Haili Christian School

Haili Christian School

Handbook for Students & Parents

Grades Kindergarten – 8th

Haili Christian School

190 Ululani Street

Hilo, Hawaii 96720

2008-2009

"A Heritage of Faith - A Legacy of Love"

Letter From the Administrator

“Let no one look down on you because of your youth,

but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct,

in love, in spirit, in faith, and in your pure life.”

It is a joy for me to welcome you to Haili Christian School! I am very confident that your experience at Haili will be a fulfilling one.

My enthusiasm for Haili is genuine. My love for God began at home and grew under the discipleship of many at Haili Congregational Church. An employee of Haili Christian School for years and now Administrator, I have a deep and abiding affection for this school. Haili is special!

You have chosen well a School at which to begin and further your child’s education. Not only am I convinced that you will profit from the rich resources of the School, but also that Haili will be an even better place because of your presence on our campus. Each student brings unique gifts which enrich the lives of the entire campus community.

Haili’s mission is to provide an outstanding education and to do so in the context of a Christian view of God and the world. Haili seeks to educate its students on four broad dimensions: intellectual, spiritual, social, and physical. Present here are the human, physical, and financial resources to deliver such an education with recognized excellence.

As you are well aware, not all of a student’s time on campus is spent in the classroom setting. There are numerous opportunities for physical and social development through co-curricular activities. Community athletics, music, art, mission outreach, intramurals, are a few examples. We have a dedicated staff to coordinate these activities in meaningful ways.

Our greatest resource at Haili is people. I believe you will find a competent and caring faculty and staff ready and able to assist your child in becoming all that God intends for him to be. In addition they will build meaningful relationships with their peers in a variety of situations.

May our Lord fill your heart with joy and great expectation as we look forward to a new year in Christ Jesus. See you in August!

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This Handbook provides parents and students with information regarding Haili’s policies and services. This Handbook supersedes any prior handbooks. The statements and policies in this Handbook do not represent any kind of contract between parents and Haili, nor do they create or confer any legal rights. Haili Christian School needs to be flexible in order to keep pace with changing laws and requirements affecting and applicable to the goals and operations of Haili. Because of that, this Handbook may be modified, suspended or revoked at any time without notice and without taking into consideration custom or prior practices. Parents are encouraged to consult with the school’s administration if they have any questions about this Handbook, need an update, or need further information about a specific policy or rule discussed in this Handbook. Parents are expected to be familiar with all information contained in the Handbook.

Haili Christian School is a diverse community of learners with a rich tradition of excellence. We exist to ensure that each student reaches academic success, spiritual (Christian) growth and social responsibility by providing a sound Christian learning environment customized to each student's needs and aspirations.

Haili Christian School opened its doors in September of 1978 to 2 teachers and 13 students. Inspired to reach children and families in our community with the joy and saving grace found in a relationship with Jesus, the Reverend David Ka'apu put together a team of educators and supporters to carry out the mission of Haili Christian School. Today we celebrate God's faithfulness through the years and rejoice in the growth He continues to provide.

Through education and personal relationships our students will discover how great our God is and how vast His love for them. It was the prayer of our founder that God would enable the leadership and staff of Haili Christian School to live lives “worthy of the gospel of Jesus”, in the witness of His love, and in humility be examples for children to follow.

Relying completely on God’s strength, we offer an excellent education and the saving knowledge of the Word of God; our aim is to teach young people to live as they learn.

A parent-school partnership develops when both parent and school commit to working together. As between a husband and wife in a healthy marriage, cooperation and communication between the parent and the school are vital. The school is committed to communicate regularly to the parent about the student’s progress. Parents are also encouraged to initiate contact with the teachers. Haili cannot accomplish its purpose without the cooperation of the home in regard to the guidelines established for our students.

God has given parents the responsibility for the discipline and instruction of their children. They are to train each one diligently in God’s truth. (Ephesians 6:4; Deuteronomy 11:18-21).

Parents who select Haili Christian School give our faculty and staff authority to teach and train their children. The school assists parents in teaching truth to their children and in training them according to biblical standards. (Psalm 34:11; Luke 6:40)

All instruction at Haili is related to the Word of God. We intend to teach every subject from a biblical perspective to provide the viewpoint, general background truth, and principles for interpreting the facts encountered in the study of any subject.

Parents who decide to enroll (or re-enroll) their child in Haili Christian School are providing an education, which is openly committed to a biblical worldview.

We are committed to providing a Christian foundation and a quality education built on God's Word. At Haili Christian School we believe that the only way a student can understand his place in the world is by understanding and acting upon what the Creator says about Himself and His creation.

Ø Man is part of the creation but unique in that he alone is created in God’s image. God allows man to choose whether or not he will have a relationship with Him

Ø Because of sin, man lost his ability to have an abiding relationship with God

Ø God supplied the means for re-establishing that relationship through His Son Jesus Christ

Ø It is impossible to please God unless we have faith in Him. (Hebrews 11:6) Faith is acting on His promises

Ø Regeneration is the spiritual change brought about in man by the Holy Spirit, by which he becomes the possessor of a new life by faith in Jesus Christ. True meanings and values can be ascertained in the light of His person, purpose and work

Ø God has revealed Himself in a general way in His universe and in a specific way in the Bible

We believe that God is sovereign in all the curricular disciplines. Therefore, decisions relating to what is presented in our courses and how it is presented are guided by God’s view of the world as presented in the Bible. For example, the basis of the order of math and our ability to understand math principles is that God created order rather than it's happening by accident. In science, we find evidence of a Creator: in history, we find evidence of His intervention in the affairs of men.

Ø The home, the church and the school should complement each other, promoting the student’s spiritual, academic, social and physical growth

Ø God has given differing abilities to each student. It is the teacher’s responsibility to challenge each child according to his ability and to seek to teach him at his academic level

The student’s home, church and school experience and training should be a preparation for life, a life of fellowship with God and service to man.

Ø To teach that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came to earth to die for our sins

Ø To teach that growth in the Christian life depends upon fellowship with God through reading the Bible, prayer and service

Ø To teach the application of biblical ethics and standards of morality to every part of life

Ø To teach the student to manifest fairness, courtesy, kindness and other graces

Ø To teach the student to get along with non-Christians and with Christians who hold differing views

Ø To teach the student to apply himself to his work to fulfill his various responsibilities

Ø To teach the student to think for himself and to stand up for his personal convictions in the face of pressure

Ø To teach the knowledge and skills required for future study for occupational competence

Ø To teach our American heritage and the current problems facing our country and the world

Ø To show the student his present civic responsibility as a citizen of Heaven and a citizen of our nation

Enrollment at Haili does not automatically ensure success for your child. The child must accept the major responsibility for wanting to learn and working hard. The role of the school is to assist students to achieve their highest potential. This is accomplished by providing the setting for formal learning: classrooms, staff, materials, equipment, facilities and other students.

Your partnership is very important. Your love, encouragement, and belief in your child’s ability to learn can make the critical difference. The Board of Directors and Administration ask you to meet the following expectations:

· Attendance – Make sure your child is in school on time every school day unless an illness or emergency prevents this. Please call the office before 8:15am on the day of absence to inform the school of an illness or emergency that prevents school attendance. Therefore, requests for other types of absences are strongly discouraged. Parents should plan family vacation during regular school vacation times.

· Interest in Work – Know what your son or daughter is studying and talk with your child about what he or she is doing in school. Provide quiet study time and place for regular completion of homework assignments.

· Support for Involvement in School Activities – Show an interest in and support the involvement of your child in co-curricular, athletic and extracurricular activities in which he or she may participate. This may take the form of actively participating in parent booster groups or volunteering to assist the school activities.

· Communication with the School – Contact your child’s teacher and the Administrator when problems begin to arise (early warning). Parent’s calls and/or visits are always welcome.

· Keeping Informed – Attend meetings, read handbooks, letters and other correspondence from the School.

· Reviewing Student Progress – Study informal notes, mid-quarter reports, and report cards. Discuss them with your child. If you have questions, contact your child’s teacher. Also, parent conferences are held twice a year and your attendance is expected.

· Enforcing School Regulations – Take responsibility for helping your child understand and follow school rules. Reading and discussing the Student/Parent Handbook with your child may prevent many problems and misunderstandings.

· Enforcing Dress Code – Enforcement of the dress code begins at home. Please be sure that your child leaves home properly attired.

Activities chosen for school excursions are suitable for ages, levels of maturity, experience, capabilities, and natural propensities for mischief. Careful supervision during out-of-school activities is paramount, as such excursion activities often involve unusual risk. Qualifications of all teachers (first aid/ special activities) involved with the excursion are current.

As a parent / legal guardian of a child involved in a program of Haili Christian School, I agree to abide by and follow the rules and guidelines below.

(Cell-phone use by students is prohibited. HCS teachers will have access to a cell-phone in the event of an emergency or

PARENT/ LEGAL GUARDIAN DRESS CODE AGREEMENT

(Excursion chaperones; volunteers at school sponsored events)

No messages on clothing that may be construed as negative or offensive but not limited to against any ethnicity, gender, or other specific group.

It is the policy of Haili Christian School to remain a neutral party in parental disputes concerning the care or custody of their child. To do this, Haili Christian School requires legal documentation to determine who has parental authority to make decisions regarding the education, health, safety and welfare of a child. Such documentation will be held in the student’s record. The Haili Christian School staff will determine legal parental authority based on the entire legal document. Any unrelated parental issues will be crossed out.

The students of Haili Christian School may have supervised access to the Internet and electronic mail (e mail). This access as instructed and pre-approved by the teacher, will enable students to explore assigned databases, libraries, and exchange messages with Internet users throughout the world. Our goal is to guide our students in navigating the Internet for beneficial purposes and to eliminate the possibility of accessing materials that may be illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive. Our highest priority is to see God honored in all we do.

Access privileges to the network will be given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. In turn, granting students this responsibility provides occasion for them to act on the truths of God’s Word planted within their hearts. All students must comply with the following guidelines and obtain parental permission in order to access the Internet and to use electronic mail. Internet use will be supervised by the teacher.

Internet / Email accounts may be used for educational purposes only. Authorized users must act responsibly and respect Haili Christian School’s spiritual, academic, and technology goals.

Violations will result in disciplinary action according to the HCS Discipline Policy.

Haili Christian School complies with the Child Abuse Law, the Child Protective Act and Domestic Abuse Protective Orders. To the extent permitted by these laws, Haili Christian School strives to balance the rights of students with the rights of parents, family members and legal guardians.

In compliance with the Child Abuse Law, the Administration, faculty and staff are required to report any suspected child abuse or neglect they believe has occurred or is at substantial risk of occurring to the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the police. Staff are required to treat all matters with confidentiality, only revealing information to those who have a genuine need to know about the specific matter.

Under the law, if a child is being investigated for possible abuse or neglect, the DHS or the police can interview the child without the parent’s consent or presence. Parental consent is not required. If however, DHS or the police want to interview a child during an investigation concerning another child, parental consent is required before any interview can proceed.

Haili Christian School staff verifies the identification and the legal documents granting a change in custody for anyone claiming to be a foster or permanent custodian, a Guardian Ad Litem, or a representative of Child Protective Services or similar agency if these people seek information about a student or try to instruct staff in matters which conflict with the rights of the last-known legal guardian.

It is Haili Christian School’s general policy to inform parents or legal guardians if their child is receiving special awards or recognition for academics, athletics, attendance, citizenship etc. However, if a child has been placed under foster custody, parents or legal guardians are only informed if such notification is approved by the agency with foster custody.

Haili Christian School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally made available to students at the school.

The school maintains the right to refuse admission to students not meeting the school’s academic requirement, or for their lack of willingness to meet the code of conduct of the school.

Haili has a widely varied daily program. There are joint activities, but grouping is according to the child’s own age level. Activities that encourage self-expression and creativity and teacher-planned projects touching fields of science, music and art, family and community life are a prominent part of a child’s program. Outdoor activities and field trips are scheduled each year.

Athletic as well as service ministry opportunities include basketball, volleyball, track, after-school intramurals, and a children's performing choir.

In the area of LANGUAGE ARTS, the child’s ability to communicate is improved upon or developed in the expressive and receptive skills. Phonics, reading, language, writing, and penmanship are covered.

In the area of MATHEMATICS, the child not only learns to count and write numbers, but he begins to learn all the concepts of mathematics and to develop the inquiry process, problem-solving, computation, and use of the metric system.

The SOCIAL STUDIES program gives the child an opportunity to understand the complex world into which God has placed him. With this knowledge he develops more desirable attitudes towards others in a positive Christian manner.

The SCIENCE program reinforces biblical teachings of God’s handiwork in the creation of the world. It further develops his inquiry processing skills.

In the field of FINE ARTS, both visual and aural, a child develops an appreciation of all things beautiful by feeling, seeing, hearing, touching, and smelling.

The MUSIC program involves listening to many kinds of music and developing their understanding and appreciation of it. The program also develops the child’s ability to perform music expressively and creatively.

Finally, we turn to the development of the child’s physical being, and in the PHYSICAL EDUCATION and HEALTH AND SAFETY program, we teach him to appreciate his body and to care for it.

Ø 5 year-old kindergarten – children who are 4.8 years of age by September 1^st.

Ø A current TB (tuberculosis test) is required by the State of Hawaii before entrance into school

All parents are asked to sign the Statement of Faith (HCS form 2) indicating you are aware of what we as a school believe and are willing to have your child taught the same.

Ø A registration fee is required upon enrollment and should accompany the registration forms. THIS FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE (see Tuition Policy)

Ø The Administrator will interview students and parents and review the HCS handbook with them prior to entrance of the child in the school.

Ø Children entering the elementary grades will be given an evaluation test and will be a part of the orientation.

At the discretion of the Administrator, a student may be admitted after the beginning of school and at the semester break.

Re-enrollment forms are distributed in January to all students currently attending Haili Christian School. These forms must be returned promptly within that month along with the registration fee to assure enrollment for the following school year. (see Tuition Policy)

Parents should notify the school of withdrawal in writing at least thirty (30) days in advance of the date of withdrawal. One installment will not be refunded if notice is not given. Early withdrawal also changes the payment plan from 10 to 9 installments and increases the amount due for the final installment. If payment is in arrears, you will be invoiced for the amount owing. The school may retain report cards and student’s file until accounts are current.

Students must be present and on time each day that school is in session. For the safety of your child and for preparation time for teachers, we request that children not be dropped off earlier than 7:30 A.M.

The school day begins at 8:00 A.M. each day and ends at 2:15 P.M. MTTHF and at 1:15 P.M. on Wednesdays.

In case of an absence, parents are asked to call the school office by 8:10 A.M. giving notification of the student’s absence and reason for the absence. A signed excuse should be sent to the child’s teacher when the child is absent from school. If the absence is foreseeable, a note should be sent in advance. The parent is responsible to see that the school is notified.

Ø Severe illness in the immediate family which necessitates the presence of the student

All other absences will be considered unexcused. If there are frequent unexcused absences, the parent will be called by an administrator.

Parents are asked to arrange appointments, private lessons and vacations around the school schedule so that absences are limited to illness, bereavement and family emergencies.

A reasonable amount of time, as determined by the teacher will be allowed to make up work missed because of an excused absence.

In the event the absence is unexcused, the student will be able to take any missed test ahead of time if the teacher is notified in writing two (2) weeks in advance of absence.

Students who need to leave school during their scheduled class time must have an adult sign them out on a roster in the office and the student may sign in upon returning to school.

Tardiness is the absence of a student in the classroom at the time the regularly scheduled session begins (8:00am). The preschool day begins at 8:00 am preschool students are considered tardy at 8:06 am. It is a reasonable expectation that in order for a learning activity to exist, each student must arrive to class on time (punctually). A student who is tardy to class, not only places his own learning in jeopardy, but also interrupts the learning of other students.

Students arriving after 8:05 are to report to the HCS office with parent for a Student Tardy Slip. It is the parent’s responsibility to explain in writing any tardiness to school. The slip will be given to the teacher upon entering the classroom or scheduled area of activity. Failure to provide a written explanation will automatically be considered unexcused tardiness.

Excused tardiness include: a) student illness; b) medical appointment (doctor’s note is required for proof); c) death in the family; d) previously approved school-sponsored event; e) other individual student tardiness beyond the control of the parent or student as determined and approved by the administrator.

Unexcused tardiness includes any tardiness that does not fall into one of the previous excused tardiness categories.

Although excused tardiness may not impact a student’s academic progress, unexcused tardiness in any academic quarter will follow these steps:

· 4^th tardy Letter will be sent to the parent; Students with perfect attendance and more than three tardies will not qualify to receive the Perfect Attendance Award at the end of the quarter.

· 5^th & 6^th tardy Parent is required to attend a mandatory conference with the administrator or designee. The conference is designed so that the school staff and parents can look at helping the student arrive at school on time.

The tardy count begins anew with each academic quarter.

FINANCIAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Re-enrollment Fee: $150.00 (if paid after January 31) Registration and re-enrollment fees are non-refundable.

Ø The remaining 9 installments are due on your selected due date of each month thereafter beginning August 2008 and ending April 2009

Ø Payment is considered overdue if not received by the 10^th day following the due date at which time a 5% late fee will be added to the total due

Ø When tuition is delinquent beyond two months, a conference with the Administrator is required or student will be suspended until tuition is current.

v The school reserves the right to dis-enroll-any child when it is deemed that to do so will be in the best interest of the school and the child.

Discipline is essential to a safe environment that is conducive to learning. The following policies, expectations, and procedures are designed to make all students aware of the rules and responsible for their behavior. To accomplish this goal, parents/guardians, teachers, and administration must work together. Parents/guardians are encouraged to request a conference with teachers to discuss academics, attendance, or other concerns by calling the school office at 961-5026. Our ultimate goal is self-discipline. We want our students to behave because they know what is right.

When unacceptable behavior occurs, the staff has prepared their students for the consequences.

Rules are posted in classrooms and reviewed as often as necessary. Staff members take steps to determine what actually happened, when, by whom, where, how and why. Students involved are given the opportunity to explain their points of view.

5. Possession of radios, laser pens, gameboys, playing cards, sport or trading cards, skateboards, razors, DVD and CD players, IPods, MP3 players, pagers, and cell phones.

6. Possession of magazines, books, articles, DVD and CD players and the like which are not in direct use for classroom assignments

When a student is caught committing a level “1” offense, the staff member will use a teaching interaction to assist the student with understanding the problem and making a better decision in the future. A lack of effort to improve will result in a referral to the Administrator’s office. Three Level 1 offenses constitute a Level 2 offense.

4. Leaving class or school without permission of the teacher. (Note: notification of police will be necessary if student leaves campus)

5. Participating in any other serious offenses jeopardizing the safety and welfare of other students. This includes fighting, hazing, gambling, verbal physical or sexual harassment. (Note: these offenses could be cause for immediate dismissal)

6. Equipment and property damage (Note: Students are responsible for replacement costs)

9. Public displays of affection are considered inappropriate in the school setting.

When a student is caught committing a level “2” offense, the teacher or staff member will issue a discipline referral notice to that student.

The student will report to the office for a meeting with the Administrator. The teacher or staff member will notify the parents of the event in person, by phone or mail as soon as possible and are part of the communication process.

In the event of school property or equipment damage the student/parent will be charged with the repair or replacement cost.

(1^st) Level 2 offense: Meeting with the Administrator and parents by telephone or in person

2^nd) Level 2 offense: Meeting with the Administrator and parents and a 45-minute after school work detention

(3^rd) Level 2 offense: Meeting with the Administrator and parents and a full day suspension

(4^th) Level 2 offense: Meeting with the Administrator, parents and Board of Directors designee. Student faces possible expulsion

4. Terroristic threatening of teachers or students (notification of police will deem necessary in these cases)

5. Purposely pulling a fire alarm or creating a situation that endangers fellow students or staff

7. Possession of a firearm, knife, weapon, explosive, dangerous object, flammable object etc.

When a student is caught committing a level 3 offense, the teacher or staff member will escort student to the office. A meeting with student and parents will transpire. Student faces possibility of immediate expulsion.

The administration reserves the right to conduct locker, backpack, desk, and personal searches at any time </