Mountaintop Seventh-day Adventist Church School




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Student Handbook
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Mountaintop Seventh-day Adventist
Church School Handbook
 
Dear Parents:
 
            It is the purpose of this handbook to outline the rules, policies and procedures from which the school operates. This understanding will provide for a close working relationship with parents, teachers, School Board and students.
            It is our desire that each student will achieve academically and more importantly, will come to know Jesus Christ as his/her personal Savior.
            Please join us in prayer and helpful input for the success of our Church School program.
 
                                                                        Sincerely,
 
                                                                        School Board Chairman
 
 
SCHOOL HOURS, CLOSINGS, AND DELAYS
 
            Monday through Thursday     8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
            Friday                                      8:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
 
School closings, delays and early dismissals for hazardous road conditions will follow those of the Garrett County School System. A one-hour delay on Friday will change our hours to 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. A two-hour delay on Friday will change our hours to 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
 
The local radio stations where you may check the weather conditions are:
 
            WFRB FM 98.5, FM 105.3, AM 560
            WKHJ FM 104.5, WMSG AM 1050, WWHC 92.3
 
INTRODUCTION
 
            The first Seventh-day Adventist School opened over 100 years ago. The Adventists at that time felt that schools needed to be established so that the children of the church could pursue their academic studies in a religious environment. Their belief has spawned an educational network of more than 5,500 schools in all parts of the world. Established by the Mountaintop Seventh-day Adventist Church, our school seeks to provide its students with a high quality education within the Christian framework. Qualified personnel provide instruction for students in grades Pre-K through 12th grade.
 
PHILOSOPHY
 
            We believe that education is “The harmonious development of the physical, mental and spiritual powers. It prepares the student for the joy of service in this world and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come.” (Education, page 13)
 
OBJECTIVES
 
            The main objective our school can be summed up by the following quotation: “To restore in man the image of his Maker, to bring him back to the perfection in which he was created, to promote the development of body, mind, and soul, that the devine purpose of His creation might be realized. This was to be the work of redemption. This is the object of education – the great object of life.”  (Education, page 15)
 
Specific objectives include:
 
1.         To lead the students to a deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ.
2.         To participate in service and leadership in the home, church, school and community.
3.         To assist parents in helping their child form a noble Christian character.
4.         To encourage Christian relationships.
5.         To promote the understanding and practice of the principles of healthful living.
6.         To integrate the practical application of academic skills.
7.         To stimulate high scholarship
8.         To help each student develop a positive and appropriate self-image.
9.         To encourage maturity, self-discipline, and responsibility.
 
ACCIDENT, INJURY
 
            If a student is injured, appropriate action will be taken, parents will be notified and/or the student will be transported to the hospital, if necessary.
 
MEDICATION
 
            No internal medication, prescription or non-prescription can be dispensed by the teacher except as stated in the Conference Code Book (page 12 and 13).
 
EMERGENCY – DISASTER
 
            In the case of an emergency, the students will be kept in the school building, church, or appropriate shelter until the parents arrive. If the parents cannot come to the school, or cannot be contacted, the teacher may release the child only to the custody of a relative specified on the Emergency Form on file in the school.
 
PARENT- TEACHER CONFERENCES
 
            We believe that the parent-teacher conference is important for the welfare of each child, and for the promotion of a good understanding between the home and the school. These conferences will be scheduled two times each year (at the end of the 1st and 3rd grading periods), with the first conference in the home. Additional conferences may be scheduled by the parent or the teacher as deemed necessary.
 
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
 
1.         A student will be considered for admission to:
                        Pre-K if age 4 by September 15th
                        K if age 5 by September 15th
                        Grade 1 if age 6 by September 15th
2.         Parent and applicant interview with the teacher and School Board representative.
3.         Completed and signed Registration Form and the Registration Fee paid.
4.         Students transferring from another school will be required to present their records from the previous school, or the parents sign a consent form to allow the transfer of their records. Entrance Placement Tests (utilizing a Standard Test) may be administered to all new students for grade placement.
5.         A physical examination is required for all new students, as well as for students entering Pre-K, K, fourth, seventh, and ninth grades.
6.         Certification of State required immunizations from the family health caregiver.
7.         Emergency Information sheet completed and on file in the school office prior to the first day of classes.
8.         A thirty day probationary period from the date of entrance to school.
 
ATTENDANCE AND PROMPTNESS
 
            Parents must realize that regular attendance and punctuality are important to their child’s success in school, and that both are in State and Conference regulations.
 
1.         The only valid excuses for absence from school are sickness of the student, and attendance at the funeral of a member of the immediate family.
a.         A note to the teacher must be submitted when the student returns to school.
b.         All missed work must be satisfactorily made up as arranged with the teacher.
c.         Any assignments which are incomplete at the end of the marking period will be graded as a zero.
            d.         Any and all other absences (including suspension) are unexcused.
2.         Any combination of tardies and absences totaling six (6) times in a grading period will be referred to the School Board for review.
a.         This review may result in a School Board meeting with the teacher, parents, and child to determine what action will be taken. These actions may include detention, suspension, or additional assignments.
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
            The Mountaintop Seventh-day Adventist School operates from tuition payments, direct contributions, sponsorships, and the Worthy Student Fund. An earnest effort on the part of the school and the church has been made to keep the cost of attendance as low as possible so that all who desire may have the opportunity for a Christian education. Limited financial assistance is available.
 
1. REGISTRATION FEE is a non-refundable fee used to defray the cost of books and materials. It is due at the time of registration. There is a $50.00 reduction prior to July1st.
            a.         Pre-K – 2                     $200.00
            b.         Grade 3 – 8                 $220.00
            c.         Grade 9 – 12               $250.00
 
2. TUITION – Prior to July 1st         12 Month Plan
            a.         Pre-K – 2                     $195.00
            b.         Grade 3 – 8                 $215.00
            c.         Grade 9 – 12               $225.00
 
3. TUITION – After July 1st             10 Month Plan
            a.         Pre-K – 2                     $234.00
            b.         Grade 3 – 8                 $258.00
            c.         Grade 9 – 12               $270.00
 
            RATES FOR THE TUITION PLANS ABOVE:
            SECOND CHILD                  $20.00 reduction monthly
            THIRD CHILD                      $30.00 reduction monthly
            FOURTH CHILD                  $40.00 reduction monthly
 
NOTE: A statement of your account will be mailed by the 15th of each month. The payment is due the 1st of the following month. Any account not paid by the 1st is considered over due and will be referred to the School Board for corrective action.
 
NOTE: Any special arrangements concerning tuition payments must be approved.
 
4. WITHHOLDING OF GRADES
 
            No final grades, transcripts, or diplomas will be given until the student’s account is paid in full, or satisfactory arrangements are made with the School Treasurer.
 
INSURANCE
 
            The Mountaintop Seventh-day Adventist School Board provides each student with coverage for accidental injuries sustained while in or on school premises and while attending school sponsored activities.
 
HOT LUNCH PROGRAM
 
            Our program provides nutritional and well-balanced meals for the students throughout the year. Church members and parents are invited to participate in this vital program.
 
FIELD TRIPS
 
            Arrangements will be made for a number of field trips each year to provide enrichment and resources for the instructional program. Written authorization from the parents will be required for each field trip.
 
CURRICULUM
 
            Our school follows the criteria of the Seventh-day Adventist Department of Education (Columbia Union) in the establishment of the curriculum and course of study. Curriculum Guides, covering each subject and grade level, are available for inspection by the parents.
            Instruction is offered in the following areas:
 
            Art                               Physical Education
            Bible                            Reading
            Computer                    Science
            Language                    Social Studies
            Mathematics                Spelling
            Music 
 
ADVANCEMENT is determined by successful completion of the Course of Study, as based on the Curriculum Guide and Teacher evaluation and recommendation.
 
APPROPRIATE DRESS
 
Students are to wear clothing which is appropriate to each occasion, whether it be in the classroom, on a field trip or in other school sponsored activities.
 
Parents are to understand that their support and cooperation are essential, and that their attitude sets the tone for the student.
 
Each family is reminded that the student is a representative of, not only our school and church, but also Jesus Christ.
 
Therefore, clothing should be modest and in good taste, and should not attract attention to the wearer.
 
1. The appropriate clothing, which the family will purchase, shall consist of:
            a.   Slacks for the boys will be navy blue or khaki
b.   Shirts for the boys will be polo style either long or short sleeve, in white, navy, Kelly green, or khaki
c.   Slacks or mid-calf skirt for the girls will be navy blue or khaki
d.   Shirts for the girls will be polo style either long or short sleeve, in white, navy, Kelly green, beige, or khaki
e.   Cardigan in white, navy, or beige
f.    Belt in black or brown leather (plain)
g.   Shoes with solid toes
2.   Jewelry of any kind (i.e. rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, watches, etc.) are not permitted.
3.   Make up, colored lip gloss, and colored chap stick are not permitted.
4.   Each student will be well groomed (and clean shaven) so attention will not be drawn to self. This includes, but is not limited to, unnatural hair color, piercing or tattooing.
5.   Every student will leave the school grounds at the end of the school day in the appropriate uniform.
6.   Any student arriving at school out of uniform will not be admitted into the school.
7.   Appropriate clothing for specific outings or activities will be announced in writing by the principal.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES – STUDENT
 
1.         Students are always to be respectful to the teachers, kind and considerate of their follow students, and revere God. All students are expected to give prompt and cheerful obedience to school regulations and the directions of the teachers.
2.         The Mountaintop Seventh-day Adventist School is dedicated to the task of preparing our students for Christian service through school activities such as: visitation to nursing homes and to shut-ins; preparing food baskets for the needs; and fund raising for Disaster Relief Aid.
3.         Alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and weapons (i.e. knives, guns, fireworks) are prohibited on school grounds and during school activities off campus. Therefore, possession of any such items will result in immediate suspension.
4.         All students are to use language befitting a follower of Christ.
5.         The church has a large investment in the building, equipment, and supplies of the school. It is therefore, the responsibility of each student to share in the protection and care of this investment. Students are to have respect for the building, the supplies, the books, and materials, and should care for them properly. Marking or defacing any of the school property is an offense which will be dealt with severely.
6.         Radios, tape players, electronic devices, cell phones, etc. are not to be brought to the school.
7.         Students are responsible for on-time completion of all class work assigned by the teacher. This also applies to a student who may be absent from school on the day of the assignment.
8.         Students are not permitted to leave school grounds at any time, unless authorized in writing by the parent/guardian.
9.         Non-school books or materials are not to be brought into the school.
10.       If a student fails to meet his/her responsibilities, the following DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS may be taken:
a.         Parent contacted by phone and/or in person explaining the infraction and actions taken to correct the situation. This contact will be followed by a letter to the parents (a copy of which will be placed in the student’s file).
b.         Scheduling of a parent-teacher conference for the purpose of cooperating to help the student avoid any similar situation in the future.
c.         Notification of the School Board to review the case. The Board may then meet with the parents, child, and teacher, and may suspend the student from school for a specified period of time, not to exceed five (5) days. If the case warrants, the Board may expel the student from the school.
d.         In all cases of misbehavior, the teacher (and/or the Board) will make a written report, which will be placed in the student’s file.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES – PARENTS/GUARDIAN
 
1.         To know, uphold, and teach their child the standards, philosophy and regulations of the Mountaintop Seventh-day Adventist School.
2.         See to it that their child attends school daily, arrives on time, and is picked up promptly at the close of school each day.
3.         Provide space and time for their child to do homework. Check all homework for satisfactory completion.
4.         Sign and return report card envelopes promptly.
5.         Attend Home and School meetings, and any scheduled conferences.
6.         Arrange to confer with the teacher after school hours only.
7.         Submit, to the teacher, a doctor’s note prescribing any medication as specified in the Conference Code Book.
8.         Provide their child with the proper school supplies as requested.
9.         Meet all financial obligations to the school promptly.
10.       Schedule a meeting with the teacher to remedy conflicts, should the need arise.
11.       See that your child participates in all of the school activities, programs, functions, and make-up days. Some of these may be on Saturday.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES – PRINCIPAL/TEACHER
 
1.         To work with the local Conference Department of Education in formulating educational policies and guidelines as requested by that Department.
2.         To work with the local School Board to establish policies and procedures that will best provide a positive Christian learning atmosphere.
3.         To uphold, implement and enforce adherence to the philosophy, regulations, policies and decisions of the School Board and the Conference Education Department. To promptly report any violation to the School Board.
4.         To assist in maintaining the spiritual, scholastic, and financial integrity of the Mountaintop Seventh-day Adventist School.
5.         To maintain complete and precise records of each student’s progress, grades, attendance, health and emergency information.
6.         To notify parents when it becomes apparent that the quality of their child’s work is likely to result in an unsatisfactory grade.
7.         To provide reasonable and prudent supervision for the students entrusted to his/her care.
8.         To take appropriate action if student responsibilities are not met.
9.         To issue student progress reports prior to scheduled conferences.
 
It is expected that the principal/teacher be in complete charge of the students at all times, whether they are on school grounds or attending a school function. Therefore, it is assumed that the students will adhere to their responsibilities as outlined in this handout.
 
OUR CHURCH MISSION is to be disciples of Christ, and to make disciples of all within our sphere of influence.
 
OUR CHURCH VISION is a church without walls that:
 
            Sees all members as ministers,
            Ministers to the larger community,
            Establishes friendships,
            Extends loving care and support as we join together in following Jesus Christ.
 
 
Mailing address:
            PO Box 628
            McHenry, MD 21541
 
Street address:
            16335 Garrett Highway
            Oakland, MD
 
School phone: 301-387-9532