Student and Parent Handbook
Revised
January 2005
Instructing
for Responsible Christian Discipleship
Quick
Links:
ACADEMIC POLICIES
GRADING
SCALE Top
Kindergarten
Individual progress reports at the end of each quarter
Grades 1–4: Grades 5-8:
E-excellent
100-98 A+
97-94 A
93-91 A-
G-good
90-88 B+
87-84 B
83-81 B-
S-satisfactory
80-78 C+
77-74 C
73-71 C-
I-improving
70-66 D
65 and below F
N-needs improvement
HONOR
and MERIT ROLLS Top
To encourage academic excellence, High Honor, Honor, and Merit Roll students are
recognized each grading period. Awards are given at our graduation ceremonies at
the end of the year to those students who have been on these honor rolls every
quarter, and to the two eight grade students who are valedictorian and
salutatorian of their graduating class.
In order
to achieve High Honor Roll recognition a student must earn an average
of 96% or higher.
In order to achieve Honor Roll recognition
a student must earn an average of 91% or higher.
In order to achieve Merit Roll
recognition a student must earn an average of 86% or higher.
IMPROVED
STUDENT AWARDS Top
Any student in grades 5 through 8 that has had at least one subject grade go up and
none go down receives an Improved Student Award.
MARKING
PERIODS and REPORT CARDS Top
Dates of marking period are as noted in the school calendar. Progress reports
(mid-marking periods) will be sent home for those students who are in danger of
failing. Report cards will be given to all students at the end of each marking
period. Grade average and progress will be noted. Parents should sign and return
report cards within a week. Feel free to write comments in the space provided.
MATH
COURSE 1 CRITERIA Top
Course 1 Math is actually 9th grade math taken in 8th grade. For those students
who qualify, Course 1 sets the student on an Honors level track for high school.
Teacher, principal, and parents determine placement. The intention is to place a
student in a position to be able to work at his/her fullest potential without
being frustrated over course content and/or pace. To remain in Math Course 1, a
student is expected to maintain an 85% Math average.
TESTING
Top
The IOWA Test of Basic Skills is given to all grades 1-7, in addition to a
biblically based curriculum. New York State English- Language
Arts, and Math tests are administered to fourth and eighth grade
students. Students and parents are given a copy of the results when they are
received. The group results will be published for the community. If a parent
wishes to discuss test results, they may contact the school office.
ATTENDANCE
Top
General Information
The school hours are 8:25 am to 2:45 pm. The first bell will ring at 8:20.
This is a reminder for students to go to their classrooms and prepare for
devotions and instructions. Students will be dismissed at 2:45 and buses will
leave no later than 2:49 pm.
Vacations:
Having students in regular attendance at school enhances learning. Family
vacations should be taken during school vacations. If an unusual situation
arises and a student will be absent, please give written notification at least
a week in advance. It is recommended that the student attempt to make up some
of the work in advance, if possible.
Absences:
-
When your child is unable to be in school for any
reason, please leave a
message with the secretary or on our answering machine the morning of the
first day’s absence. On the day
your child returns after being absent, a written excuse stating the reason for
the absence and the date(s) must be given to the homeroom teacher.
-
The NYS Department of Education recognizes only the following legal
absences: illness, illness or
death in the family, impassable roads or weather, religious observances,
counseling, or medical appointments.
-
In
the event of a Field Trip (day trip or overnight) students not attending for
reasons other than illness etc. will not receive credit for classes that day
and will also receive an unexcused absence.
-
If
a student comes to school late (anytime after 8:30) a note of explanation
should be given to the student’s teacher.
-
If a student is dismissed early, a note should be sent to the
student’s teacher. There is a
sign in/out notebook in the office for parents to sign their child(ren) in/out
during the day.
-
Three unexcused
tardies add up to one unexcused absence.
Unexcused late students will make up late time during lunch periods.
-
It is the responsibility of the student to make up the work
missed due to an absence. In the
primary grades, the teacher will see that the student receives the work.
From fifth grade on, it is the student’s responsibility to go to the
teacher for work.
-
Students are to
remain on school property during school hours unless permission to leave is
given by the school office.
BIBLE
TRANSLATIONS Top
Education in a Christian school is based on the Word of God. Students are
encouraged to have a personal Bible for their use and for classroom instruction.
Students are given a Bible when they enter 5th grade. For continuity, all
memorization is from the New International Version of the Bible (NIV).
BUS
TRANSPORTATION Top
Transportation to EPCS is provided by the local school districts for families
living within 15 miles of EPCS. School districts have firm policies about who
may ride on their buses. If your child wishes to take a friend home on the bus,
be sure to get approval from your district’s transportation department first
and provide EPCS with written notification. Parents planning to pick up their
child(ren) should send a note to school on the day of
pickup, notifying the child’s teacher of their intention. This is
absolutely essential for our primary grades. Parents who are concerned about bus
delay in picking up or dropping off their child(ren) can check with the
transportation director or bus garage in their district. Most districts have
radio contact with their buses.
CONVOCATION
/ ORIENTATION Top
It has been a tradition at EPCS to start the year with a Convocation Service
usually held the first Friday of the new school year. At our Convocational we
gather to ask for the Lord’s blessing and meet the new families in our school.
Time and location is published in the first School Door.
DRESS
CODE Top
All clothing must be neat, clean, modest, in good condition, and appropriate for
the weather. Parental guidance is necessary in helping a child to learn what is
appropriate dress for school. Students should remember that their dress reflects
their Christian witness and should not distract from the learning environment.
Attitudes and behavior can be influenced by clothing; therefore, students should
dress in such a way as to promote self-esteem, respect, and a sense of pride.
The following are
not acceptable for the school:
T-shirts with inappropriate
slogans, sleeveless shirts, tube tops, tank tops, crop tops, half shirts, bare
midriffs.
No pierced body parts are
allowed, with the exception of ear piercing for
female students.
During warm weather shorts
are allowed. The length of shorts should be modest and must come at least one
inch below the tips of the fingers when the arms are held straight down. Pants
should be worn at the waist. Each student should have a pair of indoor shoes
to wear while inside the school. If these are sneakers, they could double as
PE shoes. PE class requires indoor sneakers in the gym and appropriate
footwear for outside. Students in K-2 are asked to supply a spare set of
clothes in the event of accidents.
DRUGS,
ALCOHOL, and TOBACCO ABUSE Top
Students using, giving, or selling drugs, alcohol, or tobacco in school or at
the school sponsored function are liable to expulsion.
Any student or visitor under the influence of illegal drugs and/or
alcohol, is detected using illegal drugs and/or alcohol, or is in possession of
illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco may be suspended.
The parents are to meet with school officials to determine suitable
punishment, dismissal, or counseling.
ENROLLMENT
Top
When an application is completed, a School Board member and an
Enrollment/Promotions member will visit the applying family. The family will be
notified by one of the visiting members once the Board has reviewed the
application.
FIELD
TRIPS Top
Class trips are planned to provide students with educational and/or recreational
experiences outside of the classroom. Parental permission is required to
participate in class trips. For overnight field trips parents will need to sign
a special permission and health form. Students not attending for reasons other
than illness etc. will not receive credit for classes that day and will also
receive an unexcused absence. In the event there are not enough drivers the
field trip will be cancelled.
HEALTH
POLICIES Top
Immunization:
New York State requires any child attending school must be
properly immunized against the following: Diphtheria, Poliomyelitis, Measles,
Rubella, Mumps, Hepatitis B (a series of 3 shots - must have before entering
7th grade), and a HIB vaccine for those
entering Pre-K. If your child has a birth date after January 2000, and
has not had Chicken Pox, a vaccination is needed (must have before entering
6th grade). If your child has had
Chicken Pox, we need a physicians verification (either a note, or documented
on their physical). Proof of immunization must be on file in the office before
a child enters school.
Health Records:
New York State requires that and new students as well as
students entering Pre-K, kindergarten,
first, third, and seventh grades have a physical and their immunization
records up dated. Physicals for Pre-K and Kindergarten must be completed 90
days prior to the start of school. If you desire, remaining physicals
will be done at school within the first four weeks of September - see the
School Door for this information.
Illness:
Any child who has the symptoms or the beginning of an illness should be kept
home. We are not equipped to treat or care for sick children. Parents will be
notified if your child becomes ill at school.
Prescriptions:
We are guided by the specifications of New York State regarding
the administration of medications. If medication is necessary during school
hours either fill out a “Medication Form” (yellow sheet) or provide:
- a written order from the Physician
stating medication and strength, time administered, reason for medication,
-
a signed parental request for school staff to give the
medication,
- medication is to be brought to the school
office by the parent,
- medication is to be in the prescription
container from the pharmacy.
Additional forms are available through the
school office and can be sent home with your child.
Over the Counter Medications:
Over the counter medications (OTC) include anything medicated that does not need a prescription,
including, but not limited to: cough / cold medications, pain relievers,
creams, ointments, etc.
In order to administer over the counter medication during school hours either
fill out “Medication Form” (yellow sheet) or provide;
- a written order from the Physician
stating medication and strength, time administered, reason for medication,
-
a signed parental request for school staff to give the
medication,
- medication is to be brought
to the school office by the parent,
- medication is to be in the original
container.
Additional forms are available through the
school office and can be sent home with your child.
HOMEWORK
POLICY Top
All students should have some homework throughout the week. It is difficult to
set a specific time allotment for each grade level. Therefore, based on the
teacher’s insight and knowledge of student needs, appropriate homework will be
assigned. Teachers will present to their students what is expected in terms of
homework completion. All students grades 5 through 8 are given a homework
assignment book in which daily assignments are recorded.
LOCKERS
Top
Students 1-8 are responsible for keeping their assigned lockers clean. Food
should not be kept in lockers overnight. Student are responsible to cover the
cost for any damage done to the lockers. Lockers are the school property and may
be inspected at anytime by school officials.
LUNCH
PROGRAM Top
Starting the second week of school, hot lunch is available every Wednesday for
students at a minimal fee. The other four days they will pack a lunch that does
not require refrigeration or heating.
MUSIC
Top
Vocal
Grades 1 through 8 are provided with music appreciation classes twice a
week. Students learn rhythm, notes, and songs to praise our Lord. We strive
for a number of musical
productions throughout the year involving all students.
Instrumental
Private instrumental lessons for grades 4 through 8 are offered once a week for a one half hour session for a nominal fee. Students
interested in band will meet once a week. We perform concerts throughout the
year for the community.
ORGANIZATIONS
/ COMMITTEES Top
Each organization provides a service for the school that is essential to our
existence. In order for our school to remain strong we rely on parents,
grandparents, and student involvement
Society:
The voting government of the school consists of parents, grandparents, teachers,
and EPCS supporters. Interested parties are required to adhere to the Society
guidelines in order to be a member. Membership to EPCS Society, including
voting rights is obtained by application and Board approval.
Board of
Education:
Nine Society members, three each year, are elected at our annual Spring
Society meeting. These members will serve a three year term, meeting the first
Thursday of every month.
EPCS
Circle:
Meets every third Thursday of the
month. The group organizes fund-raisers to offset tuition and supply expenses
not included in the budget. Anyone is welcome and encouraged to join.
Building
and Grounds:
To assure our facility has the
proper attention to maintenance and appearance, one person is appointed by the
School Board to head up a team of volunteers to maintain the facility.
Individuals with electrical, plumbing, or grounds experience are invited to
share time and knowledge.
Financial:
The committee to oversee monthly
bills, cash flow, payments, staff salaries, yearly budget, taxes, mortgage,
and investments. They meet once a month.
Promotion/Enrollment:
This committee promotes the importance of Christian Education in the community
and within the school. It maintains contact with area publications and
district churches.
Education
In guidance with the Department of
Education we insure that we are meeting and exceeding the set NYS standards.
Development
This committee works in conjunction with the finance committee on
future development of our school to
project future development as our school progresses
PARENT/TEACHER
COMMUNICATIONS Top
It is a very important part of the education program to keep in contact with
teachers for both positive and negative situations with your child. As brothers
and sisters in Christ we are to provide encouragement as well as constructive
comments. Parents are contacted when a student’s progress begins to decline
either in areas of academics or in behavior.
PARENT/TEACHER
CONFERENCES Top
Parents conferences are held twice a year. The dates are outlined in the school
calendar and will be published in the School Door. It is very important that
parents are in attendance for these conferences. Individual parent conferences
may be held at any time and can be requested by the teacher or parent(s).
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION Top
Physical education (PE) is taught two class periods per week indoors and/or
outdoors. Students should be equipped with sneakers for indoor class. Our
outdoor/indoor shoe rules prohibit students from wearing outdoor footwear
indoors. The suggestion is for your child(ren)’s indoor footwear to be
sneakers. That way your child(ren) can wear his/her indoor footwear to PE. It is
recommended that students in grades 5-8 keep an extra t-shirt, shorts, or
sweats in their locker for PE. If for some reason a student cannot participate
in PE, the teacher should receive a note from a parent.
PRESCHOOL
Top
Our Preschool program is growing each year. We offer a small classroom two
afternoons a week for 4-5 year olds, from 12:30 to 3:00 pm. Early childhood
learning experiences help to prepare the students (and parents) for
kindergarten.
RECESS
Top
During the day students 1 through 4 have 2 recess periods, 5 through 8 has 1
recess period. We feel it is
important that our students have fresh air and social time with their
classmates. In the winter it is
necessary for students to bring or keep in their lockers appropriate
clothing/footwear for outdoor play. If
the weather turns bitterly cold or it is raining, the students will remain
inside.
SCHOOL
CLOSING Top
The following stations will be notified when EPCS is closed:
Radio stations TV
WHAM 1180 am
NBC 10
WXXI 91.5 am
ABC 13
CBS 8
Sometimes the announcement will
not be on a station due to station personnel being too busy to answer the
telephones, so it’s wise to check more than one station. The
most reliable is WHAM, which is normally aired by 6:30 am
If your transportation district
is closed because of weather, parents are responsible for transportation.
If
school is in progress and the weather turns bad, the decision to close school
and send students home is made jointly with the transportation department of the
various school districts. Before sending students home early, we try to notify
parents so arrangements can be made. If the Newark school district is closed, we
will be closed.
SCHOOL
DOOR Top
A publication that informs the parents of what will be taught in class that
week, news from the EPCS Circle, committee meetings, and special announcements
is published on the first school day of the week and brought home by the
students.
SPORTS
Top
EPCS participates in the Western New York Christian Athletic Association (WNYCAA)
program. We offer the following programs:
- soccer for boys and girls
in the fall,
- basketball for boys and
girls in the winter,
- volleyball for the girls in
the late winter/early spring,
- track for boys and girls in
the late spring.
Athletes must maintain a
74% or better average throughout the school year and can not have a
failing grade in any subject in order to participate. If a student receives a
failing grade they will not be allowed to participate in practices or games. A
period of time will be given for the student to get their grade(s) up. Grades
will be evaluated periodically and a determination will be made on whether the
student can return to the sports program. A player must be in good standing with
all teachers in order to participate and will be periodically evaluated. It is
our desire that on and off the court / field we are positive representatives of
our Lord and our behavior reflects our ways. Please refer to the School Door for
practice schedules, game dates, and times. Teams travel to away games by parent
driven vehicles and you may be asked to volunteer your services from time to
time. Siblings of team members are not to stay after school due to the lack of
supervision.
TUITION
Top
Tuition can be paid annually, quarterly, or monthly. Monthly–the standard
payment plan is 10% down by August 1, with balance due in ten equal installments
from September 1 through June 1. Quarterly–four equal payments due the first
of August, November, February, and May. Bi-annually–two equal payments due by
the first of August and January. Annual–payment in full due by the first of
August. Prompt tuition payments are expected.
General Terms
-
Financial obligations from previous years must be paid in full prior to
child(ren) being allowed to begin classes for the new year.
-
If
a student is transferred from EPCS while tuition is still owed, the student
records will not be forwarded until the account is paid in full.
-
Tuition
payments are due the first of each month scheduled. Service charge of 1.5% per
month will be added to any unpaid balance after the tenth of each month.
-
Timely tuition payments are vital to allow EPCS to provide a Christian
education. If late payment exceeds 30 days from due date, parents are to
contact the school board treasurer. Tuition 90 days delinquent is cause for
automatic expulsion unless a revised payment schedule is approved by the
school board.
VISITORS
Top
The school encourages new families to visit the school. Arrangements must be
made one week in advance when school is in session. All visitors who come to the
school for any reason are required to report their presence to the office
personnel.
| 
2008.
Copyright Notice: No materials on any of the East Palmyra Christian School WWW
pages may be copied without express written permission.