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 Student Handbook
O = Outstanding Citizenship A = Academic Excellence S = Service for Christ
Handbook
2010-2011
Gentry, AR 72734
Phone: (479) 736-8592 Fax: (479) 736-3280
Welcome to
Let’s get acquainted!Whether you’re a first time parent/student or have been here many years, we’d like to welcome you as part of the OAS family. This booklet tells you who we are, what we represent, and some of our goals and standards. We teachers and staff feel that it is a privilege to be associated with General InformationO = Outstanding Citizenship A = Academic Excellence S = Service for Christ Philosophy
It is our purpose to cooperate with the educational goals and objectives of the worldwide system of education sponsored by the church. Therefore, we are dedicated to serve all students who are interested in a Seventh-day Adventist Christian education.
We believe that those engaged in the work of Christian education have a special responsibility to their students. Not only are they obligated to promote sound scholarship and to stimulate thought, but also they are obligated to fill the role of a personal friend and to serve as a model in practical Christian living. We recognize that in order to fulfill these goals we must depend on the guiding and sustaining power of God who has called us to this work.
Purpose The students here at OAS will learn, both intellectually and through experience:
· How to become a Christian and to clearly and comfortably explain that process to others. · How to maintain a continually growing, joyful relationship with Jesus Christ. · To highly value themselves and those around them as precious, redeemed children of God, regardless of their mistakes and failings. · How to build and keep healthy, lasting, caring relationships with others. · To appreciate responsibility and accountability. · To delight in the satisfying feeling of growing intellectually and to become lifelong learners. · To value the role of exercise, including physical labor, in a healthy balanced life. · To discover the joy and personal satisfaction of service to others and to God.
The OAS board reserves the right to add to or change any policies stated in this handbook. Notification of changes or new policies will be mailed with monthly statements and published in the weekly News Notes.
Parental Responsibility “In the formation of character, no other influence counts so much as the influence of the home. The teacher’s work should supplement that of the parents, but it is not to take its place. In all that concerns the well-being of the child, it should be the effort of parents and teachers to cooperate.” Education, p. 283.
“The parents’ work of education, instruction, and discipline underlies every other. The efforts of the best teachers must often bear little fruit, if fathers and mothers fail to act their part with faithfulness.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 69.
As noted above, the success of the school depends in a large measure upon the fullest cooperation between parents and the school. The following suggestions for parental involvement will contribute to a more effective school program:
1. Pray for your child at OAS daily. 2. Attend parent meetings. 3. See that your child reports to school daily and on time. 4. Check assignments nightly or regularly to evaluate your child’s progress. 5. Support your child’s teacher in promoting the school program; your involvement is vital to your child’s success.
Care of School Property Students should exercise care in the use of school property and equipment. Any student willfully damaging school property will be required to pay for repairs and face possible disciplinary action.
Students who see damage to school property, or equipment needing repairs should report it at once. This will help prevent additional damage and consequent increase in cost of repairs.
All textbooks are loaned to the students by the school. If a textbook is lost or damaged, the student will be expected to pay for the loss or damage to the book.
Grievance Procedure If a misunderstanding and/or problem arise, the parent and/or guardian should follow the following steps:
Step 1 - Discuss the problem with the teacher (or the teacher with the parent). If this procedure fails to resolve the problem: Step 2 - Contact the principal, withholding judgment until complete investigation is made. See Matthew 18:15-17. If this still fails to solve the problem: Step 3 - Contact the school board chairperson, who will call a special meeting with the principal, the teacher, and the parent/guardian to seek a solution to the problem.
Any constituent of the school, parent, or student may address the OAS School Board by obtaining prior permission from the school board chairperson and placing the concern on the agenda. However, if it is a complaint against a teacher or the principal, the above procedures must be followed first.
Harassment & Anti-Bullying Policy The school will provide a reporting method, provide counseling, and give advice on how to handle the situation. Confidentiality will be kept, if requested. We will listen sympathetically and carefully and take the problem seriously. We will support the student and investigate each incident. We will attempt to bring the victim and bully together, if both are willing, to work through the situation. Students may report any bullying or harassment to their teacher, the school secretary, or a trusted person. Harassing or bullying behavior observed by school staff will be reported and dealt with as follows: Step 1 – Offenders will be counseled and parents contacted. Step 2 – Student suspended one day and principal conference with parents. Step 3 – The parent and student will meet with the Discipline Committee.
General Recognizing that all mankind are children of God,
The school maintains the historic ideals of the Seventh-day Adventist church in matters of morals, dress, and conduct. Every prospective student has freedom to choose or reject these regulations. When a student applies at
Entrance Age Requirements In harmony with the ARK-LA Conference policy for admission age, OAS may allow entrance into, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade at the minimum age of 4, 5, and 6, respectively, by September 15 of the current school year. Actual placement will be determined in consultation with teacher, parent(s), and principal and finalized by the admissions committee and/or OAS Board.
The program allows the accelerated child to be challenged and stimulated, yet provides the child who is developing more slowly the additional time needed to grow. Enrollment is for one or two years. These entrance age requirements are set forth in an effort to encourage the parents to follow God’s plan of early childhood education.
Arkansas State law requires that all students must present a certified immunization record indicating the date and type of immunization received. Registration is not complete until this information is on file. Pre Kindergarten/Kindergarten: DTP/DT/Td/Dtap/Tdap - 4 doses (with 1 dose on or after 4th Birthday) Polio (OPV – Oral or IPV) – 3 doses (with 1 dose on or after 4th Birthday, a child who received 4 or more doses of polio vaccine does not have to have a dose after the 4th birthday) MMR – 2 doses (with dose 1 on or after 1st birthday and dose 2 at least 28 days after dose 1) Hep B – 3 doses Varicella – 2 doses (with dose 1 on or after 1st birthday and dose 2 at least 28 days after dose 1) A parent or physician history of disease may be accepted in lieu of receiving vaccine.
Grades 1 – 6 & 8 DTP/DT/Td/Dtap/Tdap - 3 doses (with 1 dose on or after 4th Birthday) Polio (OPV – Oral or IPV) – 3 doses (with 1 dose on or after 4th Birthday, a child who received 4 or more doses of polio vaccine does not have to have a dose after the 4th birthday) MMR – 2 doses (with dose 1 on or after 1st birthday and dose 2 at least 28 days after dose 1) Hep B – 3 doses (11-15 year olds could be on a 2-dose schedule) Varicella – 1 dose (on or after 1st birthday) A parent or physician history of disease may be accepted in lieu of receiving vaccine.
Grade 7 DTP/DT/Td/Dtap/Tdap - 3 doses (with 1 dose on or after 4th Birthday, and 1 dose of Tdap, if applicable) Polio (OPV – Oral or IPV) – 3 doses (with 1 dose on or after 4th Birthday, a child who received 4 or more doses of polio vaccine does not have to have a dose after the 4th birthday) MMR – 2 doses (with dose 1 on or after 1st birthday and dose 2 at least 28 days after dose 1) Hep B – 3 doses (11-15 year olds could be on a 2-dose schedule) Varicella – 1or 2 doses (Depends on age: 1 dose is required if given at less than 13 years of age. 2 doses separated by 28 days, are required if 1 dose is given at or greater than 13 years of age.) A parent or physician history of disease may be accepted in lieu of receiving vaccine.
Exemptions to this state law may be obtained by requesting a Exempt Form. Send an email requesting a form to: immunization.sectionatarkansas.gov Or write to: Arkansas Department of Health Exemptions 4815 West Markham #48 Little Rock, AR 72205
Physical Exam The Arkansas-Louisiana Conference requires a physical examination for all new students and all students entering the fifth grade. This information must be on file by the end of the first nine weeks.
Additional Requirements All new students and any returning students who have withdrawn from OAS during the current or previous school year are required to provide the following information prior to admittance:
1. Birth certificate 2. Recent achievement test results 3. Report card from previous school/year 4. Three letters of recommendation 5. Interview with the principal or his designees
Special Education
The School Day Length of School Day School begins at
Pre-School and Post-School Activities Playground activities are not permitted before
After School Child Care All students remaining on the school premises past
Medicine The school provides non-prescription medications such as Tylenol, cough drops, etc. only with the written permission of a parent or guardian. Prescription and non-prescription medicines for special needs must be brought to the office, clearly labeled as to the name of the student, the date, the name of the medication, the appropriate dosage, and the time for each dose.
Lunch Period In order to allow full use of the playground facilities, lunch period will vary slightly from room to room. Children should bring a nutritional lunch for their
Office Telephone The office telephone is for school business only. If a child becomes ill, the teacher or school secretary will place the call for him. Parents are requested to avoid asking for their children or for a teacher during school hours, except in an emergency. Calls by students regarding visitation with friends, homework forgotten, or other non-emergency reasons are not allowed at the school office.
Attendance Students of the
A note from a doctor may be required in some cases. These must be submitted to the teacher when the child returns to school. Students with excused absences will be permitted to make up any work that was missed on the basis of two school days to make up assignments for each day of excused absence.
If you know that your child will be missing school for medical or personal reasons, please notify the teacher in advance so academic assignments may be arranged.
Students Leaving During School Hours Any student leaving school for any reason during school hours must be signed out through the office by a parent or the person responsible for taking them.
Absence Policy School is in session 180 days during the school year. · When a student has been absent (unexcused) from school for a total of five (5) days, the parent will be sent a letter explaining the absence policy in detail. Parents are requested to indicate by contacting the school that they understand the policy.
· When a student has been absent (unexcused) from school for a total of seven (7) days, the parents will be sent a registered letter requesting a parent/student/principal conference. The principal will verbally explain the serious consequences of excessive absences.
· When a student has been absent (unexcused) from school for a total of ten (10) days, the parents will be notified by registered letter that the county juvenile judge will be notified in writing that the student has violated the state minimum attendance requirement. The parent or guardian may be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Tardy Policy Tardies will result in a loss of free time at recess and/or citizenship grade as determined by the classroom teacher.
Students who complete the school year without unexcused absences or tardies will be specially recognized.
Evaluations and GradesReport Cards Report cards are issued four times during the school year, one week following the close of each nine-week period. First and Third Quarter report cards are given out during student/parent/teacher conferences. Other reports are mailed. If a question about student progress arises at any time during the school year, please feel free to contact the teacher concerned and arrange for a conference. Final report cards are mailed from the office when financial accounts are current.
Interim Reports Interim progress reports are issued at least one time (mid-term) through each nine-week period for all students. Parents are encouraged to ask questions or make comments to the teacher on these written reports. Grade reports may be sent home more often at the teachers’ discretion or the parents’ request.
Transfer of Records Student records will be transferred to another school only when all financial responsibilities have been met.
Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences are held with all students, parents, and teachers at the end of the first and third nine-week periods. Teachers and parents will conference alone after student conferences if there is a need. Other conferences may be scheduled by the teacher or requested by the parent as necessary. First and Second graders will have an additional conference in January.
On Line Info Grades and other information can be accessed on line at www.ozarkadventistschool.org Activation codes are available from the office.
Academic Requirements Probation Students in grades 3-8 who experience notable problems accomplishing the assigned class work may be placed on academic probation. (See the school office for the Academic Probation Policy.)
Eighth Grade Graduation All candidates for graduation must pass all required classes. No student may graduate with one or more “F” grades. A certificate of completion will be given rather than a regular diploma. This will be noted in the graduation program.
Acceleration of Students Acceleration of a student is not generally recommended. However, in cases where the parent makes a written request the following criteria is to be considered.
Request for acceleration is to be submitted to the Superintendent of Schools by March 20 using the Acceleration Request form from the OAS office. Discipline Policy OAS uses mediation to resolve conflicts. Fighting or any types of physical confrontation are to be avoided to prevent serious discipline.
Classroom Discipline Teachers deal with routine classroom discipline problems. Disciplinary measures that seem reasonable to the teacher will be administered to students who break classroom rules or interfere with the learning privileges of other students. An attempt will be made to match the discipline with the misbehavior. The following are approved disciplinary actions: 1. Counseling with students. 2. Taking away privileges (when students are kept from recess an attempt will be made to give exercise of a different form). 3. Time-out/isolation; 4. Special writing assignments (sentences, dictionary work, reports, etc.). 5. Extra cleaning or maintenance of school facilities; 6. Detention: A student may be detained after school without the privilege of socializing. 7. Conferences with parents. 8. In-house suspension. 9. Other measures as appropriate (except corporal punishment). The principal gets involved when the above-listed measures prove unsuccessful or when the teacher and/or principal determine the need for additional support.
Fundamental Standards Student behavior must be above reproach at all times. Practices that are contrary to church standards, state laws, insurance regulations, and/or the common ethical code of right living, are not acceptable. The first offense on the following points makes a student liable to serious discipline, immediate suspension, or expulsion from the school program: 1. Using narcotics, alcoholic beverages, non-prescription drugs or tobacco in any form or having any of these items in one’s possession. 2. Gambling, betting, possession of playing cards, or other gambling devices. 3. Any criminal action (vandalism, theft, illegal entry, etc.); 4. Gross defiance, threats to others, or insubordination by any pupil toward any teacher or staff member, or toward school regulations. 5. Possession or display of obscene material; vulgar, indecent or suggestive behavior and actions; use of profanity; or improper association between members of the opposite sex. 6. Stealing, lying, cheating, fighting, taunting, assaulting, humiliating, or degrading. 7. Advocating activities and entertainment that are not in harmony with Biblical principles, such as certain TV programs, movies, or music. 8. Bringing firearms, guns, knives, firecrackers, matches, lighters or any dangerous items to school.
Note: Any student whose conduct is unsatisfactory, or whose spirit is manifestly out of harmony with the standards and principles of the school, or whose influence is found to be detrimental, or who displays passive/aggressive behavior (passive disrespect that shows aggression) may be suspended at any time, although there may have been no specific violation of the above regulations.
The Principal or Board Chairman, for any of the infractions, may call the OAS discipline committee at any time.
The sheriff may be called (followed by a call to the parent) for any illegal activity or an activity that threatens the safety of the teacher or pupil.
Each homeroom teacher will come up with a plan to base the citizenship grade on daily behavior. Those who maintain high citizenship may have their names posted in the OAS News Notes.
Students need to maintain a cumulative citizenship grade of a least a “B” (80%) in order to participate in field trips or reward trips. Students who do not qualify will be asked to stay at home that day. As with all other grades the cumulative citizenship grade will start over each quarter.
Eighth grade students must maintain at least an 80% cumulative citizenship grade to hold a class office and to qualify for going on the mission trip. This grade will be cumulative from the beginning of the year.
Students whose citizenship grade falls to a “D” level or lower (below 70%) and/or those involved in serious misbehaviors may be referred to the discipline committee for further action. This committee may assign a 3-5 day suspension or recommend expulsion. Note: Serious infractions (see “Fundamental Standards”), even on a first time basis, may result in immediate suspension/expulsion from school.
Visiting Parents and school patrons are encouraged to visit the school. Anyone entering the school building during regular school hours must report to the main office before going to a classroom (for any reason). Guests visiting classes must not get involved in the teacher’s classroom instruction, discipline, or with other students unless requested by the teacher. Arrangements for such visits should be made in advance.
Preschool children are not permitted to visit classes without the express permission of the teacher and the principal. The practice of bringing these children to school is not to be encouraged.
Teachers are not available (in person or by phone) during regular school hours. The teacher’s responsibility during school hours is to the students. Teachers will be happy to arrange a conference outside school hours.
Bicycles – Students may use bicycles for transportation to and from school if the guidelines listed below are carefully followed: 1. All bicycles must be parked in the rack as soon as the student arrives at school. 2. Bicycles may not be used during the school day. 3. Students must follow all state laws for bicycle safety; which includes wearing a helmet. 4. If problems arise regarding the proper use of a bicycle, the student may be asked to leave his bike at home. Motorcycles/Mopeds – Limited use of motorcycles and mopeds is allowed if the student follows these guidelines:
1. Prior arrangements must be made with the principal. 2. The vehicle and operator must meet all state and local licensing laws and must comply with laws regulating required liability insurance. 3. No passengers are allowed, unless express written permission from the parents of both operator and passenger are on file. 4. The vehicle must be operated in a safe and proper manner at all times in designated areas. 5. If problems arise regarding the proper use of the vehicle, the student may be asked to remove his motorized vehicle and to refrain from operating it on school property. 6. Operating motorized vehicles during school hours is not permitted.
School Dress Code Monday - Thursday Long or Short Sleeved Shirts: Buttoned polo shirts with collar in any solid color. No neon, fluorescent or black colors allowed. No graphics, embellishments or logos (except OAS logo). Undershirts must be plain white. Only top two buttons may be opened at all times. Must be loose and not tight fitting. Every student must have one red shirt
Skirts or Jumpers: Uniform Navy, Khaki or Plaid. Must be two finger widths above the knee or lower. Shorts must be worn under Skirts/Jumpers at all times
Fridays Blue Jeans/Shorts: (Shorts must be no shorter than 2 inches above knee when standing) Blue denim, No graphics, paint, embellishments, rips, frays or holes. Must be relaxed fit (No Skinny, Baggy, Low Cut or Bell Bottoms allowed) Shirts: School Uniform, Christmas, Hawks Basketball, Pathfinder, Adventurer, or OAS School designed T-Shirt
Everyday Shoes: Athletic/tennis shoes (must be worn with socks). No cartoon characters or Hollywood themed embellishments allowed. Snow boots are allowed for inclement weather.
Hoodies: Pre K – 6th Grade may wear plain or OAS logo Red or Navy Hoodie. 7th & 8th Grade may wear a Teacher approved Hoodie
Dress code violations will be dealt with by the following: Parents will be called by teacher. Offenders will be sent to the office and will be issued an over sized T-Shirt with “Property of OAS” on it for the student to wear until the end of the school day. (The shirt will be returned to the office at the end of the day) In addition to the required school uniform, all students must abide by the following: · No jewelry allowed, including chains or friendship items, etc. (Medical IDs are allowed). · No non-natural hair coloration, make-up, or non-clear nail polish. · No hats or sunglasses are allowed inside the school. · Hair must be neat at all times. No extreme styles are allowed.
Electronic Equipment – Students are not allowed to bring musical devices, tape recorders or electronic/computer games to school, except when specifically requested by the teacher and then only for the duration of the assignment.
Computer Software – No outside software should be brought to school by students.
Fireworks/Firearms/Knives – Firecrackers and other related noisemakers are not allowed. Firearms and knives of any kind are not permitted and will be confiscated. Matches, candles, cigarette lighters, or any other open flame device is prohibited by the fire code.
Searches – By attending, all students and parents grant consent for OAS or its personnel to inspect, read, review, search or otherwise take appropriate action with respect to any personal items on school property.
Dogs are not allowed at school (or on the school grounds). If a family dog follows a student to school, parents should take action to see that it does not happen again. If the problem persists, the pound may be called.
Gum – Due to the carpeting and general floor care, no gum is allowed at school. Students will be fined $5.00 for possession of gum at school.
Selling for Personal Profit – Students are not allowed to sell candy, toys, or any items to others while at school. The Principal may make an exception for fundraisers to benefit non-profit organizations.
Cell Phone Policy – Having cell phones at school is discouraged. Parents must sign a cell phone permission form if they feel it is necessary for their child to have a cell phone at school. The school is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen phones. Cell phone use is not allowed during school hours. Cell phones should be turned off and kept in the students backpack. Students or parents who need to make contact during school hours must call through the school office. Students who violate this policy will lose their phone for one week. Repeat offenders will not be allowed to have cell phones at school. Financial InformationGeneral Information Part of the function of the School Board of Ozark Adventist School is to provide Christian education as efficiently and economically as possible. Tuition charges reflect a portion of the present costs for supplies, materials, and salaries; the tuition does not pay for the total cost of educating the student. The Arkansas-Louisiana Conference and the local constituent churches heavily subsidize the school budget in order to keep tuition costs down.
The school board reserves the right to adjust the tuition rate, if necessary, at any time during the school year. Advance notification will be given in the weekly announcements.
Entrance Fees Entrance fees (non refundable) are $285.00 annually with the full amount due by Registration. Early payment discounts are as follows: 1. July 1 – 15 $272.50 2. After July 15 $285.00 3. Entering at 2nd Semester $200.00
All applications are considered incomplete until paperwork is complete, turned in to the office and payment is received.
A student enrolling for first semester will be charged the full entrance fee. No refund will be given.
Entrance fees cover the cost of student insurance, library fees, new textbooks, school supplies, and testing.
Tuition Rates Full-Day Attendance: Pre-Kindergarten through 8th Grade One Child - $345.00 2nd Child - $340.00 3rd Child - $335.00 Tuition is prorated as of entrance date.
Monthly Tuition Discounts A discount of $2.50 will be given per student per month is monthly payment is made by the 1st of the month.
A $50.00 discount per student will be given on a full year’s tuition paid by September 30, 2010
Tuition Payments 1. Entrance Fees and August tuition must be paid in full prior to any class attendance.
2. The remainder of Tuition is divided into 9 payments (starting in September) and is due in advance, or by the 1st of each month. If the tuition is not paid by the 15th of the month a late fee of $5.00 per student will be charged to the account.
3. If the tuition has not been paid by the 15th of the month, the parent will be notified that their child will lose the privilege of attending OAS from the 25th of the current month. The account must be paid in full or satisfactory arrangements made with the finance committee.
4. Parents with delinquent accounts from the previous year will not be allowed to register their children for the current year unless written permission from the finance committee is presented at registration.
5. The OAS Board believes that all SDA students desiring a Christian education should have one. Limited financial assistance may be available from the school or local churches, to those families who qualify financially and whose lifestyle indicates a willingness to sacrifice for Christian education. (Applications for student financial assistance should be obtained from your pastor or church secretary.) A written commitment of financial aid must be provided to OAS prior to class attendance.
There is an insufficient fund check fee of $10.00 for each check returned. This is subject to change as per bank charges.
Student records will be transferred to other schools only when all financial obligations to OAS have been met.
Withdrawals When a student withdraws from
Class Entry – Graduation No student may enter class in August without all paperwork complete, which includes having the account paid up to date.
No student may graduate without the entire school years bill paid in full by May 15th, including fines and/or damage charges, or appropriate arrangements are approved by the finance committee.
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