Central Texas Christian School Preschool Handbook

Transcription

1 Central Texas Christian School Preschool Handbook

2 Dear Parents, Welcome to Central Texas Christian School! Our goal for our Pre-K is to provide a learning environment that is safe, nurturing, faith-filled and challenging for your child while creating experiences that are developmentally appropriate. We strive to prepare children to become independent thinkers and life-long learners. We hope this handbook answers any questions you may have regarding our Pre-K program. If you need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. After reading the handbook, please sign the last page and return it to your child s teacher. In His Service, Janet Blacklock PK Director

3 Teachers and Contacts Janet Blacklock, Pre-K Director Mary Brooks, Secretary Tracy Barnett, PK Aide/ECE Kelly Davis, PK Aide/ECE Kim Engler-Spiers, PK Aide/ECE Kori Hutson, PK 3 Teacher khutson@ctcslions.com Alice Koinm, PK Music akoinm@ctcslions.com Sherry McMahone, PK 4 Teacher smcmahone@ctcslions.com Angela Richardson, PK 4 Teacher arichardson@ctcslions.com Allison Turner, PK 4 Teacher aturner@ctcslions.com Staci Venegas, PK 4 Teacher svenegas@ctcslions.com

4 MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Central Texas Christian School is to educate students with the transforming truth of Christ, inspiring academic excellence, Godly character and integrity in life pursuits. SCHOOL MOTTO Teaching Truth That Transforms SCHOOL COLORS Red and Black SCHOOL MASCOT Lions STATEMENT OF VALUES CTCS will be guided by the following core values: 1. Godly integrity 2. Prayerful decision making 3. Adherence to the authority of God s Word 4. Relationships based on unconditional love 5. Christ-centered instruction/curriculum 6. Academic excellence 7. Christ-like servant-hood STATEMENT OF FAITH We believe there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We believe in the deity of Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death, in His resurrection from the dead, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in his personal return to power and glory We believe the Bible to be the only inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God We believe in the necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3;23). Salvation is not of works, lest any man should boast but is the gift of God whereby men are saved by grace through faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost: the saved unto the resurrection of life and the lost unto the resurrection of damnation. We believe that our salvation is eternally secure. (John 10:28-29) We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in Jesus Christ.

5 THREE YEAR OLD PROGRAM The 3-year-old program offers learning through play, stories, and art. Letters, colors, numbers, and shapes are areas of focus. Activities presented are age-appropriate in difficulty and interest and include: Pathways for Threes (BJU Press) Learning Centers Listening/Sharing Social Development Bible Stories Music Thematic Units Art Library Time Spanish FOUR YEAR OLD PROGRAM The 4-year old curriculum is built upon the foundation laid in our 3-year-old program. We continue with thematic and activity-centered curriculum, with the emphasis shifting toward the pre-reading and academic skills necessary for kindergarten. Field trips and guest readers enhance the fun-filled lessons. The curriculum includes: Footsteps for Fours (BJU Press) Bible Stories Music Listening/Sharing Social Development Thematic Units Art Library Time Spanish EARLY CHILDHOOD ENRICHMENT Early Childhood Enrichment (ECE) offers PK students the opportunity of extending their day at CTCS. ECE is available Monday through Friday from 11:40 a.m. until 3:25 p.m. Parents who wish to pick-up their child before 3:25 p.m. must first come to the front office and sign him or her out. Students may sign up to participate on a scheduled basis or on a drop-in basis (per availability). This is a combined-ages program with a different theme of extended learning each week using stories and crafts. Children eat lunch in their ECE classroom and may pre-purchase Hot Lunch or bring a sack lunch. All students will have a rest time each day. A rest mat will be provided and children may bring a blanket and pillow from home. These may be stored at school, with the school sending them home every two weeks for washing. A snack is provided each afternoon. ECE is $20.00 per day and is billed through the 20th of each month and due on the first of the month.

6 COMMUNICATION Communication between preschool staff and parents is important and encouraged. Please be aware during school hours our priority is to be attentive to children in our care. Teachers will be happy to have short conversations when you drop off or pick up your child, however, if longer discussions are necessary, please schedule an appointment. In addition, preschool staff will communicate through daily take home folders, newsletters, and . CTCS will schedule two Parent Conference days during the school year. CTCS desires to handle all concerns in a Biblical, efficient manner. Please help us handle problems or concerns effectively and in a Christian manner by following the scriptural guidelines found in Matthew 5: All classroom situations should be addressed with the classroom teacher first. If you have gone through this procedure and the situation cannot be resolved, please see the Preschool Director. CURRICULUM AND GOALS Children enrolled in CTCS Preschool will have opportunities to: Develop a fundamental understanding of a relationship with Jesus Christ and apply Christ-like principles to their daily living. Develop a positive self-concept and attitude toward learning. Develop self-control and a sense of belonging. Use language to communicate effectively and to facilitate thinking and learning. Think critically using reasoning and problem solving skills. Develop relationships of mutual trust and respect with adults and peers. Develop curiosity about the world and gain confidence as a learner using creativity, imagination and personal initiative. Represent ideas and feelings through play, movement, music and art. Play is considered serious work to a young child. Play is a time for thinking, problem solving, organizing thoughts and ideas, and interacting with others. Play allows children to explore the world God created. Children will work individually and in small groups. Our curriculum will have playful qualities but provide a strong organizational structure. Our goal is to provide your child with a foundation of skills that will help them easily transition to future educational experiences. DISCIPLINE We believe the best way to prepare children for future success is to help them develop self-control; learn to resolve conflict, become increasingly responsible for their own actions and behavior. We will use positive reinforcement and praise to encourage appropriate behavior. Occasionally, children will need to be separated from a group for a short period of time. CTCS will use time out for serious or continuous behavioral problems. Parents will be contacted and informed of any ongoing or serious behavior problems.

7 DRESS CODE Play clothes are suggested. Children will be working with a variety of media such as paint, glue, etc., and therefore spills are inevitable. Shoes should be appropriate for outdoor play - closed toe, rubber soled, athletic styles are best. Please, no flips flops. Weather permitting, all children will have outdoor play time each day. Please mark your child s coats, sweaters, hats, etc. with his or her full name. CHANGE OF CLOTHES A change of clothes should be kept in your child s backpack in case of spills or accidents. Clothes should be placed in a Ziploc bag, clearly marked with the child s name. DROP OFF AND PICK UP POLICIES PK students may not be dropped off before 7:30a.m. You may park and walk your child in or have one of the safety patrol students walk with them. When picking up your child for early dismissal or appointments prior to dismissal, please send in a written note to indicate when and to whom your child will be released. You will need to come to the office and sign your child out. For the safety of all concerned, we may ask for photo identification of your authorized substitute. If you are going to be late picking up your child, please call the school office and let a CTCS staff member know as soon as possible. While you are dropping off and picking up your child: Do not get out of your car if you are in the dismissal line which forms around the circle drive by the flag poles. The teacher will bring your child to you and place them in the car on the driver s side. If you need to get out of your vehicle to buckle your child, please park in a parking space that is not in the dismissal line. Pre-K classes will load cars from the circle area, so please do not leave your car parked in the circle. Please pull up as far as you are able, or as far as you are signaled. If you are running late, your child will be taken to the office and may be picked up there. In case of rain, students will dismiss under the awning on the north side of the building facing FM 93. Please keep your speed to 5 MPH or less when picking up and dropping off students. Parking in the circle between the main building and the football field in not allowed. CTCS urges you to drive at a dafe speed and to use caution at all times. CELL PHONE USE IS PROHIBITED DURING DROP-OFF and PICK-UP.

8 EMERGENCIES Your child s health and wellness is a matter of great importance to us. We will take proactive steps to protect your child s well-being. Unfortunately, from time to time, accidents may occur. All injuries will be documented and you will be informed. If an emergency situation occurs we will take whatever steps are needed. This may include calling 911, if necessary, to obtain an appropriate and expeditious response to the situation. Parents will always be contacted as quickly as possible and advised of the situation. Please make sure your child s contact information is up-to-date at all times. In the event you are unable to be reached, the individuals you designate as emergency contacts will be called. If your child becomes ill while at preschool, we will notify you immediately so you can make arrangements to pick your child. Ill children will be separated from other students and will be comforted until you are able to pick your child up. FIELD TRIPS Classes will take field trips to local points of interest throughout the school year. Parents will be needed to drive and chaperone. Drivers will be required to provide a copy of a valid driver s license and proof of insurance. Texas state law requires that each child under the age of 8 be in a safety seat. Each field trip will be preceded by a permission slip which must be completed and returned to the teacher before the child will be allowed to participate. ILLNESS GUIDLELINES Please do not send your child to school if they exhibit any of the following symptoms: Fever at or above 100F within the past 24 hours. Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours. Discharge from the eyes, ears, and/or profuse colored nasal discharge. Shows evidence of a communicable disease or rash such as chicken pox, pink eye, scabies, ringworm, impetigo, head lice, etc. LOST AND FOUND Items that are found throughout the school will be placed in Lost and Found. We will periodically place reminders in The Mane Event and may display items at semester s end. Articles not identified and remaining at the end of the semester will be donated to local charities. MEDICATIONS If your child needs to take prescription medication during school hours a doctor s note will be required. All medication must be in the original container. Please do not send medication in your child s lunch box or backpack. Medication is to be brought to the office and a form will need to be filled out.

9 PARTIES Teachers will plan parties throughout the year to celebrate events such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine s Day, Easter, and end-of-school. Each class will have a Homeroom Mom to coordinate the party. Information and sign-up sheets will be made available prior to scheduled parties. Parents will be invited to send items for the party and are welcome to attend. Although we recognize that each family will differ in their traditions, CTCS official policy is to not use Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny during our holiday celebrations. Parent s who would like to celebrate their child s birthday may make arrangements with their child s teacher to bring a treat for the class. POTTY TRAINING All children attending CTCS must be at a stage in their potty training where they are using the toilet independently. Students are not allowed to wear diapers or pull-ups. RAIN DISMISSAL In case of heavy or steady rain, students will dismiss under the awning on the north side of the building facing FM 93. Students will wait under the cover for their car to pull forward in the line. A rainy day sign will be placed outside the main office doors to notify parents of the dismissal change. RE-REGISTRATION CTCS holds it s annual re-registration for current families in February of each year. Registration fees for the next school year are due at the time of registration. Current families are assured of placement if they register during this time. After the current family re-registration, placement will be on a first come, first served basis. RENWEB Our school administration software is RenWeb. This software enables CTCS to better serve you and your student. In order to be effective, please keep your information up to date with the school. SNACKS Parents are asked to take turns providing a healthy snack for the class. Teachers will coordinate a snack schedule. Please check with your child s teacher regarding food allergies specific to your child s classmates. If your child is allergic to any foods, please provide the teacher with this information. SCHOOL PICTURES School pictures are taken twice a year. The fall picture is a traditional picture and will be in the yearbook. The spring picture will have a fun background. A group picture will also be taken in the spring.

10 SCHOOL SUPPLIES FEE A $30.00 supply fee will be billed to your account in August and January. TOYS Throughout the school year, classes will have special days when students may bring toys from home. Please do not send any toys with your child except on these specified days. VISITORS All visitors, including parents, are asked to sign in at eh front desk and wear a visitor s badge. This allows office staff to know who is in the building at all times and contributes to the safety of the students, teachers, and visitors. WEATHER CLOSINGS CTCS will notify area radio and television stations with information regarding late openings or cancellations of classes due to severe weather.

11 CENTRAL TEXAS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL PRE-K HANDBOOK I have read and do understand the policies as set forth in the Handbook. Please sign and return this form to your child s teacher. Student Name (Please Print) Parent Signature Date