Student/Parent Handbook

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

1009 West Main Street

Monroe, WA 98272

360-794-8200

Monroe Christian School is a state-approved, private Christian day school requiring that all teachers (K-8^th grade) have a BA degree in education. MCS has worked hard to provide excellence in a Christ-centered education since 1956.

Monroe Christian School is pleased to offer a variety of educational programs for grades Preschool – 8^th grade. The curriculum emphasis is placed on the fundamental skills that are the foundations for higher-level thinking. The primary purpose of our educational program is to incorporate a Christian perspective into all areas of learning,

MCS strives to keep its programs current, updating the textbooks as necessary to meet the demands of a particular class. We use Christian textbook publications wherever possible; however, we also make use of quality secular publications and teacher-made units.

Monroe Christian School is a Christ-Centered Community equipping

God’s children for service in His kingdom.

We at Monroe Christian School partner with Christian homes and

churches to nurture and equip God’s children.

We recognize that Jesus Christ is sovereign over all creation and has created

each child with unique abilities, gifts and talents.

Our purpose is to develop and encourage growth in every area of their lives; spiritually,

intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically,

according to God’s Word and relying on the Holy Spirit.

Through this process, children will develop a Christian perspective of life that will

help them critically weigh the issues of the day

and lead them into faithful stewardship of God’s world

and into a life of joyful service.

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is –

His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Romans 12:2

                                                Children May Arrive                                           8:15am

                                                School Doors Open                                             8:25am

                                                School Begins                                                      8:30am

                                                1^st Recess                                                               10:00-10:20am

                                                Lunch/2^nd Recess                                                 11:45am-12:30pm

                                                Sustained Silent Reading                                    12:30-12:45pm

                                                3^rd Recess                                                              1:45-2:00pm

                                                School Ends (K-2^nd grade)                                  3:00pm

                                                                       (3^rd-8^th grade)                                 3:15pm

                                                                       (Preschool/Pre-K)                         3:30pm

                                                Bicycles

                                                If you bring a bike to school you must follow these rules:

1.        Wear a helmet

2.        Walk your bike on school grounds

3.        Follow the rules of the road

Skateboards/Skates

The same is applied as bicycle rules.

Walking

If you are walking to and from school, you must walk on the sidewalk and

cross on crosswalks only. You must walk with at least one other person.

Students may arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before school starts and may leave no later than 15 minutes after school is dismissed. Before and after these times, the school exempts itself of all responsibility and liability for the students. There is a $1.00 per minute per child fee if parents are more than 15 minutes late in picking up their children without prior notice.

Change in Routine

By the school:      If a student is requested to stay after school, parents will be notified in advance so that transportation can be arranged.

By the parents:     Students are expected to follow the same routine everyday after school. If this routine is to be changed at any time, parents must write a note and send it to the office with the student. If an adult arrives to pick up a child other than the legal guardian and without previous notice, a call will be made to the legal guardians as well as checking I.D. As extreme as this may be to some, your child’s safety is our first and foremost priority.

Legal Custody

A legal document is required to support any questions of custody between divorces or separated parents, otherwise either natural parent is considered to have the right to request or pick up children at dismissal time.

School Property

Students are responsible for school property that is lost or damaged through negligence. You will be assessed the school’s cost for replacing the property.

Emergency Kits

Each child must have an emergency kit at school. These kits will be stored in each child’s classroom. Emergency kits may be purchased or prepared by the parents.

School Information

MCS publishes a weekly newsletter that is sent home via the students. The newsletter keeps parents informed of activities, schedule changes, calendar events, special announcements and special programs. Please make sure to ask your child about this newsletter. You will be receiving a school phone directory at the beginning of the school year.

Correspondence Envelope

A white correspondence envelope will be sent home once a week with your child. Please check this envelope for important papers, sign it and return it the next school day.

Telephone

Students may not use the phones without consent of their teachers and only if it is an emergency. Students may not be pulled from class to speak on the phone unless it is an emergency.

School Closure

Lost and Found

Make sure that your name is on all removable clothing, lunch boxes or other articles brought to school. The school does not take responsibility for any lost items. The lost and found box is located in the hallway. In December and June, items left in the lost and found are donated to a local agency to help in our community.

We expect our students to abide by the following standards:

1.        Each student is to respect the authority of God, his parents, teachers and all other staff persons in positions of authority. (Romans 13:1-2)

2.        Each student will treat classmates and staff with respect. (Philippians 1:2-4)

3.        Each student will conduct him/herself in school and out of school, both with and without supervision in such a way that brings honor to God, the school, the family and him/herself. (Proverbs 17:17)

4.        Each student is expected to be honest, dependable, and cooperative. (Proverbs 12:17)

5.        Each student will help keep the buildings and grounds neat and clean by picking up after him/herself.

Immunizations

New students and kindergartners are required by law to show proof of immunizations against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, measles, rubella, and Hepatitis B. Before entering the sixth grade all students must have measles, rubella, and mumps booster.

Injury and Illness

In the event of an injury or illness while at school we will contact the parent, guardian or emergency person of that child. That person must provide transportation home in this event. The following guidelines may be helpful in determining whether or not to keep a child home from school.

Appearance and Behavior  unusually tired, pale, lack of appetite, confused or irritable

Eyes                                                        thick, mucus or pus draining from the eye or pink eye

Fever                                                      temperature of 100 degrees or more

Greenish nose discharge and/or

Chronic cough                                     should be seen by a health care provider

Sore Throat                                          especially with fever or swollen glands

Diarrhea                                               3 or more watery stools in a 24 hour period especially if the child looks or acts ill

Vomiting                                               2 or more times in a 24 hour period

Rash                                                       body rash with fever and itching

Ear Infection                                         if no fever, does not need to be sent home, however the child must see a health care provider

Lice/Scabies                                         Children may not return to school until they have been treated and are free of lice and nits (eggs). Children with scabies can be admitted after treatment.

Medication

If your child needs medication administered at school, doctors instructions, and written parent consent must be given to the office. These forms are available in the office.

All medication must be in the original prescription container with the students’ name, and the name and dosage time of the medication.

Report Cards

Report cards are issued after each trimester and are sent home with the students. Parents and students should carefully review and discuss the report card together. The report card must be signed and returned to school at the earliest date possible. The report card may be kept after the last reporting period.

Preschool Report Cards

Preschool report cards will be handed out at the semester.

                                Preschool-2^nd Grade                             3^rd – 5^th Grade                    6^th – 8^th Grade

                                Checklists with:                                    A             90-100                     A+          100

                                                                                                B             80-89                       A             95-99

                                 Excellent/Commendable                     C             70-79                       A-           92-94

                                 +    Very Good                                      D             60-69                       B+           88-91

                                       Good                                               F              0-59                         B             85-87

                                 -     Working On                                                                                   B-            82-84

                                --     Needs Improvement                                                                     C+           78-81

                                                                                                                                                C             75-77

C-                  72-74

D+           68-71

D             65-67

D-                  62-64

F              0-61

Standardized Testing

The Iowa Test of Basic Skills is given to students in 3^rd through 8^th grade each fall. The results of the testing are used to analyze the strengths and weaknesses in the curriculum, in the classrooms and in the individual student’s academic development. Reports from ITBS will be sent home to parents for their own records.

Service Hours

Each family (K-8^th) is required to donate 20 hours of service time (10 hours for single parent families) working at school or on school projects. Parents will be asked to fill out forms listing their areas of interest for fulfilling their service hour requirements. There are many areas to choose from including room parent, teacher’s assistant, building upkeep, playground supervision, sports, library, etc. Once service hours are served, it is the responsibility of the parents to record them in the office.

Procedure for Parents with Student/Teacher Problems

·         Parents should make initial contact with the teacher

·         Parents should contact the principal if they feel the parent/teacher conference is not satisfactory

·         Parents should contact the School Board President if they feel the Parent/Principal conference was not satisfactory

·         The decision of the School Board is final

The Monroe Christian School Board is responsible for guiding and governing the school. THE MCS Board envisions MCS as a growing dynamic source of Christian education for our children and our community. It is the prayer of the Board that each student leaving MCS will be equipped to serve the Lord, to love fellow human beings and to care for God’s creation.

The School Board is made up of six members who show evidence of:

1.                    Their personal salvation by faith and daily walk with God.

2.                    Belonging to the community of Christ by holding membership in and faithfully attending and participating in the life of a church that is faithful to the Scripture and with whose teaching and doctrine and education is consistent with the school’s statement of faith.

3.                    Understanding the Reformed Faith as reflected in one or more of the following ways:

a.        Training and education in the Reformed Creeds

b.       Christian day school/or college training

c.        In-service or pre-service training provided by the school

4.                    A gift for leadership in administration, and discernment, and an ability to motivate and encourage others.

5.                    Understanding of and demonstrating support for the school’s mission, educational creed, purpose and goals.

6.                    Consistency between word and deed by enrolling their own children in a CSI school, unless an exception must be made for children with special needs.

Each year, two new board members are elected at the Semi-Annual Business Meeting to replace the two retiring board members. The Board is the legally responsible, decision-making body of the Society. It adopts regulations and makes policies concerning MCS. It is responsible for staffing, policies, standards of conduct, collection and dispersion of funds.

The Monroe Christian School Society is the name of the corporation that owns Monroe Christian School. Membership in the corporation is comprised of parents who have children in Monroe Christian School and interest persons who submit a yearly membership fee and who meet the following two constitutional requirements:

1. Agree that the purpose of the Monroe Christian School Society is to establish and maintain a school or schools for the dissemination of instruction to children, such instruction should be directed toward the end that these children may occupy their places worthily in society, church and state.
2. Agree that the basis of this society is the infallible Word of God as interpreted by the Reformed Standards (Canons of Dort, Belgic Confessions and the Heidelberg Catechism) and/or the Westminster Confessions. The Society is governed by the following guiding principals:

·         That all things have been created to the end that the Triune God may be glorified in and through them

·         That God, by His wise covenant arrangement has appointed parents to be responsible for the training of the child(ren) to the end that God in His glory shall be central and supreme in life’s total experience.

·         That the training of the child shall be continued under the parent’s responsible supervision in a school that carries out the basic God-honoring, God-centered program begun in the home.

The Monroe Christian School Society meets twice each year to elect two new board members, discuss the business of the school and approve the annual budget. Its members must vote each new member into the society.

Statement of Belief

Triune God                           We believe in one God who exists eternally as three persons; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

God the Father                     We believe that God created and continues to uphold the world by His Word. We also believe that He is the exalted Lord of the universe and the Creator of all things. He gives life to all things and actively preserves His handiwork. In Christian education, the child comes to learn about the Creator God through His creation.

Jesus Christ                        We believe through Jesus Christ, the power of sin has been broken and we are reconciled to God through Him. Jesus calls us to the building of a Christian church, culture, and way of life. Therefore, it is the task of the Christian school to help our children build a biblical foundation for living.

Holy Spirit                            We believe the Holy Spirit renews our hearts to love God and our neighbors. He directs our understanding to know God, ourselves, and our world. It is through yielding to His counsel that we develop the Christian walk.

The Bible                              We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. God reveals Himself in the Scriptures, the Old and New Testaments. The Bible is the basis for all of our relationships, thoughts, and activities; therefore, the Scriptures are also our guide in the education of our children.

Man                                        We believe man is created in the image of God to enjoy fellowship with his Creator. Man reflects, in his person and work, the excellence of his Maker.

Monroe Christian School was established for the purpose of providing a school that would teach a way of life compatible with that held at home. The establishment of the Christian School rejects the secular philosophy that man is the center of the universe, and acknowledges God as the Creator of all things. It established the Word of God as the plumb line for all learning. Monroe Christian School is concerned with teaching that our lives, as Christians, are lived within the Kingdom of Jesus Christ here on earth. This “world and life view” does not separate us from the present world, but helps us see it in the light of God’s word as revealed to us by His Holy Spirit.

The instruction at Monroe Christian School is aimed at showing how to lead a life of service to God and our fellow man within the framework of the world in which we live.

The aim of Monroe Christian School is academic excellence in the tradition of both Christianity and education. Providing the best education within a Christian context is the goal of the society and staff at Monroe Christian School. Through texts, instruction and staff members, the students are led to understand how the truths of the Kingdom differ from the world they live in.

Monroe Christian School was founded in 1956 by a group of Christian men and women of the Christian Reformed Church desiring to be obedient to the command of God to “train up children in the Lord.” The school started its first classes in a back room of the Christian Reformed Church. It quickly outgrew those facilities, so four acres of land were purchased and a four-classroom building was constructed at our present location on Main Street in Monroe. Growth of the student body continued through the 1960’s into the 1970’s, so the school building was once again expanded; this time to eight classrooms. In the 1980’s the school added kindergarten to its well-established first through eighth grade program. The early childhood education program (preschool) was added in 1989. In 1992, the school purchased an adjoining piece of property to accommodate even more growth. After nearly 40 years, Monroe Christian School is still maintained by Christian men and women who desire to give children the opportunity to receive a Christ-centered education, based upon the infallible and inspired Word of God – the Bible.

On October 22, 1986, the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act was signed into law which requires all schools teaching Kindergarten through grade 12 to inspect those facilities for the presence of asbestos in the building materials used for construction and document this information in a comprehensive management plan.

Brooks Technical Service (BTS), an accredited inspector inspected the Monroe Christian School in September of 1998 and has prepared an Asbestos Management Plan for the school. This plan identifies areas of asbestos containing materials (ACMs) and provides information on how to maintain those areas in a safe condition. The law requires BTS, or another accredited inspector, to reinspect the building every three years and update the plan accordingly. In addition, every six months an inspection is to be carried out by the Asbestos Designated Person, a member of the school staff or board trained by BTS.

At present, the ACMs have been found to be in good condition, which means that the school is safe for public use.

The Asbestos Management Plan is located in the school office and is available, during normal business hours, without cost or restriction, for inspection by representatives of the EPA, the State, including teachers, other school personnel and their representatives, and parents. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school office.

Monroe Christian School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the right, 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, athletic and other school-administered programs.