DaystarChristian School

Handbook2015-2016

Daystar Adventist School3912 O’Neal Avenue

Pueblo, Colorado 81005(719) 561-9120

daystarchristianpueblo.com

Supervised and Accredited through

Rocky Mountain Conference2520 South Downing Street

Denver, CO 80210(303) 733-3771

Principal/Teacher Michelle Velbis407-412-2294

School Board Chair Calvin Bennett719-225-0382

School Treasurer Diedre Sicher719-566-1984

Pastor Brad Schleif941-224-6770

Home and School Leader

School Board Members Lisa BlackHolly BruestleJohn GarciaBrandy MartinezWayne Nazarenus

Message to Parents

Dear Parents,

The Daystar Christian School Board thanks you for choosing an accredited school that offers Christian education for your child.

This school manual will provide information concerning our Christian school ministry. The Seventh-day Adventist elementary school is a place of learning for Christian young people and is an extension of the Christian home environment. The objective of our school is to train young people to be good community citizens while preparing them for heavenly citizenship.

God has given parents the tremendous responsibility to train their children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

We realize that although Daystar Christian School is a Christian school, every person in attendance may not yet have surrendered his/her life to Christ. We encourage all associated with the school to help each student make this decision in his/her life. We consider it a privilege to assist you as parents in the training of your most precious possession – your child.

We solicit prayers as we strive daily to attain these highest of goals. The School Board is confident that you as parents will assist your child in complying with and maintaining the principles set forth in this school manual.

Yours in Christ,Daystar Christian School Board

Pueblo Seventh-day Adventist Church School HistoryThe first church school in Pueblo was started in 1919, in what was the second church building for Pueblo First Seventh-day Adventist Church. It was a long, store-like building painted green in which George Vandeman, founder and director of the It is Written television program was born. Miss Minnie Hahn was the first teacher.

The building was inadequate for the church, so was sold in 1921 and a new building site was sought. While the building site was being sought, and the new church was being built, the church rented a lodge hall on Union Avenue. Church school was temporarily discontinued during the rental of the lodge hall, and did not reopen until the new church was completed.

The new church on the corner of 13th and Grand Avenue was completed in 1923. School reopened in its basement the next school year in 1924 with Mildred Sanders Priest as its teacher.

Since there was no playground at the church where the children could play, a building on Cheyenne Avenue was purchased for the school a few years later.

In the early 1950’s, that building was sold and a new one was built on West 30 th Street. Many of our church congregation went to school there.

In 1990, our current school building was built in its present location after a lot of hard work, blood, sweat, and tears. We are grateful to those who gave both financially and physically to make our current school facility possible.

MissionThe mission of Daystar Christian School is to educate students in a Christ-centered environment that will empower them to reach their highest potential.

Philosophy“True education means more than the perusal of a certain course of study. It means more than a preparation for the life that now is. It has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to man, It is

the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers. It prepares the students for the joy of service in this world and for the job of wider service in the World to come.” Education, page 13.

ObjectivesThe purpose of this school is to prepare young people to assume intelligently and conscientiously their responsibilities toward the betterment of their own lives and the building up of God’s kingdom on earth through service to mankind.

It is the purpose of this school to so conduct its processes of training that due emphasis and proper balance will be given to the development of the physical, mental, social, and spiritual powers of the students, aiming to develop a character which will continue as a positive factor throughout their lives.

Since love is the basis of true education, the school is to be the PLACE where love for God and love for man is taught, and the LABORATORY where teachers and students experience this love. “The love of Jesus should so pervade the whole school that the pupils will learn to regard this as the highest education.”

As Seventh-Day Adventists we believe...

in the entire Bible as the inspired Word of God. 2 Tim. 3:16

in the Godhead as mentioned in Matt. 28:18,19

in salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. John 3:16, Acts 4:12

that the personal visible return of Jesus is near according to Bible prophecy. We must prepare to meet Him. Amos 4:12; John 14:1-5; Matthew 24; Luke 21:25, 26

we are saved by faith, not by our works, nor the keeping of the law. Eph. 2:8-10

good works are the fruitage of true faith. James 2:17-20

in regeneration , the new birth, Bible conversion, true sanctification and holiness of life. John 3:1-7; Acts 3:19

it is now the judgment time, when a special gospel message is calling mankind back to special Bible truth. Rev. 14:6-12

the Ten Commandments will be the standard of the judgment. Ex. 20:1-17; Eccl. 12:13, 14; James 2:10-12

the original seventh-day Sabbath is the true Lord’s Day of the entire Bible. Gen. 2:1-2; Ex. 20:8-11; Isa. 66:22, 23; John 1:1-3; Mark 2:27; Matt. 5:17-19; Rev. 22:14;

the followers of Christ will shun worldly pleasures and follies that unfit them for heaven. 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 1 John 2:15-17

being called unto holiness of life, the Christian will be discreet in conduct; and will manifest modesty and simplicity in dress and appearance. 2 Cor. 6:16-18; Isa. 3:16-24; 1 Tim. 2:8-10

the body is the temple of the Holy Ghost; we should therefore, not defile it with alcoholic beverages, tobacco in any form, narcotics, or foods that are not in harmony with God’s Word. Romans 12:1 & 2; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 1 Cor. 9:24-27; 1 Cor. 10:31; 1 Thess. 5:23

the dead sleep in the grave until the resurrection. Eccl. 9:5, 6, 10; Rom. 6:23; 1 Cor. 15:21-26; 1 Cor. 15:51-55; 1 Thess. 4:13-18

in all the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor. 12; Rev. 12:17; Rev. 19:10

in baptism by immersion. Matt. 28:18, 20; Col. 2:12; Col. 3:1-4; Col. 3:12

in the support of the gospel by tithes and offerings. Lev. 27:30; Mal. 3:7-12; Matt. 23:23

Organization of School and Governing BodiesTeacher(s)Seventh-day Adventist teachers must meet requirements such as: membership in the Adventist church, college degree, certification for elementary education, course work in Biblical studies, health studies, plus other professional education courses. In addition, they must take additional course work after certification to maintain or renew their certificate. The certificate is issued by the Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists under the guidelines of the North American Division Office of Education.

School BoardThis is the immediate governing body of Daystar Christian School. It decides: tuition, admission, budget matters, discipline, and other miscellaneous items. It makes the final decision on admission and dismissal actions. The members are chosen by the Pueblo First Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Pueblo First Seventh-day Adventist Church BoardThis is the body that has the ability to select replacements for vacancies on the school board during the middle of the term. It can decide any questions referred by the school board and can refer decisions to the general church constituency on issues that may affect the whole church.

Pueblo First Seventh-day Adventist ChurchThis is a major source of financial support for Daystar Christian School and nominates the members of the school board. Daystar Christian School is one of the major mission outreaches of the Pueblo First Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Department of EducationThis is the legal employer of the school staff. They locate prospective teachers, provide teacher in-service, counseling, and performance evaluations. They are available to the school board for counsel on school matters. The Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists also provides substantial financial subsidies to the school.

School Operational PoliciesAdmissionDaystar Christian School admits students of any race, color, national, or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, national, or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, or other school-administered programs.

It is understood that each student who presents him/herself for admission willingly agrees to abide by the principles set forth in the bulletin. Students wishing to apply should follow the procedure outlined below:

Submit:

1. A completed application form.2. A valid copy of birth certificate.3. A completed medical form (physical examinations are required for all new students and those entering grade four and seven). Health records from previous examinations transferred for incoming students will be accepted.4. Immunization records showing up-to-date immunizations required by the State of Colorado or a letter from the parents stating that such immunizations are contrary to their personal beliefs.5. A request for transfer of records from the last school attended. If the student has been in a home school just prior to applying for admittance, he/she may be required to pass teacher made and/or standardized achievement tests.

6. The parents must sign a statement of cooperation, on the application form.

Upon receipt of records, the school board will review and act upon the application. Its decision will be based on grades, achievement test scores, character references, and an informal personal interview. All new students will also be tested to determine final grade placement.

ProbationAny newly admitted student will have a one month probationary period.  If, during this time, the student is assessed by the school board to not be a good fit for the school, the student may be dismissed without specific reasons given.

Placement policyIn accordance with the Education Code of the Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, all students shall be admitted to kindergarten only if they attained the age of five years on or before September 15 of the current school year.

WithdrawalsShould it be necessary to withdraw your child for any reason during the school year, please notify the teacher as soon as possible. Students who withdraw are expected to fulfill the following requirements:

The return of all school property including text books, library books, sports equipment, tools, and anything that was borrowed during the course of the year.

All financial obligations must be up to date. Registration fees are non-refundable.

Medical ExaminationsAll students entering school for the first time, and all fourth and seventh graders shall have a complete physical examination from a physician within 30 days after the student enters school.

MedicationWhenever a student needs medication, these guidelines are to be followed:1. The medication must be in its original container.2. Prescription medication must be accompanied with written instructions from the doctor indicating the method, amount, and time the medicine is to be administered. 3. All medication should be given to the teacher upon arrival at school. The student‘s teacher will administer the medication according to the written direction provided with the medication. 4. No over-the-counter medications will be administered unless they have been provided by the student‘s parent/guardian with proper written authorization as to the amount and time for administering the medication.

School InsuranceAll students in attendance at Daystar Christian School are covered under an insurance program adopted by the Rocky Mountain Conference. The fee for this insurance is included in the registration fee.

DisciplineDaystar Christian School promotes Christian values and character building. Students who do wish to maintain these standards are accepted or retained in the school. Both printed and stated regulations hold equal values. The school board has designated that the principal is responsible for the interpretation and enforcement of school regulations:1. Respect the spiritual ideas of the Seventh-day Adventist church.2. Show respect to and cooperate with all school personnel and volunteers.3. Show respect for and protect school property and the rights of others.4. Abstain from those activities that destroy the development of the physical, mental, or spiritual life.5. Obey any regulations adopted and announced during the school year.

In any group, it is always necessary to have rules to provide for the rights, health, safety, and general welfare of all. The classroom teacher is the sole authority in the classroom and develops/enforces classroom rules and

regulations. The next level of discipline is the principal. The principal has the right to temporarily suspend students who refuse to cooperate with the classroom teacher or do not follow the policies outlined in the handbook.The Discipline Committee will consider situations where students continually refuse to follow the standards and policies of the school and/or classroom. This committee makes a recommendation to the School Board concerning whether the student should be expelled. The School Board will expel students who continually refuse to follow the policies and rules. The student is invited to appear before the School Discipline Committee or School Board when expulsion is being considered. The possibility of reinstatement at a later time is subject to review by the School Board.

Financial PolicySchool tuition is $350 per month ($3,500/year) per student. Our local and corporate Seventh Day Adventist church subsidize approximately 55% of the total average cost($8,300) to educate each student. Students/families who are not members of our local church can request up to $50 in scholarship funds. Scholarship application forms are available upon request. Registration fee is $250 to be paid no later than the first day of school. There is no discount for additional children. This is a non-refundable fee, which covers expendable supplies, insurance, normal book wear, and most field trips. A separate charge will be made for ski trips and other major field trips.

Students and their families from other Seventh-day Adventist Churches are encouraged to approach their own church boards for additional subsidy for Daystar Christian School.

Tuition may be paid in full at the beginning of the year, or may be paid in 10 monthly installments in the amounts listed above by the tenth of each month for the months of August through May inclusive. A third option is to pay registration in August and divided tuition into nine monthly installments paid September through May.

If an account becomes two months delinquent, the student will not be permitted to attend classes. If this situation occurs, the account must be brought up to date or suitable arrangements made in person or in writing with the school board. The school board will have full discretion regarding acceptance of suitable arrangements.

It shall be the policy of schools within the Mid-America Union to withhold transcripts of academic credit (where not in violation of the state law) until student accounts are paid, or until satisfactory financial arrangements have been made.

A student with a delinquent account at another Seventh-day Adventist school shall not be accepted until the account is paid in full.

Partial tuition payments for students attending less than a full term will be pro-rated per week based on a thirty-six week school year.

Tuition assistance funds(for Pueblo SDA church members only), when available, must be requested by application. To do this, contact the pastor, principal, or the school board chairperson. Donations to the Tuition Assistance Fund are not tax deductible when a specific student is designated as the recipient.

Lunch ProgramThe school does not provide a hot lunch. Students need to be provided with a nourishing lunch from home. To heat these lunches, the students can use the microwave oven at the school.

At lunch time, as during the rest of the school day, Biblical and nutritional principles need to be observed. Lunches should be healthy, using foods that are, as far as possible, low in sugar and fat. Additionally, the Biblical guidelines of Leviticus 11 should be followed which means that students are not to bring foods containing “unclean meats”. These would include pork, shell fish, shrimp, Spam, etc. Because it is a drug with detrimental effects, drinks with caffeine are not to be consumed at school or provided/consumed at school functions.

AttendanceSchool HoursMonday-Thursday: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm (K-2 grades)Monday – Thursday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (3-8 grades)

Students should arrive and leave within 15 minutes of the scheduled school hours unless other arrangements are made with the principal. Students remaining more than 15 minutes following dismissal will be charged a $5.00 per 1/4 (quarter) hour babysitting fee that will be added to the school bill.

Please park in the church parking lot and walk your child to the side entrance of the school. This is also where students will be signed out and picked up. Students must be picked up by the person on their approved list.

Absence and Tardy PolicyThe school calendar is provided in the registration packet. Parents are expected to ensure that their children attend school regularly and on time. All students are encouraged to schedule non-emergencies (dental appointments, doctor appointments, etc.) outside of school hours. When a student is absent, parents are required to contact the school office by 8:00 AM on the day of the absence. A parent should also send a written excuse with the child on the day he/she returns to school. Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher and make arrangements to pick up assignments immediately after dismissal.

Students who receive 5 unexcused absences will receive a letter of warning. Students with 8 unexcused absences will receive a letter requesting them and their parents to meet with the principal to come up with a satisfactory plan for meeting attendance requirements. If a satisfactory plan cannot be agreed upon or followed, the student may be considered for expulsion or immediate withdrawal.

Students who arrive after 8:00 will be considered tardy. Three tardies to class constitute one absence in that class.

Field TripsOff-campus educational activities are sometimes coordinated with the school program. Notices regarding each field trip are sent home informing parents and guardians of these planned activities. Written permission will be required for each trip. If no written permission slip is returned to the school, the student will remain at the school if there is school supervision available. In some instances, a small fee may be necessary to defray trip expenses.

Student Uniform PolicyShirts - Solid colored (no logos or decals) polo or oxford style shirts. The shirt should have loose sleeves no more than 2 or 3 inches above the elbows and should be long enough to remain tucked in at all times. All shirts must have the name of the school embroidered on them by Colorsplash Uniforms & Embroidery. The thread must be in black or white. This new policy will be fully implemented as of January 4, 2016.

Pants, Shorts, Skorts, Skirts - Navy or khaki or black colored pleated or flat front dress style (NO CARGO STYLES). Shorts, skorts or skirts should not be shorter than standard uniform issue. The length of shorts must be at or below fingertips when standing in a relaxed position with arms at sides (please consider modesty and practicality not just technicalities i.e. below the fingertips). Pants should not drag or touch the ground, must be modestly loose fitting and appropriately sized. Please refer to a uniform website such as www.landsend.com/ix/ school - uniforms or www.jcpenney.com/ SchoolUniforms for appropriate styles.

Belts - Black or brown only are to be worn with pants that have belt loops.

Shoes - Athletic shoes for regular school days, no platforms, no open heels, a pair of black dressier shoes will be required for special occasions

Inside sweater or polar fleece - a non-hooded uniform style polar fleece or sweater, no sweat shirts or jackets.

No jewelry or noticeable make-up is to be worn.

No tattoos or other artificial markings on the skin may be visible at school or school functions.

Students who violate the dress code will have to call a parent to bring appropriate clothing to school. A parent conference will be scheduled for those students who choose to continuously violate the dress code. Any habitual dress code violations after the third violation will be handled at the administrator’s discretion

Dress Code for Dress Down DaysClothes are to be clean, modest, in good taste, and in good repair. No T-shirts are permitted that advertise rock groups, have offensive language, imply obscene or satanic ideas, or have other questionable depictions. Sleeveless tops and short dresses/skirts are not acceptable. The length of shorts must be at or below fingertips when standing in a relaxed position with arms at sides. No jewelry or noticeable make-up is to be worn.

JewelryRings, earrings, bracelets (including I.D. bracelets), chokers (metal or leather), and beads are not allowed. Medic-alert bracelet is okay. Furthermore, we will not be held responsible for any jewelry worn or brought to school.

Personal ItemsPersonally owned radios, tape recorders, musical recordings, MP3 players, cell phones, computer discs, knives, lighters, matches, firearms, fireworks of any kind, or other harmful items should not be brought to school without a teacher’s specific permission. Students should not plan on bringing toys or pets to school to play with. Such items brought without permission will be held and returned to the parents. Students should not bring items to school for the purpose of reselling them to other students. Items of high value should be left at home. Daystar Christian School will not be responsible for valuable brought to school.

Image Release FormAs part of the registration packet there will be an image release form. This will grant or deny permission for student’s photos or videos to be taken and used for instructional or promotional purposes in printed or internet materials.

MediaThe school tries to promote the wise use of media. The admonition of Philippians 4:8 is the standard by which we want the school to function. Therefore, all media which comes to the school needs to fit this guideline. We also realize that people have different ideas about how this guideline fits in today’s society. The school will apply this principle in the following ways:

Only books, videos, and magazines which promote, in their articles and advertisements, a positive lifestyle will be accepted. They need to be true to life and devoid of profanity, violence, immorality, or supernatural activities.

Any media brought to the school needs to be approved by the teacher before it is used in the school.

Any media which promotes entertainment or entertainers in a secular way are not to be brought to the school. Also clothing which promotes secular entertainment is not to be worn at school functions. This does not include a ban on sports clothing, except professional wrestling and other sports which contain excess violence and/or vulgarity. Not all secular entertainment and entertainers are destructive, but it is difficult to follow which is and which isn’t. Also, the entertainer may produce a positive program one time and a negative program the next.

Please do not have the students bring videos, games, cassettes, CDs, etc. to school with the plan of returning them or trading them with other students. Let the parents do this. This way one student will not be receiving something his/her parents do not wish him/her to have.

What may not have a negative effect on your child may negatively affect another child. Thus, extreme caution needs to be exercised.

Internet useEach student and parent must sign an internet use policy statement before the student can use the internet at school. The form will be a part of the entrance packet for the school.

TelephoneThe telephone of the school is for business use. A student may use the telephone only with permission from the teacher. Student calls should be limited to such matters as: illness, injury, or other extenuating circumstances. Teachers and students should not be called during school hours except in cases of EMERGENCY.

Pagers or cell phones are not allowed to be turned on during the hours of 7:30 am and 4:15 pm. If a student brings a cell phone or any other electronic device to school, he/she is to turn it in to the office or the teacher before school begins. If the teacher sees that student has not turned in an electronic device or cell phone, the item will confiscated and held until the student’s parent comes to retrieve it.

Snow Alert PlanWhen it becomes necessary to close or delay school, the principal will contact families before 7:30 a.m. or as soon as the decision is made to close school early.

Parent Contact ListBecause emergencies do arise, it is very important that we have a current phone number where you can be contacted at all times. Also, please make sure we have on file the names of persons who can pick up your child or deal with other emergencies at school.

AsbestosThe school meets or exceeds the current standard put forth by the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission. Day Star has been found to be asbestos free. Documents may be reviewed upon request.

Harassment PolicyIt is the policy of the Daystar Christian School to strive for a learning environment for students that is free from sexual, racial, and religious harassment. This policy will be enforced before, during, and after school hours on all school property, including school functions and events held at other locations. Any action toward or by a student of this school to harass through conduct or communication of a sexual, racial, and religious nature shall be a violation of this policy. The staff of the Daystar Christian School will be guaranteed the same environment free of sexual, racial, or religious harassment as due the student body. In carrying out this policy, the Daystar Christian School Board recognizes that sexual, racial, and religious harassment are subject to the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist policies and applicable state and federal statutes. The Daystar Christian School Board will act to investigate all complaints, formal or informal, verbal or written of sexual, racial, or religious harassment and take appropriate action against any person who is found to have violated this policy.

Definitions1.Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical conduct, or other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature when:

A. Submission to that conduct or communication is made a term or condition, either explicitly or implicitly, of an individual‘s obtaining or retaining employment or of obtaining an education;

B. Submission to or rejection of that conduct or communication by an individual is used as a factor in decisions affecting that individual‘s employment or education; or

C. That conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual‘s employment or educational environment.2. Other types of harassment could be physical intimidation, racial degradation, or teasing regarding an individual‘s personal characteristics. Some examples of such unwelcome conduct include the following:

A. Referring to another student as ―”gay”,or synonyms thereofB. Derogatory comments implying ability or lack thereof being related to gender, race or religionC. Derogatory notes, comments, epithets or ―jokes‖ toward another gender, race or religionD. Comments about male or female body parts in a crude contextE. Visually leeringF. Displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures or cartoonsG. Physically touching another in a sexually suggestive way or in a private areaH. Obscene gestures or hand signalsI. Threatening to cause harm to another or to the property of another

These other areas of behavior are considered harassment when the conduct:A. Has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or academic environment.

B. Has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual‘s work or academic performance; orC. Otherwise adversely affects an individual‘s employment or academic opportunities.D. Harassment includes but is not limited to the following: subjecting students to derogatory remarks, insults, slurs, jokes, or tricks based on race, ethnicity, or gender.

ProceduresAny student who believes he or she has experienced any sexual, racial, or religious harassment by a student or an employee of the Daystar Christian School or any unpaid instructor or volunteer, or any third person with knowledge or belief or conduct that may constitute harassment should report the alleged acts immediately to the principal, a teacher, school board member, or pastor. A verbal report in the presence of two authority figures will be required of a student reporting harassment. When reporting an incident, it is helpful to provide as much information as possible, including the following:1. A description of the event(s)2. The number of occurrences, with dates and places3. The names of any witnesses4. Any documents or other exhibits, if appropriate

Students may receive guidance, advice, support and/or advocacy from school staff, including administrators, counselors, teachers, or other staff. The privacy and data privacy rights of all persons involved will be respected in accordance with the appropriate statutes. Upon completion of the investigation, a representative of the Education Board of the Conference will meet with the complainant and discuss the outcome. The outcome will include disciplinary action when discipline is appropriate. Students who engage in any activity of a sexual nature are subject to expulsion. There will be no retaliation against any person who reports harassment or participates in an investigation. The willful filing of a false report will be considered a violation of the Student Responsibility Policy.

Weapons PolicyWeapon Definition: A weapon is defined as any gun, stun-gun, firearm, bomb, smoke bomb, explosive, or incendiary device, poison gas, Mace-pepper spray or knife with a blade exceeding three (3) inches in length. A weapon also includes any device that is designed by its manufacturer or redesigned and/or altered by another for use as a weapon. A weapon also includes any device in a student‘s possession while at school, on school property or at a school sponsored function that the student intends to use as a weapon for the infliction of permanent or temporary bodily harm or harm to property.

This policy is not intended to preclude the occasional display or use of historical artifacts or other appropriate props for a valid educational purpose even if the artifact or prop in question falls within the definition of a weapon, if provided advance written approval for display or use is obtained. Such approval is required from the school principal (or head teacher, where applicable), unless the principal (or head teacher, where applicable) is the person seeking approval, in which case approval is required from the conference superintendent.

Additional Definitions1. Any object, device, or instrument having the appearance of a weapon.2. Weapons listed above which are broken or non-functional.3. Look-alike guns, toy guns, and any object that is a facsimile of a real weapon.4. Articles designed for other purposes (e.g., lasers or laser pointers, belts, combs, pencils, files, scissors, etc.), intended or used to inflict bodily harm and/or intimidate.

Students possessing these articles will be immediately suspended with expulsion recommended in line with the school‘s disciplinary procedures.

Grievance Policy and ProcedureThe purpose of this grievance policy is to promote unity and harmony while reconciling differences that may arise. It outlines a process by which problems may be resolved and a sound teacher-student-parent relationship strengthened, and applies to all concerned with the school. Christians are to avoid tendencies that divide them and bring dishonor to their cause.

STEP ONE: A person with a grievance shall first discuss it with the other person involved.

STEP TWO: If step one does not produce understanding/resolution, the next step is to take the matter to the principal.

STEP THREE: Present the grievance in writing to the school board chairperson or pastor. (The written statement should be a clear, concise statement of the grievance including the date of the incident or action, the circumstances involved, the decision rendered at step one and step two, and specific remedy sought.)

STEP FOUR: Present the grievance to the school board.

STEP FIVE: If no results, finally present grievance to the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-Day Adventist K-12 Board of Education.

The decision of the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-Day Adventist K-12 Board of Education shall be the final step of the grievance procedure.

Curriculum

Areas of Study, K-8 gradeThe course of study includes instruction in the following areas: Fine Arts, Language Arts, Mathematics, Physical Education, Practical Arts, Religion, Science and Health, and Social Studies.

Small-School Curriculum GuideA curriculum guide has been designed to help organize quality teaching in one and two teacher schools. This guide is followed where the teacher deems it appropriate.

Field TripsThe school is to provide at least two field trips per year for the interest and benefit of the students. A guardian-signed permission form is a prerequisite to participation in any school-sponsored field trip.

TestingDaystar Adventist School students are administered achievement tests during the second month of school to ascertain learning strengths. School readiness tests may be given to first grade applicants prior to the start of school.

AttendanceIn accordance with Colorado State Laws, students are bound to maintain regular class attendance. An absence may be excused only in case of sickness, attendance of a funeral, doctor appointments, and unique family situations for which prior arrangements are made. A written or oral excuse needs to be given to the teacher concerning the child’s absence.

TextbooksTextbooks are provided on a rental basis and are part of the registration fee. All textbooks should be given careful handling and should not be written in unless advised by the teacher. Damaged books will be charged to the students.

Teacher Responsibilities1. To keep the parents reasonably informed about the progress of their children in school, particularly if there is difficulty.

2. To maintain adequate and precise records of each student’s progress.

3. To notify, within a reasonable time, the parents of any student whose quality of school work is likely to result in a D or F at the end of the grading period.

4. To encourage each student to become part of a positive learning program.

5. To provide adequate and reasonable supervision and instruction to those students entrusted to their care.

Student Responsibilities

Student Responsibility“In perfecting a Christian character, it is essential to persevere in right doing. I would impress upon our youth the importance of perseverance and energy in the work of character-building...They should ever keep the fact before their eyes that they have been bought with a price, and should glorify God in their bodies and spirit, which are His.” Messages to Young People, p. 45

These school policies are listed for reference when questions arise. They are intended to make the students‘ year as enjoyable as possible. Students are expected to:

1. Avoid chewing gum on school grounds.2. Be honest. Abstain from cheating, stealing, gambling, or betting.3.Promote safety. Abstain from having at school: firearms, explosives, knives, dangerous animals, or other unsafe things.4. Live wholesome lives. Abstain from wearing, displaying, or having in their possession anything that indicates affiliation with atheism, spiritualism, cults, rock groups, intemperance, or other unfavorable groups or objectionable affiliations.5. Keep their minds pure. Abstain from the use of profane or lewd language and actions and the possession of suggestive materials. They should not discuss things that are not in harmony with Christian standards.6. Live healthfully. Abstain from using, possessing, or supplying to others tobacco, drugs, or alcohol in any form.7. Display Christian courtesy. Abstain from bullying, ridiculing, harassing, or disgracing others.8. Help maintain a desirable learning atmosphere in school by not bringing radios, cell phones, skateboards, toys, pets, electronic devices, etc., unless permission is obtained in advance from the teacher.9. Protect and care for the property of the school, themselves, and others. Damages will be charged accordingly. The student shall immediately report any damages or misuse to the teacher, whether it is accidental or intentional.10. Refrain from any non-school sponsored selling on school grounds.11. Maintain an atmosphere conducive to study.12. Students are expected to maintain a hands-off policy towards the opposite sex. This includes, but is not limited to, holding hands, kissing, and hugging.13. Remain on the school grounds during school hours unless given specific permission to leave by the teacher.14. Assumes responsibility for necessary tools and materials and begins working on assigned tasks immediately and without disturbing others.

Parental Responsibilities 1. To uphold the Christian ideals taught in the school.

2. To be aware of the need of good health habits of their children:- assure sufficient sleep and rest- supervise television viewing- provide adequate and nutritious breakfast- provide adequate and nutritious lunches

3. To meet their financial obligations to the school promptly.

4. To confer with teachers in person or by phone after school hours, not during class or recess time.

5. To follow the Grievance Policy rather than discussing criticisms of the school with your children or others.

6. To keep students home who show signs or symptoms of communicable diseases. Parents will be called to pick up their children if symptoms develop at school.

7. To see that your children are ON TIME to school and are picked up PROMPTLY after school. There will be a $5 charge for every 15 minutes your child(ren) are not picked up following the initial 15 minute grace period. Let the teachers know who your child will be riding with ahead of time for the safety and well-being of your child. We will not release children to those not designated to pick them up.

8. To show interest and concern in the progress of their child.

9. To be aware of and in control of the student mode of dress.

10. To agree, along with the child, to pay for any damage done to the school property by the child.

RequestWe, the staff of the school, will make a special effort to teach your child appropriate use of and behavior on school and church grounds. We ask your cooperation with regard to this by not allowing your children at any time, but especially on Sabbath, to:

- climb up the walls of the church or school buildings- fight on church or school grounds- run, scream, or talk loudly in the church or school buildings

We appreciate your cooperation in these areas, as they will help us, as Christian educators, to teach your child reverence for God’s house as well as appropriate behaviors elsewhere.

Parent/Family Volunteer HoursWe have been blessed with parents and family members volunteering hours for many different school related activities. For example: Planning ski trips & field trips, supervising lunch time, building maintenance, maintaining the fish tank, weekly school cleanings, grading, reading to/with students and library organization to name a few. To insure equitable distribution, the school board has set a policy requiring each family represented in the school to commit to 50 hours of volunteer participation per year. School cleaning is split up evenly on a per child basis throughout the year. Additional hours may be volunteered at will according to desire and talent and in concert with the Principal and the needs of the school. A clipboard will be provided to sign in and out to document hours. A suggestion list of needs will be provided which will be added to throughout the year.

Every parent volunteer both at Daystar Christian School and your local Seventh-day Adventist church must now complete the Shield the Vulnerable on-line presentation, www.shieldthevulnerable.org. Select First Time User and the on-line form will be self-explanatory from there. This is a two part program. The first part raises the awareness of the mistreatment of the vulnerable and will take about 1-1.5 hours to complete but can be done in segments. The second part will ask you questions so a background check can be run.

Signature Page

We ask that you familiarize yourself with this handbook by reading it and ask that you sign this page as evidence that you are aware of our policies and procedures. This form is part of the student registration process at Daystar Christian School and must be returned as a condition of enrollment. Signing below is evidence that parents and students have or will read and understand the contents of this handbook.

_______________________________________ __________________Parent(s) Signature Date

_______________________________________ __________________Student Signature Date