EQUIPPING HEARTS AND MINDS OF STUDENTS TO IMPACT THE WORLD FOR CHRIST.

Transcription

1 EQUIPPING HEARTS AND MINDS OF STUDENTS TO IMPACT THE WORLD FOR CHRIST. July 13, 2012 Dear Parents and Students, Greetings, and welcome to a new school year! We have been hard at work making preparations, and eagerly await your return. Back to school meetings are on Monday, August 13, and the first day of school is Wednesday, August 15, This will be a full day of school, and after care will be available until 5:30 p.m. By the first week of August, you should receive a mailing in your homes that will contain a number of forms that must be completed and returned. Please bring these forms with you to the back to school meeting on August 13. Since we are testing a new structure for our back to school orientation meetings and open houses this year, returning families are particularly encouraged to pay careful attention to the schedule of events that are outlined on the enclosed document. We have enclosed several additional documents for your review that will help you prepare for the upcoming year. Among them is an updated school calendar that contains significant changes. In an effort to avoid confusion, we urge you to discard and replace all previous drafts of the calendar with this revised version. Each year, I am humbled by God s outpouring of blessing upon NHCS. Whether you are a new or returning family, you are sure to find a warm, loving Christian family here. Please keep our school lifted up in prayer that we will continue to be deeply rooted in God s Word and fully committed to the school s mission to equip hearts and minds of students to impact the world for Christ. I look forward to serving you and your children in the coming school year! Blessings, Matt Mitchell Head of School

2 EQUIPPING HEARTS AND MINDS OF STUDENTS TO IMPACT THE WORLD FOR CHRIST. Back to School Meeting Schedule for Monday, August 13, 2012 Attention middle and high school students: Class schedules will be printed and available for pick up only by new families. Returning students should print their schedules off of Renweb before orientation. As we resolve conflicts in the schedule throughout the summer, you may notice frequent changes on Renweb. So, we encourage you to wait and print your schedule after August 10, Option A 9:00 a.m. New family orientation in media center (required for all new families) 10:00 a.m. Meet & greet with teachers (for both returning and new families, in classrooms) 10:00-10:45 Families where the student's last name begins with A - L may proceed to the gym to sign up for activities and drop off paperwork (if you are an "M - Z," you may use this time to meet 10:45-11:30 Families where the student's last name begins with M - Z may proceed to the gym to sign up for activities and drop off paperwork (if you are an "A - L," you may use this time to meet 11:30 a.m. Tablet PC meeting (this is required for all freshmen and new high school students, as well as at least one parent) Option B 5:30 p.m. New family orientation in media center (required for all new families) 6:30 p.m. Meet & greet with teachers (for both returning and new families, in classrooms) 6:30-7:15 Families where the student's last name begins with A - L may proceed to the gym to sign up for activities and drop off paperwork (if you are an "M - Z," you may use this time to meet 7:15-8:00 Families where the student's last name begins with M - Z may proceed to the gym to sign up for activities and drop off paperwork (if you are an "A - L," you may use this time to meet 8:00 p.m. Tablet PC meeting in media center (this is required for all freshmen and new high school students, as well as at least one parent) VERY IMPORTANT: Everyone should mark their calendars and plan to attend the informational meeting and open house on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. More details will be forthcoming after the start of school, but please mark your calendars now!

3 EQUIPPING HEARTS AND MINDS OF STUDENTS TO IMPACT THE WORLD FOR CHRIST DRESS CODE All Grades In an effort to be consistent with Biblical standards, our primary focus with regards to the dress code is upon the modesty issues of student attire and overall appearance. Trendy and current styles often pose problems in the area of modesty and there is no doubt that future styles will, as well. So, we want our students to learn principles of modesty while being able to still dress in style. We must remember that being modest should be constant, even while styles change. If current styles are immodest, then the Christian must choose not to wear that style or to modify it. Additionally, what is modest in one setting may not be in another. A skirt worn to walk around at the mall may not be appropriate to wear to school where the student is bending, stooping or reaching at the locker, or sitting in the bleachers. All clothes should fit properly and not be oversized or too tight. Every Friday will be Spirit Wear Day for all students. Students are encouraged to wear NHCS t- shirts, or shirts that contain our school colors (blue and gold). Spirit wear will be available for purchase through Thread Shed and/or Ashlee's Embroidery. We have high expectations and standards for our students clothing. When on our campus, we would like our parents to model a good example for our students and others. Please do not wear clothing to our school that reveals cleavage or the midriff, that is tight fitting, or revealing. If a student is in violation of the dress code, the following guidelines will be used: Students who are out of dress code, but are modestly dressed: On the first offense, students will be sent to the school office and will be given a warning. The secretary will maintain a log of dress code violations. On the second offense, students will be sent to the school office and the parents will be contacted to bring a change of clothes. The child will not be permitted to return to class until after his or her parents have arrived, and they have fixed the problem. On the third offense, the student will be referred to the Head of School. Students who are out of dress code and are immodestly dressed: On the first offense, students will be sent to the school office and the parents will be contacted to bring a change of clothes. The secretary will maintain a log of dress code violations. The child will not be permitted to return to class until after his or her parents have arrived, and they have changed clothes. On the second offense, the student will be referred to the Head of School. When a student is trying to determine if something fits the dress code, a simple phrase may help. When in doubt don t. In other words, don t just wear the questionable item and find out when one gets to school. Instead, bring it to school and ask if it is acceptable.

4 Parents: If a child arrives at school out of dress code, the school may have the child contact you to ask you to bring child to bring a change of clothing. The child will not be permitted to return to class until he or she has changed. Parents are encouraged to be mindful of the dress code before their children leave the home; it may save you the inconvenience of a trip to the school. Notes: Standard Dress Code (updated 7/13/2012) Unless otherwise noted, the following dress code applies to all students who attend NHCS. Items that apply to only a portion of the school population are in bold italic print If a particular article is objectionable or distracts students from learning, a faculty member may ask the student to avoid wearing or bringing the item. Shirts: Skin must not be visible between the bottom of the shirt and the top of the pants/skirt (midriff) during normal school activities such as sitting at a desk or getting books from a locker. Shirt hems must end at hip level, no over-sized or tight shirts permitted. Girls must wear modest necklines so that no cleavage is visible. Sheer tops are not permitted unless additional undergarments are worn to ensure modesty. Tops may not be sleeveless. No holes or fray. Skirts/Dresses: Skirt and dress hems must come to the knee. Side and front slits should not come above the knee (students who wear tights or leggings must still meet this length requirement). Tops of dresses must fit appropriately and have modest necklines. Dresses may not be sleeveless or have spaghetti straps unless a t-shirt is worn underneath. NHCS recommends that students in preschool through grade three wear shorts under their skirts or dresses. Pants: Athletic pants and knit wear are not allowed, except on certain days for school spirit. Pants and shorts may include slacks, cargo pants, cargo shorts, capris, hemmed denim, or dress shorts. Undergarments must not show. No sag/drag, wide-legged, baggy, or tight-fitting pants are permitted. No holes, rips, or fray. Shorts must come to the knee. Head Apparel, lunch boxes, and backpacks: No head apparel (hats, bandanas, etc.) may be worn inside school buildings. Exception will be given to head apparel worn on designated spirit days, with administrative approval. Non-violent and non-objectionable commercial characters are permissible on head apparel, lunchboxes, and backpacks. However, no writing and no commercial characters (Mickey Mouse, Sponge Bob, Hannah Montana etc.) are permitted on other clothing items for students in 3K grade 5. Non-Christian religious graphics (yin-yang, dragons, etc.) are prohibited on all student clothing items. Shoes: All students shoes must be secured as designed. Backless shoes are not permitted in grades 3K - 5. Hair: Unnatural hair colors or hairstyles that draw unnecessary attention or present a distraction in the learning environment are not permitted. Hair must be neatly groomed and styled. For boys, hair length must not obscure vision or exceed collar length. Sides and back must not be shaggy or overgrown. All facial hair must be neatly groomed.

5 Jewelry: Preschool students are not permitted to wear jewelry, except for studded earrings. Boys and girls may wear all standard jewelry in grades 5K through 12. Up to two earrings per ear are allowed for girls (no other visible piercings). No visible piercings permitted for boys. Tattoos: No visible tattoos are permitted. Temporary tattoos are allowed for Spirit Days or other special events with administrative approval. Characters and designs on clothing: Grades 3K 5: In order to prevent distractions in the learning environment, clothing must be free of all words and commercial characters (Mickey Mouse, Sponge Bob, Hannah Montana, etc.), and all non-christian religious symbols and graphics (yin-yang, eastern dragons, etc.). Exception to the no writing requirement will be given to NHCS wear and small clothing manufacturer logos. Grades 6 12: Writing, pictures or designs are permissible, but must be in good taste and not reflect a philosophy or attitude contrary to Biblical values. Words and pictures on the seats of pants are not permitted. All non-christian religious symbols and graphics (yin-yang, eastern dragons, etc.) are prohibited. North Hills Christian School Dress Code for Special Days, Events, & Activities Physical Education: Shorts must come to the knee. If they are to receive credit for participation and dressing out, all middle and high school students must wear the approved P.E. uniform, which is available for purchase from the Thread Shed (downtown) after August 1 of each year. Students must bring a separate pair of athletic shoes that are used exclusively for physical education and sports practices that occur in the gym. Shoes that are used on the gym floor must not be worn outside of the gym for any reason. Field Trips: Unless the sponsoring classroom teacher suggests alternate dress, students in preschool through middle school must wear a blue NHCS collared shirt, uniform-style khaki pants, and a belt. Shirts must be tucked for field trips. High school students must wear an NHCS t-shirt or collared shirt and may wear pants that fit within the regular dress code. Athletic Practices: Students may wear athletic shorts, tennis skirts, athletic pants, and t-shirts or school jerseys. No biker shorts or Spandex. Shirts must be worn at all times. Shorts must be no more than two inches above the knee; all tennis skirts must come to the knee. Shirts must fit as described within the standard dress code. Appropriate athletic footwear is required. Students must bring a separate pair of athletic shoes that are used exclusively for physical education and sports practices that occur in the gym. Shoes that are used on the gym floor must not be worn outside of the gym for any reason. Athletic Game Days: On days when there is an away game, male athletes must wear black, blue, or khaki slacks with a belt, shirt, and tie. Female athletes must wear a skirt and blouse, a dress, or dress slacks and a blouse or collared shirt. All length and midriff / cleavage requirements contained in the regular dress code will still apply. Unless the team is playing as soon as they get off the bus, athletes are required to wear their dress clothes until told to change into their uniforms by the coach at an appropriate time before the game. They may wear their warm ups on the ride home.

6 On days when there is a home game, student-athletes will be permitted to wear the school-approved and purchased team warm up suits, which may include knit-wear pants. They are to wear a NHCS tee shirt underneath (available for purchase at Mrs. Thibodeau s desk). If the team chose only a hoodie, then they wear the hoodie and a NHCS tee shirt, and proper dress code pants, not mismatched athletic pants. If the team chose a hoodie and sweat pants, everyone on the team is required to wear both parts. If athletes are not dressed appropriately, parents will be called and asked to bring the proper attire to school. All other requirements of the dress code will still apply. This policy applies to all grade levels of athletes. Spirit Days: Fridays are designated as school spirit day. Students are encouraged to wear NHCS apparel and school colors on these days. All length and midriff / cleavage requirements contained in the regular dress code will still apply. Awards Day, School Sponsored Banquets: On the day of end of year awards, girls may wear a skirt and blouse, a dress, or dress slacks and a dress blouse. All length and midriff / cleavage / length requirements contained in the regular dress code will still apply. Boys may wear khaki, black, or blue slacks, a belt, and a collared shirt or shirt and tie. All shirts must be tucked. Ladies must plan to have their dresses approved by a member of the school s administrative team prior to the banquet. Chapel Days: Students are encouraged to dress up on chapel days, but there are no specific dress requirements beyond the standard dress code.