Handbook Long Point Road Geneseo, NY 14454

Transcription

1 Handbook Long Point Road Geneseo, NY Phone: (585) Fax: (585) Website:

2 VISION STATEMENT As an elementary school, GCCS seeks to glorify and honor God, in partnership with parents and churches, by providing an educational program and environment that foster the development of a Christian mind, a biblical worldview, and Christ-like character in students. MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Genesee Country Christian School is to support and assist parents in the training and the teaching of their children and to provide students with a wellrounded education based upon biblical truth. Recognizing that each child is a unique creation, the school will seek to provide a variety of learning experiences designed to enhance each student's development and help each one fulfill God's plan for his life. GOALS The school's goal is to help each child reach for moral and academic excellence. To this end teachers will: *work to influence children s character through formative instruction and corrective discipline (making the connections between behavior, motives, and consequences). *help each student develop a comprehensive biblical worldview and their personal relationship with God through Christ. *cultivate a love of learning, fully engaging each child s strengths, gifts, and talents. GUIDING SPIRITUAL TRUTHS "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge." Proverbs 1:7 "[Our] purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:2-3 "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 3:11

3 Biblical Principles of Formative Instruction 1) The heart is the wellspring of life 2) Reaping and sowing 3) Authority is God s plan 4) Purpose of life - to glorify God 5) Wisdom and foolishness 6) Completeness in Christ 7) Created to worship 8) The importance of the church Life in the body of Christ Philosophy of Education The Genesee Country Christian School is dedicated to academic and moral excellence. The founders of the school believe the source of all wisdom and knowledge is the Lord (Col. 2:3) and that He has revealed Himself to man through Scripture. Therefore, the Bible and the integration of biblical truth are foundational to the work and life of the school. The school's purpose is to provide students with a well-rounded education, integrating biblical truth with all areas of the curriculum, resulting in the development of a Christian mind and a God-centered worldview. Biblical integration in education can be described as the relating of historical Christian truth and faith to all aspects of school life --- academic, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual. Christian educator, Thad Gabelein, has written that the integration of biblical truth is "Bringing the knowledge of Jesus Christ and the truths of Scripture to bear on the formation of young minds seeking to know the world." 1 School may be defined as a social institution where students learn about themselves, the world, and their place in it. The Genesee Country Christian School strives to provide a caring, creative environment where this learning can take place and, most importantly, an environment, which acknowledges Jesus Christ as the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer of the world. Through developmentally appropriate programs and a variety of methods teachers will address academic disciplines as well as fine and performing arts. Our goal is to help each student develop a love of learning and his/her own unique strengths, gifts, and talents thus equipping each one to fulfill God's plan for his/her life. 1 Thad Gabelein, Stony Brook brochure, Stony Brook, N.Y.

4 Statement of Faith Bible: We believe the Bible to be the inspired and infallible Word of God. It is our supreme authority in all matters of faith and practice. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21; Romans 15:4) The Trinity: We believe in one God, creator and sustainer of all things, eternally existing in three persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They execute distinct but harmonious roles in the work of creation, providence, and redemption. (Matthew 28:19; Romans 8: 16-17; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:4-6) God The Father: We believe in God the Father, perfect in holiness, infinite in wisdom, measureless in power, and abounding in love. We rejoice that He concerns Himself mercifully in human affairs and hears and answers prayer. (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Kings 8:27; Job 38-41; Psalm 139; Isaiah 40:6-7; John 3:16; 1 John 4: 8-10) God The Son: We believe in Jesus Christ, God s only begotten Son, born of a virgin, and sinless in His life, who, because of His love for the lost, through His death on the cross, bore the punishment for the sins of the world. We believe in His bodily resurrection, His ascent into heaven, and His future personal, visible return to judge the world according to His promise. (Romans 1:4 & 3:25-26; Matthew 1:18; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:25) God The Holy Spirit: We believe that the Holy Spirit works in us to convict, sanctify, teach, and empower us for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. He leads us into righteousness, peace, and joy as we await our inheritance as children of God. We believe He has gifted every believer as He wills for the benefit of the Church. (John 15:26; 16:8 & 13-15; 1 Corinthians 12:1-14; 1 John 2:26-27) Human Nature: We believe that all people everywhere are sinners both by nature and by choice and are lost and face the judgment of God, that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation, and that repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ results in regeneration by the Holy Spirit and salvation. (Luke 24:46-47; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:23; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; Ephesians 1:7 and 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7) The Church: We believe that the Church is the spiritual body of which Christ is the head. We believe that the true Church is composed of all persons who, through saving faith in Jesus Christ, have been baptized and regenerated by the Holy Spirit. We believe that this body manifests itself in local assemblies whose members have associated themselves for worship, for instruction, for evangelism, and for service. We also believe in the interdependence of local churches and the mutual submission of believers to each other in love. The Church also must go forth into the whole world to proclaim the Gospel to the lost through word and action. (Matthew 28:19; Romans 10:9-15; 1 Corinthians 1:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14; 2 Timothy 4:1-2)

5 Purity: We believe God s children are called to lives of purity, abstaining from adultery, fornication, incest, homosexuality, pornography, and other sexual relationships or practices forbidden by Scripture. (Leviticus 18 & 20; Matthew 15:19; Romans 1:18-28; 1 Corinthians 5:1 & 6:18) Marriage: We believe that God created the male and female sexes to complement and benefit each other and that these two distinct genders together reflect the image of God within that person. God instituted monogamous marriage as a sacred lifetime covenant between a man and a woman. Marriage functions as the foundation of the family and the basic structure of human society. We believe that sex is a gift only to be permitted and enjoyed within a marriage union. (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5-6; Mark 10:6-9; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9) Value of Life: We believe that since humanity is created in God s image, and since God has decreed human life to be sacred and of inestimable worth, therefore killing by abortion or euthanasia are sinful and offensive to God. (Genesis 1:27, 9:6; Psalm 139:13-14) Education: We believe that all Christians are learners (disciples). God has commanded parents and grandparents to train children in the Lord and His commands. He has also gifted teachers to assist, and given both scripture and creation to reveal His will, salvation, power, nature, and glory. God s intention for education is especially to equip His saints with knowledge of Christ, faith, Christian maturity, and Christ-likeness for the purpose of building up His Church in orthodoxy, ministry, and love so that God in Christ will be glorified and enjoyed. (Acts 11:26, Deuteronomy 4:9, 6:7, Psalm 19:1, Proverbs 22:6, Romans 1:20, Ephesians 4:11-16)

6 Expected Student Outcomes Based on the core values, mission statement, and vision of the Genesee Country Christian School we, by God s power and grace, endeavor to produce graduates who: are well prepared in core academic areas and are skilled in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and thinking. are proficient in mathematics and science. have basic knowledge of people, events, and movement in U.S. and world history, and an appreciation of other cultures, peoples, and places. are developing an appreciation for literature and the arts and their gifts and talents in these areas. know how to use resources including technology to find, analyze, and evaluate information. are developing a love of learning that will last beyond their school years. through instruction in God s Word and by the leading of the Holy Spirit, understand and commit to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. are developing an awareness of their responsibility and role in carrying out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). are developing Christ-like characters resulting in lives of faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness, and love. recognize their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and treat them accordingly. are actively involved in a church community and learning to serve others at church and in the world. have an appreciation for the natural environment and practice responsible stewardship of God s creation and all other resources He has given --- time, talents, finances, etc.

7 Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students Genesee Country Christian School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship or loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs. Application and Enrollment Parents must fill out an application for each student. On receipt of the application and application fee, an interview with parents and a classroom visit for the student will be scheduled. Upon receipt of records and testing from the student s previous school, acceptance will be decided based upon the application, classroom visit, and records. Half of the application fee will be refunded if the student is not admitted. All new students are enrolled for a provisional nine-week period. If a student shows a consistent lack of interest in schoolwork or unwillingness to cooperate with teachers, the principal will notify parents promptly and work with them to develop a plan which addresses the problem. Unresolved problems in these areas may result in the student s dismissal from GCCS. Tuition The non-refundable registration fee is payable at the time of application. Tuition may be paid in 11 equal monthly installments, semi-annually, or in one annual payment. Payment in full by August 1 results in a 5% discount. The first payment is due August 1 st or at the time of acceptance. The remaining 10 payments are due depending on the FACTS plan you chose at time of account setup. A late fee of $15.00 will be charged for any tuition payments received 10 days after payment due date. Tuition payments are made to FACTS, a tuition management and payment processing company offering a variety of payment options check, money order, online, or automatic transfer of funds from savings or checking accounts. If payment is returned, a $30 FACTS Returned Payment Fee will be assessed. Any balance remaining unpaid after the due date shall incur a late fee of $ Regular school attendance is vital to a child s progress in school. Recognizing the importance of regular attendance, GCCS has set the following guidelines:

8 Attendance If a student is absent, parents will: 1. call the school office before 9 a.m. and notify us of the absence. 2. send a note with their child when he returns to school stating the date(s) of the absence and its nature. (These notes are required by New York State.) 3. if an absence is necessary because of travel, contact the school office and child s teacher one week ahead of time allowing the teacher to prepare work for the student. Parents are then responsible for helping students complete all missed work. Holidays September: Labor Day October: Columbus Day November: Veteran s Day Thanksgiving Recess December: Christmas Recess January: Martin Luther King Day February: Winter Recess April: Easter Recess May: Memorial Day When planning holiday celebrations, the variety of traditions and convictions regarding such celebrations reflected in our school community has been taken into consideration. At school we will celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter and concentrate on the historical and biblical significance of these holidays. Rather than exchanging gifts with each other at Christmas, students will have the opportunity to participate in mission projects. Students may exchange cards at Valentine s Day and activities focusing on the love of God and love for others will also be planned. Because of the dark connotations and controversial nature of Halloween, it will not be celebrated at school. Invitation Etiquette We ask if all the boys or girls from a classroom are not invited to a social event, the invitations be mailed and not handed out at school.

9 Health In order to protect all of the children who attend our school against vaccine preventable communicable diseases, New York State Public Health Law 2164 states that a principal or person in charge of a school shall not permit a child to be admitted to such school unless a person in parental relation to the child furnish the school with the following: A statement from a physician, licensed health care provider or health facility which specifies the products administered and the dates of administration and shows that the child has received: Polio Diphtheria containing toxoid Measles (on or after first birthday) Mumps Rubella Hepatitis B Chicken Pox 3 doses 3 doses 2 doses 1 dose 1 dose 3 doses 1 dose Physical examination within the preceding nine months For Preschool: HIB If administered less than 15 months of age If administered on or after 15 months of age 3 doses 1 dose Physical examination (including scoliosis) within the preceding nine months Physicals are required for new students including Preschool and those entering grades K, 2 nd, 4 th, 7 th and 10 th. GCCS also requires a copy of each preschool, kindergarten, and new student s birth certificate with the application.

10 Grooming and Dress Code Students are expected to maintain a neat, modest appearance with clothing clean and mended. In keeping with our opinion that the classroom is an appropriate place for a slightly dressier style of clothing rather than very casual attire: Blue denim clothing including jumpers and skirts are not permitted, however other colors of denim and corduroy are acceptable. Sweat pants, sports shorts and nylon athletic warm ups may be worn in PE only. PE shorts need to be at least fingertip long. Walking or Bermuda style shorts will be permitted. Length of shorts and skirts should be no more than 2 inches above the knee. Camisoles and tops with spaghetti straps may be worn under shirts or sweaters, but not alone. Tights and leggings are not considered pants and thus, should not be worn as such. If they are to be worn at school by an elementary student, they must be worn with a long tunic or shirt covering the student s hips and bottom. For middle school students, leggings and tights may be worn with a tunic or dress that is covering the student s hips and bottom. Sneakers must be worn for PE classes, recess, and outdoor play. For safety, flip flops and crocs will not be permitted during the school day. The school requests that each student purchase a GCCS polo shirt to be worn on field trips and other occasions. If your student chooses to come to school out of dress code, a phone call will be made requesting a different set of clothes, and if you are unable to bring anything, your student will be given appropriate clothing to wear that will need to be returned to school. Our goal is to set a professional tone so that learning can take place during the school day. The school requests that each student purchase a GCCS polo shirt to be worn on field trips and other occasions.

11 Code of Conduct It is our goal to teach children to interact with others in ways that are pleasing to God and bring peace. Additionally, we believe children thrive and learning takes place best in an orderly environment. To help achieve these goals and establish such an environment, the school has set the following guidelines for behavior. Students will: 1. Observe common rules of courtesy and consideration for the rights of others. 2. Be honest in all of their school relationships. 3. Obey those in authority promptly and cheerfully. 4. Show respect for others, their personal property and school property. 5. Refrain from obscene or profane language. 6. Leave electronic games, guns and war toys at home.* 7. Keep cell phones in lockers. Phones are not to be used during school. 8. Be able to use tablets, with teachers permission, to access reading materials. *In general, toys should be kept at home, but students in preschool through second grade may bring items for special sharing times. Discipline Philosophy and Policy Generally, everyday discipline and correction of students is handled by the classroom teacher. Teachers seek to help students understand the heart issues and attitudes that drive the behavior and address them through instruction in biblical principles and prayer. If time does not permit the teacher to talk and pray with a child, the principal may do so. Severe and/or chronic problems will automatically be dealt with by the principal. Goals for students include repentance, seeking forgiveness, and restoration of fellowship. Our intent is to help parents train children whose lives are pleasing to God and whose interactions with others bring peace. When choosing consequences and administering discipline, the student s problem and attitude will be taken into consideration. Consequences may include restitution, loss of privileges, and in or out of school suspensions for severe or chronic problems. A student who does not respond to correction may be asked to leave Genesee Country Christian School if the principal determines it is in the child s or the school s best interest. The principles contained in Shepherding a Child s Heart and Instructing a Child s Heart by Tedd Tripp provide an excellent explanation of the philosophy of instruction and discipline at Genesee Country Christian School.

12 Parental Support As school and home work together to meet the students needs, we expect the support of parents in the following: 1. Provide encouragement and help in the completion of homework and assignments. 2. Regular student attendance. Vacations should be scheduled during school holidays whenever possible. 3. Prompt arrival in the morning. Tardiness hinders students progress and disturbs the class schedule. 4. Volunteer a minimum of 10 hours during the school year. 5. Participation in all fundraising activities. (See requirements below) 6. Meet financial obligations to the school on time. 7. Pray for the faculty, staff, students and school board. Fundraising Requirements Parent participation in fundraisers is essential for balancing the budget. Each family is required to: Sign up to work the fall Chicken BBQ fundraiser Sell 10 Chicken BBQ tickets or pay a buyout fee of $50; any unsold tickets must be returned. Sign up to work the March Spaghetti Dinner & Auction fundraiser Donate an item to the auction or pay a buyout fee of $75 Sell 10 Spaghetti Dinner tickets or pay a buyout fee of $40; any unsold tickets must be returned. Buyouts need to be paid when the tickets are due, if not, the buyout amount will be applied to your FACTS account. Families will be responsible for the cost of unsold and unreturned items for all fundraisers. There is a minimum of 10 hours volunteer time per family during the school year above and beyond the Chicken BBQ and Spaghetti Dinner & Auction fundraisers.

13 School Hours Preschool: Three Years Old (Half Day) Tues/Thurs 9:00 am-12:00 pm Four Years Old (Half Day) Mon/Wed/Fri 9:00 am-12:00 pm (Full Day) Mon/Wed/Fri 9:00 am-3:00 pm (Half Day) Monday-Friday 9:00 am-12:00 pm (Full Day) Monday-Friday 9:00 am-3:00 pm Kindergarten: Five Years Old by Dec. 1 st 1 st -8 th Grades: 8:15 am -3:00 pm (Half Day) Monday-Friday 8:15 am-12:10 pm (Full Day) Monday-Friday 8:15 am-3:00 pm K-8 th : Drop off time 8:15am Classes begin at 8:25am The doors will be locked from 8:25-3:00. Parents and visitors must sign in at the office during school hours.

14 Library Policy Mission/Philosophy Statement The mission of the Genesee Country Christian School library is to support the school s mission, which is to assist parents in training and teaching their children by providing a well-rounded education integrated with biblical truth. It is the goal of the library to Support learning by creating a pleasant orderly atmosphere in the library Meet the students needs for recreational and curriculum related materials Meet the teachers needs for curriculum related and professional materials Provide both Christian and secular materials Aid students in developing library skills Criticism of the Collection Users may state their objections to material in the collection by completing a Material Review Form. The professional in charge of the library, administrators, and school board members will consider the objection. The final decision will rest with the administrators. Gifts to the collection Monetary gifts will be accepted. Donated material must meet the selection/ weeding policy criteria. Material not needed or accepted will be returned or passed on. *A complete copy of the Library Policy may be obtained from the school office. Statement of Cooperation Included in student application I have read the entire contents of Genesee Country Christian School's handbook and understand the principles and policies stated therein. I am completely willing to abide by and uphold all such principles and policies. I have carefully read the school's Statement of Faith and understand that my child will be taught in accordance with the tenets therein. I also understand that attendance at Genesee Country Christian School is a privilege and not a right. I understand that GCCS reserves the right to request my child's withdrawal if in the school's opinion it would be in the child's or school's best interest to do so.

15 Material Review Form Request initiated by Address Telephone Representing: Self Organization/Group Material Questioned Book: Author Title Other: Identify Please answer the following questions. If sufficient space is not provided, please use another sheet of paper. 1. Have you read the entire book/material? If not, what parts? 2. To what in the book/material do you object? Please be specific. Cite passages, pages, episodes, etc. 3. Did you read the objectionable passage in its entire context? 4. Do you feel that there is any instructional use for this material? 5. What effect do you feel might result from use of this material? 6. What would you like to have Genesee Country Christian School do about this material? Do not make it available to my child. Withdraw it from all students as well as my child. Limit circulation to students with written parental permission to read it. Other 7. Additional Comments Date Signature