2019-2020 PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK 4401 Southern Blvd; Youngstown, OH 44512 330.788.8088 www.valleychristianschools.net Love More, Expect More, Be More CENTRAL CAMPUS 2019-2020 Parent-Student Handbook A Welcome from the School President Congratulations, and welcome to the Valley Christian School Family. Choosing the right school for your children is one of the most important decisions you will make in the life of your family. We are excited that you have chosen VCS. We have also chosen you to join us in the most unique, rewarding and purposeful educational experience in the entire Mahoning Valley. Our educational philosophy seeks to develop the mind, body and spirit of every student so they are capable of making a positive impact on their immediate circle of influence and on the community they will someday join. We believe that a child’s education is the primary responsibility of the parent/guardian and we pledge to partner with you and your faith community to help in “Training up your child in the way they should go…” (Proverbs 22:6). We believe that Christian Education is relational and is dependent upon a good working relationship with teachers, administration and parents. The points of information contained in this handbook are the guiding policies of the Valley Christian School and when understood, communicated and adhered to (to the best of our ability) will ensure a healthy relationship between school and family. Along with my administrative team, teachers and support staff I look forward to working with you in the year ahead. Sincerely, Michael A. Pecchia President 2019-2020 Parent-Student Handbook CONTENTS A Welcome from the School President STATEMENT OF FAITH PHILOSOPHY OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 2.1 Mission Statement 2.2 Vision Statement 2.3 Philosophy Statement 2.4 The Purpose of Christian Education 2.5 THINK ARRIVAL AND PICKUP ATTENDANCE POLICY 4.1 Excused Absences 4.2 Planned Absences 4.3 Unexcused Absences-Excessive Truancy 4.4 Reporting an Absence or Tardy 4.5 Tardiness to School Policy 4.6 Tardiness to Class Policy 4.7 Absence and Athletic Participation 4.8 Early Dismissal Policy 4.9 Parent’s Rights and Responsibilities 4.10 Student’s Rights and Responsibilities 4.11 Perfect Attendance CLINIC SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY 6.1 Immunizations and Exemptions 6.2 Policies 6.3 Contagious Conditions 6.4 Missing School for Illness 6.5 Student Illness while in School 6.6 Returning to School after Illness SCHOOL DRESS CODE 7.1 Dress Code 7.2 Personal Grooming 2019-2020 Parent-Student Handbook 7.3 V.C.S. Event/Banquet Dress STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT SCHOOL-WIDE DISCIPLINE & STUDENT DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM 9.1 School-Wide Discipline Supports 9.2 Progressive Discipline Policy – Overview 9.3 Leveled Behavior Matrix 9.4 Definitions of Terms 9.5 Anti-Bullying Policy STUDENT DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM DRUGS, ALCOHOL, STEROIDS WEAPONS POLICY TECHNOLOGY 13.1 Christian Philosophy of Technology 13.2 Instructional Time ELECTRONIC RESOURCES POLICY 14.1 Network 14.2 Internet Safety 14.3 Copyright 14.4 Network Security and Privacy 14.5 Disciplinary Action PERSONAL ELECTRONICS POLICY Guidelines Discipline Procedure for Personal Electronic Devices Refusal to Turn Over Devices When Requested Exclusions Nuisance and/or Hazardous Items CONFISCATION OF POSSESSIONS FAMILY COVENANT ACADEMICS 18.1 Grading Scale 18.2 President's List/ Deans’ List/Honor Roll/Honorable Mention 18.3 Student of the Quarter 18.4 Conferences 2019-2020 Parent-Student Handbook 18.5 Notification of Unsatisfactory Progress 18.6 Class Standing 18.7 Graduation Requirements 18.8 Selection of Courses 18.9 Class Change 18.10 Partial Credit Policy 18.11 Experimental Programs 18.12 Graduation 18.13 Valedictorian & Salutatorian 18.14 Transcripts 18.15 Standardized Testing 18.16 Academic Integrity 18.17 Guidance Counselor 18.18 Homework ACADEMIC PROBATION AND RETENTION PROCEDURES 19.1 Academic Probation (Grades 4-12) 19.2 Retentions (Grades 1-8) STUDENT SERVICES 20.1 Christian Philosophy 20.2 Eligibility for Services 20.3 FAPE and Due Process 20.4 Services Provided 20.5 Termination of Services 20.6 Confidentiality of Student Records 20.7 Non-discrimination Policy TITLE I SERVICES 21.1 Tutoring and Remedial Services STUDENT LIFE 22.1 VCS Student Council 22.2 VCS National Honor Society 22.3 Extra-Curricular Activities 22.4 Extracurricular Fundraising Policy 22.5 Co-Curricular Activities 2019-2020 Parent-Student Handbook 22.6 Student Council 22.7 Sports PARENTAL ORGANIZATIONS 23.1 P.T.L. 23.2 Parent Advisory Council (PAC) FACTS-SIS GENERAL INFORMATION 25.1 Books and Supplies 25.2 Chapel 25.3 Classroom Supplies 25.4 Data Notebooks 25.5 Emergency Closings 25.6 Field Trips 25.7 Fire and Safety Drills 25.8 Guidance Counselor 25.9 Homework 25.10 Homeschool Enrollment and Athletic Participation 25.11 Locks and Lockers 25.12 Lost and Found 25.13 Food Service Programs 25.14 Office Hours 25.15 Parental Communication 25.16 Pledges 25.17 Recess 25.18 School Calendar 25.19 School Pictures 25.20 SCRIP 25.21 Telephone Calls 25.22 Transportation 25.23 Tuition and Fees 25.24 Visitors 25.25 Volunteer Service 25.26 Withdrawals 2019-2020 Parent-Student Handbook 25.27 Work Release SIGNATURE PAGE Appendix A - Student Driver Registration Appendix B - Parent Involvement Opportunities & Volunteer Policy 1.0 2019-2020 Parent-Student Handbook OFFICE HOURS Monday through Friday 7:45 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. SCHOOL DAY 8:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Phone: 330.788.8088 Website: www.valleychristianschools.net 2019-2020 Parent-Student Handbook 1.0 STATEMENT OF FAITH 1. We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative, inerrant Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21). 2. We believe there is one God, eternally existent in three persons-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:1, Matthew 28:19, John 10:30). 3. We believe in the deity of Christ (John 10:33), His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:35), His sinless life (Hebrews 4: 15, 7:26), His miracles (John 2:11), His vicarious and atoning death (1 Corinthians 15:3, Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 2:9), His Resurrection (John 11:25, 1 Corinthians 15:4), His Ascension to the right hand of God (Mark 16:19), His personal return in power and glory (Acts 1:11, Revelation 19:11). 4. We believe in the absolute necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit for salvation because of the exceeding sinfulness of human nature, and that men are justified on the single ground of faith in the shed blood of Christ, and that only by God's grace and through faith alone are we saved (John 3:16–19, 5:24; Romans 3:23, 5:8–9; Ephesians 2:8–10; Titus 3:5). 5. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life, and they that are lost unto the resurrection of condemnation (John 5:28– 29). 6. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 12:12–13, Galatians 3:26–28). 7. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life (Romans 8:13–14; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19–20; Ephesians 4:30, 5:18). 8. We believe that the term marriage has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture (Genesis 2:18–25). We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other (1 Corinthians 6:18, 7:2–5; Hebrews 13:4). We believe that God's command is that there be no sexual intimacy outside of or apart from marriage between a man and a woman. 9. We believe that God wonderfully foreordained and immutably created each person as either male or female in conformity with their biological sex. These two distinct yet complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God (Genesis 1:26–27). 2.0 PHILOSOPHY OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Mission Statement Valley Christian School exists as a healthy, faith-based educational system to transform the lives of students through love, scholarship, and mission. Vision Statement Valley Christian School will be the premier provider of education in the Mahoning Valley. Philosophy Statement Valley Christian School seeks to be effective in all areas of the school experience including academics, conduct, athletics, and service. Effectiveness is passion paired with competence. Passion is unwavering enthusiasm for the subject matter, for Christian values, for teamwork, and for relationship-building. Passion is intrinsic motivation that comes from recognition of God’s purpose and calling on individual lives. Competence is the ability to design and deliver instruction that leads to learning and ultimately impacts the lives of students intellectually, behaviorally, physically, and spiritually. Both passion and competence are only possible by the empowering of the Spirit of God. Effectiveness, then, is not only an act of service, but an act of worship. Therefore, the philosophy of Valley Christian School is based on a commitment to effectiveness on all levels of institutional organization. The Purpose of Christian Education Further, distinct from other religious, parochial schools, Valley Christian School provides a trans-denominational outreach for the Christian community. At Valley Christian School Students Will: 1. Contribute to the life of the church as an integral member of the Kingdom of God 2. Live as a responsible, productive member of society 3. Succeed in school 4.