Rules for the 2026-2027 Religious Education Program at Our Lady of Good Counsel
EARLY DISMISSALS & INCLEMENT WEATHER
In case of inclement weather, OLGC follows Fairfax County Public Schools for class cancellations.
- Attendance, you have a maximum of 4 classes you can miss a year without pause and a family meeting with the pastor, and or postponement to receive a sacrament. Pastoral discretion will always be exercised in serious circumstances.
DRESS CODE & USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Students should dress comfortably according to the weather, but modesty in dress should always be maintained. Articles of clothing with inappropriate images or sayings (drugs, alcohol, profanity, weapons) are not permitted. Short shorts, ripped shorts, leggings, bare midriffs, (girls) or low hanging pants (boys) are not permitted. Pajamas are unacceptable. Hats must be removed before entering the building. Students and parents who bring cell phones to class must keep these devices turned off and out of sight. Smart watches and similar devices must also be turned off and out of sight. At no time during class are students permitted to use these devices, unless the catechist requires it for a specific activity. Otherwise, all devices must be turned off. Failure to comply may result in the confiscation of these devices with the parents having to pick it up from the Office of Faith Formation.
CLASSROOM POLICIES
Students are reminded that all property and possessions found in the classroom are to be left untouched. Desks are not to be moved from their allocated position. No food or drink, including chewing gum is allowed in the classrooms because of food allergies. Items that could cause injury to a student or others (including dangerous toys) are not permitted in the building. Every student has the right and privilege to learn in a classroom where students are well behaved. Similarly, every catechist has the right to teach in such an environment. In the event a student does not exhibit proper behavior, the catechist will call upon the head of the program to remove the child from the classroom. If the child is unable to refrain from the improper behavior, the Pastor will enlist the support of the parents to rectify the situation. Students and catechists must comply with the prevailing Center for Disease Control & Prevention and Diocesan guidelines to keep our students and staff healthy and safe.
SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING
All program employees, staff and volunteers who have direct contact with children are subject to a background check, completion of a VIRTUS seminar and compliance with the Diocesan Office of Protection of Children & Young People (OPCYP). OLGC Religious Education program participates in and adheres to the Safe Environment Training Program – Circle of Grace. This program provide age appropriate lessons on the topic of personal safety. Catechists in the program are responsible for administering these lessons, the curriculum for which is provided by the Arlington Diocese.
Medication and Medical Emergencies Policy
The OLGC Office of Faith Formation staff and volunteers will not store, supervise, or administer any medications to students, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or emergency medications such as EpiPens. The only care that may be provided on-site is basic first aid, including the use of ice packs, bandages, and other immediate, non-invasive measures.
Parents or guardians are responsible for making any necessary arrangements if their child has medical conditions that may require medication or specialized care during program hours. This may include remaining on-site or designating a qualified individual to provide such care.
In the event of a medical emergency, Faith Formation staff will immediately contact emergency services (911) to ensure timely, life-saving intervention. Parents or guardians will be notified as soon as possible following the call to emergency services.
Safety, Fire and Other Emergency Drills
The school building will be secured during religious education classes. ∙ Side and emergency doors are locked at all times. All students, parents and adult volunteers must enter and exit via the school lobby only. ∙ The school lobby is staffed by the RE staff and volunteers. In the event that the RE Staff and office volunteers must assist in a classroom, the lobby doors will be locked until the RE Staff/volunteers are able to return. Annual Drills: Each year the RE Staff, volunteers, and students will complete a fire drill and a shelter-in-place drill. ∙ The drill procedures will be explained to the students by classroom volunteers. ∙ All students, visitors, volunteers and staff must participate in the drills. ∙ The drills will be pre-announced: parent(s) will receive notification of these drills in an email.
Tuition and Refund Policy
Tuition for the Religious Education Program covers the full academic year and supports program materials, administrative costs, and formation resources. Registration reserves a student’s place in the program and allows for proper planning of catechists, classrooms, and supplies. Payment MUST be received by September 4th, 2026 to avoid interruption in the program.
Tuition Cost:
Early Bird Class cost is $200 / Child
Increase to $250 July 1st, 2026
Extra Fee: $105 per child in sacramental prep, Confirmation or First Communion
Tuition Fees waived for Catechist children attending
Refund Policy
- Tuition is non-refundable once registration is completed.
Program Dismissal or Suspension
In the event that a student is suspended or dismissed from the program due to failure to comply with attendance, behavioral expectations, or program policies, no portion of tuition will be refunded.
Inability to Pay Exceptional Circumstances: Please contact the OLGC Office of Faith Formation religiouseducation@olgcva.org
Parent Orientation
In September, first day of class, the Faith Formation Office will host an Open House for all families. Come and see our school, meet your catechists and we will go over what we will be covering during the year, classroom visits, expectations and more. We ask all families to attend the Open House.
Circle of Grace
Circle of Grace® is a facilitated discussion and conforms to the USCCB requirement for the training of children in Catholic youth programs in the Diocese of Arlington. It is a licensed product requiring more involvement from the OPCYP in implementation.
DROP-OFF
Children must be dropped off at the Upper School entrance. Children should not walk alone from the parking lot. Please park in a designated space and walk your child to the entrance doors. Staff or volunteers will be present to assist with entry.
PICK-UP
Parents/guardians must park and wait at the Upper School entrance. At the end of class, Faith Formation staff or volunteers will allow parents/guardians into the building to pick up their children directly from the classroom.
For the safety of all children, staff, and the school community, children will not be dismissed to walk to the parking lot on their own. All parents/guardians will be verified at the classroom before a child is released.
BUILDING AFTER CLASSES BEGIN
In order to eliminate disturbances during classes and to avoid un-welcomed strangers inside the school building, only staff members and hall monitors are permitted inside once classes begin, unless otherwise reviewed by OLGC Faith Formation Staff. Parents must leave once classes begin. Parents are not permitted in the building unless prior approved by staff.
