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middle school high school family student handbook shiloh christian school · bismarck north dakota 1

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student handbook 2011-2012 shiloh christian school table of contents please note not all sub-headings are listed in the table of contents introduction 4 shiloh christian school statements 4 i general information 7 ii administering medicines to students 12 iii attendance policy 13 excused absences 13 unexcused absences 13 becoming ill during the day 14 illness/absences and extracurricular activities 14 admission following absences 14 pre-excused absences including family vacations 14 makeup work 15 iv tardy policy 15 v citizen responsibility and expectations for behavior 16 student dress 17 classroom behavior and assignment completion 18 study hall behavior 18 vi policy on prohibited activities and substances 20 disrespect/violence 20 use of alcohol tobacco and other drugs 21 ineligibility to participate 24 counseling services available 24 vii academic policies 24 course requirements for graduation 24 shiloh course offerings 26 marking system 27 adding/dropping a class 27 cheating 27 college courses for dual credit 28 2

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eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities 28 ineligibility to participate 29 failing work 30 grade point average gpa 30 honor roll 30 incompletes 31 parent-teacher conferences 31 report cards 31 retaking a class 31 semester tests 32 study hall exemption 32 summer school 33 academic probation 34 achievement tests 34 early graduation 35 viii internet 36 ix business affairs 36 x financial assistance 36 xi student awards and scholarships 37 xii academic competitions 38 3

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introduction to shiloh christian school introduction shiloh christian school administrators teachers parents and students prepared this information to serve as your guide to school procedures and activities most information you will need to have a successful tenure at shiloh christian is included in this handbook the administration will gladly provide further information at your request shiloh christian school statements mission statement shiloh christian school an interdenominational school for grades k-12 is commissioned by parents to provide training in which the lordship of jesus christ is exemplified in the lives of those who teach and nurtured in the lives of those who learn biblical principles are an integral part of all activities consistent with our founders vision academic excellence on a christian foundation past and present shiloh christian opened in 1978 with 47 students and has grown to become one of the largest independent christian schools in a three-state area to provide expanded facilities for the 230 students enrolled in the fall of 1989 shiloh moved from mandan to rented facilities at 6117 e main bismarck shiloh moved to a permanent home at 1915 shiloh drive bismarck in july 1996 following the completion of the first phase of construction in 2003 shiloh completed the second building on the campus which includes a gymnasium stage/auditorium and classrooms for the high school and middle school shiloh christian is a member of the association of christian schools international acsi and north dakota high school activities association ndhsaa why did we chose the name shiloh the term shiloh was the place name of an old testament city which was the first established worship center in israel judges 18:31 it was there that an annual pilgrimage of god s people ended in worship of israel s god yahweh judges 21:19 1 sam 1:3 samuel a leader of god s people was brought to the house of the lord at shiloh that his whole life would be given over to the lord there the lord revealed himself to samuel through his word so that samuel would minister before the anointed one always 1 sam 1:28 2:35 shiloh christian school like its old testament counterpart provides a place where god is revealed through his word giving the standard for all instruction 4

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declaration of faith · we believe in one infinite god ps 90:2 1 tim 1:17 in whom are three persons ­ father son and holy spirit matt 28:19 2 cor 13 14 eph 1:3-14 · we believe in jesus christ fully god and fully man john 1:1-18 phil 2:6-8 his virgin birth mt 1:18-25 lk 1:26-38 his sinless life 2 cor 5:21 heb 4:15 his miracles jn 30:30,31 his substitutionary and atoning death through his shed blood on the cross rom 5:1-12 2 cor 5:16-21 heb 9-10 his ascension to the right hand of the father acts 1:9-11 7:55,56 eph 1:20-23 and his personal physical return in power and glory zech 14 rev 19 · we believe in the ministry of the holy spirit john 14:16 who is fully god acts 5:3,4 that he indwells every born-again believer rom 8:911 1 cor 6:19 giving power to live a godly life gal 5:22,23 eph 4:30 1 john 2:20-27 · we believe that the bible is the only verbally fully inspired word of god 2 tim 3:16 2 pet 1:20,21 inerrant and infallible in matters of both fact and faith mt 5:17 john 10:35 that is has absolute authority over all earthly wisdom 1 cor 1:18-31 and that it teaches us what we are to believe and how we are to live james 1:19-27 · we believe that man has a sinful nature from conception ps 51:5 ps 58:3 is totally dead in sin eph 2:1 unable to save himself tit 1:15,16 and in need of a savior rom 3 · we believe salvation consists of the remission of sins the imputation of christ s righteousness and the gift of eternal life received by faith alone apart from works eph 2:8 9 tit 3:5 all who repent of their sins and believe on the lord jesus christ being freely justified by the father are born again by the holy spirit romans 1-5 eph 1:3-14 · we believe in the existence of satan luke 11:18 his warfare against god acts 26:18 2 cor 4:4 1 john 3:8-10 and his defeat on the cross col 2:15 for eternity rev 20:10 · we believe in the literal supernatural creation gen 1,2 job 38-41 ­ everything existing according to god s power col 1:15 17 · we believe in the resurrection of the saved unto everlasting life and blessedness in heaven dan 12:2 john 5:28-29 14:1-3 rev 21,22 and in the resurrection of the lost unto everlasting conscious punishment in hell rev 20:11-15 · we believe the church is the body of christ composed of all born again 5

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believers eph 4:1-16 5:25-27 col 1:18 meeting together in local assemblies for worship and fellowship acts 2:42-47 phil 1:1 1 th 1 rev 1:4 statement of purpose recognizing that the eternal god created all things and since the creation of the world his invisible attributes his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen being understood through what has been made rom 1:30 our purpose is to bring our students to understand more of their creator through what he has made though sinful men suppress the truth in unrighteousness rom 1:18 we commit our school to the study and teaching of the truth in every discipline destroying speculation and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of god and taking every thought captive to the obedience of christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge 2 cor 10:5 col 2:3 teaching every man with all wisdom that we may present every man complete in christ col 1:28 our purpose is therefore · to acknowledge the limits of our human minds and the effects of sin on our thinking and understanding and therefore seek the help of god through his holy spirit in all of our learning · to study the whole world and life on it man and his behavior to understand after the pattern of god s understanding to see the world as god sees it and to see god s glory in it · to use the bible as the trustworthy inerrant verbally and fully inspired standard of truth in all areas of study whether study of the bible itself the humanities or sciences · to use the bible the written authoritative word of god as the standard for all our administrative decisions in choosing staff and teachers planning curriculum selecting texts materials and methods of teaching and discipline · to seek in our students not only an academic understanding of god and his world through their study but also an increased commitment to faith and obedience toward god through his son jesus as lord and savior statement of philosophy shiloh christian school accepts as its premise an individual s need for a relationship with god and the abiding truth of god s revelation which comes through jesus christ and the written word the general purpose of the school is to maintain a learning institution of academic excellence in which elementary and secondary education is provided in harmony 6

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with the christian faith adhering to the necessity of a certified professionally competent faculty committed in personal faith to jesus christ nondiscriminatory statement shiloh christian school will not either by action of the board of directors or by administrative practice discriminate against any student because of race color or ethnic origin ownership and approval shiloh christian school offers classes for grades pre-k-12 and is an interdenominational private institution it is incorporated under the laws of north dakota and its administration is under the control of the board of shiloh christian school which is an appointed board shiloh christian school is classified by the north dakota department of public instruction as a fully-approved school shiloh christian school is recognized from the state of north dakota as meeting north dakota required standards general information absences/attendance regular and punctual attendance is necessary for a student to achieve success in school it is not only important for the student s academic success but also for building proper attitudes toward responsibilities regular attendance is a parent responsibility and will be regarded in compliance with north dakota compulsory attendance statute 15-1-20 backpacks/duffel bags we encourage students to utilize lockers as much as possible students will be allowed to transport personal items to school in backpacks or duffel bags backpacks/duffel bags left unattended in bathrooms classrooms lobbies or hallways may be confiscated students need to keep backpacks with them while in the classrooms at lunch time students may place backpacks in their lockers or place in the cafeteria with them please do not throw backpacks as books are considered school property bulletins and announcements all announcements must be approved by a group s advisor and submitted to the office by 8:00 a.m announcements will be made at 8:35 a.m students may assist with the announcements cell phones grades 6-8 cell phones are to be turned off and in backpacks cell phones are not to be used during the day at school grades 9-12 cell phones are not to be used heard or visible in classrooms they may be used in the hallways between classes or in the lunchroom but are not to be heard or be a distraction to the learning environment cell phones that are used inappropriately will be confiscated first time cell phone collected by the classroom teacher and held until the end of the day second time cell phone given to the principal until the end of the day and student has a conversation with the principal 7

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third time cell phone given to the principal until the end of the day parent will be contacted and a team meeting will take place to form a plan church night activities athletics organizations etc should not be scheduled after 5:30 p.m on wednesdays homework may be given on church nights and tests may be given on thursdays closed campus students in grades 6-10 are not permitted to leave campus for any reason except for medical appointments during the school day parents/guardians are permitted to take their own student off campus for appointments lunch etc if they receive prior permission from the high school office/administration students in grade 11-12 have an open campus privilege if parents/guardians do not want their student to have an open campus privilege they should contact the high school office counseling services the purpose of the counseling program is to aid students in developing their potential to the fullest teachers administrators staff and the school chaplain are actively involved in the guidance program and have a deep interest in the total well-being of each student pastoral counseling the school chaplain will visit with any student to discuss personal social or spiritual matters in confidence work in progress ­ 2011-2012 evaluation academic educational and vocational counseling the school administration and the school registrar are available to shiloh christian students to explore academic educational and vocational opportunities · assistance is given to students in the selection and scheduling of classes aid is given to students who could benefit from an academic contract or who may need special help such as tutoring · assistance is given to students by providing information on colleges universities vocational-technical schools and military service opportunities · assistance is given in applying for scholarships and other awards and in providing financial aid information and materials · the registrar and/or shiloh learning center director administer various tests and assists in interpretation of the results electronic equipment radios stereos any personal listening devises laser pointers etc are not permitted in classrooms headsets may be used in the hallways or during lunch shiloh christian is not responsible for damaged lost or stolen equipment fire and tornado warning drills instructions will be posted and reviewed by each teacher with their classes for immediately evacuating the area 8

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food service the food service is located in the heringer auditorium sports court meals for school lunches are prepared there in addition to the noon lunch there is a salad bar available at noon students may purchase a lunch ticket or pay daily for a single lunch milk may be purchased by students who bring their own lunch ala carte breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m students attending period 1 may stop by for a quick breakfast however no food or beverages are allowed in the classrooms and students are expected to be to class on time it is recommended to students who attend period 1 classes to bring a small snack that may be eaten after chapel on the way to class health services all students must have a completed certificate of immunization on file in the office if parents choose not to immunize a student due to religious or philosophical reasons a note must be signed and given to the main office insurance coverage shiloh christian school does not carry student accident insurance for accidents occurring on school property lockers students in grades 5-12 will be assigned a locker only one student may use a locker and it will be he/her responsibility to keep it clean stickers posters or pictures not consistent with christian values will not be allowed in the lockers lockers are the property of the school to be used for students personal property lockers will be equipped with a combination lock issued by the school the student is responsible for books and personal possessions at all times valuable items should be left at home student items are to be placed in lockers not in hallways restrooms etc the school owns the lockers and reserves the right to inspect a student s locker at any time if authorities/school officials have a reasonable suspicion lost and found most lost articles are turned in at the office all unlabeled and unclaimed items will be given to charity periodically during the school year office hours the ms/hs offices are open 7:30am to 4:00pm monday through friday parents unavailable if parents are leaving their student in the care of another family or other adult please leave permission for them to sign for any emergency treatment that may be necessary please notify the office to let us know who is responsible for your children while you are away this is in case of serious accident or illness 9

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records report cards will not be given and records will not be transferred until release forms are properly signed and all school obligations are met the school should be informed of any change of address phone number marital status e-mail address or other pertinent information school hours grades 6-8 8:25 a.m 3:25 p.m grades 9-12 7:40 a.m period 1 except for honor courses 8:25 p.m 3:25 p.m the main building front doors will open at 7:15 a.m the elementary building front doors will open at 8:00 a.m school pictures individual colored pictures are taken each year and are available for purchase through the school individual and group pictures are taken in the fall announcements will appear in the newsletter check the school calendar for picture dates senior privilege juniors and seniors will be exempt from the closed-campus rules which includes free periods only free periods/study halls will be exempt only if the gpa requirement is made juniors and seniors may leave campus for lunch parents or administration may revoke this privilege if abused drinks or food may not be allowed in classrooms by any students teachers can occasionally give permission to a class to have a snack/celebration in the locker room area if supervised by that teacher reserved parking will be allowed for seniors with the understanding of a need to be sensitive to space for visitors senior skip day a day on which seniors simply do not attend class is an unexcused absence such a day is not sanctioned by shiloh christian school a senior trip will be considered in discussion with parents and administration student chaplains student chaplains encourage a healthy spiritual environment of shiloh for their class chaplains may assist in chapels and will be required to meet with the school chaplain on spiritual issues 10

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student council student council plans social activities throughout the school year and looks for ways to connect the student body with the school students who are interested fill out the class officer candidate application the form is turned into the activities director elections are held close to that time class representatives will be given their job description of responsibilities student housing shiloh christian students may choose one of the following housing arrangements while in attendance at shiloh christian school 1 live at home with parents/guardians 2 live with host family 3 live with a responsible family unit approved by school administration this will not determine elgibility student injury in case of injury to a student or an unexpected illness the student will be treated in the office should additional medical attention be necessary and the parents are unavailable a designated relative or neighbor will be contacted telephone calls a telephone is located in the main office for use by students during the school day students may not receive incoming calls during the school day messages for students in grades 9-12 will be posted on the board located in the kennedy foyer students will not be called out of class for messages except in emergency situations grades 6-8 students will be notified through an e-mail to appropriate teachers transportation to out-of-town school events transportation to events sponsored by the school or a school organization is under the jurisdiction of the school if student participate in an out-of-town activity they must ride in school-approved transportation use of buildings and grounds the use and scheduling of shiloh christian buildings and grounds is under the direction of the facilities manager in coordination with the administration vehicles on campus having a car on campus is a privilege and should be treated with respect students are asked to use designated student parking vehicles driven to school are to be used as transportation between home and school any other use must be approved in advance by the principal failure to comply with this rule will result in contacting parents/guardians to determine what action needs to be taken losing the privilege of having a car on campus for an appropriate period of time will be considered 11

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a senior who provides transportation to non-senior students in an unauthorized leaving of campus will lose off-campus privileges for a period of two weeks parents/guardians will be notified losing the privilege of having a car on campus for a similar period of time will be considered middle school students are not allowed to have cars on campus permission is needed from the principal if a middle school student needs to drive visitors parents/guardians are always welcome and encouraged to visit with teachers and administrative personnel all visitors during the school day are required to report to the school office visitors who are not parents/guardians are asked to stay in the kennedy foyer for visits weather-related announcements please listen to local media for weather related announcements and updates shiloh christian is included in any closing announcement that states all bismarck-mandan schools public and private announcements may be on the following radio stations kndr kcnd kfyr and kxmb-tv announcements may also be given by e-mail or text administering medicines to students policy statement the giving of prescription and/or over the counter medications will not be approved without the prior consent of a parent or legal guardian only upon written order of a physician and with written consent of the parent or legal guardian may a member of the school office staff assist in the administration of any prescription medication students who must depend on receiving medication during school hours must have a written order from a physician giving specific directions for taking the medication directions should be clearly marked on the bottle or container the medication is not to be given to the student or the classroom teacher guidelines any medication sent or brought to the school to be given to a student must be accompanied by a signed request from the parent or legal guardian or physician the parent or legal guardian must complete the medical information/authorization to dispense medication form which will be provided by the school the following information must be included in the physician s written request 1 student s name 2 amount of dosage 3 time to be administered 4 name of medicine 5 instructions as to possible side affects 6 any special instructions all medicines will be kept in the school office 12

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a record will be kept of the administration of the medication noting the date time and staff member helping the student at the end of the school year parents/guardians should pick up any medication in the possession of the school any medication not picked up will be thrown away attendance policy regular and punctual attendance is necessary is essential for success as a student and is the student s responsibility students should therefore be absent or tady only when absolutely unavoidable when an absence or tardy occurs the student is responsible for any class work missed and must arrange with the teachers to make up assignments tests and quizzes parents/guardians must call the main office 221-2104 before 8:30 a.m the morning of an absence to report any absence or tardiness of their students if the school is not called the office staff will telephone a parent/guardian to determine the reason for the absence all absence and tardy admit slips are issued in the high school/middle school office students won t be allowed in class without a slip excused absences with parent approval the following qualify as excused absences personal illness medical orthodontic care or dental appointments if the school is notified ahead of the appointment and verification is brought after funerals school-sponsored events family emergencies church activities required court appearance physical therapy appointments college visits 2 days allowed if more days are needed it must be approved by principal ten absence limit students are limited to ten absences in any class per semester these absences do include illness parental requests trips appointments and unexcused the limit of ten does not include school activities or funerals students with excessive absences miss quality instruction which may negatively affect their classroom performance after a student reaches a limit of ten absences in a class for illness the student is required to bring a note from a physician stating that they are too ill to attend school any student surpassing the limit will be asked to meet with an administrator and their parents/guardians to address the concerns and may receive a failing grade in the class exceptions to the policy for extenuating circumstances may be granted on an individual basis unexcused absences absences not on the list of excused absences are considered unexcused they include 13

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truancy also known as cutting or skipping is defined as being absent from one or more classes without the consent of parents/guardians and/or school officials truancy is also defined by behaviors such as failure to report to the office after being sent there leaving class without a teacher s permission abuse of pass usage failure to go to class upon return to school oversleeping transportation problems if student drives unverified appointments medical or other an unexcused absence will result in a meeting with the school administration before returning to class notification of parents/guardians class time missed will be made up at double time during 9th hour to complete work assigned students with unexcused absences for the entire period are not allowed to receive credit for quizzes homework or tests they missed skipping class-truant three or more unexcused absences may result in being dropped and failed from the class parents/guardians will be notified by phone or mail becoming ill during the day if students become ill or need to leave campus during the school day they are required to report to the school office before leaving campus for home parents/guardians will be contacted before they leave prior to leaving campus the student must sign out in the front office students must report to the office when returning to be issued an admittance pass if students are ill and come to campus late during the school day they are required to report to the school office before entering class parents/guardians need to contact or send a note with the student teachers will not let student in class without an admit slip illness/absences and extracurricular activities if students are involved in extracurricular activities they must be in attendance the entire half day before an activity to be eligible for participation in the activity that afternoon or evening in accordance with ndhsaa policy students are expected to attend all classes the day following a school activity admission following absences on the day students return to school students contact teachers for make-up work pre-excused absences if a student knows they will be absent from school for family trips college visits extracurricular trips etc a written request must be submitted to the office at least three school days prior to the first day to be missed a pre-excuse form will be issued to circulate to the classroom teachers to gain the assignments the completed form must be signed by all of the student s teachers and returned to the office if not acceptance of missed homework may 14

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be considered late teachers have discretion as to whether homework is due prior to or after the absence students in grades 6-12 are to obtain the appropriate form from the office discuss assignments for the classes to be missed with the teachers return the completed form to the office before leaving take the responsibility for securing material missed while not in school all-school assembly attendance all-school assemblies are scheduled as part of the curriculum and attendance is required failure to attend will be considered an unexcused absence classroom rules for tardiness and behavior apply to all assemblies makeup work it is the student s responsibility to arrange for makeup work all makeup credit is optional with the teacher and must be completed according to the teacher s directions and time-frame generally one day of makeup time is granted for each day of excused absence if class is missed on monday the completed work is due on thursday if class is missed on thursday assignments are due on monday if class is missed on friday assignments are due on wednesday due dates for long-term assignments assignments that are more than an overnight assignment will remain the same provided the student was in class the day the long-term assignment was announced if makeup of homework is required prior to an out of town trip or event the student must comply the two days for makeup work does not apply in this case making up work due to suspension for disciplinary reasons all tests quizzes and assignments missed during a disciplinary absence will be completed it is the student s responsibility to get assignments from teachers for the days missed all work due must be handed in on the day of return to school students should be prepared to take all quizzes and tests on the first day back assignments not turned in on that day will be considered late work by law shiloh can t take away a student s right to education when we give a suspension tardy policy arriving in class on time is a courteous and important thing for an effective student to do tardiness is a distraction to the class and the teacher if a student is not in the classroom preparing to be seated when the bell rings they will be counted tardy students will report to the office for a tardy slip if arriving after the bell if more than 15 minutes is missed the tardy becomes an absence if a student is detained by business with a member of the staff a note from that staff member explaining the reason for the tardiness and stating the time the student left to go to class will serve as an excuse 15

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