"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builder labors in vain" Ps. 127. We at HCS praise God for the opportunity to use God's Word as a blueprint for our lives and the lives of our children. In this handbook are school policies and regulations that reflect our commitment to God and His Word. Because HCS professes to follow Christ, students are expected to conduct themselves in a Christ-like manner, both on and off campus.
Education is the responsibility of the home. Cooperation between home and school is extremely important. Please read and study this handbook carefully so that both home and school can be consistent in the educational process.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
Philosophy
ABSENTEEISM
Absenteeism causes a variety of problems for the student, teacher, and class. We encourage parents to be supportive of consistent school attendance. Obviously, some absences will take place. The policy that will be used regarding absence is as follows:
A. Unforeseen absences
B. Foreseen absences
a. K-4 POLICY
b. 5-8 POLICY
NOTE: It is our hope that together parents and teachers will communicate by their actions to the students that they have a common, shared goal of providing a faithful, Christ-centered education to each covenant child.
Back to TopBICYCLES AND SKATEBOARDS
Bicycles may be ridden to school by 5th through 8th graders and parked in a designated area. Those arriving by bicycle must arrive after 8:15 a.m. unless they have permission from the principal. Bicycles and skateboards are not to be ridden on the school grounds during the school day.
Back to TopCIVIL DEFENSE PROCEDURE
In case of an official disaster warning (Civil Defense) the children will be sent home as soon as possible.
Back to TopDISCIPLINE
Philosophy for Biblical Discipline
Discipline is an integral part of any educational program. Because every aspect of the program is to be seen in the light of Scripture in Christian education, the objectives and methods used in carrying out discipline also must develop from the teachings of God’s Word. HCS staff members believe that discipline is discipling children to grow in being followers of Jesus Christ. Biblically, corporal punishment as an aspect of discipline is not a negative matter in correcting children nor is it to be seen as a last resort. When one studies the book of Proverbs, a book especially given to help parents in raising children, one finds repeated instruction to children to listen to their parents. In the school’s understanding of education, Christian teachers are representatives of the parents, so that what Scripture says about a child’s relationship to his parents is also true of the child’s relationship to his teacher.
Proverbs 1:8 reads, “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” To listen is to gain wisdom; to not listen is foolish. This discipline should be carried out in a loving attitude as directed in Ephesians6:4 (“Fathers do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”) and Colossians 3:21 (“Fathers do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”)
As an extension of a Christian home, the staff believes that parents who send their children to Hanford Christian School want their children educated Biblically, which includes being disciplined Biblically. The teachers believe they should enthusiastically promote a position of discipline that is Biblical. It is not promoting self-esteem that is needed for covenant children, as many expressions of humanistically-based positions on discipline promote. It is promoting submission to Jesus Christ’s lordship and carrying out a disciplined life of servant hood toward one’s fellow man that is needed. The latter will prepare children for a meaningful role as adults in Christ’s Kingdom.
Objectives of Biblical Discipline
A. Discipline is administered to provide structure and support to enable a student to perform his work in such a manner that learning takes place.
B. Discipline is administered to teach the student to be submissive to God and the authorities God has placed over the student. Discipline helps the student recognize how man’s natural tendency to hate God and his neighbor influences his behavior.
C. Discipline is administered to help the student learn the blessed state of living a God-glorifying life. It is to help him learn that obedience results in happiness, whereas “the way of the transgressor (unfaithful) is hard” (Proverbs 13:15).
D. Discipline is administered in such a manner that the child will be able to make the choice to avoid further corrective action.
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Methods Used in Carrying out Biblical Discipline for Kindergarten – 4th grade:
A. For any general misbehavior a student will be instructed to stop his misbehavior by the teacher. He will be told specifically what behavior is expected of him for the specific situation.
B. For repeated misbehavior of the same nature, the student will be admonished consistently by the teacher. Also included with the verbal admonitions may be disciplinary instructional activities related to the misbehavior such as staying in to finish work, “time out” on the bench during recess, removal from class until the teacher can talk to the child, etc. It is important that the student is not left unattended.
C. If the teacher determines the verbal discipline or other disciplinary instructional activities are not effecting a positive change, the student will be told that on the next similar offense he or she will be placed on warning for a specified period of time. If there is a more general class problem, the whole class may be placed on warning.
D. If the teachers’ efforts do not improve or bring about the desired change in behavior, the student will be sent to the principal for further disciplinary measures.
Methods Used in Carrying out Biblical Discipline for 5th – 8th grades:
If a student does not follow the school rules, the student will be subject to disciplinary actions. A progression of corrective measures is spelled out for the benefit of students, parents and teachers. Disciplinary issues are usually solved at the first level for all students. Levels 2 through 4 are our guidelines for situations that we are not able to resolve at the first level.
Level 1, In-Class Discipline
Each teacher is responsible for the communication and daily enforcement of classroom and school standards. Teachers will talk with students about a disciplinary matter on a personal and private basis when necessary. When a behavioral problem appears to be habitual, the teacher will contact the parent. Repeated offenses will subject the student to higher levels of discipline.
Counseling, staying in at noon hour, being asked to leave a class for a short period of time, giving a written response, etc., are examples of initial steps that may be taken to correct a problem that occurs, and to call attention to the fact that incorrect behavior must not continue.
Level 2, Behavior Detention
A behavior detention is a more serious matter, for it signifies to the parent and administrator that the student has not chosen to correct misbehavior and is in need of additional help.
Detentions are 60 minutes in length and are to be served Tuesdays or Thursdays from 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. Students must be on time for detention; if they arrive after 3:15, they will be assigned to daycare and need to make-up their detention at another time. If a student receives three behavior detentions in a nine-week quarter, he/she will receive an in-school suspension.
A detention slip will be used to notify the office and the parents. The parent copy will be sent home via the student. It must be signed by the parent and returned to school the following day before the student will be readmitted to class.
Detentions will be given for offenses such as disrespect to school staff or administration, disrespect to fellow students, disrespect to school property, lying, having a poor attitude, vulgar language or misuse of God’s name, disobedience, repeated dress code violations, repeated late or unfinished homework (i.e., 3 lates per subject), repeated gum chewing, or other infractions of school policy.
Level 3, Suspension
In-School Suspension (ISS) means that a student will report to the office as soon as he/she arrives at school. The student will be assigned to an area and will have no contact or social communication with other students until the suspension is lifted. While under suspension, the student will do the work assigned for all classes. In-school-suspensions may be given for offenses such as fighting, truancy, or may be the result of the progression of the natural disciplinary process.
Out-of-School-Suspension (OSS) means that the student may not attend school or participate in any school function. An OSS is usually given when a student breaks the law.
After an OSS, the faculty may possibly meet together to discuss further action. The Education Committee will also be notified. A student may be suspended for one to three days, depending on the severity and frequency of the problem. An OSS automatically requires a parent/student conference with a school administrator, as well as the student being placed on disciplinary probation.
Extra-Curricular Activities Probationary Period
Following an in-school or out-of-school suspension, students will be placed on probation for a minimum of ten school days. During this probationary period, students will not be allowed to attend or participate in extra-curricular activities. Final approval for the termination of a probationary period will rest with administration with consultation from the child’s teachers.
Disciplinary Probation
Disciplinary probation is a probationary time when a student is given a written contract and an opportunity to meet its requirements. Students are placed on disciplinary probation by the administrator for other inappropriate behavior including, but not limited to, disobedience, disrespect for authority or fellow students, property damage, negative behavioral trends, sexual harassment or disregard for the rules or policies of the school.
Prior to placing a student on disciplinary probation, the administrator will schedule a conference with the student and the parent. The conference will focus on a written plan of action for the student to follow in order to successfully complete this probationary period. Failure to agree to the school’s written plan or to fulfill the terms or conditions of the plan within this period can lead to expulsion.
Level 4, Expulsion
The final level in the disciplinary process is to expel the student. Only the School Board has the authority to expel the student. The administrator may suspend a student pending a meeting of the Board’s Executive Committee to make a recommendation on the expulsion. The Executive Committee will decide whether to continue the suspension or to allow the student to return to school until the full Board meets to decide on the expulsion.
Before a student is expelled, the student and his/her parents will be given the opportunity to appear before the Executive Committee to be heard. Students recommended for expulsion will also have an opportunity to be heard by the School Board prior to its decision. A student who is expelled from school by the School Board will not be allowed to return. The expulsion may be warranted by, but is not limited to, any illegal activity, disregard for the school rules and regulations, defacing property of other students or the school, anything that would endanger the safety of others, use of alcohol or drugs at school, two out-of-school-suspensions for the same offense, or by not maintaining a working relationship with teachers, staff or administrators.
Specific Misbehavior in Grades K-8
A. Fighting: All students who are caught fighting (blows exchanged) will serve an in-school suspension.
B. Language: Crude or poor language will not be tolerated and discipline will be administered per policy.
C. Bullying: Repeated acts of bullying may be cause for expulsion. Back to TopDRESS CODE
d. Open sandals are discouraged for student’s safety. Shoes and sandals must have a heel strap for safety. Closed toe and low heels are recommended.
e. Roller skates, shoes with rollers, or roller blades are not allowed at school.
EIGHT GRADE CLASS TRIP
Each year the eighth graders have a class trip prior to graduation. Money to help pay for this outing is generally raised by various money-raising activities sponsored by parents of eighth grade students. The eighth grade parents will meet at the end of the 7th grade year or the beginning of the 8th grade school year to determine the fund raising activities for the year. A kingdom cause gift is set apart first of all to demonstrate that we are giving from our “first fruits.” The eighth graders also strive to give a gift to the school at graduation.
Back to TopELIGIBILITY- SPORTS
Students who participate in an athletic program must maintain an appropriate academic standard in their school work and must display a Christian attitude, good sportsmanship, and good citizenship. Their daily work must also be completed to the satisfaction of the teaching staff or the student will not be able to participate in that week’s game. All students who have a missing book report, term paper, or any major class project are automatically ineligible. Students who are not eligible will miss the next game provided they have been given one day’s notice. The end of a quarter does not mean a clean slate to start the next quarter. All the subjects are not averaged together but the cumulative average of each subject is counted separately. If the quarter grade is below 70%, the student is ineligible for at least 3 weeks. The student’s grade will then be reevaluated to determine further ineligibility. Those who are not eligible to participate will have a supervised study hall until 3:00 p.m.
Back to TopFINANCE
FINE ARTS FESTIVAL
FIRE DRILLS
Monthly fire drills are scheduled during the school year. All students are expected to exhibit strict obedience during drills. Students are expected to use exits as directed. They must walk briskly in single file with no talking.
Back to TopFOG
. Fog delays will be posted by 7:00 a.m. on the following media:
HCS Website: www.hanfordchristian.org
KMPH Channel 26 – look for our school information in the “crawl” at the bottom of the screen.
KMJ 580 AM radio
Plan A:
1. Means a 2-hour delay. School will start at 10:30 a.m. (No hot lunch served.) Please do not have your child(ren) at school before 10:15 a.m.
2. There will be no before-school care on Fog Days.
3. Please use your own discretion to determine if it is safe for you to drive in your area, whether school is delayed or not.
4. If foggy conditions in your area persist and you must delay travel by more than 2 hours or you decide to not drive to school at all, please notify the school office @584-9207.
Plan B: In case of severe fog, school will be cancelled.
GRADING SCALE
A = 100-99
A- = 98-95
B+ = 94-92
B = 91-89
B- = 88-86
C+ = 85-83
C = 82-80
C- = 79-77
D+ = 76-74
D = 73-71
D- = 70-68
F = 67 and below.
HCS EMPLOYEE AND STUDENT DIGNITY POLICY
Hanford Christian School intends to provide its employees and students an environment that is free of offensive kinds of behavior. Conduct, whether intentional or unintentional, that subjects another person to unwanted attention, comments or actions because of race, national origin, age, sex, physical characteristic or disability, robs the person of dignity, and is not permitted.
Hanford Christian School does not condone or allow harassment of others, whether engaged in by employees, supervisors, students, or other persons who may be present in our facilities.
Any person who believes he or she has been subjected to harassment should report it immediately to an appropriate superior. Students may report to a teacher or administrator. Employees may report to the administrator or the board president if the administrator is involved. Each report will be given serious consideration and investigated thoroughly. Appropriate action will be taken to eliminate such harassment.
All reports of harassment and subsequent investigations will be handled discreetly to avoid embarrassment of the person making the report. Any person(s) who is determined to have violated this policy will be subject to corrective action and discipline, including the possibility of termination (for employees) or expulsion (for students).
Forms of sexual harassment prohibited by this policy are defined as follows:
HOMEWORK
If an assignment is due on a specific day and is late, it will automatically be marked down to a “C”, the third day it is late, it becomes an “F”. All assigned work must be turned in for the student to avoid receiving an incomplete on his or her report card. (Example: The assignment due Tuesday is not finished, so it is an automatic “C”. By Thursday the grade is an “F”, but the assignment still must be completed and turned into the teacher.)
Back to TopLIBRARY
Parents volunteer to help once a week with the centralized library. Students are responsible for the proper care and prompt return of all books they check out. Students will be permitted to check out two books which may be renewed for one week. If a student has any overdue books they will not be allowed to check out more books until the book(s) are returned or replaced. Overdue fines: a fee of $1 per week per book will be assessed. Books which are damaged or lost must be replaced by the student.
Back to TopLOCKERS
MEDICAL INFORMATION
In the event your child becomes sick at school, the school will call the parents to inform them of the illness. If the parents cannot be reached, the school will call the people listed on the Emergency Form.
A. MEDICATION POLICY
It is the policy of Hanford Christian School to cooperate with the student’s parent/guardian and his or her physician by assisting in the administration of medication during the school day as requested. Such assistance will be needed provided HCS receives the following:
1. A written statement from the physician detailing the method, amount, and time schedules by which such medication is to be taken.
2. A written statement from the parent/guardian of the student indicating the desire that HCS will assist the student in the matters set forth in the physician’s statement.
3. Medication includes both prescription and over-the-counter substances.
B. PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Parents/guardians are responsible for providing HCS with a signed physician’s statement and a parent’s/guardian’s request for medication to be administered during school hours.
1. The physician’s statement must include the following:
a. Name of the student for whom the request is made
b. Name of the medication to be administered
c. Dosage required and route of administration
d. Time schedule for administration
e. Statement indicating that the medication is medically required to be administered during school hours.
3. Parents/guardians must deliver the medication in its originally received container with all labeling intact.
4. Prescribed and over-the-counter medications that are not in their original container with an intact label that identifies the medication will not be accepted or administered. The prescribed medication label must also include the name of the person for whom prescribed, the name of the prescribing physician, and the physician’s instructions.
5. Medications shall not be brought to the school by the student without written authorization from the parent.
6. Students are required to come to the office to have any authorized medications administered by HCS’s authorized personnel.
C. SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Only employees specifically designated and trained may administer medications. The training shall cover the following:
a. Legal requirement
b. Method of administration
c. Proper handling and storage
d. Record keeping requirements
e. Emergency procedures
f. Adverse side effects
2. Employees designated to dispense medication shall be trained and certified in first aid and CPR techniques.
3. HCS shall ensure that the physician’s written statement and the parent’s/guardian’s request is on file before administrating any medication.
4. Medications will not be accepted nor administered which are not in their original container with an intact label that identifies the medication, the name of the person for whom prescribed, the name of the prescribing physician, and the physician’s instructions. Over-the-counter medications must also be in their original container accompanied by the physician’s instruction for administration.
5. Refusal by the student to take his or her medication, or omission for any other reason, shall be immediately reported to the parent/guardian.
6. Designated medication administrators shall also
a. Review the medication log (monthly, if possible)
b. Review cases in cooperation with the physician
c. Counsel with parents and physician if irregularities occur
d. Counsel with school personnel on effects of medication on student intellectual or social behavior as well as possible behavioral signs and symptoms of adverse side affects, omission, or overdose.
7. HCS shall ensure that the student’s medical condition and medication information shall be kept confidential.
8. If a child is on a doctor’s prescription medication and this medication needs to be dispensed at school, the medication needs to be brought to the office for safekeeping and dispensing Medication is not to be kept by any student, except in certain circumstances deemed necessary by the supervising physician. “Medication” includes both prescription and over-the-counter substances. All medications shall be labeled, stored, and administered according to establish State and Federal laws. No medicine will be dispensed at school without written permission from the parent. (This includes non-aspirin pain reliever).
Back to TopMONEY
Excessive amounts of money should not be taken to school. Students may request that money be kept in the office for safe keeping during school hours. The school is not responsible for lost money or articles.
Back to TopMOTHERS' CLUB
The Mothers' Club is an organization under the jurisdiction of the Board of Hanford Christian School Society. The purpose of the organization is twofold: to give financial aid to the school and to provide closer cooperation between the home and school by staying informed of educational issues. Mothers' Club meets once a month. All mothers are considered members of Mothers' Club regardless of meeting attendance and expected to assist in the fund raising projects that are undertaken during the year.
Back to TopMUSIC
PARKING
Parents who park to drop off their children or pick them up must park in the gym parking lot accessible off of 12th Avenue. There is no parking along the courtyard fence or ditches at Flint Avenue, nor in the parking lot off Flint. On game days, overflow parking is located on the grass north of the gym or use the Flint Avenue parking lot after the cones have been removed.
Back to TopPARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent-Teacher conferences are held after the first marking period in October. They are arranged by the office. Parents are encouraged to make arrangements with the teacher any time they feel a conference is desirable. Parent-Teacher conferences are valuable in three areas: reporting, gaining information, and improving home-school rapport.
Back to TopPHYSICAL EDUCATION
All students in grades 5-8 are required to take physical education unless excused by a doctor, parent, or teacher. The Hanford Christian School T-Shirt and royal blue/navy shorts are required. P.E. clothes can be purchased at the school from Mothers’ Club. It is helpful to mark each article of clothing with the student’s name. P.E. clothes are to be kept neatly in place when not in use. They are to be taken home every Friday for washing.
Competition in sports is a part of the P.E. curriculum. Students lead busy lives and so certain guidelines should govern when games are scheduled. The following guidelines are to be followed for scheduling of games (which will be followed as closely as possible):
PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF PROCEDURE
All student drop-offs and pick-ups will occur on Flint Avenue.
There will be no parking at all along the fence or ditches on Flint Avenue. Please tell your family members and friends to use the parking lot by the gym on 12th Street or to us the cone-lined drive through.
Back to TopRETENTION
RECESS AND BREAKS
Students will remain on the school grounds at all times. Care is to be taken that other classes in session are not disturbed. The play areas are to be kept free of litter. Waste baskets are provided outside of the classrooms for trash. The physical appearance of the grounds reflects on the students in attendance.
Back to TopREPORT CARDS
Report cards will be distributed by the homeroom teacher on the Wednesday following the close of the marking period. Cards should be signed by a parent and returned within one week of issuance. A $25.00 fee will be charged for lost report cards. Progress reports for 5th-8th grades are sent home or emailed in the middle of each quarter to those parents where the teacher determines there is information to be shared.
Back to TopSCHOOL LUNCHES AND MILK
The school does not have a hot lunch program. Students supply their own lunches. Milk is available at an annual fee. On Wednesday hot lunch is provided by the Mothers' Club for fund raising purposes.
Back to TopSCHOOL SOCIETY MEETINGS
STAFFINGS
When a student's performance indicates there is a serious problem, (whether academic, behavioral, or spiritual,) HCS employs a process of "staffing." Staffing involves meetings between parents, teachers, principal, and sometimes the student. This staffing process has shown to be effective in solving problems from a Biblical perspective. If a problem develops, the teacher, administrator, or parent should request that the staffing process begin.
Back to TopSUPPLY LIST
Parents are encouraged to check the school web site for a list of supplies needed by students at the various grade levels.
TARDINESS
Students are expected to be in their seats and prepared for class when the tardy bell rings. If students in 5th – 8th grade receive five tardies, he or she will receive after school detention, and a phone call will be made to the parents.
Back to TopTELEPHONE
TEXTBOOKS AND SCHOOL EQUIPMENT
A. Textbooks are supplied at no charge. They are distributed by the classroom teacher and must be returned at the end of the year. It is the duty of the student to keep his or her books in good condition. Lost or damaged books must be paid for by the student. If books are in need of repair, the homeroom teacher should be notified so repairs can be made before damage becomes irreparable.
B. Students will be expected to pay for repair of school property and equipment, if damage was deliberately caused by the student. Students must provide for their own materials over and above the basics provided by the school.
Back to TopUSE AND CARE OF BOOKS
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Parents are expected to stay informed of school events and issues by reading the “Warrior Weekly” on line or by specially requesting a hard copy of the Monday newsletter.
Back to TopCALENDAR OF EVENTS
August 19-20…………………………………. Teacher in-service days
August 24………………………………………First Day of School (half day)
September 6…………………………………...Labor Day (no school)
September 8…………………………………..First Day of Preschool
October 22……………………………………..End of Quarter (half day)
October 28……………………………………..Parent/Teacher Conf. (half day)
October 29……………………………………..Parent/Teacher Conf. (no school)
November 11…………………………………..Veteran’s Day (no school)
November 22-26………. …………………..Thanksgiving Break (no school)
December 4……………………………………Holiday Benefit
Dec. 20—Dec. 31………………… ………...Christmas Vacation
January 3, 2010………………………………School resumes
January 14………………………………………End of Quarter (half day)
January 17………………………………………Martin Luther King Jr. Day (no school)
February 1. ……………………………………………Re-Registration
February 9………….………………………….Vacation Day
February 14…………………………………….Presidents’ Day (no school)
TBA …………………………………………Kindergarten Roundup
March 25………………………………………..End of Quarter (half day)
April 18—April 25….………………………..Easter Vacation
TBA ………………………………………..Christian Education Week
May 6 ………………………………………..Fine Arts Festival
May 20 ………………………………………..Spring Festival
May 30 ………………………………………..Memorial Day (no school)
June 1 …………………………………………..Graduation
June 3 ………………………………………..Last Day of School (half day)
June 8 ………………………………………..Report cards ready