Horizon Christian School

Horizon Christian School

Parent and Student Handbook

School Policies and Procedures
Click on a topic below to view the related section of the Parent & Student Handbook.

Welcome

Welcome to Horizon Christian School, a ministry of Horizon Christian Fellowship. Horizon Christian School (HCS) is an educational program designed primarily for the families who support our Christian vision and philosophy. We at Horizon are truly grateful that the Lord has allowed us the privilege of being partners with you in ministering to your children. We all commit much time in prayer for each school year, and we trust this will be an outstanding year of spiritual and intellectual growth for your family. If you have any questions, or if we can be of any service, please do not hesitate to call the school office. May God richly bless you in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide an education for children that is founded on the truths of God's Word, and that enables children to grow in the grace and knowledge of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We will fulfill this mission by maintaining an institution where students may obtain a quality education based on a Christian worldview and presented in an environment where Christian living is taught and practiced.

School Philosophy

Horizon Christian School exists to fulfill this stated vision:

The Lord Jesus Christ is preeminent in all things, including the school and the family. We view the child as inseparable from his or her family, and, as Holy Scripture clearly illustrates in Deuteronomy 6:7-8, we believe it is parents who are responsible for educating their children. The Christian school serves as an extension of the Christian family, supporting parents in their God-given responsibility to enable each child to develop his or her academic potential, and further reinforcing Christian principles in the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, physical, and social realms of the child's life. We desire that every child and family experience God's unconditional love in all areas of life. In addition to providing a loving spiritual environment according to I Corinthians 13:1-13, we strive to strengthen and support each child within its family unit.

Admission and Finanacial Requirements

HCS welcomes students of all races, colors, and national and ethnic origins. We do, however, specifically seek to attract families who are committed to spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth, and we reserve the right to decide, in our sole discretion, which families are making these aspirations a priority. We expect our students and their families to maintain a positive attitude toward the school, and its underlying spiritual values.

Qualifications for Admission to HCS

1. The student desires to attend HCS
2. The student exhibits exemplary grades and conduct
3. The student desires and shows willingness to follow Jesus Christ in all of life
4. The student's parents are committed to uphold the goals and policies of the school
5. The student's assessment results are favorable
6. The school's preliminary interview with parents and student is favorable

The HCS Administration may, on occasion, deny admission to a particular student, or an entire family, on the basis that admission could produce a detrimental effect on the HCS culture and testimony within the community.

Grade Placement

Horizon students are placed into specific grade levels based on several factors, including standardized test scores, past report-card grades, IEPs, professional evaluations, and assessment of the student by the Administration. Parental agreement may be required in the case of a conditional acceptance of enrollment, or a probationary enrollment. The standard age requirements for each grade follow:

• To enter 3s & 4s: The child has reached 3rd birthday and is completely potty trained.
• To enter PreK: The child’s 4th birthday occurs before January 1st to enter in the fall. The child needs to be at least 4 1/2.
• To enter K: The child’s 5th birthday occurs before August 1st
• To enter 1st: The child’s 6th birthday occurs before August 1st, or he/she has completed Kindergarten

Classroom Assignments

The Horizon administration commits fervent prayer and consideration in assigning your children to their respective teachers each new year. It is our policy not to receive requests to place your child with a specific teacher, or with specific siblings or other students.

Financial Assitance

Horizon is unable to provide regular financial assistance to our students' families, but on occasion, a benefactor will donate funds to support families in need. Please refer to the HCS Financial Policies contained in the Accounting Contract.

Accounting Questions

We invite you to contact our student-accounts manager regarding any questions about your account. She is available by phone on school days between 9:00am and 4:00pm at 317-823-2349, or by e-mail at accounts@horizonindy.org. To ensure the security of your account, payments should be mailed to the HCS Accounts Manager at 7702 Indian Lake Road, Indianapolis, IN 46236, or hand-delivered to the church office or put in the drop box outside the school office. Parents are encouraged to sign up for the automatic withdrawal of payments from your bank accounts.

Hand-carried payments will NOT be accepted at the school office. Our teachers are NOT allowed to accept payments

Schedules and Procedures

Office Hours

The HCS office is open on regular school days between 8:00am and 4:00pm.
The office closes at 1:00pm on days when classes end earlier than usual.
Summer office hours are 9:00am through 3:00pm.
The School Accountant is available on regular school days between 9:00am and 5:00pm.

School Hours

3s (T & Th) & 4s (M,W,F): 8:30am - 11:00am
Pre-K & AM Kindergarten: 8:15am - 11:45am
Full-Day Kindergarten to 6th grade: 8:15am - 3:00pm
7th grade to 11th grade: 8:10am - 3:20pm

Drop-off and Pick-up

HCS holds student safety as a top priority; toward this goal, all drivers must comply with the following policy. Students may be picked-up ONLY by parents, authorized car-pool drivers, and others whose names are listed on the Student Information Sheet. Teachers are not permitted to release students to unauthorized drivers without specific written permission.

Elementary students not enrolled in Morning Care should arrive at school no earlier than 8:00 am each morning, and must be picked-up by the end of the "pick-up-time window" - 11:15 for 3 & 4s; 12:00 for AM-Kindergarten, and 3:15 for Full Day Kindergarten through 6th grade and 3:30 for 7th through 12th. Students remaining after the window expires will be taken to the school office; parents then must enter the school office and sign-out their student(s), as well as pay a $1.00 per minute fee (as measured by a faculty member) per child, for holding each child at the office after the pick-up-time window has expired.

Junior and Senior High Students are to be picked up at the South Campus parking lot at 3:20 pm. Elementary age siblings or those sharing rides will be walked over to the South Campus to be picked up with the older students.

No student may intentionally remain at the school after school hours unless he or she is engaged in an official after-school activity, or is pre-enrolled in fee-based Extended Care. Students found on the premises and not involved in these venues will be immediately placed into Extended Care, and parents will be charged the "retention fee" of $1.00 per minute, per child. In all cases, students must be under direct adult supervision while on school grounds after hours.

For your children's safety, HCS requires drivers to limit their speed to 5mph in the parking lot and driveway. Since little ones are hard to see, use extreme caution when parking and backing-out. Use the driveway only during regular drop-off and pick-up times. We will monitor compliance in this area.

Early Pick-Up

If you need to pick up your child before the day's end, please call the office before coming. We will send someone to your child's class and have them ready for you when you arrive. All children MUST be signed out by a parent, legal guardian, or another adult whose name is on file in the office. Office personnel may accept verbal authorization from a parent if deemed necessary.

Traffic Flow

A standard traffic pattern will be enforced during drop-off and pick-up periods, to insure the safety of all children.

Parking

Parking at HCS is limited to the parking lot north of the school, and the south campus lot for both daytime and evening events. The rear parking lot is reserved for church staff and visitors. Please inform all drivers of this rule.

Telephone Use

Telephones at the school office are reserved for use by school faculty and staff. Parents and students may use a telephone only for "emergency" situations, after obtaining permission.

Leaving Phone Messages

To leave a message for your child, call the school office and the message will be delivered to your child’s classroom. To speak with your child's teacher, please leave a message and the teacher will return your call at his or her earliest convenience.

Tardiness

A tardy student is one who arrives at the classroom after 8:10am for Jr High/High School and 8:15 for K through 6th. This student disrupts the class, misses important class activities and learning, and forms a poor character habit. If tardy, the student must obtain an "Admit To Class" slip from the office before entering class. HCS strongly encourages parents to enable their children to be on time to class.

Excessive Tardiness

An "excessively tardy" student is one who arrives late to class four (4) or more times in one semester. The first three (3) "tardy events" are excused during each 9-week grading period to cover unforeseen events such as traffic, oversleeping, etc. The following consequences result from being excessively tardy:

• 4th tardy event - parents are notified by phone
• 5th tardy event - parents are notified in writing
• 6th tardy event - parents will be called to a conference with the Administration
• 7th tardy event - the child will be placed on probation, with possible later dismissal

Absences

HCS believes that a student who is absent during school hours runs the risk of impeding his or her academic progress and overall development. Even “excused” absences can adversely affect the important goals which are set for the child. Parents are strongly encouraged to support this position, and Indiana state law, in not removing a child from school except for reasons of illness, family emergency, or unavoidable circumstance.

A student will NOT be "excused" from attendance, and its related requirements unless:

• One parent calls the school office by 9:00am on the day of absence, or earlier.
• The child returning to school after an absence reports to the office for an "Admit-To-Class" slip.

Leaving the Campus

To insure the safety of your children, all students must meet their pick-up drivers at the front door, not in any other outside location (parking lot, sidewalks, etc.). Students with written permission to leave school on foot or bicycle will be dismissed as they leave the classroom. Students may NOT leave school grounds with anyone not listed on the Parent-Student Information Sheet, unless a parent calls or writes the school for an exception, stating the name, relationship, and applicable date(s) for the one picking-up the student.

Emercency Conditions: Early Dismissals and Snow Days

Emergency school closings are most often due to bad road conditions, but can also occur due to power failures, energy shortages, and temporary mechanical failures. Decisions to close school are normally made by 6:30am. When weather conditions are marginal, parents should listen to HCS voicemail, TV channels 6, 8, 13, or 59 or radio stations The Song (93.9 FM), or WIBC (1070 AM).

In the event of an unexpected school closing, a "family emergency plan" is crucial to the safe and smooth return of students to their homes. Plans should be made beforehand designating who will pick up the child(ren), at what time interval following the announcement, and who will care for them on a "snow day". Parents must keep their child’s enrollment card up-to-date with emergency telephone numbers. HCS will attempt to contact each parent promptly, but reaching every parent is not always possible.

Children should be trained at home in how to follow the "emergency plan" and responsibly cooperate with the authorities in charge. Please take a few moments to sit down with your child(ren) and go over the procedures required for an unexpected early dismissal or a "snow day".

Lunches and Snacks

"Proper habits of nutrition and diet are essential for growth and learning."

Visiting the School

HCS encourages parents to observe and participate in classroom activities. Visitations to the school must follow these guidelines to maintain a proper learning environment:

• All visitors and non-staff participants at HCS must sign the register in the school office upon arrival, and sign again at departure.
• To visit your child’s classroom for observation, you must contact the teacher or office personnel in advance to schedule a convenient time. Observations must be limited to 30 minutes, unless otherwise approved by the Administration.
• To be scheduled as a "parent helper", please see the "Classroom Participation" section of the Parental Responsibilities Statement, below.

If your child forgets a lunch or snack, article of clothing, permission slip, schoolwork, etc, please take the article to the school office and it will be delivered to your child.

Parent Helpers

Parents are encouraged to volunteer in their child(ren)'s classrooms as often as desired. Please confer with your child’s teacher to find out when he or she needs a parent helper. Remember to sign in at the office. We appreciate your support.

Sorry, infants and toddlers are not allowed to accompany you on your days of volunteer help.

Parent Opportunites

As the school continues to grow, there are more and more opportunities for parents to be involved in various school-led ministries and projects. The following areas of service can always benefit from parental assistance:

• Prayer Warriors
• Office Volunteers
• Campus Service Days
• Room Parents
• Teacher Appreciation
• Field Trip Drivers
• Library Volunteers
• Special Events
• Dinner / Auction
• Technology

Outside Prayer Support

Parents are encouraged to identify three families outside the school who will be in consistent prayer for your family throughout the school year.

Academic Standards

HCS curricula are periodically reviewed and updated by the school's faculty and administration in order to ensure the highest level of academic quality and effectiveness. We choose to present all subjects from a Christ-centered worldview so that students will grow to be balanced in the spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical areas of life. Specific goals and objectives for each grade level are available at the school office.

Specialty Classes

In addition to our core classes of reading, language, Bible, mathematics, history, and science, our students are also enrolled in several specialty classes to enhance their education at HCS.

These elementary classes include:

• Music (Grades K-6)
• Phys. Ed. (Grades 1-8)
• Computer (Grades 1-8)
• Art (Grades 1-8)
• Instrumental Music (Grades 4-7)

Spiritual Motivations

We purpose that each student will carry with him or her an awareness of God's presence throughout the daily social and academic activities. We encourage and expect their commitment to practice habits and principles from God’s word throughout the day.

Fieldtrips

We believe in the value of fieldtrips to enhance the learning process. For a student to leave on a fieldtrip, these conditions must have been met:

1. The student must have submitted to the school office a permission slip obtained from the office, signed by at least one parent or guardian.
2. The student must have made provision for his or her own expenses while away from the school, including admission fees.
3. Sufficient vehicle space must be available. The school will provide a bus or van for transportation (as available), but may need parents to provide additional car space for the trip to be conducted.
4. A sufficient number of parent-chaperones (as determined by the Administration) are available to provide supervision on each trip.

Sorry, no children other than HCS students may attend fieldtrips.

Homework

Homework plays an important role in a child's learning, and in the development of godly virtues. An HCS student may not participate in any extra-curricular activity if homework is not completed in a responsible manner.

Learning to do homework trains a student in the biblical virtue of responsibility: "Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor." (I Corinthians 3:8)

Learning to do homework trains a student in diligence in completing a task: "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Homework helps a student learn to manage time wisely: "Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16)

Doing homework teaches resourcefulness: "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings." (Proverbs 25:2)

Report Cards

Parents will receive a report card 4 times per year (nearly every 9 weeks), following each academic quarter, plus mid-quarter "progress reports." Refer to the HCS calendar for specific dates of these reports. Students are evaluated in the areas of scholastic achievement, work habits, and conduct.

Grading Scale:

Retention

Retaining a student at the present grade level neither implies a failure nor a punitive action. Its sole purpose is to enable the child to more effectively grasp the knowledge and disciplines needed for his or her success in future years. While an HCS teacher may recommend retention, the parents hold the ultimate responsibility before God to determine what is most beneficial. A child will not be retained unless the parents, teacher, and HCS Administration prayerfully agree that this action is best for the child. In addition to standard pre- and post-achievement tests, the HCS Administration may require additional testing, tutoring, for the child, before advancement is approved. Parental support of these advancement requirements is necessary for a student's re-enrollment.

Discovery Program

This intensive program is conducted by therapists trained through the National Institute for Learning Disabilities (NILD), and is designed for students with average to superior intelligence who are not performing to that level in the classroom. Students meet for two 80-minute sessions per week and have homework with their parents who receive training from the therapists. There is an extra cost for this program.

Proceedures for Student Discipline

An essential lesson for every student is how to give proper response to every authority: parents, school personnel, civil authorities, and above all, God himself. To accomplish this, HCS sets and enforces standards of personal discipline fairly, lovingly, and consistently.

Classroom discipline includes both preventative and corrective elements:

Each HCS teacher will develop his or her own guidelines for behavior, and a reward system to encourage compliance, and consequence to those who violate.

If a student chooses to act outside of the school or classroom guidelines for attitude and behavior, and beyond the scope of a teacher's plan of correction, the HCS Administration will work together with the parent(s) to host a parent/school meeting and establish a plan of action toward restoring the student.

As a matter of policy, HCS staff will document in writing each occasion that a student is sent to the school office for a behavioral offense. These documents will be kept on file for each event in which an HCS staff member meets with a student for discipline reasons.

Categories of Misconduct

Misconduct has been classified in three categories, depending on the severity of the violation:

Category I: Having been instructed by Jesus Christ not to be a stumbling block to others, Category-I offenses include "any minor disturbances which prevent classroom order and instruction," such as talking out of turn, bothering other students, failure to complete work, and disturbing the teacher during instructional periods.

Consequences: Additional work may be assigned, a loss of recess, classroom free-time, or special privileges may occur; notes and phone calls to parents may be made by the teacher, parent-teacher conferences or student-director conferences may be scheduled, and for repeated offenses, Category-II consequences may apply.

Category II: Having been instructed by Jesus Christ to remain humble and to respect those in authority over us, Category-II offenses are activities and attitudes that show a lack of respect for authority and school standards, such as cheating, foul language, fighting, or stealing. Frequent and repeated violations of Category-I offenses are treated as Category-II offenses.

Consequences: In-school suspensions, student-Administrator conferences and/or parent-Administrator conferences may occur; the student may be placed on probationary status, and for repeated offenses, Category-III consequences may apply.

Category III: Having been instructed by Jesus Christ to obey our civil governing authorities, a Category-III offense is a violation of local, state, or federal laws, such as bringing a weapon or drugs to school, vandalism, or physical attacks on others. Other Category-III offenses are activities that seriously threaten the safety of the student or his/her classmates; activities that show gross disrespect for authority or property; activities that violate Biblical moral codes or conduct; and the frequent or repeated exercise of Category-II offenses.

Consequences: Immediate suspension from school and recommendation for expulsion.

In-School Suspension

During an in-school suspension, the student will be placed in a room near the school office where the student will do the schoolwork he or she is missing at the time, or work which has been assigned by the teacher. If a child misbehaves during an in-school suspension, the suspension will be extended by an additional period on the next day. A student will not experience in-school suspension more than two hours a day. Community service within the school may be included as part of in-school suspension time.

Out-of-School Suspension

A student may be suspended for a period of one to five days at the discretion of the Administrative Team after a parent-teacher-director disciplinary conference is held. Very specific changes in attitude and action will be expected prior to re-admission. Work missed during an out-of-school suspension will be treated the same as during an unexcused absence. "Disciplinary probation" is invoked when a student is suspended "out-of-school"

Causes for a student's out-of-school suspension:

1. Continued and/or deliberate disobedience or disrespect is displayed
2. A rebellious spirit remains unchanged after much effort by the school and home
3. There remains a continued negative attitude and bad influence upon other students
4. The student fails to comply with the disciplinary actions of the school
5. The student's parents fail to obtain the recommended professional help for the student
6. The student is involved in a Category-III offense

Expulsion from School

A student’s expulsion from HCS requires the approval of the HCS Board. The Board has the authority to expel any student for non-compliance with the rules and policies of the school. The HCS Administrative Team will recommend expulsion to the Board if it becomes apparent that the school will not be able to meet the needs of a student, or when a student's behavior has not improved after proceeding through the appropriate steps of correction, or when the student is involved in a Category-III offense. Expulsion may also be recommended for unresolved academic or disciplinary problems, or failure to correct the deficiency specified in probationary admissions.

Once expulsion is recommended, the school board will act at its next meeting, and if the recommendation is sustained, will set an expulsion date. Depending on the severity of the situation, the student may be immediately suspended from school until the board makes a decision. A student expelled from HCS will receive no refund of tuition already paid.

Materials and Facilities

The materials and facilities at Horizon Christian School have been dedicated to God and to His service. Each individual is therefore responsible for what he or she has been issued. Any misuse of the school building or equipment, or lost books and materials, must be paid for by the child's parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

Emergency and Heath Procedures

The HCS office is equipped to provide limited first-aid to all students who suffer minor injuries, or who become ill, during school hours. Any student who develops a fever, or exhibits symptoms of a communicable disease, will be isolated, and a parent will be contacted and asked to pick-up the student in a timely manner.

In the event of a severe injury, a parent and/or the "emergency contact person" will be contacted, and a plan of action discussed. If the injury requires immediate transport to a medical facility, the Administration will initiate this action independent of parental consent, and all related expenses will be borne by the parent(s), per the Parent/Student Agreement form

Medications

HCS encourages all non-essential medications to be administered by parents at home, except in cases of special or serious needs. Any medications needed by a student during school hours must be brought by a parent to the school office, and the parent must sign a form authorizing school personnel to administer such medication. The school office maintains a journal of all dispensed medications.

Immunizations

All HCS students must meet current immunization standards set by the State of Indiana. These standards may be learned by contacting your physician or the Indiana State Board of Health. A student’s enrollment papers must include a signed Proof of Immunization form (stating dates of immunization, or reason for exemption), and if the student has had the German measles, a physician’s statement of health is required.

First-Grade Heath Report

Every child entering First Grade must submit a Physician"s Report, according to Indiana state law. The report must show a physical exam taken no earlier than 18 months prior to the start of First Grade, and must be on-file in the school office before the child may attend class. Forms are available at the school office to take to your doctor.

Communicable Diseases

A student having an active, communicable disease may adversely affect classmates and staff members, and is therefore not permitted to enter the school building. The student may be re-admitted to school by submitting to the school office a physician's statement that he or she is no longer disease-affected or contagious.

Head Lice

If a student is found to have head-lice and/or nits, a parent will be contacted and asked to pick up the child in a timely manner. The student may be re-admitted to school upon submission to the school office of a parent's note stating that a prescribed remedy was administered and completed, and upon passing a physical check of the scalp by the school's health official or deputy. To remain in school, the student must pass daily checks for the next 7 school days, conducted by the school health official.

Dress and Appearance Standards

Our representation of Christ to the dying world requires us to remember that our real, present lives are in Christ and His values and character, not in the expression of our self-based uniqueness and effect. Our clothing styles are to show respect for others, and the modesty that God himself exhibits. We therefore discourage parents and students from using clothing and styles of dress that attract attention or allure others to dress in a similar way. Our standards focus on freedom, limited by respect for the Kingdom of God which our school represents.

These simple scriptures are our guidelines:

Jesus taught, "Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?" (Matthew 6:25). We are not to make an emphasis or a statement by using clothing.

Ladies are called by God to a life of inward beauty, and outward modesty, to reflect the Lord.

The Apostle Peter wrote, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of fine jewelry, and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." (1 Peter 3:3-4)

The Apostle Paul wrote, "I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God." (1 Timothy 2:9)

It is inappropriate and distracting for us to follow the fashions or trends of the world.

The Apostle John wrote, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15-16)

As HCS students, specific guidelines must be adhered to, as follows:

• An HCS student must wear modest clothing, which is not too short, or too tight, or which exposes the midriff or undergarments, as this is considered alluring and unacceptable.
• An HCS student must wear clothing that does not draw undue attention to the clothing or the body wearing it. Examples include shirts with un-Christ like messages, tank tops, halter-tops, short shirts, dirty or hole-ridden jeans, and similar items.
• An HCS student must exhibit a personal appearance that reflects the humility and purpose of Kingdom-life, and not the trends, messages, and transient pursuits of the dying world. Any expression or accessories born out of counter-culture movements are averse to our identities in Christ and are not acceptable. Styles to avoid include faddish or unnaturally colored hair, excessive or unusual jewelry, body piercing, tattoos, excessive make-up, baggy pants, and similar items.
• If there is doubt whether a piece of clothing or adornment style would be appropriate, that style should probably be avoided.
• On chapel days, HCS girls must wear a dress, or skirt and blouse, and boys must wear slacks with a collared shirt.

Interpersonal Relationships and Conduct

The Lord commands us to show to others the same love which God has shown us. Paul says, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

We should look to the needs of others with a heart for serving. Paul teaches, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4)

We must have purity in mind and deed in relationships with the opposite sex. Paul writes, "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people." (Ephesians 5:3)

Based on these sound principles, the following guidelines will be maintained at the school:

Problems between students will be worked out through dialog, prayer, and forgiveness. Any physical contact or verbal attack will result in a consequence. This includes "play wrestling", "play violence" of any kind, or threats of violence or retaliation.

Boy-girl relationships must remain at the "friends with everybody" level. Since "boyfriend-girlfriend" relationships can become a distraction to all students, any "pairing" of students will be addressed by the school, and the students re-directed to group relationships.

Student Language

All language at the school should be positive, building others up instead of bringing them down.

Paul writes, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4:29)

Peter says, "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing." (1 Peter 3:9)

Swearing, sexual remarks, and innuendo have no place in a Christian's vocabulary.

There should be no obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. (Ephesians 5:4)

Gossip and backbiting are to be avoided.

A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends. (Proverbs 16:28)

Based on these sound principles, the following behaviors will not be tolerated at the school.

• Put downs, or insults of any kind
• Threats
• Sexual remarks, including innuendo or double meaning
• Profanity
• Gossip and backbiting
• Talk that stirs dissension or division
• Any of the above language followed by, "I was only kidding."

Required Student Commitments

1. Students must show reverence (respect) for the Bible.
2. Students must respect and obey all faculty and staff members as well as parent helpers.
3. Students must respect and take care of all school and church property.
4. Only items pertinent to class-directed activities may be brought to school. Toys, trading cards, magazines, sticker albums, etc., are not permitted at school without the teacher's prior approval. Cell phones, pagers, "walkmans", and hand-held games are not permitted. Parents must use discretion in allowing students to bring personal items for sharing. The school will not be responsible for the replacement or repair costs of items brought from home.
5. If a student has need of a cell phone, they MUST check it in the school office before school and pick it up at the office after school. No child is allowed to have a cell phone with them during school.
6. Students are to be courteous and orderly at all times, especially when walking in the hallways. Rowdiness and rough-housing are not permitted.
7. There will be no loitering or playing around in the restrooms.
8. Students are not permitted to chew gum in the classrooms or on the school grounds. Candy and soft drinks are not allowed, even as a part of a student's lunch. Food may only be consumed in designated areas.
9. Throwing rocks, dirt, sand, or other harmful objects is strictly forbidden.
10. Students are not to use the office telephone unless sent by a teacher or in an emergency with permission from school personnel.
11. Students are not permitted to enter any classroom or office areas unless supervised by an adult.
12. Students are not allowed to leave the school grounds for any reason without permission from the office.
13. Students are not permitted to climb onto or jump-off of any fences or railings, or any electrical or air-conditioning units.
14. Students are not to stand on or jump-off playground bars, swings, or slides.
15. Students are not permitted to play in or pull-off the leaves of plants, trees, or other shrubs.
16. Before school and during recess, children must remain on the designated, supervised playground area. Students are not permitted to linger in the hallways, outside classrooms, or in any other area outside the view of school personnel.
17. All play and school equipment must be used only in the manner for which it was designed.
18. Children are not to bring or play with their own toys before or during school hours. This includes trading cards, stickers, magazines, etc.. Please see the classroom teacher regarding show-and-tell procedures.
19. Students need to get a "Hall Pass" from the Playground Supervisor in order to leave the playground.
20. Everyone is encouraged to play games during recess times; therefore, "locked" games are not permitted.
21. When the playground supervisor blows the "FREEZE" whistle, ALL students must freeze, and wait and listen for instructions. After instructions are finished, the playground supervisor will again blow the whistle. Children then must follow directions and WALK to water fountains, bathrooms, and line up.
22. The only balls that may be KICKED are soccer balls and footballs.
23. "Deadman's Drop" and/or "Cherry Drops" are not permitted on playground equipment.
24. On the swings you may swing until someone is waiting for a turn; then count to 100 and yield to the next person. Please do not twist the swings or climb on poles.
25. No tackle games or "play fighting" are allowed on the playground.
26. Magazines and comic books should not be brought to school unless requested by the teacher.
27. Roller blading, roller skating, and skateboarding are not permitted on school grounds.
28. Pets are not permitted on school grounds without the expressed permission of a teacher or the Administrator. Prior permission must be obtained from the office before the "pet visit".
29. Name-calling, teasing, and bullying are not tolerated. Offending students will first be instructed to follow the procedure in Matthew 18 to resolve such a matter. If the problem recurs, the student involved will be subject to disciplinary action as provided in the Procedures for Student Discipline.

School Support Opportunities

Fund Raising

Limited fund-raisers are held throughout the year. Families are encouraged to participate to help the school acquire additional educational resources that would benefit our school.

Our primary fundraising event is an all-school Dinner Auction, held near the end of each school year. It’s a chance to contribute items of value, small and large, and then attend the beautiful dinner event to bid on any items you wish to have! It’s a lot of fun for all school parents, relatives, and guests.

Teacher's "Wish List"

Parents often wish to express their appreciation for their child(ren)'s teacher(s) in the form of a gift. At the beginning of each year the teachers fill out a wish list of teaching items he or she might like for their own personal use. The Room Parent keeps track of those items purchased and those still open on the list. If it is your desire to bless a teacher in this way you may get ideas from the Room Parent.

Parental Responsibilites

Parental Responsibility Statement

Horizon Christian School (HCS) is founded on the Biblical principle that parents, not the school, are responsible to God to train up their children. The faculty and staff of HCS desire to come alongside parents to help them in fulfilling their God-given responsibilities. The school is to be an extension of the Christian home, reinforcing moral and ethical standards in the light of God's Word. As you seek the Lord's will for a school that will best meet your family's needs, please consider the following areas of involvement that we encourage for all parents of elementary students.

Parent Orientation

An evening parent meeting is held one week prior to the beginning of the school year. This meeting is extremely important for our parents, and at least one parent from each family is expected to attend.

Parent Conferences

Communication is one of the keys to effective education. Parent participation helps you, as a parent, to keep the lines of communication open. Conferences are scheduled in October. At least one parent per family needs to attend. Please refer to your school calendar for specific dates and times. More notice and information regarding the conference will be sent home with your child at a later date.

Classroom Participation

Parents have commented that this experience has been the greatest insight to fully understanding their children. Parents present in the classroom and out on the playground gain first-hand observation of their child(ren)'s educational and interpersonal relationships. While parental participation is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended that at least one parent per family regularly assist as "Parent Helpers" in their child(ren)'s classrooms.

Family Tasks (Homework)

Your responsibility is to provide a home environment where your child can study, and provide encouragement to complete assignments correctly (and when possible, independently).

Conflict Resolution

The Biblical principle of Matthew 18:17 is to be applied in every situation of conflict or concern. If a situation arises between you and another parent, a teacher, or staff member, you must first attempt to resolve it with that person before going to the Administration. If it is not able to be resolved, then please schedule an appointment to meet with the Administrator as soon as possible. Parents, teachers and administrators must adhere to this principle,

"...in an effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3b)

Parent Pledge

This pledge will be a signed agreement that you, as parents, understand and adhere to your commitment to Horizon Christian School. If at any time you or the school feel that you can no longer uphold this pledge, we will help you locate an alternative school for your child(ren).

Affirmation

Horizon Christian School's educational mission involves working with parents in the overall Christian education process. On occasion this cooperation between school and parent may become strained. To reduce such tension, the school requires that parents who are enrolling or re-enrolling their children act to affirmatively support and cooperate with the school.

"As a parent... agree to support the school with my prayers and with a positive attitude. Complaints or negative comments will be shared only with the teacher, administrator, or person involved and not with my child or other people, following the Matthew 18 principle.

I understand that, if at any time, the school determines that my actions do not support the ministry or reflect a lack of cooperation and commitment to the home and school working together, the school has the right to request the withdrawal of my child(ren).

I (we) know it is my (our) responsibility to read the Parent-Student Handbook that is provided to me (us)."

• Return to Site Map
• Back to Main Site