerous skills and abilities. In the classroom, art and music are provided for all students. Outside of class, students can participate in individual and group offerings in dance, music, and art. Students have the opportunity to feature their talents through Music Recitals, Art Exhibits, Concerts, Accolades and Awards, and the annual Spring Show production. Offerings can depend available spacing and staffing.

Ancillae's athletic program is available to students in grades 4 to 8. Team members involved in league sports are selected on the basis of skill development sufficient to compete successfully in the Catholic Academy League’s interscholastic competitions. A fee payable at the beginning of the season is charged for participation in a sport. All forms and fees must be received before a student may participate. Parent Orientations for parents of students involved in specific sports are held at the beginning of each season. Boys and girls in grades 3 to 8 are eligible to participate in the school’s Intramural Basketball Program. Student spectators must be supervised by a parent at all athletic events. 

Participants in league sports (except football, field hockey, and lacrosse) are covered by the special rider on the school insurance form. For sports not covered by Student Accident Insurance, the parent is to sign a form stating that the child has private health insurance. Lacrosse players must be registered by U.S. Lacrosse.

In cooperation with the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Board of Trustees of Ancillae-Assumpta Academy serves as the custodian of the mission of the school and as a resource for its strategic vision. The Board serves at the discretion of the Provincial of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, embracing their charism, values, and ministry of education in service of the Gospel. The Board works with the President and full Administration to ensure the continued vitality of the school, to set its long-range directions and policy, to monitor its progress and effectiveness, and to offer support as requested. Ancillae-Assumpta Academy’s Board of Trustees is a working Board. The work of the Board is primarily performed at the Committee level, and the purpose of the full Board meetings is to elicit a discussion that draws on the skills and expertise of the Trustees to address selective issues.

The Academy’s Board of Trustees is composed of five Committees: 

Executive: reviews and discusses the actions of the Finance, Trusteeship,
Institutional Advancement, and Long-Range Planning Committees 

Finance: reviews financial plans/budgets and recommends action as appropriate

Trusteeship: focuses on the mission and vision of the Handmaids and the Academy and Board formation and involvement

Institutional Advancement: maintains and enhances institutional image and awareness and makes recommendations to attract maximum philanthropic support

Long-Range Planning: monitors the progress of the strategic vision and assesses strategies for continued improvement at the Academy

The purpose of the Parents’ Association is to provide an effective structure to maximize parent participation in the life of the school community. All parents or guardians of children attending the Academy are members of the Association. Members are encouraged to attend the general meetings of the Parents’ Association.
 

Compass: Diversity and Inclusion Group

Parents are invited to join the school’s Compass group.  The purpose of this group is to bring families together and support the school’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.  They work to bring broader awareness and education to our school and to our children about family types, cultures, races, national origins, religions, and abilities.  Compass partners with the school to build and sustain an environment at AAA that is supportive and respectful of the whole school community.  This group provides support and resources for diversity and inclusion curricula and co-curricula across the school.

Parents’ Council

Within the Association, members of the Parents’ Council serve as a representative leadership team. The Council promotes maximum participation of parents through the areas of Development, Family Network, and FIAT Connect.

FIAT Connect

The FIAT Connect Area encourages Christian values within the Academy and outside community. The activities of this area are focused on addressing the issues, needs, and concerns which pertain to promoting and achieving a global awareness of the gospel message.

Family Network

The Family Network Area designs and implements activities which foster family unity and social involvement. This area is responsible for assisting with school activities and events which involve family (parent/child) and/or student participation.

Development

The Development Area actively promotes a strong level of financial support to the Academy. To this end, this area develops an extended community network, engages in long-range planning, and assists in the development and implementation of methods which result in the attainment of the Academy’s financial goals and obligations.

The Parents’ Association is committed to:

Responsibly sharing in the development of a faith learning community so as to benefit our students’ education as members of the global, civic, and ecclesial community.

Interdependently working with the administration and faculty/staff in the planning and implementation of programs and activities so as to develop an effective network of people.

Creatively assisting in the long-range planning, financial support, and on-going evaluation of the school’s programs and offerings so as to effectively utilize the resources of the school community.

Empowering its members through on-going education and active involvement so as to maximize the skills of the parents and others for the benefit of the school community.