Policy Handbook

1. Introduction
The primary purpose of Calvary Christian School is to train each student in the knowledge of God and the Christian way of life and to give each student an excellent education. Each child receives sound and thorough instruction in a warm, personal yet disciplined Christian environment.

The teachers at Calvary Christian School recognize that they have a solemn responsibility in helping shape the lives and character of their students. Therefore, each member of our staff demonstrates a loving concern for each young person under his or her care.

This handbook is designed to outline many of the details of our school policies and operations. Please read it carefully. If you have any questions, feel free to call or stop by the school office. We'll be happy to talk with you. We think you'll be very pleased with the level of spiritual and academic excellence at Calvary Christian School.

2. Curriculum
We use the A Beka Book curriculum developed by Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, Florida, for all academic subjects in all grades, with the exception of Arithmetic for 6th-8th grades which is published by Bob Jones University Curriculum. We believe it to be the best, most comprehensive curriculum presently available for any Christian school. It is traditional in approach, has a proven track record of decades of success, and is used in thousands of Christian schools worldwide. Along with all academic subjects, Bible lessons are taught daily in an interesting narrative style with character training based on the Biblical standard and is distinctly woven throughout the program.

Art, music and physical education are taught weekly by a teacher with expertise in that particular area. Computer, drama and foreign language courses are taught periodically for selected grades. There may be additional charges for gymnasium rental, materials fees, etc. Such fees will be asked for on an individual basis. "Blanket" permission slips, (authorizing transportation to and from the library and gym each week) must be signed at the beginning of each school year.

Bible is taught daily by the classroom teacher using A Beka Book materials. Bible study is recognized as of fundamental importance and is a required subject. It augments the study of English, history, geography, and science. Without acknowledgment of Biblical truth a student cannot be considered educated. The Bible gives direction for this life and the only hope for the life to come. No other book can so enrich the minds and hearts of men as "The Book of books".

Chapel is held weekly and is conducted by the ministry of Calvary Christian Church. Guest speakers will include ministers and members of Calvary Christian as well as speakers from other churches. All such speakers are carefully screened.

Special evening or weekend activity classes may be offered from time to time throughout the school year. These are optional, and will be registered for separately. There may be a small fee for these classes which may include woodworking, crafts, clinics of various types, etc.

3. Enrollment:
Calvary Christian School is open to all students in grades kindergarten through eighth providing:

• Space is available
• All financial obligations have been met.
• The following documents have been forwarded or provided to the school:
  1. A release of all records and transcripts from the student's previous school
  2. A registration card
  3. A teacher information card
  4. An enrollment contract
  5. Current immunization record
  6. A health form (optional for grades 1-8)
• FOR KINDERGARTEN ONLY: All of the above plus:
  1. A health form to include:
    a) All current immunization data.
    b) A complete physical exam. We will accept as valid any physician signed form that has been performed within the last two years of the first day of school. This includes a form used at a child care center. Any such form may be attached to our standard form for grades 1-8.
  2. A valid, original, birth certificate (which we will photocopy immediately and return to you) showing that your child will be 5 years of age by December 1st of the upcoming school year.

During the month of March, re-enrollments for the fall term for present students are accepted on a first-come basis. In April, enrollments are opened up to the general public on the same basis.

Withdrawal Policy: Parents are free to withdraw children at any time, however, all such withdrawals must be done through official notification to the school records office. Conversely, CCS reserves the right to disenroll or expel any student for any reason at any time as determined by the principal or school board. In either case, students attending one day or more of any payment period (a period = the current month) will owe the full period's tuition. No books are to be kept by any student which has withdrawn. Book fees are not refundable.

4. Tuition
A. Tuition may be paid on either a weekly or monthly plan. You must select a plan and abide by it throughout the year. Alternation between weekly and monthly plans is not allowed.
All those who choose to pay their tuition in full by September 1, 2004, will receive a 5% discount.

Weekly-plan payments begin on the first Monday of August and are due on the Monday of each successive week through May, including vacation weeks, totaling 43 payments.
Monthly-plan payments begin on August 1, and are due on the first each successive month through May 2005, totaling 10 payments.

Registration fee:
1st Child $40/year
"Family Rate" $60/year
(2 or more children enrolled)
A registration fee is due when the registration card is filled out to enroll your child for school. The registration fee secures an opening for your student and is non-refundable and non-transferable. If there is no opening, this fee will hold a place on the waiting list and you will be notified when an opening occurs. Calvary Christian School admits students of any race, color, and national origin to all programs and activities at the school.

Book and materials fee:
Book / Material / Equipment Fee of $230.00 per student is due in two equal installments of $115.00. The first payment is due on June 1st and the second payment is due on July 1st. If we do not receive book fees by the due date we cannot guarantee book arrival. Furthermore, these book fee payments are required to continue securing a spot for your child in their respective class. This fee covers the purchase of all curriculum materials for the year. Hardbound books are ordered and kept by the school whenever possible in order to keep costs low over the long run. This fee also covers gym membership, art and music supplies. Book fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. A $20.00 late fee per week, per child will be assessed if these fees are not paid as scheduled above. Late fee not to exceed $75.00 per child. For enrollment after July 1st, this fee is due with the registration fee.

FOR 12 MONTH LATCH-KEY STUDENTS ONLY
Students in grades K-8 who attend throughout the summer and school year will have an adjusted payment schedule for the purpose of distributing payments more evenly through the entire year.

Weekly-plan payments begin on the first Monday of School, and are due on Monday of each successive week through May, including vacation weeks, totaling 39 payments. Monthly-plan payments begin on September 1, and are due on the first of each successive month through May 2005, totaling 9 payments. Payments for summer care are at the regular ROCCC rate. A separate contract must be filled out for each summer that care is needed. See the ROCCC policy book for rates and details.

Tuition in Arrears Policy: Due to the fact that we are a non-profit ministry, it is one of our primary objectives to provide the very best in educational quality at the lowest possible cost. We frankly believe we do this as well or better than any school in the area. As a result, we operate on a very slim margin and simply cannot allow accounts to become delinquent.

1. Monthly Payments: There will be a $20.00 late fee assessed to all school accounts not paid by the 5th of the month. This late fee must accompany all tuition remitted after the 5th in order for an account to be considered current. A notice will be sent after the 5th of the month notifying parents that tuition is past due. Students will not be admitted to class if payment is not received by the 15th of the month. This procedure will be followed precisely. Any other arrangements must be made in advance with the school business office.

2. Weekly Payments: Tuition is due on Monday of each week.
If payment is not received for an entire week, a notice will be sent at the beginning of the following week notifying parents that tuition is due for both current and past weeks. If both payments are not received by the end of the second week, a second notice will be sent at the beginning of the third week, and a late fee of $20.00 will be charged. Students will not be admitted to class after the 15th of the month, if the account, including the late fee, is not brought completely up-to-date by the end of the third delinquent week. Any other arrangements must be made in advance with the school business office.

Insufficient Funds Checks: All checks returned for insufficient funds will result in an extra $20.00 charge to your account in addition to any bank charges.

Family Service Program: 20 hours or $200.00
This is a required program that encourages parental involvement. Twenty hours of volunteer time per family meets this requirement. Our tuition rate includes the $200.00 volunteer fee. We will credit $10.00 per volunteer hour (up to $200.00) on May 1st, to the balance of each account. If no volunteer hours were fulfilled, there will be no credit given. Volunteer hours may be served in the areas of lunch monitors, teacher aides, field trip chaperones, kitchen assistance at Christmas or Spring concerts and other various areas. If you have a talent in a special area like art, physical education, foreign language, or computers please advise the program coordinator or Principal.

Tuition miscellaneous:
1. If you have children enrolled in both Calvary Christian School and in Royal Oak Child Care Center, the fee for your preschooler is at the 2nd child rate.

2. Please make all checks for school tuition, book fees and registration fees payable to Calvary Christian Ministries.

3. Payments can be made in person at the school office or daycare area on the lower level of the Calvary Christian Church building. You can also mail payments to:

Calvary Christian School
2203 East Eleven Mile Road
Royal Oak, MI 48067

4. All inquiries regarding accounts must be made to the school business office (248-541-4598) for your protection. The principal and faculty staff cannot discuss account information.

5. Extended School Day:
If your child (Grades K-6 only) will require child care before 8:15 A.M. and/or after 3:15 P.M. , these services can be provided by the Royal Oak Child Care Center.

Cost for service:
The cost for this service is a yearly-contracted, flat rate of $60.00 per week. Second child discounts are a flat rate of $50.00 per week. You may make monthly or weekly payments based on how many Mondays there are in each month.

1. These payments are made by a separate check, beginning on the first Monday in September and continuing through May.

2. Payments for extended care are due every week during the school year except one week during Christmas recess and one week during Easter recess. There is no prorating of days or fee credit given for any other vacation days, sick days, school-cancellation days, etc. All ROCCC charges including Extended Day charges are tuition fees and are not based on individual daily or hourly attendance. Consequently, on holiday breaks, snow days or absence, the weekly rate still applies.

3. Child care is available during Christmas and Easter breaks at the regular rates (found in the ROCCC policy book) for enrolled, extended-day students only. Please give us 2 weeks written notice if such care will be needed.

4. Child care for school cancellation days (poor weather) and all other holidays is $28.00 per day. Again, this is only available for students enrolled in our extended-day program. Advance notice is appreciated whenever possible.

ROCCC is closed on Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Memorial Day.

Extended-day enrollment:
Space is somewhat limited and must be applied for separately through ROCCC by:
1. Marking the appropriate box on the school enrollment contract and:
2. Obtaining and filling out the following forms:
a) health form (green - valid for two years from the date of exam), b) emergency card, c) enrollment contract

6. Dress Code
Our policy in this area is directed at the achievement of basic goals:

1. Modesty
2. Neatness
3. Relative uniformity (which eliminates unhealthy competition for the latest dress fads)
4. Low cost (the ability to "sale shop")
5. Convenience (the freedom to shop where it is convenient rather than mail ordering from a uniform company)

Boys in grades, K-8:

• Pants: Solid black or navy blue. Straight leg or small flare. Not tight fitting. They must be a cotton/polyester dress slack. Twill - type fabrics are acceptable. No patch pockets are allowed. A belt must be worn.
• Shirts: Light-blue or white oxford dress shirt with button- down collar. Long or short sleeve; with or without a pocket. No messages or logos of any kind are acceptable.
• Sweaters: Optional. Must be solid burgundy/maroon, navy blue, black, gray or white in color. Button-down, crew neck or V-neck are all acceptable. No messages or logos of any kind are allowed.
  

Girls in grades K-6:

• Culottes: Girls must wear culottes designed to look like a skirt. These must be black or navy blue in color. Culottes must be no shorter than 2 inches from the floor when in the kneeling position.
• Blouses: White, pink, maroon, lt. blue, and navy blue. Long or short sleeve. Basic round or pointed collars are acceptable. Must be a cotton/poly blend type material. No ruffles or lace down the front, or on the sleeves or cuffs. No messages or logos are allowed. No silky, clingy or see-through fabrics are allowed. A ribbon or scarf may be worn (optional). They must be solid navy blue, gray, burgundy or maroon.
• Sweaters: Must be solid burgundy/maroon, navy blue, black, gray or white in color. Button-down, crew or V-neck are all acceptable. No messages or logos of any kind are allowed.
• Socks or tights must be worn. White, navy, gray and burgundy are the only acceptable colors.

Girls in grades 7-8:

• Skirts: A solid navy blue or black (medium or light in color); with or without pleats. Skirts must be no shorter than 2 inches from the floor when in kneeling position. Please refer back to the dress code goals.
• Blouses: Same criteria as for girls in K-6.
• Sweaters: Same criteria as for girls in K-6.

Gym class:
Tennis shoes are required for all grades. These must be separate shoes used for indoor gym only. Soles must not have dark colors on them as they will scuff gym floors. Hi-tops are acceptable for gym ONLY. Regular tennis shoes (worn daily) are acceptable for outdoor gym. For grades 3rd- 8th, a blue or white t-shirt with no writing, and blue or black wind pants or seat pants is required. Students in 1st & 2nd grades will attend gym class but are not required to change their clothes. White gym-type socks are also required for gym. These must be brought to school in a nylon or vinyl - type gym bag. (Paper or plastic bags are not acceptable.)

General guidelines:

• Hairstyles are to be short for boys. They must be within the natural hairline. Under no circumstances are boys or girls permitted to wear hairstyles that are ultra trendy or "punk". This means no dyed hair, no "spiked" hair, and no "tails".
• Shoes: Dress shoes are preferred for wearing on a daily basis, however tennis shoes in clean, neat condition are acceptable. Sandals or open-toed shoes of any kind are not permitted. Colors of all shoes must be traditional and conservative. No high-top shoes or fluorescent colors allowed except for gym class. Boots are not acceptable classroom attire. Boots may be worn to school but the student must change into shoes once they have arrived.
• Girls in grades K-6 are not allowed to wear nylons nor makeup. Small post style earrings are allowed, ones that hang more than 1 inch from the earlobe are not permitted.
• Girls in grades 7-8 may wear nylons and a modest amount of makeup. Small post style earrings are allowed, ones that hang more than 1 inch from the earlobe are not permitted.

The staff of Calvary Christian school reserves the right at all times to make decisions regarding the acceptability of clothing, dress, etc., and reserves the right to reject any styles or clothing items they feel are not acceptable for any reason.

7. School Calendar
Yearly calendar: Our calendar is distributed yearly.
School Year 2005-2006
August 31, Wednesday               Classes begin at 8:30 (Half day until 11:30a)
September 5, Monday                  No School (Labor Day)
September 6, Tuesday                School Resumes
October 4, Tuesday                      Open House 7:00 P.M.
October 28, Friday                         Fun Night Harvest Party
November 7, Monday                    No School – Teacher Preparation Day
November 8, Tuesday                  PTM's & Report Cards go home
November 24-25, Thur, Fri           No school – Thanksgiving recess
November 28, Monday                 Classes resume
December 9, Friday                      Christmas Program
December 21, Wednesday         Christmas recess begins, (Half day until 11:30a)
January 3, Tuesday                       Classes resume
January 16, Monday                      No school – Teacher Preparation Day
January 17, Tuesday                   PTM's & Report Cards go home
February 20, Monday                   No school – President's Day
March 6, Monday                          Fall '06 enrollment open to present students
March 20, Monday                         No school – Teacher Preparation Day
March 21, Tuesday                       PTM's & Report Cards go home
April 3, Monday                              Fall '06 enrollment open to the public
April 10-13, Mon-Thurs                Spiritual Emphasis Week
April 14, Friday                              No School Spring Break Begins
April 24, Monday                           Classes resume
May 1-5, Mon – Fri                         Spirit Week
May 24, Wednesday                     Kindergarten Graduation / Spring Concert
May 25, Thursday                          No School – Teacher Report Card Day
May 26, Friday                                Last day of school (Half Day until 11:30a)
June 1, 2006                                  1st Book fee payment for 2006-07 due
July 1, 2006                                    2nd Book fee payment for 2006-07 due
August 1, 2006                              Tuition for 2006-2007 begins


*If any changes are made to this calendar, we will notify you as far in advance as possible.

Daily schedules:
The daily schedule for Monday-Friday is as follows

Begin End Kindergarten 8:30 AM 11:30 AM Grades 1-8 8:30 AM 3:00 PM

8. Arrival & Pick-up:
Arrival: Students in grades K-8 should be dropped off at the main school entrance on Minerva Avenue.

All pupils will be in classrooms, seated and ready to learn by 8:30 A.M. Students may arrive no earlier than 8:15 A.M., at which time the school doors will be open.

Extended-day students may arrive as early as 6:30 A.M. at the ROCCC entrance. Parents must sign the students in.

Pick-up: Dismissal is at 3:00 P.M. for grades 1-8, and at 11:30 A.M. for Kindergarten. Students must be picked up at the point of arrival by a parent no later than fifteen minutes after the dismissal of classes. Those remaining in the building after these times who have not enrolled for an extended school day will be charged an $12.00 late fee. Consistent lateness will necessitate mandatory extended-day enrollment. This policy will be strictly enforced.

9. Attendance:
Attendance is required for all regularly scheduled class days. In the case of absence, the parent must write a dated note to the teacher explaining the reason for the absence. This note must be sent the day the student returns from an illness or he will not be permitted to attend class. There are no excused absences except for student illness, death in the immediate family, or family vacations. When a student is marked tardy three days in a semester, a notice will be sent home to parents. After six tardies he will receive a detention or suspension. Excessive unexcused absences or tardies may result in dismissal from school. No refunds on tuition are made because of absences. Unexcused absentees will not be able to make up any work unless satisfactory arrangements were made with the teacher before the absence occurred. Any student who is absent twelve days or more per semester cannot pass the school year. In all cases of absence, except illness, the principal must be notified prior to the days of absence. The approval of the principal must be given in order for the absence to be excused. If no contact is made with the principal the absence will be considered unexcused.

10. Discipline:
Calvary Christian School expects full cooperation from both student and parent in the education of the student. A student who shows repeated behavioral problems will be required to stay after school. This is an indication that parents need to take action at home so that the teacher's time is not consumed with behavioral problems, but with academic instruction. If at any time the school feels that this cooperation is lacking, the student may be requested to transfer out. Also, if the behavior of the student indicates an uncooperative spirit, he may be requested to transfer.
Attendance at Calvary Christian School is a privilege and not a right. Students forfeit this privilege if they do not conform to the standards and ideals of work and life of Calvary Christian School.

11. Lunch:
Students in grades 1-8 will eat their lunch in their own classrooms and must bring their own lunch to school each day. Kindergartners will have a light, mid-morning snack each day, which they are responsible to bring to school. Milk may be purchased from the school at a cost of $ .25 per day if the student elects not to bring his own beverage. Individual teachers in some grades may request that students bring a nutritious snack each day. Kindergartners enrolled for an extended-day will have lunch and a beverage provided as a part of this service.
Canteen is offered to grades 1-8 during lunch and after school. Pop, various candy bars, licorice, and penny candy is available.

12. Report Cards:
Kindergarten: Report cards are sent home every twelve weeks. Every six weeks, a Parent Teacher Meeting (PTM) is held in your student's classroom.

Grades 1-8: Report cards will be sent home and PTM's held every nine weeks. Progress slips will be sent home half way through each quarter alerting the parent of the pupil's progress.

PTM's for all grades are by appointment only. Every parent is requested to attend each meeting for the benefit of his/her child. Please refer to the school calendar for exact dates.

All report cards for all grades are to be signed by parents and returned to the student's teacher the following day. It will be necessary to pay a $2.00 replacement fee for a lost report card or report slip (for all grades). Final report cards are released to students on the last day of school.

13. Homework:
Believing that homework is an integral part of the school program, each teacher is at liberty to give homework to aid the student's advance in their studies. Therefore, each student is required to complete his/her homework assignments on time.
Homework is given for several reasons:

• Reinforcement-- We believe that most students require some additional review to master material essential to their educational progress.
• Practice-- Following classroom explanation, illustration, and review of new work, homework is given so the material will be mastered.
• Remedial activity-- As instruction progresses, various weak points in a student's grasp of a subject become evident. Homework following instruction is given to overcome such difficulties.
• Special projects-- Book reports, compositions, special research assignments, and projects are some of the activities that are frequently the basis of homework attention.
• Small amounts of reading homework may be given in elementary grades. The purpose is to help students get accustomed to the idea of reading outside the classroom setting so as to encourage reading for pleasure. Additionally, it helps foster a healthy attitude toward homework on a regular basis.

We do request parents' full cooperation in seeing that the assignments are completed. Failure to complete homework will affect the student's daily grade. Repeatedly delinquent homework could result in a student's expulsion.

14. Parent/School Communication:
We are committed to an open two-way flow of constructive communication, whether it be to share a word of encouragement or a concern. With so many ways of doing things, we recognize that there may occasionally be points of disagreement on certain issues. When a difficulty arises, please direct your comments to the principal. He will be happy to talk with you and direct you to the appropriate individual if further discussion is necessary.

We ask that you refrain from sharing school concerns with friends, neighbors, or others who are not directly involved in a given matter. In this way, all matters can be discussed and agreements reached in a frank and confidential manner.

15. Severe Weather Policy:
Snow days: In case of school cancellation due to severe winter weather, you may tune your radio to WWJ, 950 AM for notification. Calvary Christian School normally closes when Royal Oak Public Schools close. Important: Students who have enrolled for extended-day service are eligible for care in the ROCCC during snow days. There is, however, an additional fee of $17.00 per day to be added to your regular extended-day fee.

Tornado: In case of a tornado, the students will be moved to designated safety areas in the school building.

Fire: Plans for safe evacuation of the building are familiar to all school staff. Fire drills are held on a regular basis to familiarize students with our procedures.

16. Student Health & Safety:
The health and safety of your young person is of major importance to us.
Illness: A student may be sent home if he appears to have symptoms of illness during the day. In such cases, he will be immediately isolated from his classmates until a parent is contacted and arrives to take the student home.

Please keep your son/daughter home if they have symptoms of a possible communicable illness. (These are usually sniffles, reddened eyes, sore throat, headache and abdominal pain accompanied by a fever.)

Accidents: Basic first aid and comfort will be given in the event of a minor injury. If necessary, parents will be notified as well as notifying your physician and/or ambulance to transport your child to the hospital.

Medication: All non-prescription medication from home must be given by the parent and cannot be brought to school by the child. If your child requires medication during school hours, you will need to stop by and personally give it to him. Teachers cannot be held responsible for carrying out these duties. This includes aspirin, etc.

Medication prescribed by a doctor may be given by ROCCC or CCS teaching staff before or after regular school hours with parental permission. However, parents must:

• Fill out a medication permission form specifying all detailed information requested.
• Supply medication to CCS (in the original container) labeled with the student's name.

17. Field Trips:
From time to time students will go on classroom or school-wide field trips. Parents will be required to fill out an individual permission slip for each trip. Additionally, there may be nominal costs associated with certain field trips. Parents will be notified of such costs in time to remit them, along with permission slips, for the trip.
Transportation for such trips will take place in a licensed, insured fifteen-passenger van owned by Calvary Temple Church. Occasionally, we may need the assistance of parents as chaperones and/or drivers. Such needs will be made known on an individual basis.

18. Miscellaneous:
Address or phone number change: Any time an address or phone number (home or work) is changed, please notify the school office and your child's teacher.

School visits: It is the desire of our staff to be of service to both parent and student. Each teacher therefore, welcomes a visit from any parent. We do urge, however, that such visits be made by definite appointment with the teacher at a convenient after-school hour. Parents are requested to stop by the office if they need to leave something for the student or teacher or if they have to pick up the student. Please do not go directly to the classroom, as this would interrupt teaching.

Lost and Found: A Lost & Found box will be placed in a classroom. Please contact the school office to reclaim a lost article. Unclaimed articles will be periodically discarded.

School assembly programs: School programs, including kindergarten graduation, will be scheduled and conducted at various intervals throughout the school year. There is a cap and gown fee for graduating kindergartners, which will be announced as graduation time approaches.

Library: Students in all grades may visit the public library where students may check out books. If a book is not returned by the due date, a fine is charged. Lost books must be paid for by the student. The CCS library is also available to be used by the students.

Sending money to school: Money should always be sent in a sealed envelope with the following information on the outside; 1. Child's Name, 2. Amount & Purpose, 3. Attention: Chris Bidwell, 4. Kindergarten students should have notes and/or envelopes pinned to their clothes.

19. Doctrinal Orientation:
Calvary Christian School holds to the doctrinal position of Calvary Christian Church. Anyone interested in obtaining a more detailed description of the doctrinal orientation of the church is warmly invited to call the office to talk with one of the staff or request a statement of faith. You are also invited to attend any of our services, as this is the best way to get to know us. There is a schedule of services posted on the front of the church building.

20. Conclusion:
We sincerely hope that this handbook has given you a good overview of the policies of our school. Please bear in mind that it is only a framework. Questions may arise from time to time for which this handbook will not give detailed answers. Please feel free to contact us at any time. We will be glad to answer your questions.
This policy book is subject to change by approval of the School Board and will be announced by a minimum of 15 days prior to the effective date. This assures that any necessary changes for the school's benefit can be accomplished without violating the policy book.