Lower School Family Handbook

Table of Contents Mission and Vision 5 Grace School Belief Statements 5 Lower School Hours 5 Extended Care 5-6 Important School Numbers 6 Accreditation 6 Liability Insurance 6 Registration and Enrollment Requirements 6-7 Class Groupings 7 Daily Schedule 7 Program and Teaching Staff Qualifications 7 Supervision of Students 8 Attendance 8-9 Curriculum and Philosophy 9 Assessment 9-10 Homework 10-11 Student Organization 11 Grading 11-12 Promotion to the Next Grade 12-13 Parent Communication 13 Communication and Social Media Guidelines 13-15 Car Pool 15 Emergency Sheet 15-16 Health and Safety Regulations 16-17 Illness or Injury at School 17 Health Communication Procedures 17-20 Dress Code 20-25 Snack and Lunch 25 Parties and Celebrations 25

Lower School Handbook • 3 • Parent Volunteer and Involvement Opportunities 26 Discipline and Guidance 26-29 Special Accommodations for Children 30 Dismissal 30 Campus Security/Emergencies 30-32 Counseling Services 32 Grievance Procedure 32

Athletics ...... 35-42 Philosophy 35 Team Placement Guidelines 35 Playing Time Guidelines 36 Practice Schedules 36 General Guidelines 37-38 Responsibilites of a Grace School Athletic Parent 38 Responsibilities of a Grace School Athlete 38-39 Discipline Guidelines 39 Phases of Consequences 39 Specifics on Each Sport 40-42 Fall Season 40 Winter Season 40-41 Spring Season 41-42 Greater Houston Athletic Conference 42

• 4 • Grace School Mission and Vision The mission of Grace School is to provide a rigorous educational program that embraces the teachings of Jesus Christ in a safe and inclusive environment. It is our vision that we are able to inspire compassionate, thoughtful students eager to engage in the world around them.

Grace School Belief Statements We believe: • It is paramount to foster the growth of the mind, body, and spirit. • In developing the God-given gifts, talents, and uniqueness of each individual. • In school initiated family and community relationships. • Effective educators are committed, self-motivated, courageous, and intentional. • Teachers should have a deep understanding of the developmental level of their students. • Leadership is shared by all and collaboration is used to advocate, nurture, and sustain an effective instructional program. • Teaching should be relevant, current, and rigorous. • Ongoing assessment and evaluation promotes quality learning.

Lower School Hours Kindergarten - 5th grades 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. daily. Exceptions for time changes or holidays are noted on the Grace School calendar.

Extended Care Hours Grace School provides an extended care program on a fee basis. Students should not be unsupervised on campus at any time before or after school.

Before School Care Supervised care is available in the Grace School cafeteria for students in kindergarten - 5th grades from 7:00 - 7:50 a.m. Students are released to their homeroom classrooms beginning at 7:50 a.m.

Lower School Handbook • 5 • After School Care Grace School offers an extended care program for students ages 2 – eighth grade. Children are cared for in a safe, supervised, and nurturing environment where they may engage in activities such as art, crafts, playground and study hall. Located in the school cafeteria, Grace After- school Program (GAP) hours are from 3:00-6:00 p.m. GAP registration is on a first come, first served basis and is available to all Grace students. Billing for the program is monthly. For further information, please contact Judy Chalender, Director of GAP or Cherie Triolo, Assistant GAP Director at 713-267-5099

Important School Numbers Main School Office 713-782-4421 Main School Office Fax 713-267-5056 Lower School Office 713-267-8703 Educational Catering Company 713-267-8768 Health Center/Nurse 713-267-5055 School Counselor Office 713-267-5072 Grace After-school Program (GAP) 713-267-5099

Accreditation Grace School is currently accredited by AdvancED. In addition, Lower School is STEM Certified by AdvancED.

Liability Insurance Grace School meets all state requirements regarding insurance coverage for children in a school. Coverage is renewed and reviewed annually. A copy of the property and liability coverage may be found in the office of the Lower School Principal.

Registration and Enrollment Requirements Admission to Lower School requires that all students submit the following: an application, a non-refundable application fee, a teacher recommendation form, student records, and results of required

• 6 • Grace School admission testing. The Admissions Committee will review each applicant file, and notification status is sent. Students will be accepted on a space available basis after that time.

On-line re-enrollment for current students begins in February. In May, all required documents for the new school year will be available. These include the Physical Exam form, the Health Record form, the Emergency Sheet, and the Technology Agreement. These documents are required to be submitted by the end of July each year.

Class Groupings All classes are grouped by student age. Children will stay in the same class from August until May. Class sizes are well below the state’s minimum standards for teacher-child ratios and are typically below 20. Classes are organized and staffed to minimize the number of groups, teaching staff, and classroom transitions experienced by an individual child. Child placement is the responsibility of the Lower School Principal.

Daily Schedules The teaching staff develops and maintains a daily schedule of events for the classroom in collaboration with the Lower School Principal. Schedules will address arrival procedures, snack, indoor and outdoor learning experiences, lunch, specialty classes, chapel, and other activities.

Program and Teaching Staff Qualifications Grace School is fortunate to have a wealth of experienced educators. The Lower School Principal must have a B.S. in Early Childhood or Elementary Education and a M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, Education, or Educational Leadership. Teaching staff is required to hold a B.S. in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education, or B.S. or B.A. in another field, and hold a Texas Teacher Certification certificate. In addition, all employees undergo background checks and are required to receive 20 hours of annual professional training. Training logs are maintained by the teachers and kept in the office of the Lower School Principal.

Lower School Handbook • 7 • Supervision of Students For safety and as a precaution, students must be supervised at ALL times. Arrangements may be made for early care or extended hours. Areas such as the library, playground, and classroom require monitoring at all times.

Attendance Regular attendance is essential to the satisfactory completion of the academic program. Each student is expected to start school on the opening day of each term and to remain in regular attendance until the closing day, except in the case of illness or for other urgent reasons. Each student will be required to make up all work missed during an absence. Students absent from school should bring a note from home explaining the absence. Students will be given the same number of days as they were absent to complete make-up work. Students are required to be in attendance 90% of the school year.

Planned Absences Excessive absences are detrimental to a student’s progress. It is requested that absences be kept to a minimum. If a student needs to be absent due to a family emergency or other circumstance, the following steps must be taken: • Parents must meet with the classroom teacher to obtain a Planned Absence Form before the absence. • A Planned Absence Form with teacher and parent signatures should be given to the Lower School Principal no later than two days prior to the absence. • Allow time to meet with the classroom teacher to discuss individual procedures for completing work that will be missed, including scheduling dates for tests and quizzes. • All tests and quizzes will be completed no later than one week after the student’s return to school. • For a planned absence, all homework is due upon the student’s return to school.

• 8 • Grace School Emergency Hospital/Home Care Support for the student is coordinated through the Lower School Principal, the counselor, and the classroom teacher.

Illness and Retrieving Missed Assignments Please notify the school office if a student has a communicable disease or if there is an extended absence due to illness. For students in kindergarten through fifth grade who have missed more than one day of school, the teacher will gather the daily assignments and books, and the parent may retrieve them from the reception desk at the end of the school day.

If special arrangements need to be made regarding the collection of school assignments, please contact the Assistant to Lower School.

Curriculum and Philosophy In Grace Lower School, children discover the joy of learning and begin to acquire the skills and discipline necessary to become successful students. The Lower School program carefully considers all aspects of a child’s development: emotional, social, spiritual, physical, and cognitive.

Students learn what it means to be a community--whether in chapel or experiencing service learning projects. We believe that children can best acquire a rich body of knowledge and the skills needed for future learning through a curriculum that is imaginative, developmentally appropriate, and continuously improving. Teachers, embodying Christian values, honor each child as an individual while implementing a comprehensive academic program including language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Our students grow in confidence and self-assurance as teachers display and celebrate work, applaud performance, and encourage classroom participation. Parents will receive learning goals and activities for each grade level at Parent Education Night in early September.

Assessment Assessment is an integral part of the program. Teachers use developmentally appropriate assessments in order to identify student

Lower School Handbook • 9 • needs, improve and adapt teaching practices, and evaluate program development and improvement. Teachers also use assessment in order to support your child’s learning by using a variety of methods including observation and participation checklists, rating scales, student portfolios, and/or individually administered tests. All assessment tools and methods are research based.

There are two scheduled parent/teacher conferences during the school year for all Lower School classes – one in October and one in February. Parents will be given an evaluation of their child’s progress at the conferences. In addition, personal conferences may be requested by the teacher or parent at any time throughout the year. Parents are always encouraged to call or e-mail their child’s teachers with any questions or concerns. Please refrain from addressing confidential matters with your child’s teachers at drop off and pick up times.

Homework Homework is to be done at home or in GAP. Teacher instruction will take place during the school day. Students should develop good homework habits in their formative school years. In first, second, and third grade, parents may participate in a student’s homework assignments by encouraging the student in whatever way the parent feels is acceptable. In some homes, an independent/ hands-off policy works best with the student. Parents should feel free to exercise their own good judgment as to how the homework time is spent. All homework will be checked by the teacher or the student and teacher together.

Homework grades are not typically averaged as part of a student’s academic grade because some students receive more help than others. However, the School will reduce an academic subject grade because a student repeatedly does NOT turn in homework assignments or turns in incomplete homework. Generally, all homework progress is reported to students and parents under the Work Habits section of the student report card. At the fourth and fifth grade level, teachers may designate some homework assignments to be graded and included as part of the student’s academic average.

• 10 • Grace School The goal in the intermediate grades is to encourage the student to move toward self-reliance in his/her home study. Parent support is often necessary, though, to ensure a positive home-study experience.

Time Requirements Time spent doing homework is highly individualistic. Students should plan accordingly when given assignments that may require pacing or completion over an extended period of time. If a student is spending an inordinate amount of time on homework, parents should contact the classroom teacher. During special times, such as in preparation for projects, students in third, fourth, and fifth grade will have weekend work.

Student Organization The Lower School provides students with an organizational system that they can use from kindergarten through fifth grade. This system is built upon from year to year and helps them achieve their objectives, prioritize their time, and communicate effectively from school to home. The plan works in conjunction with grade level websites to ensure that both parents and students are kept up to date on assignments, events, and expectations. In Lower School, a GATOR notebook is set up for students to take back and forth from home to school. The GATOR notebook helps students keep track of notes, and Everyday Math family letters, and includes pockets for assigned and completed homework. In addition, students in the upper grades are taught to maintain an assignment agenda that is provided by the school. Graded papers are sent home on Friday via a “Friday” folder. Students should return the empty folder on Monday.

Grading The Lower School academic year is divided into four quarters. All students will receive a Student Progress Report in the middle of each quarter reflecting progress made in core academic subjects. After the first quarter reporting period, a report card will be issued at thefirst parent conference. Additional report cards will be issued at the end of each quarter.

Lower School Handbook • 11 • Kindergarten and First Grade Academic and social progress is evaluated by using a comprehensive developmental assessment. There are no letter grades.

Kindergarten and First Grading Scale S - Secure D – Developing B - Beginning

Second and Third Grade Academic progress is reflected by alphabetical grades. Conduct and work habits, plus specialty subject grades, are evaluated with marks for Excellent, Satisfactory, Needs Improvement, and Unsatisfactory.

Second and Third Grading Scale A – Excellent B – Good C – Satisfactory D – Needs Improvement F – Unsatisfactory

Fourth and Fifth Grade Academic progress is reflected by numerical grades. Conduct and work habits, plus specialty subject grades, are evaluated with marks for Excellent, Satisfactory, Needs Improvement, and Unsatisfactory.

Fourth and Fifth Grading Scale 90 – 100 . . . A 80 – 89 . . . B 79 – 75 . . . C 74 – 70 . . . D Below 70 . . F

Promotion to the Next Grade Promotion from kindergarten, first, second, and third grades requires appropriate academic and social progress and the teacher’s unqualified recommendation. Promotion from fourth and fifth grade requires that

• 12 • Grace School the student pass all core academic subjects with a 70 average. The Student Review Committee chaired by the division head and composed of selected faculty members may review the academic and social performance of enrolled students for promotion to the succeeding grade at Grace School. All recommendations of the Student Review Committee are subject to the approval of the Head of School. A student who fails a core academic subject runs the risk of not being considered for re-enrollment.

Parent Communication Communication between the school and families is essential for building trusting relationships that foster parental involvement. All homeroom classes send weekly emails depicting learning objectives, classroom activities, and upcoming events. All event flyers and notes from the Lower School Principal and Parents’ Club will be distributed via a Friday folder. Please return the folder to school on Monday. In addition to the regular communication parents receive from teachers and the Lower School Principal, Grace School has five major forms of communication and information sharing: GatorMail, www.graceschool.org, Facebook, Twitter, and E-Blasts.

Communication and Social Media Guidelines Grace School recognizes that social media outlets are powerful communication tools that provide a platform for the free sharing of information, ideas, and opinions. In partnership with students, parents, alumni, faculty, and staff, Grace School has established the following guidelines regarding photographs and identification thereof for internal and external communication programs. The guidelines are intended to protect the privacy and security of all school community members, as well as ensure the integrity of the school’s image in the community. As new forms of social media arise and new challenges emerge, this document will evolve. The Grace School communication programs referred to include: • Internal/current community - Yearbook(s), class videos, teacher/ classroom pages, etc.

Lower School Handbook • 13 • • Internal/all community - GatorMail, e-blasts. • External - Public relations/media, advertising, the website, online photo gallery, social media, etc. Photographs of the Grace School community members -- including students, parents, alumni/ae, faculty, staff -- are used in school internal and external communication programs. Identification of photographs may or may NOT include first and/or last name as specifically requested by parent, guardian, or the individual. See exception/Note #1.

Note #1, Website: Student first names ONLY are used when referring to student news, work, or images, grades Pre-K through fifth. Mentions of student news, work, or images grades six through eight may include first and/or last names (e.g., athletic references, awards, honor roll, etc.).

Note#2, Media Release: Any student listed on the DO NOT PERMIT portion of the contract will not appear in any printed materials or otherwise unless specified (i.e. yearbook).

Note #3, Social Media: Grace School cannot be held responsible for material (photos, video, audio) placed without its knowledge or permission online on personal websites, social media sites (such as Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, Picassa) or other external media. We strongly encourage all community members to: 1. Consider setting security parameters around any such posting, allowing family and Grace School friends access only or asking for parental consent. 2. Respect the privacy of others and, unless specific permission is provided, provide NO IDENTIFICATION (or first names only) of any online posting (photos, video, audio).

Note #4, Media/Public Relations: All external PR efforts are managed through the Office of Communications, safeguarding the privacy of the school community, as well as the integrity of the school image. All visiting media personnel must be approved by the Head of School, sign in, and be accompanied on campus visits by authorized school personnel.

• 14 • Grace School Please note: Any information you can provide the school, specifically your child(ren)’s teachers, regarding your identification concerns will be greatly appreciated and held in strict confidence. Understanding your concerns helps us better plan for the students and react appropriately in all situations. Please contact the Director of Advancement with any questions or concerns.

Carpool Morning carpool will begin promptly at 7:30 a.m. Carpool is located at the entry to the Education Building from the south parking lot. All cars should enter the parking lot from Ella Lee Lane and form a line. For the safety of our students, do not pass cars or use a cell phone in carpool lanes. Please drop your child off at this location or park your car and walk your child into the building. Children will not be released in the parking lot to walk in alone.

In order to ensure the safety of your child, all students must be picked up from the designated carpool location, the school library, or GAP. Students may not be picked up outside the classroom door. Afternoon carpool will begin at 3:00 p.m. for kindergarten through fifth grade students and will be in the same location as morning carpool. Carpool tags should be clearly displayed. Children may not be unsupervised in the library, on the playground, or anywhere on campus after school hours.

Emergency Sheet For the utmost safety of your child, the school MUST have in its possession a complete and accurate emergency sheet. The emergency sheet must have names of any designated persons who may pick up your child from school. The teachers and office staff will only release your child to you as parents or to those individuals designated by you and listed on the emergency sheet. In a family crisis situation, the parent can fax to the school written permission for someone other than those persons listed to pick up a child. The designated person must have a picture I.D. when picking up the child. It is the parents’ responsibility to inform the school of any changes in address, phone numbers,

Lower School Handbook • 15 • and persons designated to pick up children. Please contact the school receptionist to update information.

Health and Safety Regulations To ensure the safety and wellbeing of your child, Grace School employs a full-time registered nurse who holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing. All health files are maintained in a centralized, confidential location and are updated as necessary. Health information will be shared with school personnel on a need to know basis in order to provide appropriate services to each child. The following areas of concern were written with students’ health and safety in mind. ALL FORMS ARE DUE BEFORE SCHOOL BEGINS.

Medical Examinations The school requires an updated physical exam form yearly. This form must be on file before school begins. This applies to all students, including those previously enrolled. For all new students, the exam must have been conducted in the 12 months prior to the opening of school.

Immunizations All students must have documentation of up-to-date immunizations reported on the physical exam form.

Medications Medication will be administered in the Health Center. Medications must be placed in the original container or prescription bottle and accompanied by a completed Medication Administration at School Form or other written permission from the parent. All medications must be appropriately labeled and are kept in the Health Center. Students may not keep medications in their possession. If your child has a special health need, please consult with the school nurse.

Hearing and Vision Screening Hearing and vision tests are required by the state for all four-year-olds, kindergarteners, and all students in first, third, fifth, and seventh grades. All new entrants are also required to have hearing and vision tests.

• 16 • Grace School Alcohol and Drugs Grace School places great value on an environment free of drugs, including alcohol and tobacco. Therefore, the following school policy has been adopted: Any student involved in the use, possession, or distribution of non-prescribed drugs (including alcohol and tobacco) on campus or at school-sponsored functions is subject to one of the following actions: • Suspension • Expulsion The particular circumstances of each case will be considered in determining the disciplinary action taken.

Illness or Injury at School Grace School has a duty to provide a standard of care for ill or injured students. Therefore, any student who becomes ill or is injured will be evaluated and treated. Any head injury or fever will be reported to the school nurse. Parents will be contacted to pick up students who, in the judgment of the school’s registered nurse, are too ill to remain at school. Please make sure that the school has all requested medical information, as well as the names and phone numbers of those to be contacted in case of an emergency.

Health Communication Procedures Student absences should be reported to the school receptionist. Please notify the receptionist if your child is absent due to a communicable disease, particularly if ill with flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat, cough, muscle aches).

Students with a known or suspected communicable disease or fever will not remain at school and should return only after symptoms resolve and they are physically ready. Certification of readiness to return to school by a medical professional may be required. Grace School follows Texas Department of State Health Services Communicable Disease guidelines for student exclusion from class.

Students who have had fever, diarrhea or vomitting may not return to school until they have been free of fever, diarrhea, or vomitting for 24

Lower School Handbook • 17 • hours (without the use of medication) in order to help prevent spreading illness to others. Students with communicable diseases and/or fever may not accompany parents to school to retrieve assignments.

Common Communicable Diseases, Incubation Periods, and Readmission

Incubation Communicable Readmission Disease Period 7 days from onset of rash or until Chicken Pox 10 – 21 days all blisters have crusted over

Impetigo Variable 3 – 7 days when treatment has begun

Measles (Rubella) 7 – 14 days 5 days from onset of rash

German Measles 14 – 21 days 8 days from onset of rash

Mumps 1 – 26 days 10 days from onset of swelling

Conjunctivitis physician states that the 1 – 3 days (Pink Eye) person is non-infectious

Ringworm of Scalp 10 – 21 days when treatment has begun

when medicated shampoo Head Lice 7 – 10 days or lotion treatment is given

Fever 100.0 °F 24 hours after fever subsides or greater

Fifth Disease 6 – 14 days when fever subsides

Common Cold 1 – 3 days when fever subsides

Pandemic Influenza Grace School collaborates with local and state public health authorities regarding public health concerns, including pandemic influenza. The

• 18 • Grace School following websites are among resources available to families to use in their planning:

U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services http://www.flu.gov/professional/school/index.html Texas Dept. of State Health Services http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/preparedness Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services http://www.harriscountyhealth.com American Academy of Pediatrics http://www.aap.org/new/influenza-birdflu.htm Centers for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/

Head Lice Grace School follows the guidelines of the Texas Department of State Health Services for management of head lice in schools: Individual head checks (along with parent consultation) are done by the school nurse privately on an as-requested or as-needed basis, outside of class time. Mass screenings are no longer done as this interrupts valuable learning time. Letters to parents are not sent out on a large scale basis, as this usually leads to unnecessary panic, rumors, over-treatment and unnecessary treatment, and disrupts school productivity. If the school nurse is aware of multiple cases of active head lice in a class, parent notification is given, along with information on head lice. Namesof students affected by head lice are not disclosed. It is important to determine if your child truly has an active infestation with active lice or viable eggs (nits). Please consult your child’s doctor or pharmacist regarding treatment. Students with an active infestation may return to school as soon as one treatment has been given.

Head lice are mainly acquired through head-to-head contact with an infested person’s hair. They are commonly transmitted in children by sharing pillows/sleeping bags at sleepovers and camps, as well as combs, brushes, hats, hair bows/hair bands, caps, and helmets. Many parents have successfully managed head lice in their families by inspecting their children’s heads for lice, consulting with the school nurse, and treating

Lower School Handbook • 19 • for lice if needed, in consultation with their child’s doctor or pharmacist, and notifying only parents of children who may have had head-to-head contact or shared objects referred to above.

Animals on Campus In order to promote a safe and healthy environment guided by the Texas Department of State Health Services recommendations, animals are not allowed on the Grace School campus. This includes hallways, parking lots, car pool, and classrooms. Professionally trained service animals used to assist individuals with disabilities, such as seeing-eye dogs, may be on campus with prior notice to the Head of School or appropriate division head.

Dress Code)

Philosophy Students in grades PreK3 through Eighth Grade are required to wear the Grace School uniform and adhere to our uniform policies.

General Uniform Requirements Uniforms must be properly worn throughout the school day. Students are to maintain a neat and clean appearance. The school uniform dress code will be enforced in all classroom settings.

• Belts and waistbands should be visible – shirts must be tucked • Dress uniforms are required for Chapel and on most field trips • Collars and cuffs on shirts need to be buttoned at all times • Pants need to be secured at the waist with a belt (Second – Eighth Grades)

School Uniform Supplier All uniforms should be purchased through Lands’ End, our official uniform provider. For more information about our uniform program go to www.graceschool.org/uniforms.

• 20 • Grace School Dress Uniform Dress uniforms are required for all students on Chapel day and on designated field trips or picture days. Sweaters are required October through April.

Girls – PreK 3 through Second Grade • Navy houndstooth plaid monogrammed jumper • White Peter Pan polo • Navy monogrammed cardigan (October through April) • Navy modesty shorts • Solid navy, black or white tights or leggings may be worn during cold weather days only • Tennis shoes

Girls – Third through Eighth Grade • Navy houndstooth pleated plaid skirt • Blue long sleeve monogrammed Oxford blouse • Navy monogrammed cardigan (October through April) • Navy modesty shorts • Solid navy, black or white tights or leggings may be worn during cold weather days only • Tennis shoes (Third through Fifth Grade) • Navy ballet flats (Sixth through Eighth Grade)

Boys – PreK3 and PreK4 • Blue short sleeve monogrammed polo • Navy chino pants • Navy monogrammed sweater vest (October through April) • Tennis shoes

Boys - Kindergarten and First Grade • Blue and white striped monogrammed long sleeve Oxford shirt

Lower School Handbook • 21 • • Gray dress pants • Navy monogrammed sweater vest (October through April) • Tennis shoes

Boys – Second through Fifth Grade • Blue stripe long sleeve monogrammed Oxford shirt • Gray dress pants • Navy monogrammed sweater vest (October through April) • Black belt • Tennis shoes

Boys – Sixth through Eighth Grade • Blue and white stripe monogrammed long sleeve Oxford shirt • Gray dress pants • Navy monogrammed blazer (October through April) • Navy and green stripe tie • Black belt • Black dress shoes

Appropriate Daily Uniform

Girls - Kindergarten through Second Grade • Blue or white monogrammed long or short sleeve polo with navy pleated skirt or navy active skort • Blue or navy monogrammed mesh polo dress • Blue or navy monogrammed ruffle hem dress • Tennis shoes

Girls – Third through Fifth Grade • Blue or white monogrammed long or short sleeve polo with navy houndstooth plaid pleated skirt, navy solid box pleat skirt or navy active skort

• 22 • Grace School • Navy monogrammed polo with navy houndstooth plaid pleated skirt • Tennis shoes

Girls – Sixth through Eighth Grade • Blue or white monogrammed long or short sleeve polo with navy houndstooth plaid pleated skirt, navy solid box pleat skirt, navy active skort, or navy chinos • Navy monogrammed polo with navy houndstooth plaid pleated skirt • Tennis shoes or ballet flats

Boys – PreK3 and PreK4 • Blue, navy or white monogrammed long or short sleeve polo with navy chinos or navy shorts

Kindergarten through Eighth Grade • Blue or white monogrammed long or short sleeve polo with navy chinos or navy shorts • Navy monogrammed polo with gray dress pants • Black belt (Second through Eighth Grade Only) • Tennis shoes

Middle School Physical Education Uniform Girls • Navy with white stripe athletic shorts • Blue logo screened short sleeve t-shirt • Cross trainer tennis shoes with non-marking soles

Boys • Navy mesh athletic shorts • Gray logo screened short sleeve t-shirt • Cross trainer tennis shoes with non-marking soles

Lower School Handbook • 23 • Shoes Primary and Lower School Students Primary and Lower School students must wear tennis shoes every day for safety reasons. Boots (including Uggs-style) and Crocs are not allowed. Socks must be worn at all times.

Middle School students Middle School students may wear tennis shoes, loafers, dress shoes, or ankle boots (heels no higher than 2”) with enclosed toe and heel. No flip-flops, sandals, slippers, moccasin style shoes, Crocs, Five Fingers or Uggs*; (*Uggs may be worn with jeans on Fridays with spirit dress). Socks must be worn at all times.

Socks Socks must be worn at all times

Tights During cold weather, girls may wear solid navy white, navy or black tights or ankle-length leggings.

Outerwear Approved Grace School outerwear (Uniform or Spirit) may be worn in the classroom. Other outerwear may be worn outside only.

Modesty Shorts and Skirt Lengths Girls must wear modesty shorts underneath jumpers and skirts. Skirts may not be rolled at the top.

Makeup Makeup is not appropriate for Primary and Lower School students. Middle School girl’s makeup should be natural in color and application.

Hair Hair should be neatly groomed and of appropriate length and style in accordance with the uniform code of the school. Hair and accessories should be worn in a style that does not hamper learning or distract other students. Extreme hairstyles are not appropriate and will be addressed on an individual basis.

• 24 • Grace School Jewelry Jewelry must not distract from the uniform. Oversized or excessive jewelry may not be worn. Earrings on boys are not acceptable. Additionally, jewelry may become a safety issue during Health/Fitness. Teachers may ask that jewelry be removed if it poses a safety issue, and students will be responsible for storing these items.

Failure To Comply With Dress Code Students are required to follow the Grace School Dress Code. Failure to comply will result in suitable disciplinary action.

Snack and Lunch Please send a healthy snack and water bottle for your child each day.

Educational Catering Company provides lunch service for Grace School. The menu/order form will be posted on the school website. Students who wish to purchase a lunch may choose between salad, baked potato, hot entrée, or soup and sandwich. A lunchroom account is established for each child. Parents are notified through Educational Catering Company when their child’s account is near a zero balance. Any additional questions regarding the food service as well as payment for lunches should be directed to the Educational Catering Company at 713-267-8768.

Parties and Celebrations We encourage parents to volunteer to organize and attend class parties. There will be one party coordinator and several other parent volunteers for each party. Sign-up sheets will be posted at Parent Education Night. Please keep party favors, treats, and activities nutritious and inexpensive, and the teacher informed of your party plans. Children’s birthdays may be observed at school and should be coordinated with the teacher’s classroom schedule. No gifts or candles are allowed. Invitations to any child’s private party may not be distributed at school unless the entire class is invited.

Lower School Handbook • 25 • Parent Volunteer and Involvement Opportunities Grace School welcomes parent involvement. There are many ways in which parents can become involved in school activities. The Parents’ Club plans special events and fundraisers throughout the school year. The Parents’ Club also organizes teacher appreciation luncheons, birthday club, and Family Night Out events. All parents of Grace School students are automatically members of the Parents’ Club. General meetings are open to all parents and are held semi-annually. Additional volunteer opportunities can be found in your Meet the Teacher packet, class website, and/or GatorMail.

Discipline and Guidance The school’s goal is to provide a safe, secure environment where children can grow emotionally, as well as intellectually. In the Lower School Program, a loving and affirming approach guides interactions with children. Each classroom maintains appropriate behavior expectations based on a clear understanding of the child’s age and developmental stage. Verbal redirection of inappropriate behavior is the method of discipline we use when needed. If children are unable to manage themselves in a particular activity or learning center, teachers may remove them from the area and provide them with another activity.

Teachers will inform parents by phone or conference should inappropriate behavior become an ongoing concern. Teaching staff will work as a team with families in order to benefit the child. Parents are always encouraged to talk with teachers should they feel that their child is having difficulties at school, or if they can provide insight into certain behaviors. Teachers address challenging behaviors by developing individualized behavior plans and/or using positive behavior strategies.

Behavior Expected In The Classroom Classroom behavior should always contribute to an atmosphere that supports learning. • Students will be in class on time with all of the necessary materials and be ready to begin work.

• 26 • Grace School • Students will not disrupt or show disrespectful behavior that would interrupt the flow of the class activity. • Students will leave classrooms neat and tidy.

Behavior Expected Outside The Classroom Students are reminded that, due to the nature of our church/school campus, they will come in frequent contact with members and visitors of the church, church administrators and staff, school administrators and staff, parents, and younger students of our school. • Behavior outside the classroom will be courteous, respectful, and considerate toward others. • Students will walk in the halls, will keep their hands to themselves, will not push and shove others, and will speak in quiet voices. • To help ensure a smooth flow of traffic, students will walk on the right side of the halls.

Behavior Expected In The Lunchroom The following rules will help make the lunchroom a pleasant place in which to eat: • Tables are assigned by grade levels. Students will receive teacher direction regarding where to sit. • Students will be respectful and cooperative. Students will clean their places at the tables and discard trash.

Other Behavior Expectations The Grace School community values a healthy, supportive, and enjoyable environment where members have mutual respect for each other. Proper behavior, therefore, is expected of students at all school activities, whether during or after school hours. • Electronic devices such as headsets, beeping watches, and laser pens will be left at home. • Students bringing cell phones to school must turn them off and store them in their backpacks or lockers during the school day. If a cell phone is observed in the possession of a student or if it is heard during the school day, the phone will be confiscated by the

Lower School Handbook • 27 • teacher and taken to the Lower School office. Parents must pick up the phone in the office at the end of the day. • There will be no gum chewing. • Each student will value personal belongings, will respect the possessions of others, and will show concern for the proper use of school property. • Safe and appropriate conduct will be expected in the rest rooms and locker rooms. • Students will follow all directions given by any Grace School faculty or staff member. • Students will remain in authorized school areas. • Students will be on time for each class. • Items from home that create a disturbance at school, such as baseball cards and toys, should be left at home. • Profanity, cursing, and abusive language will not be tolerated. The use of such language demeans both the speaker and the community.

Academic Honesty Policy It is the goal of Grace School to provide an atmosphere in which students develop intellectually. To accomplish these goals, values are taught, learned, and practiced each day. Our school encourages academic honesty by clearly stating what we believe is academic dishonesty: • copying someone else’s homework, • giving homework to someone to be copied, • plagiarizing - using another person’s work, ideas, or a quotation as if it were one’s own, • using unauthorized notes (i.e. using a “cheat sheet” of any kind), and • giving or receiving help on a test by talking to another person or showing work to another person during the test, or talking about the test after it has been taken to someone who has not yet taken it.

• 28 • Grace School Students breaking the Academic Honesty Policy will go before the Lower School Principal.

Consequences For Inappropriate Behavior Most minor infractions are resolved with the teacher’s guidance. Apologizing to a fellow student or to an adult is an important part of discipline and often is the best solution to resolve simple conflicts.

Students who have exercised inappropriate conduct may be separated from others in a short “time-out” period in the classroom or on the playground (approximately 1 minute for each year of a child’s life, 5 minutes for a 5-year-old, for example). This allows the child to cool off and think about his/her behavior. Students who misbehave at lunch after a warning may be asked to sit in another place.

Keeping in mind the wide range of ages in Lower School, a teacher may require that a student write his/her parents a letter describing the problem and return it signed the next day. Students could have their conduct cards documented. The teacher may choose to call home with an explanation of a problem and, with the parent’s input, seek ways to resolve the issue.

It is the classroom teacher’s responsibility to provide an appropriate learning environment. Teachers, therefore, will notify parents if there are repeated classroom problems. The teacher and parent working together can usually come up with a reasonable plan to help a student get his/her behavior under control.

In the case of an in-house suspension or home suspension, parents will be notified and given cause by the Lower School Principal as soon as relevant facts have been established. Parents certainly have every right to discuss a serious discipline issue thoroughly. The Lower School Principal is always available to work with the teacher, child, and parent to ensure that a solution to a discipline problem is found.

Lower School Handbook • 29 • Special Accommodations for Children In order to best serve the needs of each child, parents are required to inform the school if/when a child has been diagnosed with a condition or impairment that may impact the child’s successful participation in our program. Food and other allergies will be recorded by the nurse and shared with the child’s teacher and the Lower School Principal.

For children whose needs cannot be adequately met, teaching staff may make recommendations for a professional evaluation. If an educational consultant or therapist needs access to a student during school hours, please make arrangements through the Lower School Principal.

Should a parent feel the need for a referral to a professional, including speech pathologist, child psychologist, child development specialist, etc. the Lower School Principal will provide a referral list upon request.

Dismissal A child may be suspended or dismissed from Grace School at the discretion of the Head of School for material violation of the School’s established principles of acceptable conduct. Grace School reserves the right to dismiss any child who is repeatedly hurtful to others and/ or destructive of property. The issue will be referred to the Lower School Principal, who will review the behavior and recommend appropriate action for serious offenses.

Campus Security/Emergencies General Campus Security To ensure the safety and well-being of each student, Grace School employs a full-time security team. The officers’ primary responsibilities are to monitor school buildings, school grounds, and car pool procedures.

All exterior doors will remain locked after 8:15 a.m. except for the Main School Office double doors located by the flagpole on the Ella Lee side of the building and the Learning Center double doors that face the courtyard. The entrances will be manned by school personnel who will check in visitors to campus, providing them with a temporary ID

• 30 • Grace School badge. Parents and visitors to campus are required to wear their ID badge or temporary ID badge indicating that they have checked in appropriately through the main office. Teachers and staff will wear their photo identification tags at all times.

Emergency Procedures Emergency procedures have been put in place to assure the safety of your children. These procedures were developed by the staff and the police officers serving the campus of Grace School. It is important that you know exactly where your children will be located for pick-up if there is an emergency. The type of emergency determines the location of pick-up. If for some reason you are unable to retrieve your children in a timely manner, the school is prepared to care for your children until you arrive.

Toxic Fumes In the case that Grace School is notified that toxic fumes are present in dangerous levels in the outdoor air, all children and staff will remain inside the building with the windows and doors closed, and the air conditioning will be turned off until the school is notified by authorities that it is safe.

Homeland Security The school has prepared for scenarios as described by the Secretary of Homeland Security. If this type of emergency takes place, the children will be moved to the gymnasium, our most secure location. The children will be released from the gymnasium only to the persons listed on the student emergency sheet.

Weather Emergency School will not open in the morning if weather conditions are determined to be dangerous. All information regarding morning closings will be posted on the school website, and families will receive a text and phone message.

If inclement weather occurs during school hours, your children will be taken to a safe location until the weather passes. In most cases, the children will return to their classrooms. We will remain open until the

Lower School Handbook • 31 • regular school day ends. However, parents/guardians may choose to pick up children before dismissal time. Only those persons designated on the emergency sheet may pick up children.

Campus Emergency In the event that Grace School experiences an emergency in the geographical area of the school, we may elect to “lock down” the campus for the children’s safety. Other emergency situations might include such events as power outages, natural gas leakage, fire, an intruder, etc. The staff will evaluate the event and may contact a person designated on the emergency sheet for pick-up.

After School Care Grace School students in the Grace After-school Program will remain in the care of the school until the emergency ends.

Counseling Services The school counseling program, directed by a licensed school counselor, serves as a support for the Grace School community. The counseling program is available to aid children and young people in mastering the educational, social, and developmental tasks essential for their healthy growth and development. Components of the program include individual student counseling, parent consultation, and community education.

Grievance Procedure If you have a concern about your child’s progress or activities, that concern should first be discussed with your child’s teacher. After this conference, if the concern remains, it is appropriate to seek an appointment with the Lower School Principal. If the above procedure is followed and the problem is not yet resolved, parents may seek an appointment with the Head of School.

• 32 • Grace School Athletics Handbook Table of Contents Philosophy 35 Team Placement Guidelines 35 Playing Time Guidelines 36 Practice Schedules 36 General Guidelines 37-38 Responsibilites of a Grace School Athletic Parent 38 Responsibilities of a Grace School Athlete 38-39 Discipline Guidelines 39 Phases of Consequences 39 Specifics on Each Sport 40-42 Fall Season 40 Winter Season 40-41 Spring Season 41-42 Greater Houston Athletic Conference 42

• 34 • Grace School Philosophy Grace School athletic programs focus on the physical and social development of the child in a competitive environment. The student athlete will acquire skills throughout the season that will allow opportunities for success during competition. Sportsmanship and camaraderie will be encouraged through the recognition of team success as well as individual accomplishments. The athletic program will enhance the student’s desire for continued involvement in sports at a higher level and create a lifelong love of sports.

The goal of Grace School Athletics is to encourage every athlete to reach his or her full potential as a player. In doing so, the coaches of Grace School will create an environment in which the student-athlete is given individual opportunities for success. The athletic program also seeks to maintain a balance between school and sports by creating practice hours and games that minimize interference with school responsibilities, thus creating a well-rounded student athlete.

Team Placement Guidelines Tryouts Tryouts are held at the beginning of each sport season. All tryouts will include a skill section with documentation of skill assessments for each athlete. Sixth and seventh graders may try out for junior varsity or varsity. Eighth graders may only try out for varsity level. Coaches will hold individual conferences with athletes to let them know the tryout results. At this time, coaches will discuss areas of strengths and weaknesses with each athlete.

Non-Cut Sports Non-cut sports will not hold tryouts but rather will evaluate each athlete’s skill level on a day-to-day basis. The coach will then provide feedback during the season to help the athlete increase his/ her skill level.

Changing Sports Students may not change sports after being selected to a team.

Lower School Handbook • 35 • Playing Time Guidelines Varsity Level Except for football, varsity teams compete in Greater Houston Athletic Conference (GHAC) Games and Tournaments. Playing time is determined by talent level, skills, practice attendance, work ethic in practice, and knowledge of the game.

The coaching staff will provide as much playing time as possible for each player but, because of the competition level, it is understood that not every player will play in every game.**

Junior Varsity Level Competes in GHAC Games and Tournaments. Playing time is determined by talent level, skills, practice attendance, work ethic in practice, and knowledge of the game.

Each player is given playing time in every game. **However, not everyone is given equal amounts of time. The only instance in which a player will not receive playing time will be for disciplinary reasons, missed practices, or conduct probation.

**The coach will determine exact playing time on teams.

Practice Guidelines Practices Teams may only practice in season. Practices are Monday through Friday outside of the school day. Designated practice times will be strictly followed.

Practice Pick-up After practices, or contests, coaches, will stay until all participants have been picked up. Fifteen minutes after the designated pick-up time, the coach will take athletes who have not yet been picked up to the Grace After-school Program (GAP). Parents are charged a fee for this additional care.

• 36 • Grace School General Guidelines Cancellations There are times when a game or practice may have to be cancelled. Coaches will notify all parents of team members (via the phone tree or e-mail) in advance of school dismissal. Grace School Athletics Facebook page, and Grace Athletics Twitter page are also updated. Coaches will also notify the front desk at the Middle School Office and the Main School Office. Coaches will remain with any players whose parents were not notified of the cancellation until 3:45 p.m., at which time the athlete will be sent to the Grace After-school Program (GAP). Parents are charged a fee for this additional care.

Away Contests The Director of Athletics arranges bus transportation to and from away contests. A coach will ride the bus with the team. Athletes will ride home on the bus or with a parent. Athletes may only ride home with another family if they have been notified prior to the contest. Coaches may not leave a student at an away contest waiting to be picked up. Parents will be expected to meet the bus upon arrival. Coaches may not drive athletes to an event or home from an event.

School Attendance Required Athletes must attend a half day of school the day of a competition in order to be eligible to participate in that day’s contest. Coaches will verify attendance.

Loss/Damage Of Uniform Coaches will keep accurate records for issuing/returning uniforms. If a student loses or damages his/her athletic uniform or school-provided equipment, he/she is responsible for replacing or paying for it. Coaches will alert the Director of Athletics in the above-mentioned cases in order to make the appropriate financial assessments.

Parent Involvement Parents are encouraged to help in keeping statistics, running the scoreboard, keeping the scorebook, etc... Parents may provide drinks and snacks for the team. The easiest way to accomplish this is by having a parent prepare a “snack schedule” for the team.

Lower School Handbook • 37 • Shared Facilities The Athletic Department of Grace School shares the fields, gymnasiums, and rooms with the Grace Presbyterian Church. On practice days, athletics will be off the fields, gymnasium, etc... by 5:15 p.m. for the Church recreational league or after-school. The Director of Athletics and GAP Director work closely to prevent conflicts with games. If a conflict arises, be courteous and contact the Director of Athletics.

Responsibilities of a Grace School Athletic Parent The responsibilities of a Grace School athlete parent include: • Attend as many games as possible. • Provide necessary transportation to and from practices and games. • Encourage your child, no matter what the score. • Show respect to child’s teammates, officials, coaches, and self. • Be prepared to help with any team needs (i.e. snacks, phone tree, etc). • Speak with a coach at an appropriate time if a concern arises.

Responsibilities of a Grace School Athlete The responsibilities of a Grace School athlete include: • Attend all classes and excel to the best of personal ability. • Maintain conduct grades of “E” or “S” by showing self-discipline at all times. • Listen to coaches. • Attend all practices, games, and team meetings. • Give 100% in practices and contests. • Compliment teammates on and off the court. • Be honest. • Set high, yet reachable goals for self and encourage teammates to reach their goals.

• 38 • Grace School • Have a positive self-image. • Show respect to teammates, teachers, coaches, the school, and self.

Discipline Guidelines A great deal is expected of each athlete at Grace School. The following is an explanation of the policies and guidelines that will be adhered to by all. For major infractions of Grace School student policies and guidelines, refer to the School Handbook.

Disrespectful Behavior The Grace School coaching staff will not tolerate behavior of any kind that is disrespectful. Each teacher, coach, teammate, and official is deserving of respect. Speak with the coach in an appropriate manner if there is a problem. If this behavior should ever become excessive or consistent, the athlete may be dismissed from practice.

Lack of Effort Grace School coaching staff cannot accept any lack of effort or concentration. The coaches and the team are counting on everyone to perform to the very best of their abilities. If this behavior should ever become excessive or consistent, the athlete may be dismissed from practice.

Unexcused Tardies and Absences to Practices and Games The Grace School coaching staff will not accept unexcused tardies or absences. Athletes must arrive at practice and games at the designated times. Excusable tardies and absences are those that the coach is informed about ahead of time, the day before when possible. Telling a teammate to tell the coach is not an acceptable practice.

Phases of Consequences First Offense: Athlete conferences with the coach. Second Offense: Athlete conferences with the coach and the Director of Athletics. The coach will contact the parents. Third Offense: Athlete conferences with the coach, Director of Athletics, and parents, with a possible dismissal from the team.

Lower School Handbook • 39 • Specifics on Each Sport Fall Season (August through October) Boys’ Football (sixth through eighth graders, non-cut) Practice begins the second week of August and will be daily Monday through Friday. The team will compete in one game per week on Thursday. Varsity and junior varsity home games are played on the campus of Grace School.

Required Equipment: • Cleats

Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country (fifth through eighth graders, non-cut) Practice begins the second week of school and will be daily Monday through Friday. It is possible that early morning practices will be scheduled. The team usually competes in one meet per week, with most meets held on Saturday. The athletes are permitted to run off campus with the coach.

Required Equipment: • Running shoes, • reflective vest (optional)

Girls’ Volleyball (sixth through eighth graders, cut) Tryouts for the two teams begin the first week of school. Practice is held daily Monday through Friday. Junior varsity practices in the morning before school, while varsity practices after school. The team usually competes in two games per week and one Saturday tournament.

Required Equipment: • Court shoes, • knee pad

Winter Season (November through January) Boy’s and Girl’s Soccer (sixth through eighth graders, non-cut) Practice begins at the end of October and will be daily after school Monday through Friday. There will be no practice during Thanksgiving

• 40 • Grace School and Christmas Holidays or mid-terms. A junior varsity (sixth/seventh) team will be added if the number of participants allow. The coach will determine the level of participation if there are two teams. The teams usually play one to two games per week.

Required Equipment: • Cleats, • shin guards, • mouth guard (optional)

Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball (sixth through eighth graders, cut) Tryouts for the four teams begin at the end of October. Junior varsirty practice Monday - Friday before school, while varsity teams practice Monday - Friday after school. There will be no practice duringThanksgiving and Christmas Holidays or mid-terms. The teams usually play two games per week and participate in tournament are Saturday.

Required Equipment: • Court shoes, • mouth guards (optional)

Spring Season (February through April) Boys’ and Girls’ Track & Field (fifth through eighth graders, non-cut) Practices will begin for the six teams the second week of February and are daily after school Monday through Friday. The teams compete in approximately five meets.

Required Equipment: • Running shoes, • spikes (optional)

Girls’ Softball (sixth through eighth graders, cut) Tryouts begin in February. Practices are held daily after school Monday through Friday. The team usually competes in two games per week and tournaments.

Lower School Handbook • 41 • Required Equipment: • Cleats, • glove, • mouth guard (optional)

Boys’ Baseball (sixth through eighth graders, cut) Tryouts begin in February. Practices are held daily after school Monday through Friday. The team usually competes in one to two games per week.

Required Equipment: • Cleats, • glove, • bat, • mouth guard (optional)

Greater Houston Athletic Conference (GHAC) Recognized Member Schools: Awty International School Logos Preparatory Academy Beren Academy Lutheran South Academy Cornerstone Christian Academy St. Mark’s Episcopal School Emery/Weiner School St. Thomas Episcopal School Fort Bend Christian Academy Trafton Academy Grace School Veritas Christian Academy Holy Spirit Episcopal School Wesley Academy Honor Roll School Westbury Christian School

Junior Varsity and Varsity teams play for a conference championship in cross country, volleyball, soccer, basketball, track, baseball, and softball.

• 42 • Grace School

Grace School 10219 Ella Lee Lane Houston, TX 77042 713-782-4421 www.graceschool.org 8/2019