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shiloh christian elementary school family handbook 2010-2011 shiloh christian school · bismarck north dakota

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2011-2012 school calendar august 22 new student orientation/enrollment 23 staff workshop/back to school picnic 24 teacher workshop 25 first day of school 25 back to school night grades 6-12 september 5 no school ­ labor day october 20-21 no school 20 teacher in-service 28 end of first quarter november 10 parent-teacher conferences 2:00-5:00 and 6:00-8:00 11 no school ­ veterans day/comp day 24-25 no school ­ thanksgiving vacation december 22-31 no school ­ christmas vacation january 1-2 no school ­ christmas vacation 3 classes resume 12-13 1st semester tests 16 no school ­ martin luther king day teacher in-service february 16 parent-teacher conferences 2:00-5:00 and 6:00-8:00 17 no school ­ comp day 20 no school ­ president s day 21 no school ­ winter break march 16 end of third quarter april 6 no school ­ good friday 9-10 no school ­ spring break may 23-24 2nd semester tests 25 no school ­ teacher work day 27 baccalaureate 10:00 a.m 27 graduation 2:30 p.m academic

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shiloh christian elementary school family handbook table of contents mission statement 1 vision statement 1 faith statement 1 statement of philosophy 3 nondiscriminatory statement 3 ownership and accreditation 3 absences/attendance 3 academics 4 accelerated reader 5 after school programming 5 arrival/drop off procedures 5 athletics 5 band program 6 birthday celebrations 6 book orders fairs vendors 6 building usage/gymnasium rental 6 candy and chewing gum 6 change of address/telephone number 7 chapel 7 communication 7 computer and internet usage 7 conferences 7 damage to school property 7 deficiency notices 8 discipline 8 distribution of non-school sponsored materials 8 doors 8 dress code 8 early dismissal/emergency policy 8 emergency drills 9 ferpa/student records 9 grading scale 9 health issues 10 homework 10 immunizations 10 illegal and illicit substances 10 lockers/locker and desk searches 10 lost and found 10 medications 11 movies/supplemental materials 11 newsletter 11 parties/celebrations 11 pets 12 plagiarism 12 phones 12 promotion/retention 12 recess/playground 13 report cards 13 shiloh learning center 13 shiloh pto 13 teacher requests 14 testing 14 transportation release form 14 visitors/volunteers 15 appendix 17-25 map of drop off/pick up procedure 25

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introduction to shiloh christian school 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 middle school and upper elementary students shiloh christian is a member of the association of christian schools international acsi and north dakota high school activities association ndhsaa why did we choose 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 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 -1-

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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 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 -2-

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· 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 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 admits students of any race color national and ethnic origin to all the rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded to or made available to students at the school it does note discriminate on the basis of color national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies admissions policies athletic and other school administered programs ownership and approval shiloh christian school offers classes for grades preschool and grades k-12 shiloh 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 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 -3-

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the school day begins at 8:25 a.m dismissal time for half-day kindergarten is 11:30 a.m dismissal for elementary students k-5 is 3:15 p.m the school office is open from 7:30 a.m to 4:00 p.m please have your child arrive after 8:00 a.m breakfast will be available in the heringer auditorium from 7:30-8:00 a.m for students of families that must drop off before 8:00 a.m students are expected to go outside from 8:00-8:20 a.m and will be supervised during this time classrooms are open at 8:20 a.m your child should be picked up by 3:30 p.m the only exception to these times would be at teacher discretion or if the child is part of an after school program or activity if your child will be absent it is important to contact the office and classroom teacher between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m in this way we can be assured accuracy for our records and the reason for the absence if the school does not receive a call we will attempt to make contact to ensure the safety of your child early leave any student who anticipates leaving school during the day must bring a note signed by a parent and present it to the office and classroom teacher in the morning the note should indicate the time the student is to be dismissed and if appropriate the time he/she will return it must also indicate who will be picking the child up excused absences · illness · death or serious illness in the family family emergency · medical or dental appointments we ask that you make every effort to schedule these outside the school day parents must come to the office to sign the child out for/in from the appointment · other reasons notify the school with appropriate advance notice of absences such as family trips etc unexcused absences · occurrences when the school is not informed as to the reason for the student s absence · unexcused absences are considered truancy tardiness policy · morning-students arriving in the classroom after 8:30 a.m but before 10:00 a.m will be counted tardy for the morning students arriving after 10:00 a.m will be counted absent for one-half day · afternoon students leaving for the day by 1:30 p.m will be counted absent for one-half day students arriving late should be accompanied by an adult to check in at the office academics shiloh christian school strives to provide a quality christian education -4-

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accelerated reader accelerated reader is a program used in grades 1-12 we are now using the online version of accelerated reader this allows access to parents and students of any book tests that accelerated reader has available this creates great opportunities with more selection but it also means that parents are responsible to assure appropriate reading material for their child teachers can also assist parents with accelerated reader selections ask your child s teacher the required reading for his/her grade after school programmming blast will be offered at shiloh christian school as an after school program parents register through parks and rec if interested the current fee is $100/month blast is offered each school day from 3:00-6:00 p.m scheduling of activities and programming are subject to change arrival/drop off procedures parents are asked to drive through the predetermined pickup/drop off route to drop off and/or pick up their children at the beginning/end of the day please refer to the appendix at the end of the handbook for arrival/drop off maps and details athletics the athletic program is viewed as co-curricular as well as extra-curricular the athletic program is an extension of the physical education program and wellness goals at shiloh christian while participation in the athletic program is not mandatory all students are strongly encouraged to participate shiloh elementary programs are parent run through various local organizations including parks and rec ymca bismarck youth baseball and bismarck youth football leagues you may contact these organizations on fees athletic opportunities offered by shiloh christian elementary 3rd and 4th grade football yfl youth football league 5th and 6th grade football bmfl midget football league grade 1-4 basketball ymca ­ girls and boys 4th and 5th grade basketball parks rec ymca girls and boys 4th and 5th grade volleyball parks rec girls grade 1-5 baseball parks and rec byb youth baseball league www.youthfbleague.com www.bismarckmidgetfootball.com bismarckymca.org www.bisparks.org www.bismarckykouthbaseball.org transportation all transportation and travel responsibility rests with parents unless otherwise designated by the school official it is the parent s responsibility to get their child to/from games meets matches etc parents should pick up their athlete promptly at the end of practice and games eligibility policy participation in athletic programming is a privilege and not a right of those attending shiloh christian students are expected to remain committed to the team for the entire season elementary teams are instructional in nature they emphasize teaching fundamentals and strategies as well as encouraging teamwork and active participation -5-

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to participate in games practices and tournaments student athletes must remain eligible students are expected to meet standards to remain eligible for season participation · grade standard student will maintain proper academic progress · behavior standard student who demonstrates persistent and/or excessive misbehavior will no longer be eligible for participation the athletic programs at shiloh christian will be successful and beneficial if parents are supportive of the goals of the program and the school this includes but is not exclusive of such components as modeling christian behavior at events and practices to coaches players fans and visitors supporting in word and deed the coach s authority and being responsible and committed to pick up/drop off schedules for these programs band program shiloh christian elementary offers an instrumental band program for students in grade 5 music concerts will be in conjunction with the sixth grade birthday celebrations birthdays are a terrific way to celebrate children to make the day even more special for children they may bring a treat for their class when they celebrate their birthday or halfbirthday for those with a summer birthday please consider treats that are sensible and easily shared by the students birthday invitations are exciting however they can also be the cause of hurt feelings please send invitations through the mail versus distribution at school in front of other students unless inviting the whole class we would ask for your good taste and judgment in bringing gifts or sleep over attire for after school parties as well book orders fairs vendors school distributed book vendors are opportunities for families to purchase quality resources these companies offer teachers the opportunity to receive free or at a reduced cost resources for the classroom shiloh christian endorses the ideal of what these book companies offer families and schools however the school realizes some of the materials offered in the book orders are items that shiloh christian as an institution would not promote or endorse families are free to purchase materials of their choice from these book companies not all books are deemed suitable for all students and parents are encouraged to select materials for their individual child shiloh christian school does not endorse in whole all the materials offered through the book companies building usage/gymnasium rental groups/organizations or individuals that would be interested in use of the facilities may contact the main office rental fees and arrangements will be made there candy chewing gum cough drops -6-

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candy and chewing gum are not allowed at school unless given to students by the classroom teacher cough drops will be allowed at the discretion of the classroom teacher change of address/telephone number when the address or telephone number of a student and family has changed it is the parent s responsibility to notify the office immediately be sure to notify the office of changes in work or cell phone number as well chapel chapel services are held on a weekly basis chapel programs are varied and involve pastors students teachers guest speakers and parents student attendance is mandatory parent and visitor attendance is welcomed communication shiloh christian school is committed to good communication in the school community this means that both school and home commit to being informed and ready to share as well as listen regular communication written note e-mails and phone calls from families to teachers administrators and staff are welcomed to provide essential information the faculty will gladly receive phone and written messages and will return them we ask that you allow appropriate response time on the behalf of the faculty and staff students will be able to use the phone as needed please keep in mind the school has the right to limit use of the phone for such things as homework backpacks shoes other things needed for school participation we would ask that families arrange for all after school plans outside of the school day frequent and open communication is crucial to diminish the opportunity for conflict and serious concerns to arise communication procedure for addressing issues or concerns · go directly to the staff member with whom you have an issue · if not resolved the principal should be contacted · unsettled matters from the previous meetings should be directed to the superintendent computer and internet use shiloh christian school has a computer lab students in k-5 will take part in regular technology classes in the lab conferences formal conferences between parents and teachers are scheduled two times per year informal conferences between parents teachers and/or administrators will be scheduled as needed damage/lost school property -7-

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students are to respect themselves peers staff and others as well as the property of the school and the property of others students shall not at any time misuse damage or destroy school property or personal property of others destruction of such property may result in the student paying to replace the misused damaged or destroyed items deficiency notices students who are doing unsatisfactory school work in grades 3-5 will be specifically alerted through a deficiency notice that will be sent home teachers will be responsible to communicate deficits in a timely manner this will be left at the discretion of the teacher discipline in order to provide all students with the best educational environment an orderly atmosphere must be maintained in the school and self-discipline must be developed by each student no student will be allowed to disrupt the educational process of another student the discipline procedures and guidelines at shiloh christian school are intended to be proactive versus punitive we strive to reinforce the positive behaviors of students to inspire appropriate behavior if a student refuses to adhere to the ideal that others are to be respected and rules are to be followed appropriate consequences will be applied consequences may include but are not limited to the following counseling with students assigning a logical consequence contacting parents loss of privileges detention suspension or expulsion student behavior must conform to the acceptable standards of conduct as established by the board the principal and teachers shiloh christian elementary school requests parental support in maintaining appropriate conduct in our school please contact your classroom teacher for the individual classroom disciplinary procedures distribution of non-school sponsored materials the office must approve any distributed materials to protect first amendment rights while at the same time preserving the integrity of the educational objectives and responsibilities of the school district the school has adopted regulations and procedures regarding distribution of non-school sponsored material on school property and at school activities doors in order to ensure the safety of those in the school all doors will be locked after school begins except the front doors of the elementary building the elementary building front doors will open at 8:00 a.m for elementary families the main building front doors will be open for arrivals before 8:00 a.m dress code appendix i early dismissal/emergency policy shiloh christian school closings will be announced on kndr 104.7 fm or kfyr 550 am radio and all local television stations shiloh christian is included in any announcement that states all bismarck-mandan schools public and private -8-

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emergency drills schools are required to maintain a level of preparedness for emergencies these emergencies may and do include situations such as tornado fire flood and terrorists threats drills will be held to practice contingency plans for the protection of students fire procedures are posted in each room ferpa/student records the family educational rights and privacy act ferpa affords parents and students over 18 years of age certain rights with respect to the student s education records these rights are outlined below 1 the right to inspect and review the student s education records within 45 days of the day the district receives a request for access after the principal receives a written request arrangements for access will be made and parents will be notified 2 the right to request the amendment of the student s education records that the parent believes is inaccurate parents may ask the school to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading the parent should write a clear identification of the part of the record they want changed and explain why it has been found inaccurate if the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent the school will notify the parent of the decision the federal family right privacy act permits school districts to release directory information to certain people or institutions such as the news media unless the child s parent or guardians requests that such information not be released the purpose of a release will always be related to the conduct of school business i.e publishing names in the school newsletter or other publications each student has a cumulative record of school progress immunization records report cards achievement test results attendance records and other pertinent student data are recorded in this file student records are necessarily confidential but open to parents for inspection if you would like to examine your child s file please call and make an appointment with the principal grading scale shiloh has changed its grading scale to be more consistent and uniform the break out points will now be closer to equal value in the differing categories general grading scale a 93-100 b 85-92 c 77-84 d 69-76 -9-

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f 68 below 2 in each 93-94 a85-86 b77-78 c69-70 d break out points with grades 3 in each 95-97 a 87-89 b 79-81 c 71-73 d 3 in each 98-100 a 90-92 b 82-84 c 74-76 d health issues school staff must report suspected cases of health related concerns specifically any communicable disease whenever a principal and/or teacher in any private parochial or public school has reason to suspect that any pupil is suffering from a contagious or infectious disease he/she will exclude the child and report the occurrence to the school office and parents will be notified to come immediately to pick up the child homework homework will be appropriate and relevant for each grade level when a child does not finish an assignment at school or when he/she has been absent the assignments may be completed at home at the discretion of the teacher immunizations to comply with state law the following will be the procedures for all students · students must have verification of the required immunization upon admission to shiloh christian this is part of the application process · the un-immunized student will not be able to attend school until documentation of the vaccines is received at the school · 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 illegal and illicit substances the use of illegal and illicit substances such as drugs tobacco and alcohol shall not be allowed by students refer to the appendix for the detailed policy and procedure locker/desk searches lockers and desks are the property of the school school officials may inspect lockers and desks at any time they have reasonable suspicion under some circumstances further search of the person or personal property is warranted procedure would follow due process for the rights of the student and the student body/school lost and found 10 -

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most lost articles are located in the trunk in front of the elementary office or turned in at the main office if the article is labeled we will notify the student and he/she can pick it up all unlabeled and unclaimed items will be given to charity periodically during the school year medications the school office may assist any pupil who is required to take during the regular school day medication prescribed for him/her by a physician if the school district receives · a written request for medication completed by the parent or guardian indicating the medication and dosage required · the medication in the original bottle with the instructions from the physician on the prescription bottle these guidelines also include over the counter medication such as cough syrup all parents are asked to fill out a permission slip for the office in order to give students tylenol media shiloh will have different forms of media coverage throughout the year some may include television or newspaper other forms may include our skylight or website please notify the office if you do not want your child s picture to be taken or do not want him/her to be in any form of media movies/supplemental materials in our current age of technology there is an abundance of quality materials that can be used to enhance the study of different areas in the curriculum and adjunct units of study classroom teachers are permitted and encouraged to move outside the textbook in a variety of ways with that said we will be respectful of the needs and best practices methods when making decisions on what shall be used in the classroom the use of movies video and computer games will be held to a minimum and used with discretion teachers are to consult the principal before using these types of materials parent update/newsletter shiloh christian school publishes a monthly parent update to serve as an important component of communication on dates and events in the school schedule the parent update can be found on the school website www.shilohchristian.org or hard copies are available in the main office skylight is quarterly published newsletter informing the community about the events at shiloh parents unavailable if parents are leaving their children 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 important in case of serious accident or illness parties/celebrations 11 -

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each elementary class may have a party for the following occasions fall christmas valentine s day and end-of-the-year shiloh does not celebrate halloween due to the varying denominations instead a fall party is held on the first friday of november christmas party is held the last school day before christmas break a valentine party is held on valentine s day or an appropriate day close to the day the end-of-the-year party is held the last week of school ask your classroom teacher more specific details on your child s party dates parents may be contacted to help with these parties physical education all p.e classes require students to have a pair of non-marking gym shoes not worn outside this is to prevent extra scratching and marking of the wooden court pets due to a variety of personal and physical issues shiloh christian holds a policy that does not allow pets on school property outside of personal vehicles if bringing a pet for show and tell please first communicate with the classroom teacher to see if any students in that class have allergies we ask that pet show and tell times be held outside to prevent any serious allergy issues thank you for your understanding plagiarism plagiarism will not be tolerated plagiarism is presenting another person s work as your own without giving proper credit to that person this includes copying/posting from the internet and the retrieval of research papers from the internet any student who plagiarizes will be given a zero on that assignment phones phone use is available in each classroom and at the front desk students are welcome to use the phone for significant situations requiring immediate attention the phones are not to be used for personal calls pertaining to after school plans outside school activities ordering lunches homework etc use of cell phones during the school day is not allowed for any reason unless an emergency promotion/retention students need to be making academic progress for recommendation by the teacher for promotion to the next grade level when a student begins to struggle the classroom teacher will be in contact with the parent or guardian and a conference may be scheduled interventions will be used to bring the student to the acceptable level of proficiency and progress decisions regarding promotion and retention will be joint consultation between parent teacher and principal retention and promotion will be made in the best interest of the student after a careful evaluation of all the factors relating to the advantages and disadvantages of alternatives factors such as physical and social maturity effort stress health attitude and opportunity to improve are important factors to consider when this decision is made 12 -

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