Handbook
2011
– 2012
Academic
Year
(603) 893-4289
statement of values.................................................................................................................................... 3
MISSION STATEMENT......................................................................................................................................... 3
PURPOSE statement........................................................................................................................................ 3
AFFILIATIONS AND STANDARDS..................................................................................................................... 3
PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION.......................................................................................................................... 3
statement of OBJECTIVES............................................................................................................................ 3
CURRICULUM....................................................................................................................................................... 4
Volunteers........................................................................................................................................................ 4
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS............................................................................................................................ 4
REGISTRATION..................................................................................................................................................... 4
FINANCIAL POLICY............................................................................................................................................ 4
SUSPENSION (FINANCIAL)................................................................................................................................ 5
GENERAL INFORMATION.................................................................................................................................. 5
School Hours................................................................................................................................................... 5
School Calendar........................................................................................................................................... 5
Information and Telephone.................................................................................................................... 5
PARENT CONFERENCES..................................................................................................................................... 5
PICKUP................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Transportation.............................................................................................................................................. 6
Before/After School Supervision.......................................................................................................... 6
Attendance....................................................................................................................................................... 6
Absences and Tardiness............................................................................................................................. 6
Tardiness Policy............................................................................................................................................ 6
Dismissals.......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Medications...................................................................................................................................................... 7
HEAD LICE............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Medical Emergency Procedures............................................................................................................ 7
Chapel.................................................................................................................................................................. 7
SYSTEM FOR GRADING...................................................................................................................................... 8
Honor Roll - Grades 5-8.............................................................................................................................. 8
Homework......................................................................................................................................................... 8
General CODE OF CONDUCT......................................................................................................................... 9
Standard of Conduct................................................................................................................................. 9
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT...................................................................................... 10
MIDDLE SCHOOL CONDUCT STANDARDS................................................................................................... 13
Discipline.......................................................................................................................................................... 13
Personal Items.............................................................................................................................................. 14
Field Trip Policy............................................................................................................................................ 15
SEAT BELT LAWS............................................................................................................................................... 15
Procedure for Parental Concerns.................................................................................................... 15
The Matthew 18 Principle......................................................................................................................... 15
STUDENT SAFETY POLICY............................................................................................................................... 16
STUDENT PROTECTION POLICY..................................................................................................................... 17
statement of values
Welcome
to the Salem Christian School family.
Our prayer is that this will be a year of blessing and growth in the
life of your son or daughter.
The
Word of God clearly places the responsibility for the education of children on
the parents....bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord"
(Ephesians 6:4). To help parents fulfill
this responsibility, God has raised up Salem Christian School.
Salem
Christian School is the educational outreach of Centerpoint Community
Church. Our staff and teachers are
committed Christians who have been called by God to serve in this
ministry. They are dedicated to help you
'train up a child in the way he should go...'
(Proverbs 22:6)
MISSION
STATEMENT
Salem
Christian School shall support the mission of Centerpoint Community Church by
providing the children of our congregation, as well as others in the community,
a superior education academically, spiritually, and socially in a
Christ-centered, Biblically based environment.
PURPOSE statement
The
purpose of Salem Christian School is to provide a sound academic education,
integrated with a Christian view of God and the world.
AFFILIATIONS AND STANDARDS
Salem
Christian School meets the requirements of the State of New Hampshire for
private schools. All teachers meet state
certification requirements.
Salem
Christian School of Centerpoint Community Church, 101 School Street, Salem, New
Hampshire, is under the jurisdiction of the School Committee, which is voted on
by members of the church.
Salem
Christian School is a member of the Association of Christian Schools
International and the Granite State Christian Schools Association.
PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
Salem
Christian School exists to offer children in Preschool-8th grades a
quality education that is Christ centered and obedient to the Word of God. The basis of all school operations and
policies is the Word of God and all parts of the school are based on the teachings
of Christ as quoted from Scripture. To
this end, Salem Christian School provides an environment that is wholly
Christian and joins with parents as they endeavor to raise their children in a
Christ-like manner.
statement of OBJECTIVES
1. To teach that God is the
creator and sustainer of the universe and of man.
2. To teach that the Bible
is the authoritative word of God. It is
practical and important.
3. To teach that the Lord
Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came to earth to die for our sin.
4. To teach the necessity
of being 'born-again' by the Spirit of God by receiving the Lord Jesus Christ
as personal Savior.
5. To teach the dynamics of
Christian living and the Spirit-filled life.
6. To teach the application
of Biblical ethics and standards of morality to every part of life.
7. To teach the student to
manifest fairness, courtesy, kindness, and other Christian graces.
8. To relate all subject
matter to Biblical truth.
9. To teach the student to
apply himself and to fulfill his various responsibilities.
10. To teach the student to
work independently and cooperatively.
11. To teach the student to
think for himself and to stand up for his personal convictions in the face of
pressure.
12. To develop effective
communicative skills in the student.
13. To develop appreciation
of the fine arts.
14. To develop the creative
skills of the student.
15. To teach knowledge and
skills required for further study and/or occupational competence.
16. To learn about our
American heritage and prepare the student for adult responsibility as a
Christian citizen of our nation.
CURRICULUM
A
variety of curricula is used in Grades 1 through 8. The curriculum is under continual review to
insure that it meets the standards of excellence we wish to maintain at Salem
Christian School. Curriculum guides are available
in the school office.
In
addition, classes in physical education, music, and art are taught at each
grade level.
Piano,
Guitar and Drum Lessons are also available at an additional cost to students in
second grade and higher. The policy of
Salem Christian School states that your child’s school tuition must be
up-to-date for students to be involved in any school-sponsored extra-curricular
activities (such as guitar, piano, bowling, etc.).
Volunteers
Volunteers
are a vital part of our school. Please
consider giving us the gift of your time.
There are many tasks where volunteers are needed: including help with
recess coverage, teacher’s lunch coverage, hot lunch help, etc. There are also
some tasks that can be performed at home if you are unable to come to the
building to volunteer in a classroom.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The
Salem Christian School Committee has instituted the following admission
requirements for Grade 1 through 8. New
students are provisionally accepted at Salem Christian School after an
interview with the principal. At that
time the applicant is required to submit a copy of the most recent report card.
Currently
enrolled students must be reviewed and approved by the principal each
year. Those records reviewed which indicate
'borderline' may be deferred to the school committee for final resolution. A student will not be admitted or allowed to
remain in Salem Christian School who does not agree and cooperate with the
overall purpose and program.
REGISTRATION
An
application and materials fee, which are non-refundable, must accompany the
registration card. All new students are
required to have up-to-date immunization records. A birth certificate will be required for
students entering Grade One. A release
form signed for transcript from the previous school will also be required.
FINANCIAL POLICY
Salem
Christian School is dependent on tuition income and gifts to sustain its
operation and must pay for teachers' salaries, rent, text books, supplies,
etc., from its own resources. Therefore,
it is imperative that each family make every effort to meet their tuition
payments on time.
1.
Salem
Christian School tuition is paid with one of three options, payment in full on
or before July 1st two installments ½ due on or before July 1st and ½ due on or before February 1st or monthly beginning in July and ending in
April. For the monthly installments, the total tuition amount is divided into
ten equal monthly payments. A late fee
of $25.00 is added to the account when payments are received 15 days late.
2.
The policy of Salem
Christian School states that your child’s school tuition must be current before
registering for extra-curricular activities (such as guitar, piano, bowling,
etc.). Tuition payments must also be kept
up-to-date.
3.
All
tuition must be paid in full by May 31st of the current year, or
students will not be permitted to continue to attend school.
4.
Children
will not be considered registered for the next school year until all financial obligations
from the preceding school year have been met.
This includes prior tuition and application fees.
5.
Salem
Christian School uses FFNA (Family Financial Needs Assessment), an independent
agency, to determine eligibility for financial aid. If you find yourself in need of tuition aid,
FFNA application forms can be picked up in the school office. The completed forms and required fees must be
returned directly to FFNA prior to April 15th.
6.
If
a child leaves within the school year, the portion of tuition related to books,
materials, etc. is non-refundable.
SUSPENSION (FINANCIAL)
Salem
Christian School Policy states that when tuition enters the third month in
arrears, students will not be allowed to attend classes until at least one
month’s tuition is paid. Payment must be
made at the school office with certified check, cash or money order. If balance is not paid in full, a meeting
with the school board will be required.
GENERAL INFORMATION
School Hours
5K Kindergarten 8:45 A.M. -
3:00 P.M.
Grades 1 – 8 8:45
A.M. -
3:00 P.M.
School Calendar
The
school calendar will be similar to the Salem public schools. "No School" bulletins for inclement
weather are under the jurisdiction of the Superintendent of Schools for Salem
public schools. Announcements are made for Salem Christian School on WBZ-TV and on WMUR-TV, Channel 9.
Information and Telephone
The
school office is open from 8:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. when school is in
session. The school phone number is
(603) 893-4289. Students will be permitted
to use the school phone for emergencies only.
Staff devotions are daily from 8:15-8:40 AM. This time is important to us; we pray for the
families of our school and for each other.
If your child is ill and will be absent from school, please try to call
the school office after 8:40 AM. The
school's answering machine is on 24 hours a day.
Parents
are welcome at school. However, when a
visit to the classroom is anticipated, please telephone the office first to
make an appointment
PARENT CONFERENCES
Parent
teacher conferences are scheduled as needed.
Conferences for all parents are scheduled in February. Both parents are expected to attend for the
benefit of their child. Please check with
the calendar for dates of special events during the school year, at which time
classrooms may be visited.
PICKUP
Cars
will line up around the perimeter of the rear parking lot and proceed slowly to
the area where children will be waiting.
Parent should remain in the car. Teachers will escort each child to
his/her car. The same procedure is used
in all weather conditions.
If
you are in the school and want to pick up your child, your child will be
released through the school office. You
cannot pick up your child from the teacher outside on duty unless you are in
your car.
5K Pick up are dismissed at 2:45
PM. If you pick up your child after 2:55
PM, your child will need to be picked up in the classroom.
Grade school classes are dismissed at 2:55
PM.
Transportation
Salem
school buses will transport all Salem resident students in grades one to
eight. Lists are available in the school
office to assist in organizing car pools for students residing outside of
Salem.
Teacher
supervision will be provided for students until the last bus arrives. Any parent transporting children MUST be here
no later than 3:15 P.M. Children who are
not picked up by 3:15 pm will be cared for in our after school supervision
classroom.
Before/After School Supervision
All
Students must be supervised when on school grounds. Before
School Supervision for Grades K5-8 will be available from 6:30 am to 8:15
am. (No child may be dropped off before
6:30 am.)
Attendance
The
State of New Hampshire requires 180 days of school attendance in each school
year. Absences and tardiness will be
recorded in the official New Hampshire attendance register.
Attendance and Homework
Policy - For Extended Vacation Periods
Vacations
outside regularly scheduled times are discouraged by the school and are not in
the best interest of your child academically.
If, however, you choose to take your child out of school, the following
procedure must be followed:
·
A
two week notice must be given prior to the departure date.
·
When
a vacation is taken while school is in session, and that vacation exceeds one
week, work will be given for the first week only. All subsequent work will be made up when the
child returns to school.
Absences and Tardiness
Salem
Christian School believes that part of being a responsible person in life is
the quality of being on time and present each day to assume one's
responsibilities.
This
quality must be taught at a very young age and consistently enforced throughout
the student's life. Parents who permit their children to be late or absent, or
who cause them to be late or absent, are reinforcing a very bad habit within
them.
Absences are excused if the
student is sick, there is a death in the family, the student has a doctor's
appointment, or for other reasons considered appropriate by the administration.
If your child is going to be absent, please call the school office prior to
9:00 A.M. All missed work must be made
up within a week unless other arrangements have been made with his teacher.
After five absences per quarter a student is placed on probation and reviewed
by the administration. Students with
more than twenty absences for the year may be dismissed from school.
Tardiness Policy
All
students should be in the classroom by 8:45 a.m.
Any student
who is tardy will be subject to the following:
a.
Tardiness
is excused for illness, doctor's and dentist's appointments, and other
emergencies (must have note from doctor).
b.
With
the fourth and fifth tardiness per quarter, the child will make up missed time
for 15 minutes of a recess period.
c.
With
the sixth and seventh tardiness per quarter, the child will make up missed time
for 30 minutes of the noon recess period.
d.
With
the eighth, ninth and tenth tardiness, the child will make up missed time for
one hour after school.
e.
Children
who are tardy due to a bus problem are not subject to the above regulations.
Dismissals
A
student may be dismissed early if the parent, legal guardian or known designate
gives prior written notice, except in an emergency. He/she will need to come to the school office
to ask for the child.
Medications
Students
will not be allowed to bring medication to the school without written
permission from their doctor, or the prescription bottle with proper
instructions visible. The Office
Secretary will be notified and will be sure the medication is administered to
the child properly. The medication will
remain in the office while school is in session, and returned to the child when
school is dismissed.
HEAD LICE
Please check
periodically for head lice When
children are in school head lice can be a problem and the best defense is early
detection. Inform us if your child has
any head lice. We have a “No Nit Policy” for the protection of all. Remember
that this is not a reflection of your cleanliness.
Medical Emergency Procedures
If, as a result of
accident or illness, a student requires medical attention, the following things
shall be done: (Always if a student has injury to face, head the parent will be
contacted.)
- Notify the principal or
administrative assistant.
- Remain with the student until
relieved of the responsibility by the principal or designated alternate or
parent;
- The parents or guardians shall be
contacted immediately by telephone if at all possible. If the parent
cannot be reached, the emergency alternative should be contacted.
- In case the parent or other
designated person cannot be reached at once, the student should be kept
physically quiet until contact can be made. If there is any question
whatever in regard to moving the student to the hospital, call the
ambulance.
- If the parent or other designated
person cannot be contacted immediately in case of severe illness or
injury, and the family doctor cannot be reached or is unknown to school
authorities, the ambulance services of the Fire Department at 9-1-1 should
be enlisted;
- The principal shall read this policy
and procedure to staff members at the beginning of each school year.
Chapel
Chapel Service will be
on Wednesday. Students and faculty members are required to
attend. Chapel promotes unity of the
school by meeting together as a group.
The children and staff of our school sponsor two children from third
world countries and additional missionaries.
We receive yearly reports and letters from them. An offering is taken at each chapel
service. The quarters and dollars that
you send with your child, added together, help us support those who need and
appreciate our help. Your remembering to send in a small offering is greatly
appreciated. See special Chapel dress
code requirements for Grade School students below.
SYSTEM FOR GRADING
Grade One and
up will be graded as follows:
|
Grade |
Percent |
Grade |
Percent |
|
A+ |
97-100 |
C+ |
77-79 |
|
A |
94-96 |
C |
74-76 |
|
A- |
90-93 |
C- |
70-73 |
|
B+ |
87-89 |
D+ |
67-69 |
|
B |
84-86 |
D |
64-66 |
|
B- |
80-83 |
D- |
60-63 |
|
|
|
F |
0-59 |
- Transitional First children
are graded as follows: E-Excellent,
S-Successful, N-Needs Improvement.
- Students in Gr. 1-3
are graded E, S, and N for Special Subjects. Grades 4-8 will receive letter grades
for Special Subjects.
- There will be no
formal grading for kindergarten classes.
Conferences are held midway through the school year.
Honor Roll - Grades 5-8
A
student, from fifth grade up, must have an average of 90% (A-) or above to be
on the Honor Roll. Any child with an
average of 87-89 will receive an Honorable Mention. Any grade below 70% will automatically
exclude a student from the Honor Roll.
Each year, students will be awarded an honor certificate when they make
the Honor Roll. After each quarter an
honor roll is compiled according to the following standards:
High Honors
Students
who average 94 - 100%
Honors
Students
who average 90-93%
Honorable Mention
Students
who average 87-89%
Art, Music, Phys. Ed.
and Computer will be counted as a grade toward the Honor Roll. A student who has received a grade lower than a
"C" in Art, Music, Phys. Ed., and Computer will be disqualified from
the Honor Roll.
Homework
Homework
will be used to enrich the school experience, to reinforce learning by
additional practice and application
of objectives within a lesson, and to foster student initiative and
independence. The instructional staff
will assign homework when it can be of benefit to the student and is assigned
within the following limitations:
1. Homework is assigned to
supplement a lesson following a careful explanation and definition of the task.
2. Homework will be
constructive in nature and directly related to the course of study. Assignments that emphasize drill, encourage
creativity, and require critical thinking are encouraged.
3. Homework will be
assigned with due consideration to the need for students to have adequate
resources available to complete the task, the variety of home environments for
study, the need and desirability of adequate time for other activities, and the
expectations of other staff members.
4. The amount and
difficulty of homework will increase with the maturity and grade level of each
succeeding year.
5. Students will receive
timely feedback concerning the quality of the homework assigned.
6. Parent participation in the
learning process is encouraged, and therefore, there should be communication
concerning homework between the school and the home. Parents are encouraged to maintain home
conditions favorable to study, to encourage proper study habits, and to assist
whenever appropriate.
7. A homework notice will
be sent to the parent when assignments are not completed, not received, or have
not met the standards set by the teacher.
8. Students will be
expected to do missing or incomplete homework during workroom which is held
during lunch recess (Mon.-Thurs.) or after school on designated days. When points are deducted for missing or
incomplete assignments, it will be indicated on individual homework notices.
9. Homework for vacation
periods will be limited to reading and/or working on long term assignments.
Assignments may be given to an individual to assist in the mastery of a
difficult subject area, or to complete assignments due to absences.
10.Suggested Time
Allocations:
|
Grades |
Frequency |
Maximum Daily Amount |
|
1 |
One-Two x
week |
10-20 minutes |
|
2-4 |
Three-four x
week |
20-40 minutes |
|
5-6 |
Daily (inc.
weekends) |
30-60 minutes |
|
7-8 |
Daily (inc.
weekends) |
1-1 1/2 hours |
Remember, individual learning styles may cause a
student to use more or less time on a particular assignment. The above allocations are guidelines.
11.Additional homework may
be assigned to students who are falling behind due to absences, vacations, or
lack of attentiveness to work during the school day.
General CODE OF CONDUCT
We
ask that the parent enroll their child with the idea that we will work with the
home, but we will not take the place of parents who have experienced difficulty
in fulfilling their roles. This is not a
corrective institution nor are we here to reform your child. All students begin the year with a six week
probationary period.
General
Guidelines
1. Students shall obey and
observe all rules and guidelines set forth by the school.
2. Students are to show
respect at all times to teachers, staff and volunteers while submitting to
their authority.
3. School property and
personal property belonging to others shall be respected while damage to school
property is strictly forbidden. Students
shall keep the school and church building and outside areas in a clean and
orderly condition.
4. Students shall respect
the rights of others while displaying kindness, consideration and Christian
love to one another.
5. Fighting, whether it be
physical or verbal yelling at each other or arguing with each other, will not
be tolerated.
6. Students shall follow
the dress code at all times and must always be neat and clean in their
appearance.
7. Students are not to
display any inappropriate physical affection or touching.
Classroom Behavior
1. Respectful, controlled,
and obedient behavior and speech are required of all students as set forth in
Romans 12.
2. Students shall maintain
an attitude of reverence at all times especially during devotions, prayers,
Chapel and Bible class.
3. All students shall keep
their classroom neat, desks organized, paper off the floor, remembering not to
mark desks, chairs, etc.
4. No talking without the
teacher's permission or interrupting the class when someone else is speaking.
5. No writing or passing
notes, throwing objects, chewing gum, or eating during inappropriate times.
6. Students shall remain
quiet and not interrupt or participate in conversation when a visitor enters
the classroom.
7. All students must come
to class prepared with pencils, pens, notebooks, and needed textbooks.
8. Cheating Policy: Offenders will receive zeros on all papers
and tests with no make-up where he/she cheated, and/or receive up to three days
in-house suspension. A parent/teacher/principal
conference may be scheduled. Our
ultimate goal is to help the student develop honesty as a virtue.
Standard of Conduct
All
of the activities of the Christian must be subordinated to the glory of God who
indwells us. In light of this principle,
Salem Christian School has adopted the following standards that it believes are
conducive to an environment that will best promote the spiritual welfare of the
students. These standards are consistent
with the welfare of the students and with the mission and objectives of Salem
Christian School.
1. Students should maintain
Christian standards of courtesy, kindness, morality and honesty.
2. Students are not to use
profanity, indecent language or gestures.
3. We strongly recommend
that Salem Christian School students not gamble, attend dances, or listen to
rock music.
4. Our desire is for Salem
Christian School students to be discriminating in their viewing of movies,
videos, and written material, and to be careful to avoid the viewing of
un-Christ like behavior.
5. Students must abstain
from the use of illicit drugs, tobacco, alcoholic beverages or engaging in
activities which may be immoral or may lead to immorality while he/she is a
student at Salem Christian School.
6. Students are not allowed
to bring weapons to school under any conditions. Weapons are defined as knives, guns, (real or
plastic), sharp objects, or other items that are inappropriate to the school
setting. Violation of these areas will
result in disciplinary action, which
may include suspension, or, in the case of #5 or 6, expulsion. Students
are expected to abide by these standards throughout their enrollment at
Salem Christian School. Students found
to be out of harmony with Salem Christian School's ideals of work and life may
be asked to withdraw.
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
We desire to see the fruit of the Spirit
develop in our students. Students are
required to sign this Code of Conduct on a separate sheet when school opens in
the fall.
LOVE
Students
will be encouraged to grow in their love and respect for God and others.
Jesus said “Love the Lord your God with all your
heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)
·
My
love for God will be exemplified in respectful and reverent behavior during
Chapel, devotions, prayers, and classroom Bible classes.
·
At
no time will I take the Lord’s name in vain.
JOY
It
is our goal at SCS that students desire to know God and the joy that comes from
Him. The atmosphere of the school will
be one of joy.
“I have no greater joy than to hear
that my children are walking in truth.” (3 John 4)
·
I
will strive to bring joy to my parents and my teachers by learning to be
righteous and wise.
·
I
will seek to bring joy to other students.
PEACE
We
want all our students to find inner peace, which comes from a sense of
self-worth found in Jesus.
“Let us pursue the things which make for peace
and the building up of one another.”
(Romans 14:19)
·
I
will not “put down” other students in any way.
·
I
will look for ways to “build up” other students and to be at peace with each
other.
PATIENCE
An
extremely important life-skill is conflict resolution.
“Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak,
and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of
God.” (James 1:19-20)
·
I
will not resolve conflict through physical force
·
I
will learn to cooperate with my fellow students and ask staff to help when
necessary.
KINDNESS
Students
must look out for the needs of others and put others’ needs above their own.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and
dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness
and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)
·
I
will not steal or destroy the property of others.
·
I
will demonstrate compassion and kindness toward others.
·
I
will show care and concern for others in my speech and actions.
GOODNESS
Students
should exemplify a pure lifestyle.
“Live as children of light (for the fruit of the
light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what
pleases the Lord.” (Eph. 5: 8-10)
·
I
will not use any profane or obscene language or gestures as well as not using
written or printed material which is inappropriate.
·
I
will not use illegal drugs, alcohol or tobacco.
·
I
will not cheat on any of my work and will be honest and trustworthy.
·
I
will comply with the SCS dress code.
·
I
will live a life of sexual purity.
FAITHFULNESS
A
sense of responsibility in the little things is so important because it will
mold the students’ future character.
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I
will put you in charge of many things.”
(Matthew 25: 21)
·
I
will strive to discover my God-given talents and gifts, to develop those
abilities fully, and to devote those talents and gifts to a lifetime of
learning, serving and honoring God.
GENTLENESS
Jesus
is our example of how to deal with others in gentleness and humility.
Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn
from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart.”
(Matthew 11:29)
·
I
will show respect for authority and submit myself to the teachers,
administration and staff of SCS.
·
I
will not back talk or defy authority and will respond to authority with
gentleness, and humility.
·
I
will speak courteously with all adults.
SELF-CONTROL
Every
Christian should strive for self-control in all areas of his/her life.
“We take captive every thought to
make it obedient to Christ.” (2
Corinthians 10:5)
·
I
will control my behavior in class so the learning environment is not disrupted.
·
I
will follow all classroom rules and any other directions from staff.
·
I
will uphold this code not only in school but at school activities outside
school.
The primary purpose of Salem Christian School is
to raise up men and women of God.
SCS seeks to provide an environment that is of
highest standards both academically and spiritually. In order to achieve this, we require that
students abide by a code of conduct.
Every student begins the school year with a six-week probationary
period. Our goal is to instill a mindset
of leadership, service, and responsibility in our older students. With this goal in mind, the following Middle
School Code of Conduct (Grades 7 & 8) has been established.
MIDDLE
SCHOOL CONDUCT STANDARDS
Student
misconduct is categorized by Type I and Type II behavior. Type I behavior is less serious but still
inappropriate and unacceptable. Type II
behavior is considered serious. Any
violation in either category will be subject to discipline as deemed
appropriate by the administration.
Type
I behavior will result in reprimand, detention after school, suspension or
other form of disciplinary action.
Type I Behavior Includes:
1.
Inappropriate
behavior or conduct on school property or at school events.
2.
Classroom/school
disturbances/disrespect/insubordination.
3.
Dress
Code violations.
4.
Inappropriate
physical contact between students or public display of affection.
5.
Miscellaneous
violations deemed unacceptable by administration, faculty and staff.
6.
Obscene,
profane or vulgar speech or gestures.
7.
Use
of electronic devices; i.e., game boys, phones, pagers, lap tops, hand held
video games, CD players, Walkman radios, TV.
Type
II behavior will result in suspension and/or expulsion, and potential reporting
to the proper authorities.
Type II Behavior Includes:
1.
Smoking
and Chewing Tobacco - Students must abstain from the use, possession, transfer,
delivery, or sale of smoking or chewing tobacco products on school property or
at any school related event.
2.
Drug
and Alcohol - Students must abstain from the use or possession of drugs,
alcohol, or illegal substances and is strictly prohibited on school property or
at school-sponsored events. Students are
also prohibited from the excessive us of prescribed over-the-counter
medications.
3.
Fighting/Physical
Attack - Any act involving hostile bodily contact in or on school property, or
going to and from school, including any activity under school sponsorship.
4.
Theft
- Disregarding the rights and property of others by taking something that does
not belong to you on school property or at school-related events.
5.
Weapons
- The transportation to school and/or possession of items on school property or
at school-related events that may pose a threatening, harmful, or life
threatening situation to fellow students or staff is strictly prohibited.
6.
Excessive
detentions or behavior problems.
7.
Vandalism
- Destruction or damage of school, church or others' property while on school grounds
or at a school related event is prohibited.
8.
Conviction
of a crime - If a student is convicted of or found guilty of a crime committed
off school property, the school may take disciplinary action based on the
nature of the offense, past record of offenses, and student attitude.
9.
Cheating,
falsification, forgery - Offenders will receive zeros on all papers and tests
with no make-up where he/she has cheated.
Parents will be notified and a parent/teacher/principal conference will
be scheduled.
All
students and their parents in Grades 7 and 8th will be required to
review and sign a Jr. High Student Code of Honor which will serve as a contract
between the student and the school and insures that all parties involved
understand Salem Christian's School's Jr. High Code of Conduct and the
consequences of violation of that code.
Discipline
Philosophy
We
believe that God's Word, the Bible, is the basis and standard for Godly living
and conduct. It is imperative that
students be directed to God's standards for behavior. Discipline is the training process of
teaching, admonishing, correcting, and re-teaching (2 Timothy
Teachers
will encourage the students to develop Christian character. Parent involvement
and support is integral. If after proper
instruction and counsel have been given, the student does not correct his or
her behavior, or if the behavior is serious in nature, the parents will be
notified via one of our school behavior notices. It is the responsibility of the parent to sign
this form and return it to the school immediately.
Detentions
Teacher
and principal may keep students after school for disciplinary reasons,
providing a 24-hour notice is given for the student to arrange
transportation. Parents will be sent a
detention form notifying them of the after school requirement. This notice should be signed and returned
immediately. If the notice is not
returned, the child will be assigned an additional after school detention, and
a phone call will be made to the parent to insure that the child has
transportation.
Detention Schedule
Detentions
may be issued for any conduct violations including, but not limited to, the
following reasons:
A.
Appearance/dress
code violations
B.
Breaking
school policy
C.
Vulgar
language
D.
Refusal
to cooperate with any teacher or staff member
E.
Fighting
F.
Cheating
G.
Incomplete
class/homework
Discipline
Procedure
During
the first quarter, the first offense is often a verbal warning affected by
factors such as age, newness to the school, and teacher discretion.
If
there is need for more discipline, it will be done as follows:
1.
Behavior
Alert (3 times unless offense is serious).
2.
Grades
T1-4 -Detention Slips (3 times - noon recess)
Grades 5-8 - Detention Slips (3 times
- 3:00-4:00 p.m.)
3.
Parent
conference with teacher and/or principal when necessary.
4.
In-House
suspension or home suspension and conference with principal.
5.
Meeting
with School Committee.
6.
Possible
expulsion.
In-House Suspension -
usually held in another classroom away from peers and others, but under the supervision
of a teacher, usually the Assistant Principal.
Home Suspension -
occur by decision of the Principal when situations are unresolved, chronic, or
of a serious nature. On any given day of
suspensions, quizzes and homework grades may not be made up and will be entered
as zeroes. Tests or major projects may
be made up; however, 15 points will be subtracted from the grade received. Suspensions are considered absences.
Expulsions - Any student
possessing or passing, promoting or using drugs at any time, including the
summer, will be expelled from Salem Christian School.
Any
student using or possessing alcohol, tobacco or engaging in sexual immorality
at any time, including summer, may be expelled from Salem Christian School.
Any
student who continually displays a negative attitude, poor conduct or conduct
deemed to be unbecoming to the cause of Jesus Christ and Salem Christian
School, may be expelled.
Personal Items
No
Electronic games, walkmans, stereos and devices are allowed in school. Everything brought in must be checked by the
classroom teacher. The judgment of the
teacher and/or principal is final. Thank
you for your cooperation.
Any
cell phone that is turned on or out of the child’s backpack, will be confiscated
and then must be picked up the next day, by the parents. This includes during school hours or any
school related activities – ex: praise & worship team, bowling, soccer,
drop-off or pick up line, before & aftercare. Cell phone used in an afterschool activity
will also result in a one hour after school detention and a one week suspension
from that activity.
Field Trip Policy
Children
are encouraged to attend ALL field trips because they are an opportunity to
enhance the classroom experience. They
also provide a time to exhibit Christian behavior in an alternative setting.
However,
if a child is unable to participate due to extenuating circumstances (i.e.,
illness, etc.) an appropriate make-up assignment will be given by the classroom
teacher when it is deemed necessary.
SEAT BELT LAWS
New Hampshire Law requires that
children up to 6 years old or 55 inches tall must be in an appropriate car
seat. It also requires seat belts for
everyone up to age 18.
If
your child is 5 years old, they must be in a car seat of some kind unless they
are 55 inches tall.
·
Children
who weigh between 20 and 40 pounds and are less than 42 inches tall must be in a toddler seat.
·
Children
who weigh between 40 and 80 pounds (about 42 to 55 inches tall) must be in a booster seat, unless they are 6 years old.
** Although, it is highly recommended that if
your child is in this range that you put
them in a booster seat.
Massachusetts Law requires that
children up to 7 years old or until they reach 4’9” in height. This means that for children who have grown
out of the forward facing child safety seat, the next step is the booster seat.
A
booster seat helps your child fit correctly in your vehicle’s safety belt. It positions the lap belt on the hips and the
shoulder belt across the chest, providing the greatest amount of protection.
Parents of students in
younger grades, please hold on to your child’s car or booster seat for
fieldtrips.
Procedure for Parental Concerns
We
are here to help you educate your child/ren.
The proper procedure for handling problems is to go to the teacher
first. Notify Mr. Long (603-893-4289) only if your situation is not
resolved. If you feel you need further
assistance, you may contact the Chairperson of the School Committee.
The Matthew 18 Principle
We,
at Salem Christian School, strive and encourage others to obey the teachings of
Christ. Those teachings include the 2nd
greatest commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). In spite of our efforts, there are times when
people have different views or perceive situations differently.
In
summary, “The Matthew 18 Principle” requires that parents talk to the teacher
about student problems. If unresolved at
the two-person level, the matter prayerfully and in an orderly fashion moves
upward in the school organizational structure.
Jesus,
in His perfect wisdom, knew we would need instruction for these situations and
provided this wisdom in the verse Matthew 18:15-17. When differences of opinion cause conflict,
it is Salem Christians School’s policy to practice “The Matthew 18
Principle: Using this Scripture passage
as our guide we have listed the appropriate steps that are to be taken by
students, parents, teachers, and staff in the event of misunderstanding or
disagreement:
·
Keep the matter confidential. “With his mouth the
godless destroys his neighbor...”(Proverbs 11:9a). Only share the problem with those directly
involved, in an effort to ensure confidentiality.
·
Keep the circle small. “If your brother sins against you, go
and show him his fault, just between the two of you” (Matthew 18:15). The first step and most often the only step
needed to solving a person-to-person problem is for one of the two people
involved to initiate a face-to-face dialogue.
Most problems are solved at the two person level.
·
State your concern clearly and concisely. “...tell him his fault...”(Matthew
18:15). Jesus tells us to be forthright
and to love honestly. Sometimes it is difficult to be straightforward and tell
someone the very heart of the matter, but restoration and improvement can only
come when the issues are lovingly, yet clearly presented. Going to the person is not an option: it is a Biblical command.
·
Be forgiving. “If he listens
to you, you have won your brother over” (Matthew 18:15b). This implies that once the matter is resolved
we should wholeheartedly forgive and restore the person whose fault has
offended us.
As mentioned earlier, most problems are resolved at the two-person
level. Forgiveness and restoration are
the normal and happy conclusions.
However, there are unfortunate times when an individual will not “hear”
you or will openly disagree with your version of the problem. The next step is:
·
You
and the other individual should go together to share the matter with the school
principal.
·
“...take
one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the
testimony of two or three witnesses’” (Matthew 18:16). Each person should come
to the meeting with a humble and prayerful attitude, willing to submit to the
Lord’s will and also be willing to submit to discipline and correction if
needed.
A Christian school is a
ministry of Christ’s name. Everything that is done in the context of the school
must be done His way. Satan would love to destroy the normal flow of
friendships and peace found in Christian school education through gossip and
slander. But if all of us follow
Christ’s way of “The Matthew 18 Principle,” the Christian education experience
for students, parents, teachers, and staff will be one of consistent
harmony. “Finally, all of you, live in
harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate
and humble.” (1 Peter 3:8).
STUDENT SAFETY POLICY
It
is the goal Salem Christian School to keep all students safe while on the
grounds of Salem Christian School and Centerpoint Community Church.
Any
parent/adult/visitor on Salem Christian School grounds needs to follow the
Visitor’s Policy.
If
a student is approached by any school parent/guardian and the student’s
physical or emotional well-being has been jeopardized, the following actions
will be taken:
1. Immediate notification
of the incident to the child’s parent(s)/guardian(s) by the principal.
2. A meeting will be
conducted by the principal with those involved to document what occurred.
3. The principal will
report incident to School Committee.
4. The School Committee has
the right to suspend the student and/or the parent/guardian of the student from
school grounds and/or any school related activity.
5. If a second offense
occurs, the student(s) of the parent/relative will be expelled from Salem
Christian School.
If
a student is approached by an adult not affiliated with the school and the
student’s physical or emotional well being has been jeopardized, the following
actions will be taken:
1. Immediate notification
of the incident to the child’s parent(s)/guardian(s) by the principal.
2. If the person is a stranger,
the police will be notified and the necessary steps taken through the police
department.
3. If the person is anyone
other than the parent/guardian of the student, a meeting will be conducted by
the principal and those involved to document what occurred.
4. The principal will
report incident to the School Committee.
5. The School Committee has
the right to suspend the person from school grounds and/or any school related
activity for as much time as the Committee deems necessary.
STUDENT PROTECTION POLICY
STUDENTS
Prohibition
of Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying and Cyberbullying
The Salem Christian School is committed to a safe and civil
educational environment for all students, employees, volunteer and patrons,
free from harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyberbullying. “Harassment, intimidation or bullying” means
any intentional written, verbal, or physical act, when the intentional written,
verbal, or physical act:
·
Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; or
·
Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s
education; or
·
Is severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an
intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
·
Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation
of the school.
Nothing in this policy requires the affected student to possess a
characteristic that is a perceived basis for the harassment, intimidation, or
bullying, or other distinguishing characteristic.
Harassment, intimidation or bullying can take many forms including:
slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendo’s, demeaning comments, drawing cartoons, pranks,
gestures, physical attacks, threats, or other written, oral, cyberbullying or
physical actions. “Intentional acts” refers to the individual’s choice to
engage in the act rather than the ultimate impact of the action(s).
This policy is not intended to prohibit expression of religious,
philosophical, or political views, provided that the expression does not
substantially disrupt the education environment. Many behaviors that do
not rise to the level of harassment, intimidation, or bullying may still be
prohibited by other school policies or building, classroom, or program rules.
Counseling, corrective discipline, and/or referral to law enforcement
will be used to change the behavior of the perpetrator and remediate the impact
on the victim. This includes appropriate intervention(s), restoration of
a positive climate, and support for victims and others impacted by the
violation. False reports or retaliation for harassment, intimidation or
bullying also constitutes violations of this policy.
The Salem Christian School Committee is authorized to direct the
development and implementation of procedures addressing the elements of this
policy.
Legal Reference: New Hampshire R.S.A. 193F:3 (2010) (copy
available in the school office)
SAME OF HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NEW CYBERBULLING LAW
IV. The sole purpose of this chapter is to
protect all children from bullying and cyberbullying, and no other legislative
purpose is intended, nor should any other intent be construed from the
enactment of this chapter.
2 Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention;
Definitions. RSA 193-F:3 through RSA 193-F:5 are repealed and reenacted to read
as follows:
193-F:3 Definitions. In this chapter:
I.(a) “Bullying” means a
single significant incident or a pattern of incidents involving a written,
verbal, or electronic communication, or a physical act or gesture, or any
combination thereof, directed at another pupil which:
(1) Physically harms a
pupil or damages the pupil’s property;
(2) Causes emotional
distress to a pupil;
(3) Interferes with a
pupil’s educational opportunities;
(4) Creates a hostile
educational environment; or
(5) Substantially
disrupts the orderly operation of the school.
(b) “Bullying” shall
include actions motivated by an imbalance of power based on a pupil’s actual or
perceived personal characteristics, behaviors, or beliefs, or motivated by the
pupil’s association with another person and based on the other person’s
characteristics, behaviors, or beliefs.
II. “Cyberbullying”
means conduct defined in paragraph I of this section undertaken through the use
of electronic devices.
III. “Electronic
devices” include, but are not limited to, telephones, cellular phones,
computers, pagers, electronic mail, instant messaging, text messaging, and
websites.
IV. “Perpetrator” means
a pupil who engages in bullying or cyberbullying.
V. “School property”
means all real property and all physical plant and equipment used for school
purposes, including public or private school buses or vans.
VI. “Victim” means a
pupil against whom bullying or cyberbullying has been perpetrated.
193-F:4 Pupil Safety and
Violence Prevention.
I. Bullying or
cyberbullying shall occur when an action or communication as defined in RSA
193-F:3:
(a) Occurs on, or is
delivered to, school property or a school-sponsored activity or event on or off
school property; or
(b) Occurs off of school
property or outside of a school-sponsored activity or event, if the conduct
interferes with a pupil’s educational opportunities or substantially disrupts
the orderly operations of the school or school-sponsored activity or event.
STUDENTS
Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying **
Informal Complaint Process: Anyone may use informal
procedures to report and resolve complaints of harassment, intimidation, or
bullying. At the building level, programs may be established for receiving
anonymous complaints. Such complaints must be appropriately investigated and
handled consistent with due process requirements. Informal reports may be made
to any staff member, although staff shall always inform complainant(s) of their
right to, and the process for, filing a formal complaint. Staff shall also
direct potential complaints to an appropriate staff member who can explain the
informal and formal complaint process and what a complainant can expect. Staff
shall also inform an appropriate supervisor or designated staff person when
they receive complaints of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, especially
when the complaint is beyond their training to resolve or alleges serious
misconduct.
Informal remedies include an opportunity for the complainant(s) to
explain to the alleged perpetrator that the conduct is unwelcome, disruptive,
or inappropriate either in writing or face-to-face; a statement from a staff
member to the alleged perpetrator that the alleged conduct is not appropriate
and could lead to discipline if proven or repeated; or a general public
statement from an administrator in a building reviewing the harassment,
intimidation and bullying policy without identifying the complainant, parent,
guardian, or because the school administration believes the complaint needs to
be more thoroughly investigated.
Formal
Complaint Process: Anyone may initiate a formal complaint of harassment,
intimidation or bullying, even if the informal complaint process is being
utilized. Complainant(s) should not be promised confidentiality at the onset of
an investigation. It cannot be predicted what will be discovered or what kind
of hearing may result. Efforts should be made to increase the confidence and
trust of the person making the complaint. The school will fully implement the
anti-retaliation provisions of this policy to protect complainant(s) and
witness(es). Student complainants and witnesses may have a parent or trusted
adult with them, if requested, during any initiated investigatory activities.
The principal or designated compliance officer (hereinafter referred to as the
compliance officer) may conclude that the school needs to conduct an
investigation based on information in their possession regardless of the
complainant’s interest in filing a formal complaint. The following process
shall be followed:
A.
All formal complaints shall be in writing. Formal complaints shall
set forth the specific acts, conditions or circumstances alleged to have
occurred that may constitute harassment, intimidation or bullying. The
compliance officer may draft the complaint based on the report of the
complainant, for the complainant to review and sign.
B.
Regardless of the complainant’s interest in filing a formal
complaint, the compliance officer may conclude that the school needs to draft a
formal complaint based on the information in the officer’s possession.
C.
The compliance officer shall investigate all formal, written
complaints of harassment, intimidation or bullying, and other information in
the compliance officer’s possession that the officer believes requires further
investigation.
D.
When the investigation is completed the compliance officer shall
compile a full written report of the complaint and the result of the
investigation. If the matter has not been resolved to the complainant’s
satisfaction, the school committee shall take further action on the report.
E.
The School Committee Chairperson or designee, who is not the
compliance officer, shall respond in writing to the complainant and the accused
within thirty days, stating:
1.
That they intend to take corrective action; or
2.
That the investigation is incomplete to date and will be
continuing; or
3.
That the school does not have adequate evidence to conclude that
bullying, harassment or intimidation occurred.
F.
Corrective measures deemed necessary will be instituted as quickly
as possible, but in no event more than thirty days after the written response,
unless the accused is appealing the imposition of discipline and the school is
barred by due process considerations or a lawful order from imposing the
discipline until the appeal process in concluded.
G.
If a student remains aggrieved by the response, the student may
appeal directly to the school committee by requesting an appointment with said
committee via the school office.
Students will be provided with
age-appropriate information on the recognition and prevention harassment,
intimidation or bullying, and their rights and responsibilities under this and
other school policies and rules at student orientation sessions and on other
appropriate occasions, which may include parents. Parents shall be provided
with copies of this policy and procedure and appropriate materials on the
recognition and prevention of harassment, intimidation and bullying.
Legal
Reference: New Hampshire R.S.A. 193F:3 (2010) (copy available in the school office)