Elementary Parent/ Student Handbookstorage.cloversites.com/moseslakechristianacademy...Academic...

Elementary Parent/ Student Handbook

Revised 9/12/11

Academic Excellence Spiritual Foundation Leadership Development

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Table of Contents

Mission/Vision........................................................................................................................ 1

Welcome ................................................................................................................................ 1

Statement of Faith ................................................................................................................. 2

The Organization .................................................................................................................... 2

Admissions Procedures and Requirements ........................................................................... 3

Full-Time Students & Part-Time Students .......................................................................... 3

Enrollment Process ............................................................................................................ 3

Reenrollment ..................................................................................................................... 3

Academic Program ................................................................................................................. 3

Academic Expectations and Evaluation ................................................................................. 4

Homework .......................................................................................................................... 4

Grading System and Scale .................................................................................................. 4

Report Cards and Progress Reports ................................................................................... 5

Academic Probation ........................................................................................................... 5

Standardized Testing .............................................................................................................. 5

Achievement Tests ............................................................................................................. 5

Attendance Policies ................................................................................................................ 6

Tardy Policy ........................................................................................................................ 6

Early Dismissal Policy ......................................................................................................... 6

Absence Policy ....................................................................................................................... 6

Withdrawal............................................................................................................................. 7

Student Life ............................................................................................................................ 8

Elementary Athletics & Performing Arts ............................................................................ 8

Chapel ................................................................................................................................ 8

Library ................................................................................................................................ 8

Student Activities & Fundraising ........................................................................................ 8

Guidelines for Unsupervised Activities on Campus ........................................................... 8

Lost & Found ...................................................................................................................... 8

Health and Safety at School ................................................................................................... 9


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Safe Place to Learn ............................................................................................................. 9

Closed Campus ................................................................................................................... 9

Student Health Care ........................................................................................................... 9

Drugs & Medications .......................................................................................................... 9

Emergency Contact Forms ................................................................................................. 9

Field Trips ........................................................................................................................... 9

Parking Lot ....................................................................................................................... 10

Transportation ................................................................................................................. 10

Emergencies ..................................................................................................................... 10

Student Conduct .................................................................................................................. 11

School Hours .................................................................................................................... 11

Weapons .......................................................................................................................... 11

Cheating and Plagiarism ................................................................................................... 11

Audio/Visual Devices and Phones .................................................................................... 11

Cash and Valuables .......................................................................................................... 12

Dress Code .......................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Lifestyle Agreement ......................................................................................................... 12

Discipline .............................................................................................................................. 14

Discipline Philosophy ....................................................................................................... 14

Disciplinary Procedures .................................................................................................... 14

Behavioral Probation ....................................................................................................... 16

Business and Finance ........................................................................................................... 17

Cost of Education ............................................................................................................. 17

Tuition Payments ............................................................................................................. 17

Ways to offset tuition ...................................................................................................... 17

HOSTS Program (Help Our School To Succeed) ........................................................... 17

FAST .............................................................................................................................. 17

Win/Win Program ........................................................................................................ 17

Insurance .......................................................................................................................... 17

Parent Communication and Involvement ............................................................................ 19

Classroom Questions, Concerns, Issues ........................................................................... 19

Dealing with teacher-student conflict ......................................................................... 19

Parent / Student Orientation ........................................................................................... 20


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Parent / Teacher Conferences ......................................................................................... 20

Newsletter, Email notices and Sycamore ........................................................................ 20

Inclement weather ........................................................................................................... 20

Contact Information ......................................................................................................... 20


1

Mission/Vision Who We Are

Moses Lake Christian Academy is a learning community in which Jesus Christ is glorified

through academic excellence, servant leadership and community service.

Why We Are Here

To provide quality Christ-centered education in partnership with the home and church

that prepares students as lifelong learners to fulfill the Great Commission in diverse

vocations with all their heart, soul, mind and strength.

Welcome Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to the Moses Lake Christian Academy community. This is an exciting place where

we come alongside families to assist in the education of their children.

In order that our community functions with a unified spirit and that each student has the

opportunity to achieve God’s best for them a common set of expectations and guidelines are

necessary. The purpose of this handbook is to ensure a clear understanding of those policies

and rules that will guide us to create a community in which students learn, grow and glorify

God to the best of their abilities.

I look forward to serving God and your family this year at the Academy.

Grace and Peace,

David D. White Director and Principal


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Statement of Faith

We believe that the Bible is literally inspired and the only infallible authoritative Word of

God.

We believe in one God, eternally existent in three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in his virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His

miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily

resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in

power and glory.

We believe that for salvation of lost and sinful man belief in the Lord Jesus Christ,

producing regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.

We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit whose in-dwelling in all believers

enables them to live holy and Christ-like lives.

We believe in the personal return of our Lord Jesus Christ in power and glory to reign in

righteousness. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost – those that are

saved to the resurrection of life and those that are lost to a resurrection of everlasting

punishment.

We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ and in the importance

of all His followers maintaining good works as evidence of faith in Christ.

We believe that heaven is the final place of eternal life with God for the believer and that

Hell is the place of everlasting separation from God for the unbeliever.

The Organization The Academy is an organization under the Lordship of Christ. The Academy Board is a self-

perpetuating board which is tasked to protect the mission and set the vision for the future.

The Board selects and supervisees the Academy’s Director who then selects and manages the

Academy staff and faculty. The Director is assisted in this task by the Assistant Principals, a

Development and Communications Coordinator, a Business Manager and additional support

staff. The faculties are professional Christian educators, who create classrooms that are

effective, engaging and founded on Christian principles.


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Admissions Procedures and Requirements

Full-Time Students & Part-Time Students The curriculum at the Academy is designed primarily to enroll students on a full-time basis.

Families may desire to enroll their children at the Academy on a part-time basis. It is our desire

at the Academy to accommodate these students and families as much as possible.

Enrollment Process Once the Moses Lake Christian Academy has received and reviewed your application,

transcripts, Student Character Reference Form and Teacher Recommendation you will be

contacted by the Academy to schedule a family interview. The presence of both parents and

the student at the interview is encouraged. Following the Interview a student academic

assessment will be scheduled. This evaluation assesses developmental readiness, academic

aptitude, and behavioral matters. The school reserves the right to place students at their

appropriate level based on the assessment results. Any falsified documents will immediately

terminate the application process and/or acceptance and re-application will be required.

Reenrollment Parents of currently enrolled students will receive a letter early in the spring informing them of their opportunity

to re-enroll their child. A fee will be due in order to reserve their child’s place. Open enrollment for new students

will not begin until after April 15.

At the time of re-enrollment, admission status will be evaluated for all current students. Based on the criteria

listed above, it is possible for a current student to be denied admission or to be placed on a probationary

admittance status. Regular attendance, satisfactory academic performance, and compliance with stated discipline

and conduct expectations will determine re-enrollment admission status for the upcoming school year.

Academic Program Academic excellence is a primary goal at Moses Lake Christian Academy, and we encourage high academic

performance. Furthermore, our curriculum is Christ-centered, and all subject matter is designed to be taught in

the light of God’s word. The elementary program (Pre-k – 6) focuses on developing basic skills in reading and

language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, Bible, and fine arts.


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Academic Expectations and Evaluation

Homework Homework is a valuable part of schooling. It allows students to prepare for, practice, extend

and consolidate work done in class; and establishes habits of study, concentration and self-

discipline which will serve students for the rest of their lives. The Academy values a balanced

life for student and therefore teachers are given guidelines to balance student’s homework

load. In addition the Academy will not ask students to complete homework over holidays so as

to protect family time. As long as a student uses their time in class and homework and study

time outside well they should have no problem completing their assigned learning tasks.

Elementary students will generally have some homework assigned to be done during the week,

though perhaps not every night.

Grading System and Scale

K – 1 GRADING SCALE

+ - Exceeds Expectations of grade-level

√ - Meets Expectations of grade-level

− - Below Expectations of grade-level

I - Inconsistent

2nd – 6th GRADING SCALE

A Excellent 99% - 100%

A 92% -

98%

A- Well Done 90% - 91%

B+ Above Average 88% - 89%

B Above Average 82% - 87%

B- Above Average 80% - 81%

C+ Average 78% - 79%

C Average 72% - 77%


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C- Average 70% - 71%

D+ Below Average 68% - 69%

D Below Average 62% - 67%

D- Below Average 60% - 61%

F Failed 0.00% - 59%

Report Cards and Progress Reports The academic year at MLCA is divided into 2 semesters; 1st semester having 71 days and

running from 8/31/11 – 12/16/12 and 2nd semester having 101.5 days running from 1/2/12 –

6/1/12. At the end of each semester, a student’s academic achievement is reported to parents

on report cards that are sent home to parents.

Parents are encouraged to track their child’s progress using Sycamore, our school management

site. Parents may contact teachers at any time during the school year to ask about the progress

of their student(s).

Academic Probation Students will be placed on academic probation if they receive an F in any subject at the end of each year. This will be documented, requiring a signature from both parent and student. If student receives a failing grade again at the next year, they can be asked to withdraw from the Academy. Students may only be on academic probation twice before they are asked to withdraw within their elementary years

Standardized Testing

Achievement Tests The Stanford Achievement Test Series is administered annually in order to help measure

achievement and to provide help in assessing student academic progress and potential. This

test series generally involves students in grades 2 – 8. The test results are available to parents.


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Attendance Policies

Tardy Policy Parents are strongly encouraged to see that students arrive on time to begin the school

day. If a late arrival is unavoidable, elementary students should take a note from their parent

to the teacher. An arrival at any time prior to 12 noon will be considered a tardy. After 3

accumulated instances of tardiness the student will be assessed an absence. Reoccurring

tardiness will result in a parent meeting with the principal.

Early Dismissal Policy If an elementary student needs to leave school during the school day (e.g., for a doctor’s

appointment), the student must bring a note from his or her parents explaining the reason for

early dismissal. This note is to be given to the student’s teacher in advance or first thing in the

morning of the day of the absence.

Absence Policy Consistent class attendance is necessary if a student is to be successful in MLCA’s

academic program. Therefore, a student will be allowed to be absent NO MORE THAN

7days during the each trimester. All absences will be counted in this total including those

accumulated from tardiness.

After accumulating 5 absences, a letter will be generated from the school office reminding

the parent that the student can miss no more than 7 days total.

If a student exceeds the allowed limit, the student and his or her parents will be asked to

meet with the principal to explain their circumstances. Correspondence from teachers,

doctors, and/or parents may be presented at this time. The principal will determine at that

point whether the student has done sufficient and satisfactory work to advance to the next

grade level.

Make-up work. Because assignments are an important part of the learning process, students

will be expected to make up all work missed during an absence. One class day of make-up

time is given for every day a student is absent.

The primary responsibility for finding out what assignments were missed because of

an absence lies with the student and parent, not with the teacher.

If a student has an extended absence due to illness, the parent may contact the teacher

daily to find out what work is missed.

If the absence is known in advance, for such purposes as family travel, mission trips,

doctor or dentist appointments, parents and/or students should obtain assignments from

their teachers in advance. Requests for such assignments should be made at least three (3)


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days prior to the expected absence. Even more advance warning is requested and

appreciated by the teachers if the absence will be for an extended period of time. Such

assignments are to be turned in at the time they are due or upon arrival back in class.

Withdrawal If a student leaves school in the middle of the year, he must obtain the proper form from the school office and

check out of each class (on the last day of attendance) making sure all books are returned. Early notification is

very helpful. Transcripts are mailed directly to the school the student will be attending; however, any outstanding

balance from tuition, fees, etc. must be paid before student records can be released and forwarded to the next

school.


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Student Life

Elementary Athletics & Performing Arts Our students are eligible to participate in The City of Moses Lake’s Parks & Recreation athletic and performing arts activities. Registration information that comes from the City is sent home as a note to interested students. Fifth graders are invited to participate in MLCA’s middle school sports with eligibility requirements described on our official school website.

Chapel Chapel services are typically held each week for grades K - 12. The purpose of chapel is to provide an opportunity for the students to worship God and grow spiritually.

Library Elementary students will have a scheduled time in the library each week. This time is arranged by the classroom teacher and the librarian will supervise. REMEMBER: library use must be supervised at all times. Library materials may not leave the library without being properly checked out by the librarian. Lost or damaged books must be paid for before report cards will be issued.

Student Activities & Fundraising All school endorsed student activities outside of school hours are to be supervised by the adult sponsor and approved by the MLCA administration. Any activity which involves contact with the public, or fundraising, must be approved by an administrator.

Guidelines for Unsupervised Activities on Campus No skateboards, rollerblades, roller skates, etc., are to be brought to school or ridden around the school grounds. A parent is free to take their child out to lunch; however, it is essential that the parent communicate with their child’s teacher and sign their child out and back in.

Lost & Found Students should make sure that all of their belongings have their names on them. If something is lost, students should check the “lost and found” by the elementary office. After a reasonable length of time, items will be donated to a charity.


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Health and Safety at School

Safe Place to Learn The Community of the Academy is committed to maintaining a safe haven of learning, free

from all forms of violence, intimidation and harassment. Therefore, any student who engages

in acts of violence, intimidation or harassment on or off campus (including but not limited to

fights, threats, bullying electronically or in person) will elicit a response from the Academy

staff and faculty and most probably serve disciplinary action.

Closed Campus The Academy operates on a closed campus basis. All visitors, including parents must check

with a receptionist and receive a temporary visitor pass and return that pass as they leave

campus. Students are required to remain on campus at all times during school hours unless

they are with a faculty or staff member on school related business or they have been picked-up

in the school office by a parent.

Academy students wanting to bring a student to school who attends another school must make arrangements at

least one day in advance. A form must be picked up at the school office and signed by all appropriate teachers

and the administration in order to obtain permission. Visitors attending classes must comply with the school

standard of conduct and dress.

Student Health Care The Academy Main Office keeps all medical records and provides care for students who are

injured or ill. Parents are asked to make sure a student’s health and immunization records are

updated annually.

Drugs & Medications Students who are taking medications (including prescription drugs, etc.) should always inform

the Main Office, and their classroom teachers regarding their medication schedule and dosage.

No student should ever take medication apart from the knowledge and cooperation of the

Main Office.

Emergency Contact Forms All parents must complete the Emergency Contact Form which gives consent to treatment in case of a medical emergency. It is important that the school be able to make contact with a parent or family representative in case of an emergency.

Field Trips All teachers are encouraged to take their class on field trips which enhance the educational process. When the trip occurs within Moses Lake the annual Emergency Contact Form will suffice. Trip specific permission slips will be completed for each field trip that travels beyond Moses Lake. Previously completed emergency medical information is taken along on each trip. Parents are encouraged to help with transportation and supervision.


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Parking Lot Parents are asked to pick-up or arrange for transportation of their child immediately following

the end of school. Secondary students must wait and be picked up in the Elementary pick up

area in order to keep traffic moving. Designated crosswalks must be used by students at all

times in order to maintain safe conditions.

Transportation Parents must inform the office and/or their child’s teacher of any special circumstances in which someone other

than the parent may be picking up their child from school, or of anyone specifically not authorized to pick up

their child from school. This procedure is simply a safeguard against unauthorized individuals arriving on the

school campus to pick up students without the parent’s permission or approval.

Emergencies The Academy has Emergency Procedures to implement in the case of fire, inclement weather,

civil or political disturbance, or other emergency. Students practice the procedures during the

school year.

If an emergency were to occur that forced the cancellation of classes, the school will notify

parents by phone so they can make arrangements for their students to be immediately picked

up. Parents are urged to inform the office of any change in telephone numbers and also to

provide parent cell phone numbers so that in an emergency, the school’s information for

contacting the family will be current.


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Student Conduct

School Hours The school offices are open between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. during the school year.

The school day begins at 8:10 and ends at 3:00.

During regular times of operation the school building will be opened for the students at 8:00 a.m. unless it is

extremely cold. In that case it will be opened when our teachers arrive at 7:45 a.m. At the end of the school day

the building will be locked at 3:30 p.m. unless there are extenuating circumstances. After that time, students are

not to be in the building without permission.

Any school groups or clubs that meet must have an advisor or sponsor present. No student may be alone in a

classroom at any time unless permission has been granted from a teacher.

Students should generally not be out of class when class is in session. If this is necessary, the student must have a

pass from a teacher.

Weapons Devices that are considered “weapons” in any culture are not permitted at school. Possession

of a weapon on campus typically will result in an automatic suspension or possible expulsion.

Cheating and Plagiarism By dictionary definition, plagiarism is the “unauthorized use or close imitation of the language

and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one’s own original work.”

Often, plagiarism is not done intentionally or with malicious intentions (as in the case of

cheating), yet, plagiarism is still a serious academic issue, and will be treated as such at the

Academy. When completing written assignments or writing research papers, quotes and ideas

taken from another person should be cited appropriately. Failure to do so constitutes

plagiarism.

Audio/Visual Devices and Phones Phones and audio/visual devices are not to be used by students on campus during school

hours. Phones and devices should be turned off and left in backpacks or lockers during

classes. Phones and audio devices may be used on school trips. Visual devices will not be

allowed. Calculators should on be used for educational purposes during the school day 8am-

3pm.

If used the device will be confiscated and can be collected from the principal at the end of the day.

If the device is confiscated a second time it will only be returned to a parent.

On the third time the device will be kept by the school until the end of the semester. Anytime students are viewing, listening too and/or sharing inappropriate content any device

will be confiscated and their parents will be contacted.


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Cash and Valuables Although students are advised to carry small amounts of money on them so that they will be

able to make copies, pay library fines, etc., students should not bring large amounts of cash or

very valuable items to school. Any money brought should be kept with the student at all

times.

Dress Code

Elementary Dress Code Neat, clean, modest and safe- No holes, no frays. The emphasis of the Moses Lake Christian Academy dress code is guidelines of modesty, cleanliness, and professionalism. The dress code serves the purpose of preparing students to dress appropriately in various settings and to foster an attitude of learning readiness. Students are encouraged to dress in a manner that honors God.

Neat, clean, modest and safe- No holes, no frays. 1. Shirts must have sleeves.

2. Pants, skirts, or dress shorts are acceptable, as long as they meet the 1” above the knee length requirements, and are free of holes, tears, frayed, etc.

3. Wednesday Chapel Wear– A navy or gold colored polo or other MLCA approved Wednesday wear with the MLCA logo must be worn along with Khaki or Navy colored dress pants, skirts or shorts that meet the above requirements.

4. Field Trips – Same as Wednesday apparel.

5. Hair should be clean and styled so that both eyes can be seen. Students are NOT allowed to wear: 1. Athletic wear (items that are typically used for exercise such as sweats, athletic shorts, etc.) except in P.E.

2. Slippers or other obvious pajama-type clothing.

3. Clothing that is dirty, torn or frayed.

4. Clothing that exposes midriff, either front or back, i.e. pants that are cut too low or shirts not long enough to tuck in.

5. Clothing that is too tight, reveals underclothing, or that is otherwise revealing such as spaghetti straps or backless tops.

6. Clothing containing images or writing that is inappropriate or contradicts our Statement of Faith.

7. Hats or hoods in the building. 8. Flip flops. It is the responsibility of the Administration/Faculty to make authoritative decisions regarding the appropriateness or in appropriateness of student dress. Parents are asked to take responsibility for seeing that students are appropriately dressed. Any student making the choice to not abide by the dress code will be sent to the office to

phone their parents and ask for appropriate apparel. The student will remain in the office

until they are in compliance with the dress code. All work missed will be unexcused and


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students will not have the opportunity to make it up. An after-school detention will be served

for each violation. Upon the third violation, the student will be suspended.

Any student making the choice to not abide by the dress code will be sent to the office to

phone their parents and ask for appropriate apparel.

Lifestyle Agreement

The Academy desires to partner with parents in creating a safe, healthy environment for young

people. In order to create this atmosphere some basic guidelines need to extend into

situations off-campus Students are asked to agree to refrain from the behaviors listed below

during school hours and outside of school hours, on-campus and off-campus as long

as they are enrolled as a student of the Academy. Because God has given the primary

authority in a student’s life to parents, the Academy calls parents to partner with us in

supporting and upholding these values with their students in the home.

Students are required to refrain from:

a. Any illegal activity (Romans 13:1 – 5) a. The use of profane language or obscene gestures (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 3:8) b. Deceit – Deliberately falsifying course work or misrepresenting facts by lying

(Leviticus 19:11; Colossians 3:9) c. Theft – The act of stealing (Exodus 20:15; Ephesians 4:28) d. Drunkenness, substance abuse, or the use of illegal drugs (Ephesians 5:18; Romans

13:13,14) e. All sexual immorality, including, but not limited to, the use of pornography (I

Corinthians 6:9-20; Hebrews 13:4; Rom. 1:21-27; I Corinthians 6:9-20;Ephesians 5:3)


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Discipline

Discipline Philosophy The Academy desires that its philosophy of discipline be based on biblical principles. In

particular, the following understandings guide the process of classroom management and

discipline at the Academy:

In its essence, discipline is closely related to disciplining. Specifically, discipline is a process of loving, strengthening, protecting, training, and correcting a person with the goal of developing an individual who practices a self-disciplined lifestyle of obedience to God and sensitivity to the needs of others.

Discipline is based upon a relationship of love and concern. In the same way God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6), parents are to discipline their children and teachers are to discipline their students.

Though each person is born with the tendency toward sin, each individual is of value to God and each individual has the potential of being transformed by the Holy Spirit.

The Academy recognizes that in order to maintain a positive Christian atmosphere where

growth and effective learning can take place for all students, corrective discipline may

sometimes be necessary. Almost all situations that require discipline will be handled by the

classroom teacher.

Occasionally a situation arises of greater concern that is referred to the Principal. Some

situations that will require administrative involvement include truancy, plagiarism, frequent

misbehavior, flagrant disrespect, vandalism, theft, roughhousing or any action that endangers

the safety and well-being of staff or fellow students. The parents will be contacted. Possible

actions the Principal may take include detention, in-school detention, disciplinary

probation, or, in extreme cases, suspension or expulsion.

Disciplinary Procedures These are the procedure that will guide the faculty and administration at the Academy:

Minor Offenses – Defined as mild violations of school or classroom rules which will be

handled by the classroom teacher or other school faculty.

Discipline for minor offenses may be and may follow (though not necessarily) the ascending

discipline ladder and will be based on the discretion of the teacher:

A warning

A loss of privileges within the classroom

Lunch detention

Call or conference with parent


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Examples of minor offenses (though not an exhaustive list):

Interrupting the learning process of others

Failure to be prepared for class.

Minor disrespect or disobedience (as opposed to those that require administrative

intervention)

Three instances of tardiness

Major Offenses – Defined as more significant violations of school or classroom policies

which will be referred to and handled by the administration (principal of assistant principal).

Discipline of major offenses will result in being put on Behavioral Probation.

Examples of major offenses: (not to be considered an exhaustive list)

5 detentions for the same minor offense within a year

Stealing

Willful destruction or abuse of property

Fighting

Bullying – electronic or in-person.=

Premeditated cheating—cheating such as global plagiarism, texting, notes written on

hand, getting copies of tests/quizzes before, etc.

Disrespect such as profanity to faculty or peers or vulgarity

Dishonesty

Severe Offenses – Defined as extreme violations of school or classroom policies, the Lifestyle

Agreement or laws. These situations will be referred to and handled by the administration.

Discipline will most likely be suspension along with being put on behavioral probation or

expulsion.

Examples of severe offenses: (not to be considered an exhaustive list)

All examples of “major offenses” could potentially be “severe offenses” based on

details of circumstance at the discretion of the administration.

Use or possession of illegal drugs.

Use or possession of weapons.


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Behavioral Probation Students may be put on behavioral probation by the principal or assistant principal for the

next 3 school months following what we called a severe to medium or excessively repeated

behavioral problem. This would be documented, requiring a signature from both parent and

student. Any further infraction during that time would result in dismissal.

Because many of these are issues of morality and can have long term consequences on a

student’s character, the school may require that the student complete or show proof of

completion of counseling during this time as a part of the probation. School privileges, such as

dances, extracurricular activities, etc. may be limited during the probationary time. Students

may be dismissed if they get on behavioral probation more than twice within their junior high

or secondary periods.


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Business and Finance

Cost of Education Although education is expensive, the Academy is committed to keeping the cost of education

affordable. This is the financial landscape that we are faced with:

National Average spent on each publically educated student ......................................... $10,072*

What we spend on each student to provide a superior education ....................................... $5,800

What we charge each family to educate their child ................................................................ $4,700

* SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. (2008). Digest of Education Statistics,

2007 (NCES 2008-022), Table 171.

Tuition Payments Plan 1: Automatic monthly bank withdrawal from your checking or savings account (July-June). Complete

Agreement for Preauthorized Withdrawals form below.

Plan 2: Prepay entire amount by July 1st; receive a 2% discount.

Plan 3: Prepay each semester; receive a 1% discount. 1st half due July 1st: second half due January 1st.

In March we have a re-enrollment process. All financial accounts need to be current to re-enroll your student(s),

or to re-enroll in the fall, to receive your diploma at graduation, to participate in the preschool graduation party,

or to have the Academy forward school records or transcripts.

Ways to offset tuition

HOSTS Program (Help Our School To Succeed)

HOSTS fees are included in the tuition payment (excluding preschool). If you volunteer the required amount of hours (15 hours per student, Kindergarten – 12th grade, cap at 45 hours per family) you will receive a refund of $200.00 per child up to three children once the required hours have been completed.

FAST

FAST is a company that evaluates family income and recommends a tuition discount (up to 25%) based on financial need.

Win/Win Program

If a current family brings in a new K-12 family to MLCA, the current family will receive a $100.00 tuition credit per month that will begin as soon as the new family starts attending. This credit will run through June or until either family withdraws, whichever comes first.

Insurance

http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d07/tables/dt07_171.asp?referrer=list


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Moses Lake Christian Academy carries general liability insurance only and does not cover sports injuries or things caused by student negligence. The parent’s own policy will take precedence over the school’s policy when settling claims.


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Parent Communication and Involvement

Classroom Questions, Concerns, Issues The purpose of Christian conciliation is to glorify God by helping people to resolve disputes in a conciliatory manner. Any complaint, either real or imagined, should be handled at the lowest level of relationship possible, and according to Matthew 18:15-17, “If your brother sins against you go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church…” (NIV). No procedure, including this one, is a substitute for a mutual commitment to Christian principles of honesty and trust in resolving conflicts.

If the complaint cannot be settled at the lowest level, the party should go to the next higher administrative level of authority until relief is given. In case an impasse develops between the parties involved and the administration has not been able to settle the issue, the individual may appeal his/her case to the MLCA Board in writing.

The MLCA Board shall arrange separate and private interviews with the individual, the principal, and others. It is important to gain all possible insights and facts in order that the Board may obtain as balanced a perspective as possible. The MLCA Board decision shall be final and binding upon the parties.

Dealing with teacher-student conflict

When a student or parent brings a complaint or issue concerning a teacher to the principal, the student and/or parent will be instructed to go back to the teacher to discuss the issue with the teacher one on one. If the student and/or parent is reluctant, the principal may offer to accompany the student and/or parent in speaking with the teacher. The principal may also suggest that a student ask a parent to accompany them to speak with the teacher. In this case, the principal will be present when the meeting occurs and will inform the teacher that a meeting will be scheduled and whatever knowledge might be helpful to the teacher for the meeting.

1. If the student and/or parent will not speak with the teacher then the issue is dead and further discussion will not be tolerated until the student and/or parent agrees to speak directly to the teacher.

2. If the student and/or parent approach the teacher (alone, with the principal, or with their parent and the Principal) and the student and/or parent does not feel that the issue has been resolved, they may then address the issue directly to the principal. The principal will maintain the attitude of someone who is collecting data and will refrain from making judgments for the student.

3. The principal will then meet with the teacher to discuss the issue and together they will develop a plan of action. The Principal retains final decision in any resolution agreement but may prefer to arrange the plan of action in cooperation with the teacher.

**The Principal must hear enough or discern quickly if the student is describing a situation which would create the need for immediate intervention (physical danger, or extreme psychological danger). If the Principal suspects the need for immediate intervention he will


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hear the student out and involve the school’s counseling team, the medical professionals, or the authorities as needed.

Parent / Student Orientation An Orientation will be held before the start of school. Elementary and Secondary “Open

House Nights” are held early in the school year so that parents may meet their student’s

teachers and see their classrooms. At least one parent from each household must attend these

meetings for the appropriate grade level of their children.

Parent / Teacher Conferences Conference days are set aside on the calendar so that parents can schedule appointments to

meet with their child’s teachers.

Newsletter, Email notices and Sycamore The “Monthly Newsletter” is available each month, and mailed home. The current newsletter is always posted on the bulletin board outside the office for quick perusal. Email is sent communicating school news on a regular basis. The school website is where information and news is posted on upcoming events, calendar changes, school policies, sports schedules, etc. The school calendar is distributed at the beginning of the year and posted on our school website.

Inclement weather In the event of snow and ice storm conditions, a decision will be made early in the morning

and the local radio stations will be informed. In case of bad weather, listen to KBSN AM

14.70 or KDRM FM 99.3 for information on school closures. School closure information will

also be posted on the Home Page of our school website at www.mlca.us .

Contact Information

1475 Nelson Road NE, Suite A

Moses Lake, WA 98837

Phone: 509-765-9704

Fax: 509-765-3698

Website: www.mlca.us

http://www.mlca.us/

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