2004
- 2005
HANDBOOK
for
Parents and Students
Libby Adventist Christian
School has been established by the Seventh-day Adventist Church
to provide a Christ-centered curriculum that will promote the
mental, spiritual, physical and social development of its students.
It is the belief of our school that effective learning can best
be accomplished through the combined efforts of the home, the
Church and the school. It is the goal of this school to supply
an atmosphere favorable to learning and the development of a Christian
character.
PHILOSOPHY
In the words of Ellen G. White,
one of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist church, Adventist
education is dedicated "to restore in man the image of his
Maker, to bring him back to the perfection in which he was created,
to promote the development of body, mind, and soul, that the divine
purpose of His creation might be realized."
"A knowledge of God, His
plan for our redemption, and the kind of persons men and women
may become as they are restored to His likeness is of first importance
throughout the total school experience. Students are given opportunities
to accept Jesus as their personal Savior. Each student is challenged
to develop a personal sense of mission for giving the gospel message
to all the world in preparation for the soon return of Jesus."
—Ellen G. White, Education, pages 15, 16.
Seventh-day Adventist education
places a high estimate on the infinite worth of every individual
and seeks to provide a climate in which a positive self-image
may be developed. Academic excellence is promoted by challenging
students to use fully their intellectual capacities. Physical
and health education reflect the belief that the body is God’s
temple. Students are encouraged to take an active interest in
making the community a better place to live, to appreciate the
cultural differences and scientific advances of the age, and to
develop positive attitudes toward all peoples.
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ACCREDITATION
Libby Adventist Christian School
is accredited by the Seventh-day Adventist Education Department
of the North Pacific Union Conference and the National Council
for Private Schools Accreditation.
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ADMISSIONS
Libby Adventist Christian School
welcomes any student that desires a Christian education and is
willing to support the principles and regulations of the school.
The school board reserves the right to refuse admittance, and/or
dismiss any student if it believes that the school is not benefiting
the student or in order to safeguard the scholastic, spiritual,
and moral atmosphere of the school.
The school admits students of
any ethnic origin or gender to all rights, privileges, programs,
and activities generally provided to its students. We make no
discrimination based on race, religion, color, gender or national
origin in the administration of educational policies, application
of admission, finance, or extracurricular programs.
Admission is based on the student
meeting the following guidelines:
- A copy of the child’s
birth certificate must be on file.
- Every student must provide
adequate documentation that immunizations were performed against
those communicable diseases as required by the State Department
of Health & Environmental Services, or parents must apply
for a health or religious exemption. Students who have taken
the exemption status will not be allowed to attend classes in
the event of an epidemic.
- A physical examination with
adequate follow-up or a health certificate shall be required
of all students entering grade one and for all new students.
Any special conditions existing which would exclude a student
from normal school activities should be so stated.
- A student beginning first grade
must be six years old by September 1. A child’s behavioral
age, not chronological age is the most effective standard for
determining school placement. During the first month of school,
first graders will be evaluated for school readiness. This will
be done by observation and a comprehensive testing program.
- Any student transferring from
another school will be required to present records from the
last school attended.
- Students coming from home school
will be evaluated and tested in order to be placed in the proper
grade. Grade placement will be on a conditional basis.
- At the time of registration,
the following forms must be completed:
- Student Application
for Admission
- Tuition Contract
- Continuing Consent to
Treatment and Authorization to Release Information
- Student/Parent Agreement
- FOR NEW STUDENTS—A
physical exam or health certificate (Continuing
students should have this form already in their file.).
- Copy of birth certificate.
- FOR TRANSFERRING STUDENTS—Student
Records Request
- Copy of immunization
record, or signed exemption.
- At the time of registration,
the first month’s tuition and full registration fee is
to be paid, unless arrangements have been made with the school
treasurer.
- Those seeking admission to
Libby Adventist Christian School are subject to approve of the
School Board. An interview is required of all students and their
parents. This will be conducted by the teacher and/or a school
board member. Final action on all applications for admission
is by the School Board. All students are accepted on a probationary
basis for one month.
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WITHDRAWAL
When a student ceases enrollment
in the school during the school year, the parent is required to
come to the school and fill out a withdrawal form. All tuition
due must be paid in full before school records can be forwarded
to the new school.
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ATTENDANCE
Libby Adventist Christian
School is committed to the tenet that every student should attend
school every day and that poor attendance results, not only in
a loss of valuable instruction time, but creates behavior patterns
which could dramatically influence a student’s lifelong success.
Regular attendance and promptness
are expected and essential for success in school. The law of the
State of Montana specifies the requirements for compulsory attendance
in school. It requires parents and guardians who are responsible
for the care of school-age children to enforce attendance to the
school in which the child is enrolled.
We believe that regular attendance
is primarily the responsibility of parents and, to a lesser extent,
students, depending on their age. We recognize the importance
of monitoring the parental responsibility for their child’s
attendance, and taking whatever action may be necessary to assure
that students attend school regularly.
Definitions
Truancy - Absences which
take place without the approval of the parent and/or principal.
Excused Absence - Generally,
absences will be considered reasonable in cases of illness, bereavement,
family vacations, situations resulting from "acts of God"
and other emergencies. Other absences will be considered unexcused.
Excessive Absences - Students
who miss 10 days of school per school year are considered excessively
absent.
Tardiness - All tardiness
which extend beyond 8:30 a.m. or 12:45 p.m. will be considered
a .5 absence.
Reporting Student Absences
When a student must be absent
for illness or other unforeseen emergencies, parents must inform
the school of the reasons for the student's absence by 9:00 a.m.
on the day of the absence. If the student is not present and the
parent has not notified the school of the absence, the school
will attempt to call the parent by 11:00 a.m. of the same day.
The fact that the school will attempt to call the parent does
not relieve the parent of the responsibility to call the school
to report their child's absence.
Absence/Student Performance
Once the teacher observes that
the student's absences or tardinesses are having an adverse effect
on the student's progress, he/she will make parental contact to
express concern and to explain the problem. If the absences have
been unavoidable because of illness, bereavement or other reasons,
the teacher will request a meeting to develop a plan so that the
absenteeism has minimal effect on the student's academic success.
In the event that reasons for absences have been questionable,
the teacher will explain that the student will not get credit
for work missed during those unexcused absences. Additionally,
the teacher will not be required to provide make-up work. Absences
and excessive tardiness may be a significant factor in decisions
of retention.
Excused Absence
An absence is excused if a parent
or legal guardian calls the school no later than 24 hours following
the absence, or if a note is presented to the teacher the school
day following the absence. In cases where doubt occurs concerning
the validity of an excuse, the teacher may require verification.
Unexcused Absence
Any absence not covered under
the excused absence guidelines above will be considered unexcused
except for an exempted absence. Students will not get credit for
work missed during unexcused absences or out of school suspensions.
Parental notification regarding
unexcused absences is an essential element of this policy. Parents
and school personnel will work together to offer appropriate assistance
to students with attendance problems. Every effort will be made
to notify parents of unexcused absences so they may initiate corrective
measures in the home.
The school may assign detention
or suspension for unexcused absences.
Excessive Absences and Truancies
Once the teacher observes that
the student's poor attendance and/or excessive tardiness is having
an adverse effect on the student's progress or grade or is disruptive
to the class, teachers are to make a parental contact to express
their concern and to discuss the problem. At this point, teachers
may confer with the student and assign detentions. After the teacher
has made the parental contact, if the attendance or tardiness
has not improved, the teacher should inform the school board.
Students who miss 10 or more days
of school, including excused and unexcused absences, are considered
excessively absent. Teacher’s discretion will be used when
notifying parents of students who have excessive absences.
- After 10 cumulative absences
per school year, the teacher will notify the parent calling
attention to the consequences of poor attendance on school achievement.
- After 15 cumulative absences
per school year, the teacher will again notify the parent expressing
concern about the student's poor attendance and may establish
a meeting with the parent to discuss the student's attendance
patterns.
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PARENT
RESPONSIBILITY
Be aware of the need for good
health habits in your child:
- Sufficient sleep and rest.
- Selective television viewing.
- Adequate breakfast.
- Nutritious lunches.
- Avoidance of stimulants such
as caffeinated drinks may adversely affect your child’s
activity level.
- Keep your child home is he/she
shows signs of communicable disease, or if there is elevated
temperature. Parents will be asked to take their child home
if symptoms develop at school.
- Parents will be held responsible,
along with their child, for any damage to school property, or
the property of another person.
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STUDENT
PLEDGE
Entrance in LACS is contingent
on both the student and the parent/guardian signing this pledge.
It is understood that every student
who applies for admission to the Libby Adventist Christian School
pledges to willingly observe all school regulations and rules,
to provide a positive attitude, and to uphold the Christian principles
upon which the school operates. The student also pledges to perform,
according to ability, all assigned tasks to the best of his/her
ability.
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STUDENT
CONDUCT
We believe individuals in a Christian
community:
- Have respect for God, oneself,
others and the environment.
- Accept responsibility for themselves.
- Accept consequences for their
actions.
- Develop a positive self-image
and learn to the best of their ability.
Each student is expected to strive
to take full advantage of his/her educational opportunities and
to do his/her best in all areas of school life. Each student has
the right to an education in an orderly, safe, and sanitary atmosphere
and is expected to contribute to his/her environment my meeting
the following responsibilities:
- Show reverence for God and
His Word—the Bible.
- Show respect for others and
their rights and property.
- Respect and work cooperatively
with his/her fellow students and school staff.
- Be punctual and regular in
school attendance.
- Respond positively and promptly
to direction by faculty or staff members.
- Refrain from lying, cheating,
stealing, or any other form of dishonesty.
- Refrain from fighting or other
abusive behavior directed toward any student, faculty or staff
member.
- Refrain from the use of profanity,
vulgarity, swearing, slang, or crude or vulgar gestures.
- Do not use radios, tape recorders,
cassettes, or television sets except as approved by the teacher
for class assignments.
- Do not bring to school the
following items:
- 1. Radios, CD or tape
players, TV’s
- 2. Objectionable literature
(as defined by the teacher)
- 3. Fireworks or matches
- 4. Knives
- 5. Any potentially dangerous
items as defined by the teacher.
- Refrain from selling products
or services on campus without first obtaining permission from
the teacher.
- Do your best to complete all
assignments as assigned.
- ave permission to use the internet.
Do not look up material that the teacher deems "harmful."
- Remember that all school regulations
remain in effect during any school activity, whether on or off
campus, or during or outside of regular school hours.
- Avoid encouraging or assisting
another student to take action which would subject a student
to suspension or expulsion.
- Refrain from possession or
use of explosives, dangerous chemicals, or weapons on school
property or at a school function.
- Refrain from damage to or theft
of personal or school property. The student will pay for or
replace any property which has been destroyed or damaged willfully
or foolishly. Writing or carving on desks, tables, walls, books,
or any school property will result in assessment of replacement
or repair costs.
- Refrain from unauthorized entry
into or misuse or damage of school property.
- Be financially responsible,
with his/her parent or guardian, for willful damage or destruction
of school property.
- Refrain from throwing rocks,
sticks, or snowballs.
- Refrain from riding bicycles,
skateboards, roller skates, or scooters on school grounds, unless
part of the school program.
- Refrain from the use or possession
of tobacco, alcohol, or any illicit drug.
- Dress with modesty, neatness,
healthfulness, and appropriateness.
- Consider the safety of self
and others.
These regulations will be enforced,
but the student and parents are encouraged to ask questions of
the teacher, providing it is done in a positive spirit
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DRESS
POLICY
Libby Adventist Christian School
has the philosophy that school attire should be consistent with
the principles of modesty, health, attractiveness, and appropriateness
for school activities. The following specific recommendations
are given to guide parents and students in planning a school wardrobe:
- Dress and grooming should be
neat, practical and modest.
- No unnatural makeup, including
nail polish.
- Jewelry is not to be worn.
This includes rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. A student
will be required to remove jewelry, if worn to school, and turn
it over to the teacher. This will be returned to the parent
on the first offense and a reminder of policies will be in order.
The second violation will result in the parent and student being
required to meet with the school board before the student is
allowed to return to school.
- Suitable footwear is required
at all times. Walking or running shoes should be worn the out
of doors.
- Children should wear clothing
which is suitable for weather conditions, as outdoor play will
be required.
- Pictures and expressions on
T-shirts should reflect Christian standards. T-shirts, hats
or other clothing with advertisements of alcoholic beverages,
rock groups, gang related clothing, or sexually suggestive or
double-meaning slogans or any emblem not in harmony with Christian
standards will not be permitted.
- These standards will apply
at any school sponsored activity, whether on the school grounds
or not, including before and after regular school hours.
- Walking or dress shorts may
be worn, however, tight fitting or short shorts will not be
permitted.
- Physical education uniforms
and/or gym wear are to be worn only PE class or recreation time.
They should not be worn in the classroom. Aerobic wear, leotards,
and spandex are not acceptable. Students should not wear garments
made of sheer materials, or with low necklines, tank tops, or
bare midriffs. Skirts and dress lengths are to be modest.
- GIRLS — The length and
fit of skirts, slacks, shorts or jeans should permit the wearer
to walk, bend, or sit easily and in a modest manner. This will
vary with the age and physical makeup of each girl. However,
miniskirts are never acceptable. Torn or ripped jeans are also
unacceptable. No bare midriffs, sleeveless, or off-the-shoulder
styles are to be worn. Cosmetics should be used to only enhance
the natural appearance and attractiveness of the individual.
- BOYS — Slacks, jeans,
or walking shorts should be dress and neatly tailored. They
are to be modest in cut and fit. Torn or ripped jeans are not
acceptable. Shirts should be buttoned appropriately. Tank tops
or other sleeveless shirts or bare midriffs are not acceptable.
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STUDENT
DISCIPLINE
Students have a right to an education
in an orderly and safe environment. They are expected to strive
to take full advantage of their educational opportunities and
to do their best work. Students may not deprive others of their
fundamental right to an education. It is, therefore, the duty
of the school administration to establish and enforce rules and
regulations which contribute to a productive, orderly and safe
school environment.
The methods employed in enforcing
the rules of the school involve professional judgment. Such judgment
should be:
- Consistent from day to day
and student to student.
- Balanced against the severity
of the misconduct.
- Appropriate to the student's
nature and prior behavior.
- Fair to the student, parent,
and others.
- Effective.
Corporal punishment will not be
administered.
Since these criteria may be in
conflict, established procedures must be followed in correcting
misbehavior. Appeal procedures have been established in order
to provide for an opportunity for every corrective action or punishment
to be reviewed by someone in authority and to instill confidence
among students and parents as to the essential fairness of staff.
A teacher shall have the authority
to exclude a student from his/her classroom for all or any part
of the period or until the teacher has time to deal with the student
on an individual basis. Prior to excluding a student, except in
emergency circumstances, the teacher shall have attempted one
or more corrective actions.
Rules and regulations adopted
by the School Board, or by the teacher, and announced to the students
will have the same force as if printed in this handbook.
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SUSPENSION
AND DISMISSAL
Most discipline is accomplished
in the ordinary educational environment between the teacher and
the student. For serious infractions, discipline will be referred
to the School Board who has the option of recommending suspension
or additional suspension of the teacher has already exercised
the option of suspension of up to three (3) days. In addition,
School Board action may result in student dismissal.
The teacher has authority to suspend
a student for up to three (3) consecutive school days without
direct School Board action. The suspension will be reported to
the School Board chairperson for further evaluation.
Suspension or dismissal usually
will involve one or more of the following reasons:
- Continual violation of any
school regulation.
- Intentionally causing damage
to school or personal property, or willful injury to another
student.
- Leaving school property without
permission.
- Use of profanity in any form.
(Even implied.)
- Lack of respect for the teacher
or fellow student.
- An attitude that is negative
and/or not cooperative.
- Possessing or use of tobacco
in any form.
- Possessing or use of alcoholic
beverage.
- Possessing or use of a controlled
substance or illicit drug.
- Engaging in sexual activity
or other unwholesome behavior while a student at LACS.
- Insubordination (Disobedience
of, or disregard for authority)
- The student’s lifestyle
is characterized by impurity and immorality.
- The use of drugs, alcohol,
or tobacco.
- The use of or possession of
firearms, firecrackers, explosive devices, or weapons of any
kind.
- The student exerts a detrimental
influence on another student.
- Previous attempts at helping
the student have not brought about the necessary changes or
results.
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APPEAL
POLICY
Realizing that communication sometimes
breaks down and can result in misunderstandings, a grievance procedure
ha been established in harmony with the council of Jesus in Matthew
18. This procedure has been established believing that the Bible
is the best guide and that the student is our prime concern. Therefore,
the following steps have been adopted to resolve any misunderstanding
or problems that may occur. It is important that the steps be
followed in sequence.
- A parent/teacher conference
should be held in order to identify the problem and isolate
the facts. This first step should resolve the majority of problems.
Parents should approach the teacher after school hours. Parent/teacher
meetings should take place after school hours.
- A parent/teacher conference
with the School Board chairman and/or pastor may he held if
the concerns remain unresolved after the first meeting. It will
be the teacher’s responsibility report to the School Board
prior to this second meeting.
- Before further action is taken,
a second parent/teacher /School Board (chairperson or pastor)
conference held with the problem area stated in written form.
Only first hand information with is current this year and with
directly affects the individual concerned shall be considered.
- Any unresolved problems should
be brought before the Conflict Resolution Committee through
the School Board chairperson.
- If the issue is still not resolved
to the satisfaction of all parties, an individual may request
a meeting with the School Board through the School Board chairperson.
This will be requested in writing a brief statement of the problem
and the resolution sought (or wished for.) A time will be arranged
for a person to assist with the written request if needed.
This policy is designed to assist
parents, teachers, and students in discussing problems and concerns
at an early time in order to avoid the negative consequences of
poor communication. Ultimately the student will benefit most from
his/her education if the guidelines above are followed.
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GENERAL
INFORMATION
- CLOSED CAMPUS POLICY—Libby
Adventist Christian School has a closed campus policy, and students
are expected to stay on the campus during school hours. Students
are not to leave the school premises during the school day without
written note from the parent/guardian.
- HEALTH AND FIRST AID—In
case of accident or illness, minimal first aid will be administered.
No medication will be given by the school staff without the
proper forms being on file. The school must also have information
pertaining to which doctor to call in case of an emergency,
as well as who to contact if the parents cannot be reached.
- MEDICATIONS ADMINISTERED TO
STUDENTS—The school will establish and maintain a system
for safe storage, handling, and dispensing of prescribed medication
in order to protect both the students and the school. To assure
that the specified drug is dispensed to the designated pupil
in the prescribed amount at the specified time, the procedure
below will be followed:
- The medication is prescribed
by a licensed health care provider.
- The parent or guardian
signs a request, which will remain in the student’s
health folder, to have the medication dispensed to the child
according to the written directions of the prescribing health
care provider.
- The medication is brought
to school and kept in the prescription container filled
by the pharmacist.
- All medications are appropriately
identified for each child and stored in a safe location.
- At vacation time, end of
the school year, or end of the dispensing time, any remaining
medication shall be returned to the pupil’s parents
or destroyed.
- REPORT CARDS—Grade reports
are issued every nine weeks. Parent-teacher conferences will
be held at the end of the first and third nine-week periods.
Times will be arranged by the teacher. Any parent who fails
to receive a grade report or has difficulty understanding them
should contact the teacher.
- VISITATION—Parents and
other guests are welcomed and encouraged to visit and to be
involved in the school. We recognize, and believe, that for
proper learning and development to take place, the school and
parents need to work and cooperate together.
Students may invite friends to
visit school only with prior approval of the teacher, and written
permission from the visitants parents. Visiting children will
be expected to comply with the school rules and dress policy.
- LOCKERS—Students will
be assigned a locker. A lock may be put on their locker providing
that a duplicate key (or the combination for a combination lock)
is given to the teacher for safe keeping. Periodic locker checks
may be made by the teacher.
- FIELD TRIPS—There will
be a limited number of field trips each school year. It is hoped
that these trips will provide an enrichment and valuable learning
resource for the instructional program. In some instances, a
fee may be necessary to help defray expenses.
- According to Montana Conference
policy, and/or Montana state law, any and all vehicles used
to transport students for school sponsored trips or activities
must be properly insured with the maximum amount of liability
insurance. A copy of proof of insurance must be on file at the
school.
- Each driver must show a valid
driver’s license, and a copy of the license must be on
file at the school. Not more that seven (7) students may ride
in one vehicle, each wearing an approve seatbelt at all times.
It is the teacher’s responsibility to ensure the safety
of all students, and to ensure that the parents will comply
with the state laws and conference policies.LUNCHES AND DRINKS—Parents
should provide adequate and nourishing lunches for their children.
Avoid sugary deserts and caffeinated beverages. Eating is only
allowed at lunch time and only in designated areas. Students
may have a water bottle at their desks if properly used. Students
may heat lunches in the kitchen but should bring utensils and
dishes from home and return them each day.
- STUDENT INSURANCE-Students
are covered by an accident policy for injuries which happen
at school or on school-sponsored activities. This policy partially
covers expenses left after family insurance has paid its portion.
(It will serve as primary insurance if there is not family insurance.)
Claims are to be made through the teacher as soon after the
accident as possible.
- TELEPHONE—The school telephone
is for school business use only. Neither the teacher nor the
student should be called to the telephone during school hours
except in cases of real importance. Students may not use the
phone unless asked to do so by the teacher. Barring emergencies,
any changes in plans for after-school transportation are to
be taken care of outside of school hours. It is understood that
if any student uses the phone to make long distance phone calls,
the student and/or parents will be responsible to make payment
to the school in full.
- FIELD TRIPS—Many educational
benefits are derived from regular field trips taken throughout
the school year. You will be notified in advance about these
trips. Your child is well supervised and care is taken for his/her
safety. A permission slip for each field trip must be signed
before a student can participate.
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FINANCIAL
INFORMATION
The Libby Seventh-day Adventist
School is a non-profit organization operating on a tuition basis,
with additional contributions from the local constituent Church,
the Montana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and the North
Pacific Union of Seventh-day Adventists.
TUITION AND FEES—
| |
1st Child in family |
2nd Child in family |
3rd Child in family |
Entrance Fee |
$150 |
$150 |
$150 |
Tuition / 9 mo. |
$150 |
$100 |
$65 |
Entrance fees are nonrefundable.
Tuition fees for late entering
students may be prorated.
Payments are due on the 10th of
each month. If other arrangements are needed they should be made
with the school treasurer.
Tuition payments may left at the
school or mailed to the school at the following address:
Libby Adventist
Christian School
88 Airfield Rd.
Libby, MT 59923
OVERDUE ACCOUNTS—Final
grade reports will be held until any outstanding balance has been
paid, unless arrangements have been made with the school treasurer.
If a student transfers to a new school at any time, their account
balance must be paid in full in order to transfer grades and records
to the new school.
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CONTACT
US
Libby
Adventist Christian School
88
Airfield Road
Libby,
Montana 59923
(406)
293-8613
Principal/Teacher:
Nick Ratcliff (406) 293-7290
School
Board Chairperson: Grant Crawford(406) 293-9827
Treasurer:
Debbie Crawford (406) 293-9827
Pastor:
Donavon Kack (406) 293-2364
SCHOOL
HOURS
8:00
a. m. to 3:00 p. m., Monday through Thursday
8:00
a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday.
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