Group Class Handbook
2 Table of Contents Parent/Instructor Goals 3 The Word of God for Correction 4 Parent Responsibilities 5 Instructor Responsibilities 6 Student Standard of Expectations 7 Group Class Information 8 Group Class Guidelines 9 Dress Code and Uniform Requirements 10 Inclement Weather Policy 11 Parent Participation Responsibilities 12 Pledges 13 Program Fees 14-15 2
3 Parent/Instructor Goals Goal Promote Lifelong Learning Encourage our children to develop lifelong learning traits: By showing curiosity about human nature and how the world works. By valuing cultural diversity. By persisting in seeking out new solutions. By using unique talents and intelligences to promote positive change. By learning and applying technology tools to solve problems. Think about your class materials, be aware of the above traits and work them into your discussions at home and in class 3
4 4 The Word Of God For Correction All Correction is Governed by the WORD of God We desire to follow God s word as He has instructed us to handle relationships. Pastor Jenkins has encouraged the Academy s staff to use the following format when handling disputes. Matthew 18: 15-17 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault Between thee and him alone: thou hast gained thy brother But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the Mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect To hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican. How to Apply the Principle Meet privately with the individual to tell him/her their fault alone. This meeting should not be confrontational or argumentative. Discuss with the individual the situation that led up to the problem, your perception of the individual s behavior and the impact that it had. If he/she does not hear you or an agreement is not reached, bring two witnesses. The witnesses are there to verify the meeting, not to participate. If the second meeting does not bring resolution to the issue take it to the director. When a parent/instructor perceives that students are not following biblical principles the Instructor should inform the administrator immediately. 4
5 Parent Responsibilities Parents must inform their children of the expectations of the ministry regarding manners, conduct, and respect for Instructors, parents, and one another while participating in SHABACH! activities. We have a heart to enforce and maintain Christian standards. We will address unacceptable behavior from the children. This includes verbal or physical abuse, harassment, damaging property, borrowing things without asking permission or taking something that doesn t belong to you (stealing), telling untruths or misleading by exaggeration or omitting pertinent information (lying), and any other unacceptable behavior. Parents are responsible to work with Instructors and class coordinators concerning discipline problems as well as keep up with the information posted on thinkwave.com. Parent Participation Commitment I/We will assist during group classes for (4) consecutive Thursdays. I will be available to assist in a classroom, as a hall-monitor, or to assist the coordinators and/or Instructors with the day-to-day operations of the group classes. I understand that I may select which month I desire to volunteer. I/We will be supervised by the group class coordinators. I am assisting those responsible for teaching or other duties. My assignment will be given by the Group Class Coordinator. I am expected to be available from 10:00am- 3:00pm. I/We will assist and participate in planning and executing at least (4) fellowships or special events (see following page). I/We will volunteer in various capacities (see p.12) for a total of 16 service hours. I/We will exhibit Christ-like characteristics at all times. My words will be kind and gracious. I will be on time and stay the entire time that group class are being held. I will sign-in and out each Thursday. It will be a record of my completion of this commitment. I acknowledge if I do not fulfill my 15 service hours, that my account will be charged $150.00. It is important that this commitment be fulfilled. It is an essential support component for the program. 5
6 6 Instructor Responsibilities As Instructors, we have the privilege of being examples of God s love, order and discipline to our students. Instructors are expected to arrive 15 minutes before their class begins. Instructors are expected to be present for class each week. Instructors are to be prepared for class. All materials, supplies, copies, etc., should be ready before the class begins. Please do not send students to the office for supplies. At times, this can be difficult if we are in the midst of dealing with private situations. Instructors should follow the syllabus and inform parents in writing if there are changes. If a student is absent, they should be able to find the homework assignment in on thinkwave (middle and high school) or by emailing the instructor (elementary school). Instructors should feel comfortable correcting students, even if they are not in their class. Review the student responsibilities code frequently to remind the students and yourself about the standard. Middle and High School Instructors must become thinkwave proficient and post all assignments no more then 24 hours after their class period and all grades no more than 48 hours after their class. As partners with parents we assist them in holding their students accountable by posting grades and homework in a timely fashion. 6
7 Standards of Expectations Student Responsibilities Goal: To conduct myself as it concerns speech and behavior in a manner that is Christ like and glorifies God. No name-calling, joning, poking fun, or talking about one another in a negative manner. No slang talk. No inappropriate clothing (males remove hats in the building; females no excessive splits in skirts-see dress code.) No disrespectful speech or gestures towards authority. No boyfriend/girlfriend love relations. No inappropriate touching. No fighting in words or actions. Fighting will result in an automatic suspension. No threats. No running or loud talking in the halls. No children in the snack room, kitchen, or copy room without adult supervision. We have discussed and explained to our children the above guidelines and agree with these Standards of Expectation. We will conduct ourselves and encourage our children to conduct themselves appropriately. 1 st Offense: WARNING WILL BE GIVEN* 2 nd Offense: WARNING WILL BE REPORTED IN SCHOOL RECORDS 3 rd Offense: SUSPENSION *EXCEPTION: FIGHTING WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION (See SHABACH! Homeschool Student Handbook for more information) 7
8 8 Student Discipline Procedures Incidence(s) Inside the classroom: The third time, the student(s) will be dismissed from the class and sent to the classroom coordinator. An incident report will be completed and the parent(s) will be notified. The student(s) will not be able to return to class on that day. The student maybe re-admitted on the following Thursday, if the parent returns a signed copy of the incident report.. If the inappropriate behavior continues on the other class days, step 1 and 2 will be repeated and the student(s) may be suspended from classes. Incidence(s) Outside the Classroom: The student will be talked to by the adult that witnessed the behavior. If necessary the parents and coordinator will be notified. If the behavior continues, the coordinator will talk with the parents and the student, as well as complete an incident report. * The student may not be able to return to class that day. The student must return a signed copy of the incident report, to be re-admitted on the following Thursday. If the appropriate behavior continues on in other class days, steps 1 and 2 will be repeated; the student(s) may be suspended from classes. Group Class Information It is important that your students are on time to class. If late, please enter quietly. No cell phones are to be used during class time. Phones should be turned off. Instructors, helpers, and coordinators should escort students throughout the building. Students should report directly to their classrooms each morning. Bathroom breaks will be allowed between classes. Excess walking throughout the building before, during, and after classes is prohibited. Parents are asked to provide their children with healthy bagged snacks/lunches, which include a drink. Please do not send red colored drinks. They are difficult to clean out of the carpets. There will be no time to go to the snack room for snacks/drinks or to heat or cook food (middle and high school students may purchase snacks from the snack room). SHA is not responsible for supplies and personal belongings that are left behind at the end of the day. Sometimes things are returned to the office or to the closet in the reception area waiting room. Please encourage your students to keep track of their belongings (a backpack and lunch packs are essential). ALL ITEMS LEFT IN CLASS ROOMS WILL BE TAKEN TO SHABACH S GENERAL LOST AND FOUND. 8
9 Group Class Guidelines Each parent is responsible for making sure that they arrive on time and that their child is prepared for class with all necessary supplies, assignments, and lunch (snack). Each parent is to make certain that his or her child goes directly to class upon arrival. Parents must pick up their children, from the classroom after dismissal at the end of the day. Please be prompt in picking up your child as late fees will apply ($10.00 per 15 minute late after a fifteen minute grace period) Academic Requirements Grades 9-12 are credit courses that require daily/weekly assignments, tests, quizzes, and projects. (See course overview and syllabus for each class). Grades 6th-8th are not self-contained. The curriculum used in the classroom can be utilized at home to complete homework.. Homework assignments are given weekly. Grades Pre-K through 5th are self-contained classes that require little or no work outside of the classroom. The Word of God will govern classrooms for Correction, the House Rules and Standard of Expectations. All parents must sign the Standard of Expectations. 9
10 10 Dress Code and Uniform Requirements Elementary School Girls white shirt/blue pants or jumper Boys white shirt/blue pants Middle/High School Young Women Khaki pants/skirt below the knee, white or PINK shirts Young Men Khaki pants, white or BLACK shirts (No designs, logos, or decals on shirts) Casual, but godly attire. Shorts worn to the knee (Capri pants). No tight fitting clothes. No stretch jeans or leggings. No tight or low cut tops (blouses). Skirts and dresses must be knee length, No excessive splits. Clothes should not be so baggy that it is falling off the body. No inappropriate clothing, no inappropriate words on clothing. Males must remove hats in the building 10
11 During Inclement Weather: The SHABACH! Christian Academy has a one call system. The system will call the phone number on file around 5 a.m. if the school is closed or delayed. Make sure the office has the proper contact numbers at all times. The Academy does not necessarily follow the Prince Georges County School System for closing. You can listen to WTOP A.M 1500, WKYS 93.9, watch FOX channel 5 news, or you can call 301/773-3600 or the office @ 301/772-8591 to see if the church is open. If in doubt you can call the class coordinators as well. *If SHABACH! Christian Academy has a 2 hour delay, classes will begin at 10:00am. First period for High School students will be canceled. Shelter-in-Place Procedures Shelter-in-Place will help protect students from exposure to dangerous chemicals in the event of a biological or chemical attack, should the air become unsafe to breathe. If a dangerous chemical were released in the community and posed a threat to students during the school day, we would be directed, most likely by public health or safety officials, to bring all students and staff members indoors, to shut down all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, and to close and secure all doors and windows. During a Shelter-in-Place incident, our building would be secured, and no one would be allowed in or out of the building until an all-clear signal is given from health officials. While we protect our students in the school building, we recognize that for their own safety, our parents will be sheltered in their own homes or places of work. In the event of a shelter-in-place incident, it would be broadcast on the news and on One Call Now. This is not a decision that we make at the school independently, so the incident would get wide media coverage. We will make every effort to communicate the status of our students to you. It is important that we have your current e- mail address. Because of the number of students in our school, we will not place personal telephone calls. To make sure that we can adequately provide for all of our students in the event of an emergency, we are investigating how to have water and food needs handled. 11
12 12 Parent Participation Responsibilities All Group Class Parents will be Required to: Volunteer to assist a Instructor on Thursdays. Assist/organize at least four fellowships or Special Events (listed below). Special Events (Preparation/Planning and Working the Event) : Orientation Kick-Off Cookout Grandparents Day Learning Expo Open House SHABACH! Day Field Day Instructor Appreciation Academy Awards Graduation Science Fair Set-up, Judging, Clean Up Marketing: Distribute flyers to local libraries and at various events Secure donations of food/drink for special events Group Classes: Hall Monitor Substitute Lunch Monitors (Thursdays, 12:30 p.m.- 1:00 p.m., includes pick-up and distribution) Standardized Testing: Proctors Field Trips: Coordinators (3) Pre-K through 2nd 3rd-5th 6th and up Drivers 12
13 Homeschool Pledges PLEDGE TO THE CHRISTIAN FLAG I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag And to the Savior for whose kingdom it stands One Savior Crucified, Risen and Coming Again With Life and Liberty for all Who Believe PLEDGE TO THE BIBLE I pledge allegiance to the Bible God s Holy Word I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I will hide his Word in my heart that I might not sin against God. PLEDGE TO THE AMERICAN FLAG I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America And to the republic, for which it stands, One nation, under God Indivisible with Liberty And Justice for all 13
14 14 HOMESCHOOL PROGRAM FEES Application Fees (this fee will be applied towards oversight tuition ONLY until June 30th.) Group Class Fees K-5th Group Classes 6th-8th Group Classes 9th-12th Group Classes Study Hall Fee Book Fee* Oversight Fees Families w/ Students in Grades K-12 Transcripts (K-12) Late Grades Fee 12th Grade Graduation Fee Additional Grade Reports $5.00 Other Fees Parent Participation Violation Fee (did not complete mandatory hours) $100.00 (new families) $75.00 (re-enrolling families) $100.00 per class/per year $125.00 per class/per year $190.00-$250.00 per class/per year $100.00 per year *Based on classes taken $200.00 annually $10.00 each $25.00 per grade report $300.00 per student $150.00 Dress Code Violation Fee $10.00 Mandatory Meeting Violation Fee (did not attend mandatory meeting) $50.00 Add Fee (applied unless classes are dropped by September 19, 2013) $50 per class after deadline Drop Fee (any class dropped after September 19, 2013) Fee will NOT be refunded Late Payment Fee 5% of outstanding balance Check Return Fee $25.00 Probation Fee $25.00 per month 14
15 Program Fees (continued) All payments may be made by check, credit card or money order. Please make checks payable to SMI (SHABACH! Ministries Inc.). Mail payments to: SHABACH! Homeschool 3600 Brightseat Road Landover, MD 20785 Payment Deficiencies Each deposit delay or payment postmarked after the 5 th will be considered a late payment and may be subject to a $10.00 late fee. Accounts 60 days past due may result in probation. Accounts 90 days past due may result in termination of enrollment. Reinstatement of enrollment will be at the discretion of the Director and will be considered only after all issues related to delinquent records and/or fees have been resolved. All accounts for a school year must be current by April 5th in order to re-enroll for the next school year, to issue promotion certificates to students or to have official final grades or records transferred. There is a $25.00 returned check fee for insufficient funds checks. Any family having two insufficient funds checks will be required to make payments with certified funds or money order only. Billing Questions Questions regarding monthly billing statements, specific charges, or financial policy can be directed to the Academy Business Office at 301-583-5360. 15
16 3600 Brightseat Road Landover, MD 20785 301.772.8591 16