2023-2024 Parent Handbook
School Foundations and Organization
MISSION
Our mission is to partner with Christian parents to equip their children to serve God in His world by providing a Christ-centered, academically excellent education.
OPERATIONS
Covenant Christian School (CCS) is a private, multi denominational school for preschool, elementary and middle school children. It is owned and operated by the Covenant Christian School Association, which is composed of the parents of CCS students and supporters who agree with our mission, philosophy, and goals. The Association meets annually to elect a School Board that governs the school by developing policy, hiring staff, determining an operating budget, and establishing the cost of tuition.
Covenant Christian is a parent run school which means association members nominate and elect a select group of parents to serve on the school board to make important decisions while supporting the school as a whole.
CCS is accredited by the State of Indiana and participates in IREAD3 & ILEARN testing. CCS is also a member of Christian Schools International (CSI). CSI is a service organization providing help and leadership to more than 500 schools. The organization coordinates and channels individual school efforts and resources into a strong unified program.
ADMISSIONS/ENROLLMENT
Association membership is granted to all parents and guardians who are able to assent in writing to the Statements of Intention and Statements of Faith (located on the Application for Admission form). As a voting member of the Association, parents are eligible for nomination to CCS’s School Board of directors and committees.
At least one parent must be a Christian as stated in our mission statement.
Private schools are schools of choice. CCS is a private school with the right to refuse or dismiss any student/family. Any parent who wishes to have a Christian education for his/her child agrees that the parent and child will abide by the policies and regulations of the school. If policies and/or regulations are not adhered to, the child may be asked to leave the school by the administration at any academic level.
Enrollment
Preschool students must be age four by September 1st of the year of enrollment.
Kindergarten students must be five years old by September 1st of the year of enrollment.
CCS reserves the right to place students at the most appropriate grade level that is in the best interest of the student.
New Students
Students in 1st through 8th grade will require academic records from previous schools. Acceptance and grade placement decisions will be made upon review of the student’s academic records as well as in-house placement testing. CCS reserves the right to place students at the most appropriate grade level.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following fees are due at the time of enrollment, are non-refundable and are considered over and above the cost of tuition.
Registration Fee
PS-8th Enrollment: $125.00 per child
Student Activity Fee (K-8)
A non-refundable student activity fee will be collected with tuition to cover the cost of class field trips, parties, and other special events. The fee rates are published annually and distributed with enrollment materials.
Tuition
Tuition rates for the upcoming school year are published annually and distributed with enrollment materials.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Parent participation is expected.
The values that are taught at home and church are reaffirmed and supported at CCS. At CCS, parents play a vital role in the educational process as volunteers at school, serving on committees that directly affect the operation of our school, and as prayer partners with teachers, the administrator, and the School Board. Parental participation enhances the experience of Covenant students and the effectiveness of the school. Parents can become involved in the following ways:
Volunteering in the classroom
Assisting with projects, fundraisers, work days, and social events
Serving on a committee or task force (i.e., Building & Grounds, Fun and Fellowship)
Participating in fundraisers
Serving on the School Board (through nomination only; three-year term expected)
All parents are expected to indicate areas where they are willing and/or able to serve. It is the school’s expectation that each family contributes 10 hours of volunteer time each school year (+/- 1 hour/month).
Educational Program
ACADEMIC STANDARDS
The students, parents, and teachers at CCS have very high expectations of each other. The students, aided by the teaching staff, are expected to pass all classes at the conclusion of the academic year. Special considerations and modifications are made for students depending upon their individual needs and their curricular strengths. Every effort is made to provide the academic support needed for a successful classroom experience for all students.
ASSESSMENT PRACTICES AND STANDARDIZED TESTING
Individual teachers are responsible for ongoing assessment of student skills in the classroom. They use a combination of written, oral, demonstration, project-driven and informal assessment strategies to create a complete picture of your child’s academic performance. In traditional and Spanish classrooms the K-5 teachers use Raz-Kids Plus and 3-8 ALEKS.
In addition to the ongoing classroom assessment practices, CCS administers ILEARN each spring to students in grades 3 through 8. Third graders also take IREAD. These tests are used to assess individual grade level and overall school performance.
CHAPEL
Chapels are held once a week. They are led by staff members, with the assistance of students and/or invited speakers from area churches or other organizations.
FIELD TRIPS
Educational trips are coordinated and planned by classroom teachers. Teachers provide parents with written notification or permission slips for all field trips. These must be signed and returned in order for the student to participate. Participation is expected as field trips are considered a part of the curriculum.
Parents are asked to help by transporting children and acting as chaperones as they are able. All children in any vehicle will be properly restrained. Parents who desire to participate in field trips must have a completed background check on file in the office before the event.
Students participating in field trips are expected to be polite and courteous, a positive reflection on themselves and the school.
HOMEWORK
Homework is an important factor in the learning process. Homework should be reflective of classwork that has already been taught. Classroom teachers will assign homework based on the age and needs of the student. Individual classroom teachers have the responsibility for developing a homework policy and for clearly communicating procedures to students and parents. In most cases, homework will include Bible memory work, daily shared or independent reading time, practice activities for math or spelling, special reports, or unfinished classroom assignments. Questions regarding the nature of homework should be directed to the classroom teacher. Students will have as many days as they were ill to make up classwork.
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
These mandatory conferences are held in the fall AND the spring. It is required that at least one parent attend each conference. Conferences are designed as a time for teachers to inform parents of a student’s progress, successes, and areas of difficulty. Parents are also given the opportunity to express any questions or concerns they may have regarding their child’s education. Conferences are scheduled for a 15 minute block of time. Should you have questions or concerns at any time throughout the year, contact the teacher to arrange an additional conference.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
All parent volunteers and field trip drivers must have a background check on file in the office. Anyone with a sexually related conviction will not be allowed to have contact with students. Persons with a drug, alcohol, or any other felony conviction within 10 years will not be allowed to drive on field trips.
REPORT CARDS/GRADING
Report cards are distributed at the end of each quarter in grades K through 8 via our Students Information System, Jupiter. Students in grades K-1 are graded using a number scale. Students in 2-8 are graded with letter grades.
SPORTS ELIGIBILITY
Students need to keep a C average or above in each class in order to participate in sports or other extracurricular activities. To be eligible for the next quarter a C or above is needed for the prior quarter.
SCHOOL RECORDS
Each student enrolled at CCS shall have a permanent record that includes birth certificate, home language survey, academic grades, health records, standardized test scores, various evidence of skills and attendance records. All records are confidential.
SERVICE PROJECTS
The goal of any service project is to teach the concept of Christian service. Various service projects are held throughout the year on either a school-wide or individual classroom basis. These projects may include the donation of food, clothing, or other items; fundraising; and volunteering services. Projects may be required or optional depending on the scope and nature of the project.
Personal/Safety
COLD WEATHER POLICY
Recess is more thoroughly enjoyed when students are properly dressed. Heavy jackets or coats, snow pants, boots in wet or snowy weather, hats, and gloves or mittens are essential items for winter recess activities. Outdoor shoes or boots are required for recess in the spring and fall. Parents are responsible for providing this attire for their children. All clothing and personal items should be marked with the student’s name.
Teachers and the administrator are responsible for making decisions about outdoor or indoor play. Factors include the temperature, wind chill, and length of time outdoors. Students will go outside when the wind chill temperature is 0 and above.
DRESS CODE FOR KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 8TH GRADE
We believe uniforms promote intellectual and spiritual growth in a safe non-competitive environment. Uniforms help to reinforce our standards and provide a positive academic atmosphere during the school day. We expect parent/guardian support of the uniform dress code, which is enforced by the administrator, faculty and staff. Clothing should not be a distraction to other students in the classroom. The classroom teacher has the right to veto dress he/she finds distracting to the educational process. CCS expects and will uphold a community in which dress and behavior are in keeping with one’s sex at birth (Deuteronomy 22:5).
BOTTOMS
Solid navy blue or khaki pants (must be worn at the waist) in good repair. Corduroy, capris or chino styles are also acceptable. Solid navy blue or khaki skirts, skorts or jumpers (must be at fingertip length or longer). No denim of any color may be worn, unless it is Spirit Wear day. Shorts must be worn at the waist, fingertip length or longer. Solid colored leggings (navy blue or khaki) may be worn under or with dresses, skirts and skorts. They are not to be worn as pants by themselves.
TOPS
Plain white, gray, red, or any shade of blue (no denim) may be worn. Must have long or short sleeves, collared shirt. May wear only plain uniform colored shirts underneath a uniform top. They may not have any lace or sequins on them. Shirts must be solid with no logos. Shirts must be buttoned modestly.
SWEATERS
Solid navy blue, red, white or light blue sweaters may be worn if there is a collared, uniform shirt underneath. Sweaters may include: crew neck, v-neck, vest, pullover or cardigan style. (No logos, no hoodies.) Sweatshirts and fleece may be worn in the classroom if they follow the same standards.
SHOES
Dress shoes or athletic shoes must be in good condition. Sandals with a heel strap are acceptable. Shoes may have no more than a 2” heel. No flip flops, crocs or clogs. Dress boots are acceptable with skirts or jumpers only if you have outdoor boots too.
FRIDAYS/SPIRIT DAYS
On Fridays or the last day of the school week, students may wear Covenant Christian spirit wear with jeans or a normal uniform. Hoodies are allowed. Jeans may not have a ragged appearance (tears or holes).
ACCESSORIES
Belts may not hang down more than 4” from the waist. They must be simple and plain. Jewelry must be tasteful and not excessive. Males may not wear earrings. Females may not wear more than two earrings per ear. No piercings in conspicuous locations. Tongue piercing is not permitted. Excessive make-up and fake fingernails are not allowed. Hair must be neatly groomed at all times. It may not be excessive in design or coloring, cause a distraction or present a ragged, unkempt or extreme appearance.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION WEAR
All students must have a pair of gym shoes in his/her locker at all times. For their safety, students may not participate in PE without the appropriate shoes. These shoes may also be used as indoor shoes.
Middle School students are expected to have black, fingertip length shorts and a loose fitting CCS spirit wear shirt or a solid color shirt to change into for class.
Disciplinary Policy
As Covenant Christian prides ourselves in academic excellence, we strive to partner with our parents to develop our students into outstanding, Christian citizens of our community by upholding high behavior expectations as well at CCS.
Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS)
Covenant Christian implements a Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) system of school-wide behavior expectations. The main focus of School-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is to provide proactive and effective behavioral support for students at the universal level. This means that we teach students desired, Christ-like behaviors and school wide and classroom expectations. Students are expected to follow the behaviors and expectations that teachers teach, model, acknowledge, provide feedback, and reteach daily. Students have the opportunity to earn school wide and classroom rewards throughout the school day by demonstrating our school-wide SOAR Guidelines for Success, school-wide expectations, and classroom expectations. When students don’t respond positively, teachers will respond, intervene and follow the school’s discipline plan for minor and major behavior infractions. Other than safety, our main priority is to protect our learning environment. Please see the SOAR Guidelines for Success and behavioral supports below.:
SCHOOL-WIDE Guidelines for Success
(English)
Safe
Organized
Accountable
Respectful
(Spanish)
Seguruo
Organizado
Adminstrador
Respetuoso
Covenant Christian Behavioral Supports:
Classroom Expectations
School Wide Common Area Expectations
Soaring for Christ Monthly Character Recognition and Reward
Jesus tokens for classroom jars of compliments
Monthly Rewards:
Students that do not receive a major referral may be able to earn the PBIS School Wide Reward as we will have 1 class winner, based on our monthly Christian characteristics.
Nine Week Reward:
The class that earns the most “Jesus tokens” as a whole will be rewarded with an activity.
In addition to our Positive Behavior System, we have consequences for poor behavior choices. Behaviors will be handled in the following steps:
A warning will be given
1:1 conversation between the student and the teacher will be had
A call home for parental involvement
In school suspension
Out of school suspension
Expulsion
These steps are subject to change as administration deems necessary. Extreme behaviors will escalate the progression of consequences.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION CARDS
All students must have a completed emergency information card before attending school. Parents are responsible for updating the office AND notifying the office of any changes to this information which occur during the school year such as change of address, phone numbers, medications, allergies, and/or medical information.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS AND DELAYS
CCS will make its own decisions for weather related closings. Closings prior to the beginning of the school day are announced on various local television stations – WNDU, ABC57 and WSBT. Stations are notified as soon as a closing or delay is determined. Decisions are based on road conditions and the forecast. Student safety is the primary factor in making this decision. If the school is open and you do not feel safe driving, please notify the office.
If for any reason (snow, severe weather) a decision is made to close the school during the school day, local television stations will be alerted. In addition, school families will be notified via ClassDojo, email and phone from school. Home and work numbers will be called first, followed by emergency numbers. If no one can be reached, it is possible that your child will be sent home with a person listed on your emergency information card.
FIRE/TORNADO DRILLS/LOCKDOWN DRILLS
Fire, tornado, and lockdown drills will be conducted throughout the year to ensure students and teachers are familiar with the procedures in case of an actual threat.
FIRST AID AND ILLNESS
When your child is absent due to illness, parents must call the school office at 255-5972 or email: info@covenantchristian.school by 8:30 a.m. If the absence is not reported, school personnel will call home to confirm the absence.
If a student requires more than basic first aid, CCS will call for emergency medical assistance.
If your child becomes ill while at school, the office staff will attempt to call a parent first and then the names given on the student’s emergency information card.
Students and staff will be required to be fever free for 24 hours without use of fever reducing medication before returning to school.
If your child has vomited or had diarrhea, the child should also stay home until 24 hours after the last episode.
If your child has any rash, check with your family physician before sending the child to school.
All communicable conditions (such as Covid-19, influenza, chicken pox, strep throat, pink eye, head lice, etc.) should be reported to the school office.
FOOD AND LUNCH
Parents wishing to bring food or treats in for a student’s birthday celebration or other event should contact the classroom teacher for any allergies or medical conditions and follow the guidelines set by the teacher.
Students need to bring a packed lunch daily. We ask that parents refrain from bringing in fast food. Good nutrition contributes greatly to the learning process. We encourage parents to send balanced lunches and snacks for their children.
All students should bring lunch daily. If a student forgets a lunch and parents are not able to bring one, families will be charged $5 up to five lunches. After that, the price will increase to $10.
Fast food delivery services will NOT be allowed for several reasons, the most important being our school’s safety.
HEALTH AND MEDICAL
Children entering CCS for the first time, regardless of the grade level, must have a medical examination prior to the opening of school. Immunization records according to state requirements must be on file before a child attends school.
If your child has any allergies, this should be reported to the office AND classroom teacher.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Each student is required by law to have up to date immunizations or have an authorized waiver before attending CCS. For the safety of all students and in accordance with state law, students whose parents do not provide the required documentation within the first week of the opening day of the school year will not be admitted to school. Any questions about immunizations or waivers should be directed to the principal.
MEDICATION
If possible, medication should be scheduled to be taken at home and not at school. For medication taken during school hours, the following guidelines must be met.
1. Non-prescription (over-the-counter) medication must be in the original
(manufacturer) container with the ingredients listed on the label and the student’s name
affixed to the container. A written and dated permission is required from the
parent/guardian to give the medication at school including the reason the student is
taking the medication, time to be given, and the amount to be taken.
2. Prescription medication must be in the original container with the pharmacy label attached including the physician's name, student’s name, medication name, strength, and the time medication is to be given. Written and dated permission is required from the parent/guardian to give medication at school.
3. Long-term medication that must be given at school must also have the information. In addition, a written and dated permission or a medication authorization form must be signed and completed by the physician prescribing the medication. Permission for long-term medication must be renewed each year. Changes in medication must be documented by written authorization from the physician.
4. Dispensing of medication for chronic conditions:
a) Student’s parent has filed an authorization with the administration for the office to possess and administer or monitor the self-administration of the medication (i.e., Asthma inhaler, EPI-PEN). The authorization must include the statement described in subsection 2.
b) A Physician states in writing that:
i) the student has an acute or chronic disease or medical condition for which the physician has prescribed the medication;
ii) the student has been instructed in how to self administer medications; and
iii) the nature of the disease or medical condition requires emergency administration of the medication.
The authorization and statement described in subsection A, must be filled out annually. Your doctor may email this information to the school at info@covenantchristian.school or anoakes@covenantchristian.school.
5. Medication in plastic bags, boxes, or envelopes cannot and will not be accepted or administered at school.
6. All medication must be dropped off by a parent and will be kept in the school office.
7. No medication will be administered that has not been provided by the parent.
8. It is the student’s responsibility to come to the office when it is time to take medications. For younger children, please remind the child’s teacher when it is to be given.
9. The parent is responsible at the end of the treatment for removing any unused medication from school. Medication not picked up by the end of the school year will be discarded.
10. Medication pick up: Medication that is being held by the administration for dispensing during the school hours will only be released to:
i) The student’s parent or guardian; or
ii) An individual who is: a) at least eighteen (18) years of age:
and b) designated in writing by the student’s parent to receive the medication.
RECESS
In order for students to stay in for recess, a note must be written by a doctor. The note should state why it is necessary for the child to stay inside for a specific limited time. Students will remain in their classroom supervised by their teacher. Please note the policy on temperature and proper outside attire in the Cold Weather Policy section.
RESPECTFUL ACTIONS AND ENVIRONMENT
Eph. 4:2-3 “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Gal. 5:13-15 “You my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”
CCS intends to provide all of its staff and students an environment that is free from offensive kinds of behavior, free from aggressive behavior including fighting or harm to others and that is a safe place to learn.
CCS does not condone or allow harassment/bullying of others by anyone in the facilities. Any person who believes he or she has been subjected to harassment/bullying should report it immediately. Students may report an incident to a teacher or administrator. Each report will be given serious consideration and be investigated thoroughly. The administrator and teachers have set procedures to follow when such incidents of harassment/bullying are reported.
Any person who is determined to have violated this policy will be subject to corrective action and discipline of suspension or expulsion.
WEAPONS/ AGGRESSION
Weapons and other dangerous objects — including but not limited to firearms, explosives, and knives — are not to be brought on school property or be present at any school function. CCS is a gun free zone with the exception of an Armed Response Team member. This includes toys or “look-alike” weapons.
A student found in possession of such items will be suspended for a length of time determined by the school administrator. Any student in possession of a firearm will be suspended immediately and recommended for expulsion. Law enforcement or juvenile authorities will also be notified of any student in possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon.
Any student who threatens another person on school property with any object that resembles a dangerous weapon, or displays any object in such a manner as to reasonably place another in fear of his or her safety, will also be subject to disciplinary measures.
Pushing, hitting, kicking, etc. are acts of aggression that will not be tolerated at CCS. Parents will be contacted if aggressive behavior results in an injury to another child or if the aggression does not cease after correction. If aggressive behavior continues or is extreme, suspension will be considered.
ARMED RESPONSE TEAM (ART)
Covenant Christian School is an educational institution with the primary objective to provide a secure environment where effective teaching and learning can take place free from unpredictable distractions. Throughout the year, parents are entrusting that CCS staff is taking care of their children during the school day, and we take that role seriously. Students cannot learn effectively in school if they do not feel safe physically or emotionally. Part of instilling a sense of safety in the school community, is by providing security training for both staff and students. An additional component for providing security is by being able to, if necessary, physically defend students from an intruder. CCS has an obligation to take precautions allowing us to be wise with the lives of both staff and students. Only board approved, qualified, trained, hand-picked personnel will be armed with firearms to guard against threat at CCS. The official list of approved ART members will be kept confidential from students and the general public at all times. Only staff, board members and law enforcement will have access to this list. Weapons carried by an ART member will remain concealed at all times.
SECLUSION AND RESTRAINT PLAN
CCS believes a safe and healthy environment should be provided in which all children can learn, develop, and participate in instructional programs that promote high levels of academic achievement. State law requires that our school have a Seclusion and Restraint Plan. The purpose of the plan is to ensure that all students and staff are safe in school, and that students who may have behavior crises are free from inappropriate use of seclusion or restraint.
STATEMENT ON BIBLICAL SEXUALITY
We believe that Scripture teaches explicitly and implicitly that God intends for human sexuality to be expressed within the bond of the marriage covenant between one man—born male—and one woman—born female (Gen. 2:22–24; 1 Cor. 7:10–11; Eph. 5:22–33). God’s loving intent for human sexuality can be rightly enjoyed only in the context of this covenantal union (Gen. 2:22–24; Rom. 7:2–3). In contrast, we believe that God has prohibited all forms of sexual intercourse and expression outside of this form of marriage and all kinds of adultery or unfaithfulness within it (Exod. 20:14; 1 Cor. 7:9). This means that we believe that any and all expressions of homosexuality, bisexuality, incest, fornication, adultery, pornography, and bestiality, are distortions of God’s revealed will and purpose for human sexuality (Lev. 18:1–30; Rom. 1:24–27; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9–10, 18–20; Eph. 5:3; Heb. 13:4). Any attempt to act on homosexual desires and temptations or to alter one’s biological sex by surgery or appearance violates God’s will (Gen. 2:22–24; 19:5; 13; Lev. 18:1–30; Rom. 1:24-27; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9–10, 18–20; Heb. 13:4; 1 Thess. 4:1–8). For this reason, CCS desires, expects, and will uphold a community in which dress and behavior are in keeping with one’s sex at birth.
At CCS, boys/men will use the boys’/men’s bathroom and girls/ladies will use the girls’/ladies’ bathrooms. This includes all students, parents, visitors, staff, and guests.
CCS strives to provide an environment marked by speech and behavior that is consistent with biblical teaching, Christian tradition, and the principles of our Biblical Lifestyle Covenant. CCS’s Biblical Lifestyle Covenant (available for review upon request) is an agreement signed by all staff, faculty, and board members to maintain and to uphold certain Christian moral principles in the classroom, in their personal lives, and in any public statements (e.g., social media). CCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, skin color, birth sex, age, disability, or national origin; however, CCS reserves the right to refuse applicant admission or to discontinue enrollment of students and/or families who do not support CCS’s mission and policies.
Our prayer is that those who violate God's will for human sexuality will, through repentance, find the grace of Christ, God's forgiveness, and restoration to a right relationship with Christ, the single way, truth and life, who reconciles us with God our Creator.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
The use or possession of tobacco, alcohol, or any other controlled substance by a student during the school day or at school functions will result in immediate school suspension for a length of time determined by the administrator. Repeated offenses will be brought to the attention of the School Board for further action.
SOLVING PROBLEMS AND ADDRESSING CONCERNS
Open communication between parents and teachers is very important and the responsibility of both parties. If parents have any questions or problems concerning general school policy, they should first contact the classroom teacher. If the concern is not handled properly, then contact the school administrator to discuss.
Parents who apply to have their children at Covenant Christian School are expected to live a lifestyle consistent with their Christian belief and in accordance with the Statement of Intention and Statement of Faith signed at enrollment. Parents and students should work with the school to resolve issues and not escalate the situation through gossip, for example, using social media to escalate an issue.
Behaviors of parents that are inconsistent with these commitments - including but not limited to stirring up strife, encouraging a distrust of the board or administration among the community, gossiping, false accusations, not following the chain of command with complaints (teacher -> administrator -> School Board) - will be denied admission or may have their enrollment revoked and their children removed from the school. Covenant Christian School reserves the right to dismiss any student who does not respect the spiritual standards of the school or does not cooperate in the educational process.
The administration is required to always keep a written communication record of any incidents that arise between a student and teacher or staff member, between a family member and teacher/staff or between families which cause negative outcomes and require intervention by said administrator. This can be in the form of an email sent to the family reviewing the situation and any verbal dialogue that may have already occurred. The following steps will be followed: initial warning with board notification, second warning, dismissal.
In the spirit of Ephesians 4:29-32, “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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” If a specific problem or question arises that relates to a particular child or classroom teacher, parents should contact the teacher responsible for the class and discuss it immediately. If the result of a contact with a teacher is unsatisfactory, the matter should be brought to the attention of the administrator. As a last step, the matter should be brought to the attention of the School Board.
In solving problems, keep these basic Christian principles in mind:
• Keep the matter confidential.
• Keep the circle small. Most problems are solved at the two-person level.
• Be straightforward and honest.
• Listen to one another and be forgiving in an effort to restore the relationship. If the problem cannot be solved together, take the problem to the next level.
Teacher---> Administrator ---> School Board
As a last step, the matter should be brought to the attention of the School Board by emailing Board@covenantchristian.school
Building and Property
BOOKS, TECHNOLOGY AND SUPPLIES
Textbooks and technology are furnished for students. Lost or damaged chromebooks, tablets or books must be replaced at the cost of the student. Books must be returned at the end of the year in good “usable” condition or students are charged a prorated fee.
Common school supplies will be purchased for students. Teachers may request specific items.
CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
Students are to respect the property of others and the school. Students who damage or deface school property will be held responsible for reimbursement to repair the damage. This includes bathroom toilets and sinks, classroom furniture, hallway items, and technology. Additional disciplinary action may be taken for students with chronic issues in this area.
TECHNOLOGY USE POLICY
Technology is a privilege, not a right. Misuse of technology will result in restricted use of the item. If students’ assigned chromebook or tablet is broken, the family is responsible for replacement of the item. Chromebooks may not be taken home by the students.
LOCKERS
Each student is assigned a locker at the beginning of the school year. The student is responsible for the neatness and care of the locker assigned.
Lockers are subject to locker checks by the teacher or administrator at any time. It is advisable that students do not keep large sums of money, toys, technology or other valuables in lockers.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Students are not permitted to have such devices at school. Cell phones must be turned off and checked in to the office. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen phones. If phones are in the student’s possession during the day, an adult will confiscate them. The phone will be available in the office at the end of the day and may be picked up by the parent.
TELEPHONE USAGE
School telephones are for school business. Students may use the phone at school only in emergencies. Parents are asked to please respect the office staff’s time and make only absolutely necessary calls. Parents should arrange after school activities with their child before school in the morning and not by phone during the day. Students will not be taken from class to speak to a parent on the phone except in the case of an emergency.
LOST AND FOUND
All belongings should be marked for easy identification in case of loss. Students should report lost articles to the classroom teacher as soon as possible.
Any articles found should be turned in to the office and will be put into our lost and found box. Valuables, such as jewelry, remain in the school office until claimed. At the end of each quarter, any unclaimed items are donated to charity.
USE OF FACILITIES
The school building is generally not available for use by individuals or outside groups; however, certain exceptions may be made with administrative approval. When scheduling a school-related event or meeting, please see the office staff to check availability and obtain approval. Any areas or rooms used should be left in the same condition in which they were found, including the removal of trash.
General Information
ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL
School instructional hours consist between 8:30am-3:00pm. Doors will open at 8:15am as students will enter the front doors and report to classrooms where they will be supervised by teachers. Students need to be in their classrooms by 8:30am. A child is tardy after 8:30 a.m.
Teachers will dismiss their students at the end of school hours at 3:00 p.m.
Students who are not picked up by 3:20 will be sent to WrapAround Care where charges may apply.
TARDINESS
It is important for students to arrive on time so that instruction can begin. Those arriving late not only deprive themselves of classroom instruction, but they interrupt their classmates, depriving them of educational opportunities. Therefore, students who are not in class by the starting bell, 8:30 a.m., must be signed in at the office before entering their classroom by a parent or supervising adult. The office will determine if the tardy is excused or unexcused. Parents will be contacted by the principal when students are frequently tardy.
Excused tardies include: a doctor’s appointment, unusual car trouble, accidents, stalled train, or extreme weather. Unexcused tardies include, but are not limited to, oversleeping or not getting ready on time.
More than 3 unexcused tardies per quarter will require a meeting between parents and the administrator. Excessive tardiness will result in a truancy report to the Casie Center.
After this parents will be expected to come into the building and present a written excuse to the office for any additional tardies.
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is essential for learning. Absences exceeding 15 days will result in a required truancy report to the Casie Center. Extended time for vacations, etc. counts toward your child’s 15 days. However, we understand that students are sometimes unable to attend school.
If you know of the absence in advance, please notify your child’s teacher in writing. If it is an unscheduled absence, please call the school and leave a message on the answering machine or with the school secretary by 8:30 a.m. If the office staff have not received notification from parents, the school will call the parents to verify that the child is absent with parental knowledge.
Participation in unusual educational experiences, church youth group activities, and family or religious celebrations may be allowed. However, we ask that you inform the administration and teacher(s) at least one week in advance of a planned absence. Teachers may send work in advance but are not expected to do so. All missed assignments and tests are the student’s responsibility and are to be completed by the student within a time-frame agreed upon between the teacher, parents, and student prior to the absence. For your information, the state requires that Indiana students be present and in school at least 95% of the time. Any absences in excess of 9 days is considered excessive.
All other absences are considered UNEXCUSED. Students who are absent due to “skipping” or who have repeated unexcused absences will be subject to disciplinary action.
Any absence, other than illness, during the state testing windows will not be excused.
Excused Absences
The student’s absence is attributed to:
Personal illness
Funerals for death in the immediate family or for persons outside of the immediate family with parental permission
Medical and legal appointments – such appointment should be scheduled after school hours when possible
School visits
Unexcused Absences
No parent or guardian contact with the school giving an explanation for the absence on the day of the absence
No physician’s note to excuse an absence once more than five days of absence have occurred
Absences other than those defined as excused
Poor attendance can affect voucher eligibility and awards. Additionally, excessive issues with tardiness or absences that cannot be resolved between the parents and administrator will be brought to the attention of the school board. At this time, the family will be notified that they may be dismissed from the school.
CLASSROOM UPDATES
A weekly newsletter from the classroom teacher for grades K-5 will be sent home on Mondays to inform parents of the subject matter being covered that week, such as homework/project assignments, memory work, upcoming events/field trips, class schedule. ClassDojo will also have updates from teachers and administration.
CONTACTING TEACHERS/STAFF
If you need to contact a teacher, please contact them via school email, which is their first initial, last name, @covenantchristian.school. PS-5th teachers will also use ClassDojo. Teachers will return your message as soon as time allows. All communication related to school matters should be conducted through the platforms provided by the school.
FUN AND FELLOWSHIP
The Fun and Fellowship Committee organizes events throughout the year to promote unity and fellowship among students and families. These events, such as roller skating parties, dinners, talent shows, and tubing are optional. Some may involve a nominal fee.
MEDIA RELEASE
All parents are given the opportunity to sign a Media Release at the beginning of the school year. This allows any photographs, quotes, awards etc... of their child to be released to local media (i.e., newspapers, television, and radio) and identified with the student’s name.
SCHOOL PICTURES
All students are to participate in the annual school pictures for the purpose of school records. Pictures are offered in a variety of packages for purchase. Purchases of the pictures are optional.
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR
The administrator will be at the school on Monday through Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
SCHOOL HOURS
The school office is open during all instructional hours. School hours are:
AM Preschool
8:30a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Full day Preschool- 8th Grade
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
SCHOOL-WIDE COMMUNICATION
CCS’s newsletter, The Eagle, a weekly electronic newsletter, contains information and announcements pertaining to the entire student body.
SOLICITATION
Students are asked to refrain from selling candy and other such items (for non-school fundraisers) to teachers, staff, or other students at school.
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Classroom teachers will generally give guidelines for birthday celebrations such as the distribution of treats, in their introductory letter.
TRANSPORTATION
Parents are responsible for transporting their child to and from school or to make their own arrangements for this service.
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION: Parents must indicate the names of any person(s) permitted to provide transportation for their child on an alternative transportation form before the start of the school year.
CARPOOL PROCEDURES
For the safety of all children and to create a smooth dismissal, PLEASE follow the carpool procedures.
CARPOOL IDENTIFICATION: At the beginning of the school year, each vehicle is given a carpool card that must be displayed at pick-up time (keep your tag year after year to avoid changing student numbers). The number is most easily seen when placed in the front windshield. Students are dismissed as their transportation arrives. Teachers monitor carpool dismissal.
Each car must have a carpool card. When changes in transportation are made — other than those listed on the alternative transportation forms — teachers must be notified in advance and in writing. For example, if your child is going to a classmate’s home after school and is riding with them, please inform the front desk.
TRAFFIC FLOW AND PARKING: For safety and optimum flow, cars are ALWAYS to enter the CCS parking area through the south drive of Fir and stay to the right side of the parking lot.
Morning drop off: A single line is formed to wrap around the parking lot as they move towards the front of the line. When exiting the parking lot, drivers are asked to use the south drive.
Afternoon pickup:
A single line is formed to wrap around the parking lot as they move towards the front of the line. Do not drive on the painted lines as they are there for the safety of everyone. When coming to the corner of the school, the carline will split into two lanes. You must pay attention to the traffic directors’ signs. When exiting the parking lot, drivers are asked to always use the south drive. (See picture attached)
PARKING: Parents are asked to park along the soccer field or the center parking lot if visiting during the school day.
STUDENT DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP: Students can be dropped off any time after 8:15 a.m. and proceed to the front doors but must remain in their cars until then. During dismissal they will exit through the front doors.
At drop-off times, students are to exit the car only on the passenger side of the car. Parents should remain in their car, as staff members will be present to monitor and guide students into the building.
At pick-up times, students are escorted to vehicles by staff members. Drivers should move forward along the path as the car line moves forward.
Please remain in your car as staff members will assist students while getting in.
If you need to buckle your children, please pull forward into the north parking lot once your child is in your car.
There will be no drop-off or pick-up from the center of the parking lot. If parents need to enter the building, they are asked to drop-off or pick-up their children first, circle around, and park in the marked parking spaces.
If a parent would like to speak to a teacher, they are asked to request a meeting that works best for the teacher and parent. Out of courtesy for others who are waiting, parents are not
to conference with teachers — or other parents — in the carpool line.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: Students should enter and exit their cars only from the passenger’s side to prevent them from having to walk between or around cars. Parents are asked to encourage children to follow this rule; it is designed for their safety. We ask that all parents remain in your cars so the traffic flow is not congested. In all situations, parents are asked to use extreme caution and safety when entering and exiting the school parking lot.
VISITORS- All visitors to the school building are required to first report to the office and sign in. This regulation is imposed for the safety of our students. Parents, grandparents, and prospective parents are welcome to visit their child’s current classroom or next year’s classroom. However, the administration requests that visitors contact the teacher involved to make arrangements for their visit. If a visit is requested due to a concern with a teacher, a classroom visit is probably not the best forum to solve the problem. In such a case, please set up a meeting with the teacher to discuss these concerns. All visitors will need to supply the office with a Driver’s License that will be scanned checking background.
If the visitor is a student who wishes to sit in the classroom, parents must request permission from each of the teachers whose classes the visitor will attend. This must be done at least two days before the scheduled visit. The visiting student will be expected to be attentive, participate in the class, and obey all the school’s rules. A phone number must be left where a responsible adult can be contacted in case of an emergency. Visits will be limited to one day.
WRAPAROUND CARE
WrapAround Care is available for your convenience on a regular or occasional basis. The fee is $10.00 per hour, per child. Families will be billed biweekly.
We expect families to stay current with their WrapAround charges and pay biweekly or services will not be allowed. If your student is participating in WrapAround Care, they are welcome to bring a snack from home. If Covenant is closed, WrapAround Care is also closed. If we have a 2 hour delay due to inclement weather, Wrap Around will open at 9:30am.
Morning Wrap Around 7:30am-8:15am
Afternoon Wrap Around 3:20pm-5:30pm