Author: Kelly

Phone: 574-804-1077
Email: ktutino@nlchristianschool.net

Student/Parent
Handbook

Table of Contents
Admissions ………………………………………………………………..4
Appointments/Vacation Policies ………………………………………….9
Arrival ……………………………………………………………………..6
Attendance Policy………………………………………………………….8
Book Fees………………………………………………………………….5
Change of Address/Phone Number……………………………………….12
Chapel Services……………………………………………………….…..13
Classroom Policies………………………………………………………..16 & 17
Curriculum………………………………………………………………....12
Disciplinary Procedure…………………………………….……………….16 &17
Dismissal………………………………………………………………..…..6
Dress Code…………………………………………………………………..11
Field Trips………………………………………………………………..….13
Financial Policy…………………………………………………………..….5
Grading Scale……………………………………………………………….14
Lunch/Milk program……………………………………………………….10
Make-up Work ……………………………………………………………....8
Medication Policy…………………………………………………………..10
Mission Statement……………………………………………………..…….3
Motor Vehicle Regulations……………………………………………..…...6
Non– discriminatory Statement …………………………………………….3
Parking Lot Pick-up/Drop-off Map………………………………………….7
Physical Contact………………………………………………………….....15
Purpose of School……………………………………………………...…...3
Registration Fee’s ……………………………………………………...…..5
Retention Policy………………………………………………………..…...14
School Closings/Delays………………………………………………..…….6
School Rules…………………………………………………….……….….15
Snack Program ………………………………………………………..……10
Statement of Faith………………………………………………….………...3
Suspension /Expulsion ……………………………………………...……...17
Tardies……………………………………………………………..………..10
Textbooks/Library books…………………………………………..……….12
Truancy ……………………………………………………………………...9
Withdrawal Procedure…………………………………………...………….18

Mission

The mission of the North Liberty Christian School is to provide a safe Christian centered environment where students are challenged to achieve academic and spiritual excellence. NLCS is committed to traditional values and service with an emphasis on integrating Christian principles into the lives of the Students.

Statement of Faith

We believe the Bible to be the ONLY inspired, infallible and authoritative Word of God. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons.: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that Salvation is by God’ s Grace and is accepted and sustained by one’s active, obedient faith in Jesus Christ as absolute Lord. We believe that the Holy Spirit lives in all Christians and gives them desire and power to live a Holy life.

Purpose

North Liberty Christian School is dedicated in providing a quality education with Christian values. We will be using what we believe is our finest curricula available for achieving the ultimate in academic excellence. Our goal is to equip each child with the necessary tools to effectively pursue the vocation to which the Lord shall lead them, and that each child would follow him into eternity. God’s word through the Bible will be taught as the source of Truth to guide the students, as they desire to have a closer more personal relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

Non-discriminatory Statement

The North Liberty Church of Christ, in conducting its school, will admit students of any sex, race, color, national and ethnic origin to all of the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students and the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school administered programs, and the employment of faculty and administrative staff.

Page 3

Admissions

Priority for admission to NLCS shall be on the following basis:
Currently enrolled students
Siblings of currently enrolled students
Members in good standing at North Liberty Church of Christ
The general public based on space availability
Parents or guardians should be in agreement with the mission, statement of faith, and purpose of the school, the information contained in this handbook, and should be willing for their child to be trained by those affirming the aforementioned.
Children entering kindergarten must have reached their fifth birthday on or before August 1st of this school year. For the admission process, and admission packet of information is provided. Parents should follow the information contained in the packet in order to enroll a student.
All students enrolling in grades one through fourth may be subject to a formal interview which would include student, parents, administrator, and a minimum of two school board members. To help evaluate the student’s present and potential achievement and provide a basis for placement, a standard test will be given.
All new students will be on conditional acceptance for the first nine weeks. A report card of the students previous term of work must be presented before enrollment can be made.
The privilege of being enrolled at North Liberty Christian School would prohibit the use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or profanity. Immoral behavior and rebellious activity toward authority are prohibited. NLCS strongly discourages attendance at off campus locations that are questionable or detrimental to the Christian witness. Prospective students at NLCS who are currently using alcohol/tobacco, members of gangs, or involved in gang-related activities, or under suspension of expulsion from another educational facility for these offenses will have their application rejected.
The parent or guardian of each student must have read the current year’s Parent-Student Handbook and be in agreement with the polices as defined. The parent or guardian is required to sign a document indicating agreement before the student is officially enrolled. This document will be kept in the school’s records.

Page 4

Financial Policy

Registration & Tuition
Please check the registration packet for more information on annual tuition rates. There is a registration fee and book fees that are due before August 1st of the current school year. The registration is discounted if you pay before the end of May. Tuition payments are due and payable on the 15th day of each month. Payments not paid by the 20th of the month will be assessed a late fee of $15.00 unless arrangements have been made in writing with the administrator. If tuition becomes more than one month overdue, the student will be withdrawn from school until tuition is paid up to dated. There will be a $20.00 charge on all returned checks. Two returned checks within a school term will warrant a cash only basis.
School Records
School records, including report cards, can be released, or reenrollment for the following year accepted, only when accounts are paid in full.
Additional Contributions
It is imperative that the school grows. We ask that our parents and students be active in seeking contributions, donated items as well as financial contributions, to help our school grow and become all that God intends for it to become. To help accomplish our goal to keep Christian education affordable, we hold several fundraisers each year. It is vitally important for parents to be involved in helping with these fundraisers. If you know local businesses people or individual that would like to make a contribution to forward the progress of the school, please have them contact the school office. Remember, these contributions are income tax deductible.
It is also important that everyone, student and parent alike, contribute to the spiritual development for the school. Through prayer and the administration, the staff, and the student body finds the strength, guidance, and wisdom necessary in the daily Christian life.

Page 5

Morning Arrival/Afternoon Dismissal
The school doors will be open at 7:45 a.m. and supervision of the children will begin at that time. Children should not arrive before that time. School begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. Upon arrival, students are to come inside the building immediately. Students are not allowed to wander about the parking lot, nor are they permitted to leave the building after arrival.
School is dismissed at 2:45 p.m. each day. We ask that parents promptly pick up their children at this time or no later that 3:00 p.m. Students are not allowed to wander about the school building or outside. If a parent is not at school at the designated time to pick up their child, the student is to go to the designated area and wait until his/her ride is available. A $10.00 fee will be charged for every half-hour of extended care supervision past 3:00 p.m.
School Closing/Delays
North Liberty Christian School will follow the same schedule as John Glenn School Corporation. In regard to holidays and weather conditions. If announcements are made on the radio and/or television concerning delays or cancellations due to weather, then NLCS will follow that same schedule. In the even of a delay, continue to listen in case it is switched to a cancellation .
Motor Vehicle Regulations
Parking lot speed is 5 mph. Students are to come directly into the building. We also have daycare parents dropping an picking up their children please be aware of them and the school busses that pick up and drop off in our lot. Please be careful to observe all motor vehicle rules and follow the designated plan of entrance and exit.
REMEMBER: SAFETY IS THE KEY!!!!

Page 6

Parking Lot Pick up and Drop off Directions

State Road 23
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Entrance

EXIT

Exit
ONLY!

Parking Lot

NLCS School Door

Please be aware of Daycare Parents dropping off and picking up their children and of the busses picking up and dropping off. Our parking lot is very busy! Help keep our children safe!

Page 7

Attendance Policy (updated 9/2019)
In concordance with IC20-33-2-25, North Liberty Christian School has adopted the following attendance policy upon accreditation:
Students who are absent 10% or more of the days in which they are enrolled at NLCS, will be asked to meet with the administrator to discuss attendance. Failure to meet with the administrator may result in the student being retained and/or referred to the juvenile courts. For the student who is enrolled for the full year, this translates into 18 days of absence and 162 in attendance.
Absences
Parents are required to call the school office by 8:30 a. m. to let the school know the nature of the absence. This call will serve as your absence note. Office phone 574-804-1077
Parents of children listed as absent, who have not informed the school, will be called to ask about the nature of the child’s absence.
Please call in homework requests by 10 a.m. Homework can be picked up in the office between 2:45 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Students will be given the opportunity for making up work missed due to approved absences. The length of time for completion of makeup work shall be commensurate with the absence.
Students who have a fever or vomit will be sent home.
Excused Absences
An excused absence is one, which is excusable by state law. The only excused, which are considered valid, are illness, death in the family, religious holidays, medical or dental appointments, quarantine or legal appointments.
Unexcused Absences
Failure to call before 8:30 a.m. or send a note of explanation the day following an absence deems the absence unexcused. Office phone 574-804-1077
An unexcused absence is any absence approved by the parent but not excusable by state law (see above).
An unexcused absence indicates that credit will not be given for makeup work.
When there are two instances of unexcused absences, the juvenile department of probation requires these absences be reported. This will result in a hearing for the child and the parents.

Page 8

Truancy
Truancy is absence without the knowledge or approval of the parent/guardian.
A parent conference is required for readmission to school after truancy.
The student shall not receive credit on all work missed, assignments due and tests given during the period of truancy.
When a child surpasses 10 unexcused absences from school, they will be considered a habitual truant. A habitual truant is a student who is chronically absent by having unexcused absences exceeding 10 days in one school year.
Eleventh and ALL Future Absences
After the tenth absence in a year, excused, unexcused, or truant, the student must have a doctor’s written excuse. Should the doctor’s excuse not be provided, the schoolwork missed shall not be accepted and the scores (grades) will be marked as “0”.
Doctor and Dentist Appointments
IN ADVANCE of the appointments, the school should receive notification that the student will be out for these appointments in order for them to be excused. The student should report back to school immediately after their appointment if school is still in session. The student shall bring a signed statement from the doctor, dentist, counselor, lawyer, etc. to the effect that he/she reported promptly to the appointment. The statement should include the time the appointment was finished. This statement will excuse the absence.
Student Vacation Policy
The full value of a students education is jeopardized when instructional days are missed. Of course, illness and family emergencies are valid cause of absence. Family vacations should be planned to coincide with the North Liberty Christian School calendar. Should a family elect other days of absence, those days will be considered unexcused.

Page 9

Tardy
When arriving in the classroom after 8:00 students are counted tardy. If a student accumulates more than six tardies in a semester, detention will be assigned. Students arriving late to school due to appointments with doctor, dentist, etc., will not be counted as tardy if they submit a note verifying this appointment.
Snack, Milk & Lunch Program
Snacks are greatly encouraged for your child for the morning break. It ha been proven that children need to replenish their minds for learning with healthy snacks (i.e. fruits, vegetables, bagels, muffins, cheese and crackers etc.). Milk will be provided at lunch Free of charge. At this writing, the North Liberty Christian School does not offer a daily hot lunch program. We do however have hot lunch provided by parents a couple of days a month at the cost of $3.00 per lunch.
Medication Policy
By state guidelines, students are not to administer their own prescription medications. Rather, prescription medication for your child should be brought to the office along with a properly completed note signed and dated by the parent. This note should include child’s name. prescription name, and when to administer the medication. Prescription medication should be brought in the original container with the doctor’s orders printed on the label. The administrator, in accordance with the directions given with the prescription, will give medication to the student. The administrator is not allowed to give any medication without the parent’s signature.
All over the counter medication, including cough drops, must have a signed form on record in the office. The parent will be provided forms at the orientation program at the beginning of the year. The medication must be labeled with the student’s name and will be kept in the office.
Student Messages
Students are not called to the office telephone under any circumstances. In cases of emergency the administrator will contact the student with the message. Mail or parcel post will not be delivered to the students. Mail addressed to the students is forwarded to the home address. This regulation protects our student from outside influence of those attempting to circumvent parental supervision.

Page 10

NLCS Dress Code & Appearance
Believing that the desire of the parents and responsibility of the school has to do with the child’s life, the following has be established as a school dress code. The parent and child are responsible for seeing that the student is properly dressed when attending school and any related school functions. The dress code applies to all school activities, both at home and away.
General
Pants, shorts, skirts or jumpers must be navy, khaki, or black in color and plain in design.
Polo's, blouses, and turtle necks can be any color but must be a solid color NO DESIGNS..
Sweaters, sweatshirts, and hoodies may be any color, but a solid color, NO DESIGNS. If a hoodie becomes a distraction, the hoodie will be taken away and sent home.
Tennis shoes should not have flashing lights. NO Flip Flops. Sandals must have a heel strap and be comfortable to play on the playground.
SHORTS MAY ONLY BE WORN DURING THE FIRST AND FOURTH GRADING PERIODS.
Boys:
No earrings will be worn
Hair should be kept neat and cut short enough that hair does not get in the eyes or become a
distraction.
Pants should be worn on the waist. Pants should never be low enough for underwear to show… use a belt to keep pants up., if necessary.
Hats are not to be worn during the school day. Hats can be coming and going to school and at recess.
No tank tops or sleeveless shirts.
Girls:
Shirts, camisoles, and tank tops are to be worn when necessary, under clothing.
Bra straps are not to be visible.
Leggings of any color or pattern must be worn under jumpers and skirts.
Yoga pants must not be worn alone. Long shirts must cover the butt when wearing yoga pants.
No tank tops as a shirt (which includes spaghetti straps)
Parents:
We believe a dress code helps our students in many ways but also believe that parents should also set high standards for themselves concerning dress code. Please make sure to follow the student guidelines regarding undergarments, length of dresses/skirts, and wearing yoga pants/exercise gear. Our students look up to our parents, especially those who volunteer at the school, so being a Godly example is important.
**Thank you for supporting us with our mission of teaching our students to take pride in their appearance.**
Casual Day:
Students will have designated days where they do not have to wear uniform clothing called Causal Days. On those days, kids still must follow the above guidelines pertaining to neat, clean and modest appearance.

Page 11

Use of Telephone
Students will not be allowed to use the school phones during school hours. Students are encouraged to take care of all business and other arrangements at home. Students may not call home to ask parents to bring textbooks, papers, lunch, or other information they may have forgotten. It is the responsibility of each student to be prepared for each class session by bringing all appropriate materials to each class.
Change of Address/Phone Number
Any change of address or telephone number, including a work number or cell phone, should be reported to the administration immediately.
Textbook/ Library Books
The purchase of textbooks is the responsibility of the parents or guardians. Students are responsible for the upkeep of the textbooks. If they become worn out or torn due to a lack of responsibility on the student’s part, or if the student loses his/her textbooks parents will be obligated to replace textbooks and material. Textbook and material are a necessity for learning. Parents will be held responsible for the replacement of any lost or unreturned library books checked out of the school library or St. Joseph County Public Library, North Liberty Branch.
Curriculum
The basic school subjects are the tools for later life and learning. North Liberty Christian School gives careful attention to Bible, Phonics, Penmanship, Spelling, Reading, Grammar, Composition, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health, Geography, History, Physical Education, Music and Art. The textbooks used present subject content in an equal and optimal educational opportunity through multi-sensory curricula. The principles of scripture are then naturally woven into the subject content, thus providing an integrated approach to education.

Page 12

Chapel
Chapel services are an integral part of the ministry at NLCS. All students attend chapel services every Wednesday. The focus of chapel is to provide a genuine worship experience for the student body. Special speakers, music, drama and religious films are used in these service to focus the student’ attention on his/her commitment to Christ and the Christian way of life. Parents and visitors are welcome at chapel services
Prayer
Prayer is a part of every classroom activity and program within the school. All conferences and decisions are covered in prayer. We ask that the parents pray daily for the teachers and staff as well as their own children.
Assemblies
Good student behavior and responsibility in assemblies is of the utmost important to school spirit. We hope that the students of North Liberty Christian School always show extreme courtesy and attention in assemblies. Christian behavior will be held in high esteem.
Student Field Trips
Field trips must have the consent of the administrator. Students will be
accompanied and supervised by faculty members if the trip is sponsored by the school system. The administrator will use discretion and good judgment regarding the number for faculty members and parents to accompany the students.
Pesticide Usage
If you would like to be notified of pesticide applications please e mail the office with in the first two weeks of school. Pesticides are usually applied during non school hours.

Page 13

Grading Policies & Procedures
Letter and numerical grades are given on the report card in all subjects for grades one through six. Numerical equivalents are indicated
in the “Semester Average” column. The following letter grades are given with their numerical equivalents:
A+ 100
A 99-92
B 87-82
C 77-72
D 67-62
F 59 & below
Grade Reporting
Report cards grades 1-6 will be issued every nine weeks. The school calendar will indicate the dates on which the report period ends.
Retention
The teacher’s professional judgment will be a major factor in determining retention. Parents will be asked to a conference with school officials regarding retention. The administrator will work closely with the teacher and the school board in deciding the course of action that will be best for the child’s future.

Page 14

Basic School Rules
Students will be expected to attend all assemblies, chapels, and classes on time.
Students will be expected to arrive and leave all school functions in an orderly fashion.
Students and parents shall be held responsible for damage done to school, equipment, buildings and furniture.
Students are not allowed in the kitchen unless supervised.
Students should wait in a designated area after school for parents to arrive.
If a situation should arise where students need to be excused from class while class is in session, the student should make sure he/she has permission from their instructor. Students should never leave class without the instructor’s permission.
Chewing gum is not allowed.
Running in the building is strictly prohibited.
Radios, cell phones, CD players, iPods, or any electronic devices are not allowed on school grounds without the express written permission of the administrator.
Student will not wear un-prescribed glasses in the building.
In all fairness to the student body, a Christian school is designed to create an environment conducive to learning. A Christian school is about learning and growing in the four area’s of life. If you have any other ideas in mind besides those mentioned above, please consider withdrawing your children from school, as it will save you and your family much time, effort, and energy. We do not like the heartbreak involved when we must dismiss those students who will not conform to the policies set forth herein.
Physical Contact
The actions of each student at North Liberty Christian School should reflect the high standards of Christian morals and principals. It is, therefore, expected of each student to refrain from public displays of affection while on school grounds.

Page 15

Classroom Rules
Students will be expected to exhibit good classroom manners and conduct themselves at all times in a manner that is conductive to a learning situation wand with regard to fellow students.
Answer all adults respectfully. Students must address their instructors and school personnel by Mr.. Mrs., or Miss.
Listen while others are speaking. Raise your hand to get permission to speak.
Be courteous and considerate of those around you who are trying to learn by refraining from writing or passing notes, tossing objects, or being disruptive.
Be neat at all times and keep your classroom clean
Exhibit responsibility by coming to class on time and with all necessary material and supplies.
Assignments must be turned in on the due date. All late work will result in one letter grade lower per day it is late.
Disciplinary Procedure
The administrator and/or teacher are vested with the responsibility for control of the students. Students will be held responsible for their actions and shall conduct themselves in keeping with their level of maturity, showing regard to fellow students and those in authority,. Students will conduct themselves in a manner, which is conducive to a learning situation. Each teacher will make every effort to counsel with the student in an effort to resolve the problem without administrative involvement. However, student deemed by a teacher to require an administrative conference will be sent to the office on a disciplinary referral for further action.
At North liberty Christian School, certain offenses require a trip to the office
They are:
Fighting (Ephesians 4:2-3)
Lying, cheating, or stealing (Exodus 20:15-16)
Disrespect to a Staff Member, Rebellion, or Outright Disobedience (Ephesians 4:29-32)
Sexual Connotations, Obscenity, Profanity or Coarse Joking (Ephesians 5:3-5)
Any repeated violation of the School Rules

Page 16

Disciplinary procedures when sent to the office: .
1st offense—Loss of privilege and parents notified
2nd offense—Detention and parents notified
3rd offense—Detention and conference between teacher, parent, child and administrator.
4th offense—One day suspension with no credit given for missed assignments and school board notified.
5th Offense—Expulsion, subject to board approval.
Note: The disciplinary procedures listed above for any offense the student may be sent to the office for, and not a series of the same offense. Also, depending on the severity of the offence, some instances may warrant an immediate dismissal of the student.
Suspensions or Expulsions
In the following cases a parent shall be notified and the student shall be subject to suspension or expulsion:
Use of profanity or sexual vulgarities
Firearms, knives, or other potentially dangerous objects on school property or school sponsored functions.
Stealing
Smoking or possession of smoking paraphernalia (cigarette, tobacco, lighters, matches, ect.)
Any student suspected of distributing, using or possessing alcohol, drugs, or tobacco on or adjacent to school ground or at any school event will have his/her parents notified immediately. Proof of any such distribution, use or possession will constitute grounds for immediate expulsion.
Expulsion is the final disciplinary measure used only when all other disciplinary techniques have been exhausted, or when the severity of the offense, in the opinion of the administrator and/or School Board, warrants expulsion.
The Administrator has the authority to administer all disciplinary actions except expulsion. The decision to expel a student will be made by a majority of the School Board. Any student returning from an out-of-school suspension will be re-admitted only after a parent or guardian communicates with the administrator. No credit will be give for any work missed during the suspension.

Page 17

Withdrawal Procedures
The procedures for withdrawal are as follows:
Authorization for withdrawal must be made in person by parent or guardian to the administration.
Upon withdrawal, parents are required to pay 50% of the remainder of the tuition for that school year.
School records will not be released until all financial accounts are updated.

Page 18

Student/Parent Handbook Signature Agreement Form
Please sign and return this half. By doing so you are saying that you have read and agree with the contents of this document. We would like your student to sign as well showing they also agree with the rules and will abide by the rules.
________________________________________________________________________________
Parent/ Guardian Signature Date
________________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
________________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature Date
________________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature Date
________________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature Date

Page 19