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KITSAP ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

“Building for Eternity”

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2009-2010

“And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord;

and great shall be the peace of thy children.”  

Isaiah 54:13

First – Eighth Grade

5088 NW Taylor Road

Bremerton, WA 98312

(360) 377-4542

(360)377-3743 (fax)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MISSION STATEMENT

Kitsap Adventist Christian School (KACS) is operated for the purpose of providing students a Christian education in harmony with the standards and principles of the Bible and the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

PHILOSOPHY

The education program is based on the belief that each student is unique and of inestimable value, and on the importance of the development of the whole person.  Students are educated to accept service as a way of life, to be sensitive to the needs of people in the home, school, and society and to become active members in the Body of Christ.  The faculty members are committed to keeping Jesus first in their lives and modeling the Christian lifestyle as we daily prepare students for a life of service for Jesus.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

All Seventh-day Adventist schools in the Washington Conference admit students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of their educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school administered programs.

QUALIFICATION OF ADMISSION

KACS welcomes any young person (K-9) who desires a character-building education.  As a Seventh-day Adventist Christian School, high moral principles and respect for God and others are expected from all who attend.  Students should realize that when they present themselves for admission to KACS, they thereby willingly pledge to observe the regulations and uphold the Christian principles upon which the school is founded.  Behavior contrary to this will forfeit a student’s privilege to attend.

STUDENT INFORMATION

  God made you the unique person you are.  We want you to feel good about yourself.

  Our goals are to help you know God personally, recognize specific things you do well and learn to do the very best work you can.

  We want you to learn RESPECT for each other, the adults at the school and the school property.

  Respect:       God             Others                            Yourself                Property

  We try to create for you a warm and supportive climate where you can learn to make the “best” choices.  Our desire is for you to become a self-manager through the teaching of life skills and guidelines.

  Please leave your gum at home.

  Your class will be going on field trips throughout the school year.  The staff considers field trips an essential part of your learning experience and therefore they are counted as regular school days.  Field trips are not optional.  Record will be taken as on any other school day.

  The school telephone is for the use of school personnel only.  You must have permission from your teacher to use the phone.  Arrangements for after school activities must be made prior to coming to school.

  Your parents are always welcome to visit the school.  We would appreciate it if arrangements could be made ahead of time.

  If you want to bring a friend to school with you, you MUST get permission from your teacher. 

  You are important to your group.  Please attend all scheduled programs; your attendance affects your grade.

  Please leave these things at home:  Hand-held video equipment, CD’s, radios, headsets, stereos of any kind, videos, electronic toys, firearms or weapons (including toy weapons). This applies to all field trips and school outings.  If you don’t want it taken away, then don’t bring it!

  No computer programs or games of any kind on floppy disk or CD’s are to be brought to school.  Any confiscated items will only be returned to the parent in person.

  Please be sure to read the dress code.

DRESS CODE

v     Uniforms are required.  These can be purchased from any clothing store that has a uniform section.  (Examples include:  Target, Kmart, Mervyns, and JCPenny.)  You may be able to find uniforms second hand from others as well.  Navy blue, red, white and khaki are the colors that may be worn.  The plaid from JCPenney is the only plaid that can be worn.  Saggy pants, trench coats, or capes are not to be worn at school.  Bandannas or headgear are not to be worn at school.

v     GIRLS – may wear slacks, jumpers, skirts, skorts or shorts.  Skirts, jumpers, skorts and shorts must be knee length.  Turtlenecks, polo shirts and blouses from any uniform section are acceptable.  Shirts must be tucked in.  Red, blue or white socks are acceptable. 

v     BOYS – may wear slacks or shorts in navy blue or khaki.  Turtlenecks or polo shirts may be worn.  Shirts must be tucked in.  Red, blue or white socks are acceptable.

v     Sweatshirts, sweaters, vests or anything that is going to be worn in the classroom must be a solid school color.

v     Hats are not to be worn in the building by boys or girls.

v     Open toed or open heeled footwear is not acceptable for school.  Students need to be able to run without fear of losing their shoes.

v     Jewelry of any kind is inappropriate for students to wear to school or to any school functions and will be confiscated.  (This includes friendship bracelets.)  Confiscated items will be returned to the parent upon an in-person request.

v     Conspicuous or noticeable make-up and fingernail polish is not to be worn to school.

v     Hair should be neat, clean and the student’s natural color.  Hairstyles should not draw undue attention to the student.  Generally, hair is to avoid faddishness and extreme style.

v     WHEN A QUESTION OF APPROPRIATENESS OR MODESTY ARISES, THE STAFF’S INTERPRETATION WILL BE THE DETERMINING FACTOR.

v     We want all KACS students and staff to be recognized as Christians both by their appearance and conduct.

ADMISSION

Enrollment, while selective is not limited to children whose parents are members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.  KACS is a Christian school with high ideals and objectives.  Students who have been problems in other school are encouraged not to apply for admission.  Our school is not equipped for remedial or behavioral problems. 

Students will be admitted after steps 1-7 are completed and the Admissions Committee has approved their application.

1.      Applications have been properly filled out and submitted to KACS.

2.      A cumulative folder has been received by KACS or a telephone interview with the former school.

3.      Achievement tests or readiness tests have been taken if recommended.

4.      Parents and prospective student interview with the principal.

5.      Parents enrolling a child in Kindergarten or a child entering school for the first time have provided a birth certificate or evidence of date of birth.  Students enrolling in Kindergarten must be five (5) years old by August 31 (WAC 180.39.010) and students entering First grade must be six (6) years old by August 31 (WAC 180.39.015).

6.      Immunization requirements for the State of Washington also apply to our Seventh-day Adventist Schools.  Proof of immunization has been presented to the school office prior to the child registering for school.

7.      Washington State Law (3012.88) requires a physical for all students entering First and Ninth grades or when a child enters school for the first time.  A physician’s physical examination form must be given to the school.  The examination reports are due in the school office 14 days after school starts each fall.  Students who need a physical examination report are conditionally enrolled until the report is obtained and turned into the school office.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Ø      Transfer students must complete all of the Admission steps plus provide two recommendations:

1.      Pastor (if no pastor, another teacher)

2.      Teacher

Ø      Transfer students will be on probation status until the completion of their first full nine-week quarter.  Students transferring must have no outstanding accounts from their previous school.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Registration fee:  $230.00 per student.

 Constituent tuition rates:

Non-constituent tuition rates:

Tuition rates are based on 10 monthly payments due August 15 through May 15. 

Tuition will be payable to Kitsap Adventist Christian School using cash, check, money order or credit card.

Tuition can be paid automatically each month via Visa or Master Card.  Inquire for details.

Tuition paid by August 15 in lump sum for the entire year will be discounted 5%.  Discount does not apply to Registration fee.

Tuition or Registration fees due by August 15 and not paid, will require payment with cash, money order or credit card only before first day of school.

Tuition owing from previous year will require payment by cash, money order or credit card by registration day for school admission. 

Late fees will apply after the end of each month.

Tuition 60 days past due will result in suspension of student from school until past due amounts are paid in full.

Penalty for first NSF check $30.00.  Penalty for second NSF check $50.00.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM

Kitsap Adventist Christian School is committed to involving parents in our school.  Students, whose parents help, do better in school.  We welcome all the help we can get!

Duties parents may choose include:

·        Correcting papers

·        Maintenance

·        Yard work

·        Hot lunch program

·        Recess supervision

·        Field trips

·        School Christmas program

Ask a teacher how to be involved!

OPERATING POLICIES

We request that you and your child review the discipline policy and the school rules as stated in this bulletin. 

For the benefit of all, KACS rules will be:

·        Known to everyone and clearly understood.

·        Consistently enforced by all staff, and

·        Supported by parents.

A WORD TO PARENTS:  It is imperative that there be a genuine unity of purpose and practice between parents and teachers.  Therefore, parents are urged to bring their concerns regarding school-oriented situations into proper focus by taking the following steps:

1.      First, discuss the situation with the teacher in an effort to resolve the problem.  If the problem is not resolved successfully;

2.      Discuss the matter with the principal.  If an acceptable solution is not found;

3.      The School Board Chairman should be contacted.  This option should be used only after steps 1 and 2 have been completed.

4.      If steps 1-3 are unsuccessful, the parent may request a meeting with the school board.

DISCLIPLINE

Discipline is designed to be redemptive rather than punitive in nature and assist the student in developing a positive Christian character and building self-esteem.

A student engaging in any of the following practices will be subject to disciplinary action and may be asked to withdraw from KACS:

1.      Undermining the religious ideals of the school.

2.      Using profane language, possessing or displaying obscene literature or pictures or indulging in lewd conduct or suggestions.

3.      The possession, use or distribution of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or drug-related substances in any form.

4.      Intentionally damaging school property.

5.      Gambling or possessing playing cards or other gambling devices.

6.      Stealing, forgery, dishonest, willful deception, entering locked places or any form of cheating.

7.      Non-compliance with the dress code.

8.      Harassment in any form (physical or verbal)

9.      Being disrespectful to teachers, staff members or work supervisors.

10.  Possessing or using knives, firearms, fireworks or incendiaries of any kind.  These items will be reported directly to the police.

11.  Leaving school without permission.

12.  Inappropriate physical contact of any kind whether a display of affection or an act of aggression.

13.  Students will not possess, write or receive letters, notes or diaries in any form to or from peers before, during or after school.  This rule is for the protection of integrity, reputation and self-esteem of every student.  Any letters, notes or diaries found by the staff will be held for the parents to claim.  A Discipline Communication Form will be sent home.

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE

A Discipline Communication Form will be used to communicate any of the four steps of discipline described under the Discipline Procedure.

Step One:  The teacher will discuss the situation with the student.  The appropriate discipline will be applied.

*See Severe Clause below.

Step Two:  The teacher will discuss the situation with the parent and student.  The principal will be notified.  As a result of the conference the student may be subject to any of the following:

a.       Loss of privileges

b.      In-house suspension

*See Severe Clause below.

Step Three:  The teacher, parent, student and principal will discuss the situation.  The School Board will be notified.  At step three, the following will happen:

a.       One or two-day suspension, or

b.      Recommendation to the School Board for expulsion – Parents will have the right to appeal to the School Board.

Step Four:  This will result in the student’s expulsion from school.  At this point there is no appeal to the School Board.  The student may reapply for admission after two (2) consecutive quarters at another school.  The student will have to show proof of satisfactory grades and conduct while attending the other school.

*SEVERE CLAUSE

It should be noted that due to the severity of the offense or the age of the student, a disciplinary situation might be dealt with at step three, bypassing steps one and two.  The student may be removed from the classroom as necessary.

GENERAL INFORMATION

ü      Kitsap Adventist Christian School hours are Monday - Thursday 8:20am – 3:15 pm and Friday 8:20 am – 2 pm.

ü      Teachers are in worship every Monday through Friday morning from 7:30 – 8:00.  They are unavailable for phone conversations at that time.

ü      It is the responsibility of the parents to arrange transportation for their child.

ü      Children need to be present regularly in order to receive optimum benefit from the school program.  The parent is responsible to make sure that the child is fully prepared for the school day.  This includes lunch, schoolwork, school supplies and proper school attire.  If the student is not prepared the parent will be notified and expected it either bring the required items or pick up the child from school.

ü      All tardies and absences are to be excused by a note, phone call or a personal visit from the parent.  All work must be made up.  Because instruction begins immediately at the appointed time, every effort should be made to avoid tardiness.

ü      Arrival and Departure:  Children are to arrive no more than fifteen minutes prior to the beginning of the school day and are to leave promptly upon dismissal.

ü      Before School Care:  Care is offered by prior arrangement, between 7:45 – 8:05 am.  There will be a fee for this service, payable to the person providing the care.

ü      Leaving School Early:  Early dismissal for any student requires permission from parent and teacher.  A child will not be released to any person who is not authorized in writing by the parent or legal guardian.  Please do not take a child out of school during the day without making prior arrangements. 

ü      Illness at school:  If the school staff feels that a student is not well enough to remain at school, the parent will be called to come and pick up the child.  A sick child cannot remain at school.  Students are not allowed to come to school with a fever, communicable disease (including head lice) or not sufficiently recovered from an illness.

ü      Student visitation must be approved in advance by the principal and teacher.

ü      Lunches:  All students must bring a lunch daily.  A wholesome diet adhering to Adventist principles is encouraged.  A diet rich with fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grain breads with minimal use of meat and sugar is encouraged for school lunches.

ü      Breakfast is also part of your child’s learning.  Please provide a wholesome breakfast because kids cannot learn without proper nutrition (even if they are 13!).

ü      Recess/PE:  If a student is unable to participate in physical activities, the parents or guardians should send a note indicating the reason and the length of time their child should be withheld from physical activities.

Bad Weather:  In the event that the school schedule needs to be changed, such as for bad weather, we will call KOMO 1000 AM.

academic information

CURRICULUM

The curriculum in grades 1-8 emphasizes the basics of reading, writing, spelling, math, social studies, sciences and physical development.  All classes and materials provided meet or exceed Washington State standards.  In addition to the basic curriculum, Bible stories and doctrines are taught so that the students will learn while young to keep sight of the important things in life.

GRADING SYSTEM

Students in grades 1 – 3 receive these marks:

Students in grades 4 – 9 receive letter grades according to the following system:

Grade Reports

Report cards are sent home four times a year.  At the end of the first and third quarters parent/teacher conferences are held.  If a child is having serious difficulty, the teacher will be in contact with the parent more often.  If the parent has questions, please contact the teacher any time.

WEapons policy

Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventist schools have a weapons policy similar to that of the Washington State public schools which is set forth in RCW 28A.600.420.

The Washington Conference Policy is as follows:

Any elementary or secondary school student who is determined to have carried or possessed a firearm or other dangerous weapon onto school premises, school-provided transportation or to other places where a school-sponsored activity is taking place shall be subject to immediate expulsion.   However, the school board may modify the expulsion of a student on a case-by-case basis if the parent or guardian makes such a request.

Students in violation of this policy shall be promptly reported to their parents or guardians and, as required by law, shall be reported to the local law enforcement agency.

Dangerous weapons include any firearm, instrument or weapon of any kind.   Including slingshots, sand clubs, metal knuckles, spring-blade knives and knives in which the blade automatically releases by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device.  This also includes any knives having a blade that opens, falls, or is ejected into position by the force of gravity or by an outward, downward or centrifugal thrust or movement.