Elementary - and - Preschool Policies and Procedures - (in alphabetical order)

AFTER SCHOOL CARE

After school care for PreKindergarten through 6th grade is offered. The program hours are from 3:15 PM to 6:00 PM daily. The children will be housed in CE 30. This service is not intended to be an extension of the academic day, but is a time for relaxation and play. However, older students may opt to do homework. A snack should be sent with your child on a daily basis.

The cost is a $25.00 registration fee per child.
The daily rate for registered students is as follows:
1 child: $8.00 per day
2 children: $12.00 per day
3 children: $16.00 per day
4 children: $20.00 per day

For drop-ins, those who are not registered the daily rate is as follows:

1 child: $11.00 per day
2 children: $16.00 per day
3 children: $21.00 per day
4 children: $26.00 per day

BIRTHDAY/ UNBIRTHDAY

Celebrating a birthday or a un-birthday at school is “fun” and parents are encouraged to join in the celebration. Please keep the birthday/ un-birthday treats simple. Favors are not necessary.

Families may add to the festivities by donating a birthday gift to the classroom in honor of the child. Gifts may include a library book available for purchase in the school office, videos, cassette tapes, and CD’s, puzzles, and playground or classroom items. All are valued!

Note: Please refrain from delivering birthday party invitations and presents at school. This can cause other children to feel left out.

CHANGES IN PICK-UP

Please notify the teacher in writing of changes in pick-up. We cannot permit a child to go home with anyone other than his/her normal carpool procedure without written permission. Please notify other carpool drivers of daily changes. If a special need arises for early pick-up, please call the school office.

CHAPEL

Kindergarten through 6th grade students attend chapel on Fridays in the Toney Chapel from 9:00-9:30 a.m. The students sing and have various ministers as speakers. Parents are welcome. On staff development and standardized testing days chapel is canceled.

CHILDREN’S SAFETY

One of the highest priorities of SPCS is the safety of all children. A preschool child is never left alone while at school. Accidents can happen very quickly so everyone on staff watches diligently for potential hazards.

Every class discusses classroom and playground safety rules. Safety is also discussed with regard to the bathrooms, the halls, and the school bus during a field trip.

SPCS has a policy prohibiting smoking within the church building.

COMMUNICATION

SPCS communications to parents are handled in the following ways:

1. Classroom calendars, newsletters, special notices, and individual handwritten notes.

2. School-wide notices, the school-wide weekly newsletter, The Connector, etc. generated from the school office.

3. School office and telephone. Answering machine is available for messages.

4. Classroom links to the school website at southportpresbyterianchristianschool.org.

CONFIDENTIALITY

All information regarding children enrolled in our school is confidential and should not be discussed School problems or difficulties are expected to be kept confidential.

DISCIPLINE

Our goal is to help children learn and develop in an atmosphere of love and acceptance taught by caring, Christian teachers. Our approach in helping children maintain appropriate self-control at school is to redirect in a positive manner and use PRAISE often. We refrain from any form of physical punishment. If a child is behaving inappropriately, we utilize the following procedure:

1. Redirect behavior with firmness and kindness
2. Use “Time –Out” if necessary.
3. Try interventions, such as moving classroom seating, individual contacts, or loss of special privileges to help the student gain incentive for correcting behavior.
4. After 3 warnings to the child, the teacher contacts the parents for assistance.
5. If the same rule infraction continues, the teacher contacts the elementary principal/preschool director. If the child is sent to the administrator’s office, a Discipline Form is completed describing the problem. The administrator will discuss the infraction one-on-one with the child. Afterwards, the child and administrator will share the conversation and consequences with the classroom teacher.
6. If a child visits the elementary principal/preschool director three times for the same infraction, a letter is written by both parties to the parents. Parents must sign the letter and return it to school. A copy is kept in the child’s folder.
7. If the teacher and elementary principal/preschool director see continued lack of self-control, a formal parent conference is called. The Liaison Pastor may attend. Recommendations could be given to parents to seek outside help.
8. The SPCS School Board is informed when a discipline situation continues and is not easily resolved.
9. If SPCS cannot meet the individual needs of a child, we reserve the right to terminate a student’s placement.

When a child’s behavior jeopardizes the safety and welfare of other persons, we reserve the right to terminate a student’s enrollment or to take other appropriate action.

DRESS CODE- (see Dress Codes under Preschool or Elementary)

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

STUDENT SICKNESS/ INJURY

When a child becomes ill at school we contact parents or someone listed on the Emergency Form. The child is held in the school office until an adult comes. In the event a child is injured at school, we follow these steps:

1. Give immediate first aid and send a note home with an explanation.
2. If injury appears serious, contact parents immediately.
3. Call paramedics if necessary and provide temporary first aid.
4. In a dire emergency, transport the child via ambulance for treatment. (The Emergency Form provides the authorization for treatment.)

FIRE DRILLS

Fire drills are held at least once each month in which school is in session. Teachers teach the exit/enter procedure and STOP-DROP- ROLL.

TORNADO DRILL

Tornado drills are conducted two times per semester.

SECURITY DRILL

Security drills may be conducted several times during a school year. They will occur due to a threat of harm to students or staff and to practice the procedure.

CHEMICAL SPILL, BOMB THREAT, BIOTERROR THREAT

The police and fire department will be notified immediately. Office will inform teachers of procedure to follow once situation has been assessed. Depending on circumstances, the building may be evacuated. We have reciprocal verbal agreements with near-by facilities.

FEES

All school fees (tuition, lunch, library fees, etc.) must be current at the end of the grading period in order for any school-related documents to be released. Tuition payment two months in arrears is reason for dismissal.

FIELD TRIPS

All field trips are pre-approved by the elementary principal/ preschool director. It is our goal to have each field trip be an educational experience. The Four Year Old classes through the 6th grade take several trips each year, which enhance classroom learning.

Prior to leaving school for each field trip, every student MUST have a signed permission slip. Most field trips are taken on the church school bus. Each class takes “Emergency Forms” for every child along with the SPCS first aid kit. Students should wear SPCS tee shirts/ sweatshirts on field trips unless otherwise noted. Usually, younger siblings do not join class field trips.

FORMS (see Forms under Preschool or Elementary)

FUNDRAISERS

Fundraisers help provide SPCS with additional funds. We offer three major fundraisers per year and various other opportunities to help with collections. These events provide an opportunity for parents, families, and friends to help add materials and equipment which benefit the overall program. Parent participation is vital for success. The most popular projects are Christmas Wreaths/ Poinsettias sold in the fall, Spring Flowers sold each spring, the Silent Auction scheduled in March and the monthly Market Day. Other fundraising includes Box Tops for Education, Target Take Charge of Education, Meijer’s Community Rewards, Campbell’s Collections and Tyson A+ Project.

HOLIDAYS (See Holidays under Preschool or Elementary)

ILLNESS

Children should be fever- free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school after an illness. Please watch for symptoms of contagious diseases such as chicken pox, impetigo, lice, etc. Teachers watch for these same signs. Parents will be asked to remove their child from the classroom when staff suspects a contagious disease. The child may return with a written physician’s release.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

Severe Weather (snow, ice, etc.)

Severe weather occurs overnight:

1. Our Board Chairman and administrators assess road condition and make a decision.

2. In the event of school closing or delayed opening, announcement will be made on WISH (Channel 8 television station or check you local cable listing for Channel 8) and on WIBC (1070 AM - 93.1 FM beginning December 26) radio station. A more detailed schedule by class can be found on the school’s website at: southportpresbyterianchristianschool.org.

3. If SPCS is closed, both the A.M. and the P.M. Half-Day Kindergarten and Preschool class sessions are also cancelled.

4. If SPCS posts a two-hour delay, and “No A.M. Kindergarten/Preschool” message appears on the television screen …the A.M. Half-Day Kindergarten and the A.M. Preschool classes are cancelled and the P.M. Half-Day Kindergarten and P.M. Preschool classes will meet during normal hours.

5. If SPCS post a two-hour delay, and “ALT KG/PS Plan” message appears on the television screen…the P.M. Kindergarten and the P.M. Preschool classes are cancelled and the A.M. Kindergarten and A.M. Preschool classes will met during the regular scheduled afternoon session in place of the P.M. classes.

Severe weather occurs while school is in session:

1. SPCS Office call parents at home and at work requesting early pick-up.

2. Office personnel remain on duty until all children are gone from building.

IN- SERVICE HALF DAYS

In-service half days are set aside for staff training. Seminars, workshops, conference, and special guest speakers address educational areas. Please see the school calendar for these scheduled days.

LATE PICK-UP POLICY

Classes allow approximately 15 minutes for dismissal. Prompt arrival/pick-up ensures confidence within children and assists teachers. If a family arrives after the 15 minute pick-up time, the child will be sent to the office.

LIBRARY

The SPCS Library now houses over 4000 books. Teachers utilize hands-on resources and science materials and children visit weekly to check out books. Families may purchase library bound books in the school office for birthdays and un-birthdays throughout the school year. After reading the book to the class, the book is given to the SPCS library in honor of the child. We are most grateful to all parents who help us keep the SPCS library growing!

MEDICATIONS GIVEN AT SCHOOL

The purpose of administering medication in school is to help each student maintain an optimal state of health. Medications should be given at home whenever possible. Children cannot take medication on their own at school and medicine cannot be kept in the classrooms.

Indiana law provides that school officials may help children take medication ONLY if certain rules are followed. If these rules are not followed, school employees are not permitted to help children take medicine. The following procedures must be followed by every family:

1. Written permission (and instruction) for the student who is to receive the medication is required.

2. If the medicine requires a prescription, physician’s written orders are also required along with parent’s written permission.

3. All prescription medicine must be in the original container/package with pharmacy label and student’s name affixed. If the prescription changes, it needs to be in a new bottle with current dosage and a new medication form completed.

4. Over-the-counter (nonprescription) medication must be in the original container with written permission (and instructions) from the student’s parent/guardian each time it is to be administered at school. Over the counter medication not normally recommended for children must be accompanied by a physician’s signature.

5. Tylenol is to be provided by the parents with dosage instructions and permission for administering.

6. Only a school administrator or other employee named by the administrator may help with medications.

7. Written permission and the doctor’s order will be kept on file.

8. A parent should deliver the child’s medicine to the school office.

For preschool students, the school will not release prescription medication/asthma inhalers to children to take home. If a preschool child brings their medication daily, an adult will need to deliver and pick it up at the office. For elementary students, medication can be sent home with a student if the parent provides written permission to do so. At the end of the school year, any left over medication will need to be picked up. Medication not picked up will be discarded.

NEWSLETTERS/WEBSITE

In addition to the classroom newsletters, SPCS sends a weekly newsletter, The SPCS Connector, home to all families. Teachers contribute classroom news on a scheduled basis.

SPCS information as well as individual classroom information may be found on the SPCS website, southportpresbyterianchristianschool.org.

PARENT TEACHER FELLOWSHIP

The PTF organization is available to the preschool and elementary parents. All parents are encouraged to become involved and actively participate in PTF. Activities and projects may include Preschool Playground Get-Acquainted Day, SPCS Ice Cream Social, Preschool Gymnastics Day, Elementary Roller Skating, SPCS Spirit Night at Chic-Fil-A, Christmas Make it and Take it, Christmas Service Project, and an annual appreciation for the SPCS staff.

PARENT TRIPS

Please notify the teacher if an out-of-town (without child) trip/vacation is planned during the school year. Children may react to being left at home and extra attention at school may be helpful.

PARENT VISITATION AND VOLUNTEERS

Parent visitations encouraged throughout the school. Please be aware that the teaching staff must continue with classroom duties and are not free to have a conversation. Individual conferences may be requested at any time. Every visitor must check-in at the school office before visiting a classroom. We encourage parents to enter the rooms quietly and refrain from discussing children with teachers. We feel it is not a good policy to discuss a child within his/her hearing. We ask our own parents to refrain from bringing siblings into the classroom during school hours.

No visitor will be allowed in the school hallway unless he/she have signed in at the school office and are wearing a badge.

We ask each SPCS family to volunteer on at least one school committee. Sign-up is at orientation. Additional services may be offered anytime during the year.

PICTURES

Individual and class pictures will be taken at school during the first of the school year. A schedule for each class and proofs are sent home prior to selection and payment. The only exception is the Two’s classes. Two’s classes do not have their pictures taken as this process has been found to be disruptive to their new school routine.

PLAYGROUND RULES

It is expected that every class utilize the playground every day according to the assigned schedule. Rain, sleet, and extremely cold temperatures would be the only exceptions. Please dress your child in appropriate attire. Playground period is a valuable time for your child to be observed in an unstructured environment. If offers the staff opportunities to watch for child relationships, encourage physical activity and be available for one/on/one child-initiated conversations.

Playground rules are as follows:

1. Slide – Slide down only.
2. Climbing equipment- Gym shoes only!!! If child is wearing other shoes, student will not be allowed on equipment.
3. Swings- Sit at all times. Stop swinging before getting off.
4. Parallel Bars- Hand Use only- Sitting not allowed
5. Sticks, rocks, and mulch are not to be picked up by any child
6. Snowballs are not to be thrown within the fenced playground area.
7. Playground is for SPCS children only during school hours. If other families are using, please ask them to consider returning after school hours.
8. Balls- Allowed only in two grassy areas beyond playground surface.
9. Personal toys are not to be taken to playground

REGISTRATION

Southport Presbyterian Church members have an opportunity to register their children at SPCS during the first week of February. All current SPCS families may register during the second and third weeks of February. Returning families of children who have previously attended SPCS may register during the last week of February. The community at large may register on the first week of March. A non-refundable registration fee is paid at the time of registration. Preschool non-refundable material fees are also due at registration. Elementary non-refundable book fees are due May 1. The waiting list begins once classes fill.

SAFETY AND SECURITY PROCEDURES

Doors are monitored by security cameras. Outside doors in the education wing are locked during the school day. The door facing the playground is locked at all times.

STUDENT PLACEMENT- (See Placement under Preschool or Elementary)

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS

Every class will periodically be taught by a substitute teacher. Usually this is when a regular teacher is ill. Substitutes may also be used when a teacher has a family emergency, professional training, or personal business. Students are expected to be courteous to substitute teachers.

TEACHER/STAFF APPRECIATION

SPCS Board Policy states: “We request all SPCS parents refrain from collecting monies to be used toward teacher gifts at any time.” Families may individually choose to remember SPCS teachers any way they wish. An annual “Teacher Appreciation” offers a way to express gratitude and is sponsored by the PTF.

TEE- SHIRTS, SWEAT SHIRTS, TOTE BAGS AND BACK PACKS

SPCS requires every SPCS student to have a SPCS tote bag/back pack to facilitate sending papers to and from home. Preschool through 2nd grade use the tote bags. Third through 6th use the back packs.

To help ensure safety on field trips, the Board requires children to wear SPCS tee-shirts/sweatshirts. Items are sold at orientation and in the office.

TELEPHONE

Students and teachers are not called from the classroom to the phone except in case of an emergency. Office personnel will take a message and leave it in the teacher’s mailbox. Please arrange for after-school functions prior to leaving home each day.

If a student brings a cell phone to school, the phone must remain off and in the student’s book bag or back pack. If a student’s cell phone rings or is found outside of the student’s book bag or back pack, it will be confiscated by the office and will only be released to the parents or legal guardians of the student.

TERMINATION

If our school cannot meet the individual needs of a child, we reserve the right to terminate a student’s placement.

TOYS

Numerous kinds of developmentally appropriate equipment and materials are available in each classroom. We request that individual toys remain at home. If a child’s toy is brought to school accidentally (not for class “show and tell”), the teacher will put it up for safe keeping until the end of class. Educational items such as books, science items, etc. are welcome.

For safety reasons, please do not send any item in a glass container.

YEARBOOK

A yearbook full of wonderful pictorial memories is compiled during the year and available in May. In the fall, please reserve with pre-payment your copy of the yearbook.

To help defray the cost of the yearbook and promote your business, advertising is available.