Welcome to Miramonte School
Miramonte School has an educational environment that reflects an active partnership of students, staff, parents and community. We are open to evaluating and using new ideas that foster an atmosphere conducive to developing responsible Christian students.
Our education program is approved by the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and the State of California. Our operations are supervised by a board of directors elected from nine constituent churches. Our school provides a high quality education that welcomes a wide variety of students from a multi-ethnic cross section of Bay Area communities.
Our Mission Statement
We are committed at Miramonte School to provide opportunities for students to achieve their personal best, become responsible and productive citizens, and embrace lifelong learning in a safe and positive environment. Our goal is to help students become competent compassionate Christians by:
á encouraging an ongoing, personal relationship with Christ, manifested in our love for others.
á cultivating active, compassionate, responsible servants of our community and our world.
á build a loving, accepting community which nurtures the development of respect for self and others.
á we will teach leadership, cooperation, and willingness to take responsibility.
á we will encourage a life-long love of staying fit and healthy in mind, body and spirit.
á we strive to develop life-long learners, enthusiastic problem-solvers and pursuers of excellence.
About Us
Early Beginnings
In the year 1906 the Pacific Press Publishing Association moved from Oakland to Mountain View to establish itself in a rural community. With the move, there came a considerable number of families who wanted their children to receive an education that would incorporate the fundamental principles of the Bible.
In 1906 a one-room church school was organized under the leadership of Elder and Mrs. Wilcox. Mrs. Viola Miller was the first teacher with an enrollment that year of 48 students. This was the early beginning of what would be both Miramonte School and Mountain View Academy.
Today
Miramonte School is supported by the Central California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and its surrounding nine constituent churches. Currently we have a teaching staff of eleven for grades Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8. In the spring of 2002 the gymnasium complex was completed, offering our students an alternate indoor physical education area and two more classrooms. We also have opened a computer lab with the latest technology to help our students reach their highest potential as they move toward academy and college.
Miramonte School is accredited through the National Council for Private Schools, the Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges and Universities and the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists.
Admissions Procedure
Miramonte School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Miramonte School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic background, country of origin or gender in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.
Parents are encouraged to support the school’s principles, programs and teachers, and to agree to direct their children to act in harmony with the standards, requirements and philosophies of the school. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to refuse admittance to any students who do not exhibit behavior in harmony with the school’s principles.
NEW/TRANSFER STUDENTS:
Some of the areas the Admissions Committee looks for in a new student to Miramonte School are chronological age, emotional, physical and social development, academic achievement, test scores, student behavior, attitude, attendance record and special needs.
Before a student is placed in a classroom, he/she shall:
á Complete and submit the Waiting List Application form and the non-refundable processing fee of $75.00. This processing fee cannot be applied to any other fee. It does not guarantee admission.
á Provide verification of grade level and achievement from the school last attended. The parent shall be notified of the transfer of the student’s permanent record, their right to receive a copy of the record and their right to a hearing to challenge the content of the record. This may be a report card, cumulative folder, letter from the principal of former school or telephone discussion between principals. Two recommendations are needed for K-4 students and three for Grade 5-8 students.
á Make an appointment to take a proficiency exam before entering Miramonte School. In lieu of this exam, parents may present results from an alternate approved national exam taken within the previous school year.
á Have an enrollment interview with the parents, Principal or Admissions Committee on a subsequent day to review the test or submission of alternate test results. Once the interview is over, the committee will meet to make a decision. Should concerns arise as a result of this first interview, the student may be given an opportunity to meet with the Admissions Committee once more. The family will receive a phone call should there be a need to set up a second interview. Notification of the Committee’s decision for admission will be given to the family in writing. A registration packet will be mailed with the letter if the child is accepted.
Once the above steps have been completed, the student will be assigned to a classroom for a specified period of probation. This is done by action of the Admissions Committee and may be for a period of not less than two weeks, but may be for a period of up to nine weeks. At the end of the probationary period:
á The teacher and principal will evaluate the student as to his/her social adjustment, behavior, achievement and rapport with teachers and peers.
á A report of this evaluation with a recommendation from the principal and teacher will be taken to the Admissions Committee at which time the student will: 1) be admitted on regular standing, 2) have the probationary period extended, or 3) be asked to consider another school.
Students entering Kindergarten must be 5 by December 2. They will be tested on Visitor’s Day or by appointment if they did not attend Visitor’s Day and will follow all of the applicable steps above.
Students must submit proper health records within two weeks of first day of attendance, after which time they will not be allowed to attend classes.
NEW TRANSFER STUDENTS APPLYING AFTER SCHOOL BEGINS:
á Students applying after the school year begins will follow the process as outlined above for New Students.
á In addition, an interview with the teacher will also take place before a decision is made by the Admissions Committee.
CURRENT STUDENTS:
á Continued enrollment status at Miramonte School begins with completion of the Re-Application form and your non-refundable processing fee of $75.00. This processing fee cannot be applied to any other fee. It does not guarantee admission.
á Students who completed the previous school year at Miramonte School may consider themselves accepted unless notified by the Admissions Committee. Returning students who are admitted and fall into any of the categories below will be admitted on probationary status:
ø four quarters in a row of 10 or more tardies
ø in school or out of school suspensions
ø K-5 students with more than 10 Student Discipline Reports in one year
ø 6-8 students with more than 7 Student Discipline Reports in one year
ø 3-8 students with less than a “C” average over the last semester
á The Admissions Committee will notify each student and his/her parents regarding the reasons for the probationary status and will be subject to the Probationary Status guidelines.
á According to the working policy of the Miramonte School Board, no student may be enrolled unless their account is paid in full or satisfactory arrangements have been made.
Probationary Status for New Students
All students entering Miramonte School for the first time must present evidence of immunization compliance with the Santa Clara County Department of Health. Current immunization requirements are provided in your Registration Packet. The new HIPAA guidelines require parents to deliver health records from the previous school. Schools can no longer mail these records to other schools.
At the end of the first quarter, if all above requirements have been met, the student will be removed from probationary status by the Admission’s Committee, as long as:
á the student has maintained at least a “C” average over the quarter
á the student has fewer than 10 tardies in one quarter
á the student has not been suspended
á the student has not been referred to the Miramonte School Discipline Committee
Until these requirements are met, the student is enrolled on probation and may be dismissed from school due to any problems in attendance, behavior or scholarship.
Probationary Status for Current Students
Previously enrolled Miramonte School students who have been moved to probationary status by vote or standing policy of the Admissions Committee may return to regular status after one full quarter as long as the following requirements have been met:
á the student has maintained at least a “C” average over the quarter
á the student has fewer than 10 tardies in one quarter
á the student has not been suspended
á the student has not been referred to the Miramonte School Discipline Committee
Students who cannot achieve regular status by the end of the second consecutive quarter must meet with the Miramonte School Discipline Committee.
Medical Examinations
Physical examinations are required of all students in the Pacific Union Conference as follows:
á upon entering school for the first time
á at grade 7 (this shall include the scoliosis examination)
á at other grades when required by the Central California Conference, Office of Education
A physical examination shall be considered current, except scoliosis examination, if taken not more than twelve months prior to any of the above dates and the report is submitted to the school.
When a student transfers, it is the parent’s responsibility to bring the health record file to the office within two weeks of acceptance, after which time they will not be allowed to attend classes.
Immunizations
Immunization of the respective states applies to Seventh-day Adventist schools. Proof is required for entry to the elementary and secondary schools in the Pacific Union Conference and must be presented to the school office when the student initially registers.
A student may be exempt from receiving the required immunizations by submitting:
á A written statement from a physician which states that the student is medically exempt as a result of having had the disease or
á A signed statement from the parent stating that the student is exempt because of personal beliefs. This personal exemption shall be recorded on the immunization record.
AIDS and AIDS-Related Conditions in Students
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and persons with HIV positive results in the school pose significant concern for others. Accordingly, the following guidelines are to be followed:
á The conference and school are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy school environment for all students.
á Based on overwhelming medical and scientific opinion, the AIDS virus is not casually transmitted in ordinary school settings. Therefore, subject to changes in available medical information, students with AIDS or any of its related conditions may continue to attend as long as they are able. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to students to allow them to continue to attend and participate in school activities. Other students, who refuse to work with, harass or otherwise discriminate against any AIDS-afflicted student, may be subject to discipline. Courts have only upheld exclusion of students from school with AIDS in young students where the students bit others and/or have open sores, thus exposing other students to blood.
á Employees are to be trained in and use the universal precautions for the prevention of transmission of blood-borne pathogens as propounded by the Centers for Disease Control. Students are to be given age-appropriate instruction regarding precautions surrounding blood. Physical education teachers are to instruct their classes regarding specific precautions surrounding blood-borne pathogens.
á Instruction regarding AIDS is to be part of the curriculum and is to be done in accordance with the curriculum plan. In addition, the administration may include additional instruction on AIDS, its transmission and safety precautions when deemed necessary.
á Students or parents of students who have AIDS or are HIV positive and who wish to disclose this fact to the school should discuss it only with the principal.
á Information about a student having AIDS or HIV positive is confidential. It is not to be disclosed to any other individual without the written consent of the parents or the guardian of the student.
á The Christian response to an HIV positive person must be personal, compassionate, helpful and redemptive.
We encourage all our parents to volunteer at the school. Please complete the survey form in your registration packet so we know how we can best use your skills.
Statement of Responsibility
Each student is accepted to Miramonte School with the understanding that this student’s parents or legal guardian is/are responsible for the legal aspects of his attendance. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
á payment of account
á damage to property
á liability through altercation
Special Needs Students
Miramonte School usually does not have the staff nor resources for special education services; therefore we may not be able to accept students who have learning differences, mental or physical handicaps, or social skills deficits which would require the school to provide specialized staff, equipment or repeated interventions that take up a disproportionate amount of a teacher’s time.
Our goal is to provide every child at Miramonte School with a quality education. To do so, we need full and accurate disclosure about your child’s needs. If it comes to our attention that parents have intentionally withheld educational or behavioral information about their child and his/her needs from school staff, we reserve the right to ask your child to remain at home until your child’s needs are clarified and we determine if we are able to meet those needs.
English language proficiency needs to be established before admission. Prior to admission, parents, teacher and principal may meet to discuss specific goals for a student.
Student Records – Withholding
Miramonte School and the Central California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists follow the California Education Code #4904/48904.3. You may request a copy of these guidelines from the Principal or go online and read them there.
Transfer of Permanent Record
Whenever a pupil transfers from one school district to another or to a private school, or transfers from a private school to a school district within the state, the pupil's permanent record or a copy thereof shall be transferred by the former district or private school upon a request from the district or private school where the pupil intends to enroll. Any school district requesting such a transfer of a record shall notify the parent of his right to receive a copy of the record and a right to a hearing to challenge the content of the record. The State Board of Education is hereby authorized to adopt rules and regulations concerning the transfer of records.
Financial Information
Student Insurance
Accident insurance coverage is purchased by the school for each student. The cost of this insurance is included in the General Fee. The school is responsible for only that amount covered by insurance. Parents are urged to carry additional insurance to supplement that covered by the school.
Finances
Miramonte School endeavors to keep the cost of Christian education as low as possible so that all Christian young people may attend. The following statements outline the general financial practices that are important to the students, parents and/or financial sponsors.
Previous Balances: The account of the previous year’s expenses at Miramonte School or other Seventh-day Adventist educational institutions must be settled before the student is permitted to enroll for the current school year. Any delinquent accounts remaining from a sibling who attended Miramonte School must also be settled before another member is admitted.
Statements are mailed by the fifth of the month and are due by the 20th of that same month. There will be a $20.00 late fee assessed on past due accounts. Failure to keep an account on a current basis could result in dismissal.
Account Status: The financial sponsor is expected to keep the account current at all times. Students whose accounts are more than thirty (30) days past due will not be able to receive After School Care until the account is current. If an account is delinquent sixty (60) days, a student may be asked to withdraw.
In correlation with existing policies, Miramonte School will extend every effort to communicate with a debtor about any obligation due the school. After all good faith efforts have been exhausted in getting repayment of debt, Miramonte School may send said debt to a collection agency. All costs and fees incurred by this action will be added to the debt owed and payment will be the sole responsibility of the debtor (including but not limited to all legal and court fees). Miramonte School will notify the debtor of the intended collection agency action in writing by certified mail 30 days prior to assigning the debt to the collection agency.
Refunds: When a student withdraws from school, an adjustment will be made to the account so that only actual tuition is charged. This will be done on a weekly prorated basis. The General Fee is not refundable after five days in attendance.
Grade Eight Diplomas: Diplomas cannot be issued unless the account for the student has been paid in full.
Contract Teachers: Approved contract piano teachers come to our campus weekly to teach piano. Parents deal directly with the teacher for lesson schedule and payment. Parents deal directly with any other contract teacher activities, e.g. children’s choir, after school programs, etc.
Miramonte School Financial Schedules
2008-2009
Tuition/Fees Financial Plans
Non-Refundable registration fee for each student $75.00
General fees for each student due by July 15, 2008* $350.00
*Discount of $50.00 per student if paid on or before July 15th.
(General fee covers the following: yearbook, student insurance, library fee, technology, home and school, art, and administrative costs)
All student accounts will be billed by the school on or before the 5th of each month beginning in August. Payments are due in the school office by the 20th of each month. There will be a $20.00 late fee assessed on pass due accounts. Checks returned for insufficient funds will be charged a $20.00 fee.
Foreign Students - Students who attend our school on an I-20 visa are required to pay the tuition for a full year prior to attendance less a 3% discount. Foreign students entering any other time of the year will pay a pro rated tuition less a 3% discount.
Family Discount - A discount of 10% is given for the second family member enrolled, 15% for the third and
20% for the fourth family member.
Students from SDA subsidy paying churches* $3770.00 $4020.00
Students from other SDA churches $4340.00 $4590.00
Students from the community $5610.00 $5860.00
Jr.K
Junior Kindergarten 5 days per week $6570.00
4 days per week $5913.00
3 days per week $5256.00
2 or fewer days per week $3942.00
Miscellaneous Charges
Band instrument rental, monthly charge $10.00 - $20.00
Before School Care, per day charge $1.00
After School Care, per hour charge $4.00
After School Care charge after closing, per minute, per child $1.00
After School Care charge for students not signed out $4.00
Lost textbooks Replacement Cost
Lost/Damaged Other Books/Materials Replacement Cost or $20
*SDA Subsidy Paying Churches: East Palo Alto, Mtn. View Central, Mtn. View Japanese, Mtn. View Korean, Mtn. View Hispanic, Palo Alto, Redwood City English, South Bay Chinese & Sunnyvale.
Curriculum
Academics
The curriculum at all levels reflects the philosophy and objectives of Christian education. It was chosen to be in harmony with the ideas expressed in our mission statement. The textbooks and course material used throughout the school are in compliance with the recommendations of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Office of Education. This is the central coordinating office for all schools operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church throughout the world.
Programs offered at Miramonte School include instruction in the academic areas of math, language arts, science and social studies. Other areas of study generally include religion, communication skills, health and safety, physical education, practical applied arts and fine arts. These are taught with the objective of developing character, witness and service abilities, physical and social skills and career and work responsibility.
Key Learnings with more specific descriptions of the curriculum at each grade level are sent with the registration packet, are available on Back-to-School Night from the individual classroom teachers and can also be picked up at the office.
Music
Classroom music instruction is taught in Kindergarten through Grade Four. Students in Grade Four are taught music fundamentals and how to play the recorder. Students in Grades Five through Eight have the opportunity to participate in band, choir, and hand bells. Private lessons are offered for piano, violin, voice, and most band instruments and are paid for directly to the instructor.
All of the school music organizations have performances outside of school hours. The success of each group depends on all members; therefore, all performances are required. If family plans prevent participation in a scheduled performance – including week-end church performances – advance arrangements must be made. The music teacher will announce the dates as far in advance as possible. Students wishing to drop elective music classes must drop the class at the end of the quarter and must have parental permission.
Achievement Tests
The Iowa Test of Basic Skills is given to all students in grades three through eight in the Fall. All students should be in school during that week as these tests are used to help assess the strengths and weaknesses of the individual student. A report of the results will be given to parents at the Parent-Teacher Conference in the Fall.
Computer Network/Internet
Miramonte School is pleased to offer its students access to a computer network. To gain access to the network of computers and the Internet, both parent and student must sign and return the Miramonte Network Responsible Use Policy.
The Internet is a powerful resource for expanding the educational experience of each student. Access to the Internet will enable students to explore thousands of libraries, databases and bulletin boards. Unfortunately, it is true that some material accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or
offensive. Miramonte School utilizes a powerful content filter that prevents almost all offensive materials from reaching student workstations. If something offensive does manage to penetrate our filter, it is the responsibility of the student to immediately notify the teacher in charge of the class.
The Pacific Union Conference believes the benefits to students using the Internet as an information resource and its opportunities for collaboration exceed any disadvantages and, therefore, support the school’s choosing to make the Internet available to its students. Ultimately, parents and guardians are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. Therefore, we respect each family’s right to decide whether or not to approve their child’s use of the Miramonte network and the Internet.
The network is provided for students to conduct research and communicate. With parental and school permission, access is given to students who agree to the guidelines outlined in the Miramonte Network Responsible Use Policy. Access is a privilege, not a right, therefore access entails responsibility.
Students are responsible for Christian behavior and communication on the school computer network, just as they are anywhere on the school campus. It is presumed that users will comply with school standards and will honor the agreement they have signed. The school takes very seriously the responsibility for appropriate use of the network. School staff will guide students toward resources acceptable within the framework of the general school standards. If a student should access inappropriate material, the school will not be liable and the student will forfeit network privileges at this school.
Computer storage files will be treated like school lockers. School staff may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and ensure that users are using the system responsibly.
Students will adhere to Christian principles and will:
á be responsible and courteous in all communications
á be responsible with all computer hardware and software
á keep their passwords to themselves
á respect the confidentiality of folders, work and files of others
á learn about and observe copyright laws
Any activity not in accordance with the general rules of the Miramonte Network Responsible Use Policy may result in a loss of access as well as other disciplinary or legal action.
Acceleration of a Student
Appropriate academic placement of the learner is a fundamental principle of education. When considering advanced placement for a student, the following policy should be implemented:
á On a standardized achievement test battery a student is expected to have a composite score which places him/her at the 90th percentile or above.
á The student must demonstrate to the school staff and to the parents, satisfactory evidence of academic, emotional and social readiness for advanced placement.
á Prior written request for advancement of the student in elementary education (i.e. two years in one, or three years in two) must be submitted to and approved by the Central California Conference, Office of Education BEFORE a student is permitted to begin work on advanced placement. The application must include the written consent of the parents. A copy of the ITBS Student Profile Sheet must also accompany the application.
á The end of the second week of November is the deadline for submitting acceleration requests to the Central California Conference, Office of Education.
Retention of a Student
Consideration to retain a student at a given level must involve counseling with the student and the parents so that a decision regarding placement is reached cooperatively. A decision to retain the student must have:
á Written approval by the parents no later than April 1.
á Completion of the Light’s Retention Scale – to be submitted along with the request form.
á Written approval from the Central California Conference, Office of Education.
á The end of the fourth week of April is the deadline for submitting retention requests to the Central California Conference, Office of Education.
No student is to be retained for more than one year during the elementary school years.
Eighth Grade Completion Requirements
The required subject areas for completion of the eighth grade are:
á Bible/Religion
á Mathematics
á Language Arts (English, Handwriting, Spelling, Composition)
á Reading
á Physical Education
á Science/Health
á Social Studies
á Fine Arts
á Computer Literacy/Keyboarding
In addition to the subjects listed above, students must meet the practical arts/technology requirements as specified by the Central California Conference, Office of Education. A minimum of “D–“ is the required academic grade for each of the subjects listed above.
School Hours
The regular school day begins at 8:00 a.m. for all grades.
Dismissal times are: Kindergarten through Grade Two 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday
Grade Three through Eight 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday
Kindergarten through Grade Eight 1:30 p.m. on Friday
After School Guidelines
Kindergarten through Grade Two may be picked up at class dismissal time or stay on campus (playground or classroom) under staff supervision until 3:30 p.m. Parents must sign their children out on the sign-out sheets located in the breezeway or in the gym if it is raining, between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. All students, K-8, who are not picked up by 3:30 p.m. will be checked in to our After School Care Program, and the appropriate charges will begin.
Minimum Days
The Central California Conference, Office of Education has scheduled the following minimum days throughout the school year. They are:
á Fridays prior to a Monday holiday,
á 2 parent-teacher conference days,
á last day of school
In addition, we have received approval from the Central California Conference Office of Education to include the days as listed on the school calendar.
On minimum days, school begins at the regular time and is out at 12:00 noon.
Attendance
At Miramonte School we strive to teach our students the positive habit of being responsible with their time. We ask that parents help us with this area, through their example, by having their children on campus prior to 8:00 a.m. Habitual timeliness contributes positively to their school achievement and the lifetime responsibility of being on time for work and other responsibilities. We also want to honor God during our worship time, which is the first class activity after the 8:00 a.m. bell, by refraining from disruption of students entering the classroom late.
Daily Attendance
The total days of attendance of a pupil at Miramonte School, maintained by the Central California Conference during the fiscal year, shall be the number of days school was actually taught (not less than the minimum school days during the fiscal year), less the sum of his/her absences.
Teachers will mark a tardy or absence as excused if the school receives a call, note, or email from the parent indicating one of the following reasons: Illness, quarantine, health appointment, religious observance, or death in the immediate family.
Absences beyond five consecutive days due to medical reasons will be considered unexcused unless the office receives a signed, written physician’s statement. Tardies and absences due to family inconvenience or vacations are not considered excused.
Class attendance and punctuality are very important, and valued highly by Miramonte. The staff wishes to encourage habits of responsible attendance. Excessive unexcused tardies and absences, and unexcused tardies over 30 minutes, are unacceptable. We expect you to do what it takes to have your child in regular, punctual attendance. If unacceptable attendance problems do not improve, the student will be reported truant to the county truancy officer.
School Attire
All Students
All clothing is to project a positive and respectful message. Shabby, torn or ill-fitting clothing (too tight or baggy, too long or short, is not to be worn. Faddish hairstyles, clothing and tattoos are inappropriate. Sprayed-in hair color is only permitted during Spirit Week on the appropriate day/s.
Shoes must be worn at all times. This includes sandals with straps that completely surround the foot, but not beach shoes or flip flops. A student must have shoes at school that will allow them to participate in all activities.
Any jewelry, including but not limited to bracelets, friendship bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces, is not permitted. Although Miramonte School wishes to respect the religious beliefs of all its students, we ask that religious jewelry be worn at home.
Hats/caps, etc. are for outside wear only.
Girls in grades K-8 have the option of wearing dresses, skirts, slacks, jeans, sweat shirts, sweat pants or shorts with an appropriate top in any color or pattern. Tops, shorts, skirts and dresses should be loose enough and long enough – mid-thigh - to be modest at all times. Tank tops, tops with straps and tube tops are inappropriate. T-shirts and sweat shirts may be worn. Acceptability of attire will be left to the discretion of the staff. Hair should be neatly combed and styled. High heels or inappropriate logos are unacceptable.
Attire for Boys
Boys in grades K-8 have the option of wearing slacks, jeans, shorts or sweat pants with a sport shirt, appropriate t-shirt or sweat shirt in any color or pattern. Acceptability of attire will be left to the discretion of the staff. Hair should be neatly combed and styled. Inappropriate logos are unacceptable.
Gym Shoes
The only shoes that are appropriate for use in the gym are the non-marking athletic shoe. Students must wear this type of shoe to participate in gym activities.
Consequences
When a student is in violation of the dress code, the parents will be notified and given the option of bringing appropriate clothing or the office will supply appropriate clothing to wear during that school day. Subsequent violations may result in a Student Discipline Report that could affect their admission standing at the school.
Behavior Expectations
We expect students to demonstrate a sense of worth in themselves and the school by:
á showing respect for adults and each other
á showing respect for school property and rules
á being in our assigned places and equipped with the proper tools at the proper times
á following the directions of the person in charge
We expect students to develop the following Life Skills:
á Responsibility: being accountable for your actions
á Cooperation: working together towards a goal
á Caring: showing concern for others
á Perseverance: sticking with it
á Integrity: being true to yourself, knowing what is right
á Effort: doing your personal best
á Friendship: making and keeping friends
á Initiative: doing what needs to be done without being told
á Flexibility: able to alter plans cheerfully
á Organization: plan, arrange, and implement in an orderly way
á Sense of Humor: to laugh and be playful without harming others
á Common Sense: using good judgment
á Problem Solving: finding creative solutions in difficult situations and with everyday problems
á Curiosity: a desire to investigate and seek understanding of one’s world
á Courage: to act according to one’s beliefs
Discipline
Discipline Policy
Miramonte School expects its students to strictly comply with the regulations it has adopted and to otherwise be models of Christian behavior, both in relationship to the school and otherwise. Failure of a student to comply with this standard of behavior will result in the imposition of appropriate discipline. The overall goal of Miramonte School in this regard is to work with parents in addressing unacceptable behavior and assisting students in correcting problems and achieving success in life with the minimum discipline reasonably necessary. Some misconduct is so serious that it may lead to immediate suspension or expulsion of the student. Miramonte School has a Discipline Committee made up of the School Board Chair, Principal and selected teachers, along with the classroom teacher of the student involved. Examples of such misconduct include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:
1. Willfully causing, attempting to cause, or threatening to cause physical injury to another person.
2. Possessing, selling, offering, arranging, negotiating, or otherwise furnishing any firearm, knife, explosive or other dangerous object, or attempting to do so.
3. Possessing, selling, offering, arranging, negotiating or otherwise furnishing, or being under the influence of alcohol, tobacco or other nicotine containing product, or an controlled substance, without a doctor=s prescription, or possessing, selling, arranging, negotiating, or otherwise furnishing drug paraphernalia, or attempting to do any of the above.
4. Committing or attempting to commit robbery, burglary, extortion, or theft, or receiving or attempting to receive any stolen property.
5. Willfully causing or attempting to cause damage to real or personal property of others.
6. Committing an obscene act or engaging in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
7. Willfully disrupting school activities or otherwise defying the valid authority of administrators, teachers, supervisors, school officials, or other personnel engaged in the performance of their duties.
8. Engaging in or conspiring to engage in hazing or any act that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any person.
9. Serious or continued sexual or other harassment as defined in this school’s harassment policies.
10. Willfully engaging in the disruption of the school’s religious environment through negative comments or by negative attitudes.
Consequences of Inappropriate Behavior: When a student does not follow the above stated behavior expectations, a Student Discipline Report will be completed and mailed home. The teacher will also notify the parents that same day by phone.
Level 1 The teacher will give a verbal warning and talk with the student after class.
Level 2 A Student Discipline Report will be mailed to the student’s parents. The teacher will also notify the parents that same day by phone.
Level 3 A student-teacher-principal and parent conference will be arranged. During this meeting a behavior contract will be set up.
Corporal Punishment
Corporal punishment shall not be used as a disciplinary measure.
Detention
Students may be detained in school for disciplinary or other reasons for not more than one hour after the close of the regular school day. Parents are to be notified of this action prior to the detention.
Suspension of Students
A teacher may temporarily suspend a student from class. Suspension from school is to be done only by the principal. A student may be suspended for repeated offenses when other procedures have not been effective. Written evidence of prior corrective measures and parental notification should be maintained. In the case of a serious overt act or violation of school regulations, the Principal or the Discipline Committee may suspend a student from school even though there has been no prior serious misbehavior. The suspension period is not to exceed two weeks. Written notification of the length of the suspension should be provided to parents.
Expulsion of Students
Miramonte School follows the Central California Conference, Office of Education guidelines regarding student expulsion. You may request a copy of these guidelines from the principal by stopping by the school office.
Dismissal of Students
The school board is the ultimate authority in the dismissal or expulsion of a student upon the recommendation of the administration. As a general rule, dismissal or expulsion is used only when other means of correction fail to effect a change in conduct or the parent does not, or will not, voluntarily withdraw the student.
Following the withdrawal of any student who is required by state law to be enrolled in school, the school principal is to ascertain that the student has entered another school as stipulated by state law. If the student fails to do this within the required time period, it is the responsibility of the school principal to notify the attendance officer of the local public school district.
Severance of Students
The school is to report to the public school superintendent of schools, where required by state or county regulation, the severance of all students between the ages of eight and eighteen. Severance includes: expulsion, exclusion, exemption, transfer, suspension beyond ten days, or other reason for terminating attendance.
Students on Probation
Students on probation will be subject to the following behavior guidelines:
á First and second Student Discipline Reports in one quarter for any offense will warrant a preventative conference with the classroom teacher/s and principal
á Third referral of any offense warrants:
a. Student conference with parent/s, teacher/s and principal
b. Possible suspension with the number of days to be determined by the Discipline Committee
If a student is suspended for a second time while on probation, the student and his/her parents must meet for a review with the Discipline Committee.
“Hazing” of Students
No staff member, student or any other person employed by or in attendance at a Seventh-day Adventist school shall concur with, cooperate, permit or participate in any act that injures, degrades or tends to injure, degrade or disgrace any student attending the school.
“Hazing” includes any method of initiation into the school or a student organization or any pastime or amusement in connection with an activity or organization which causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm.
Defacing or Damaging of Property
Any student who defaces, damages, or destroys school property shall be liable to suspension or expulsion, according to the nature of the offense. Parents, guardians and/or students shall be responsible for replacement cost and may be asked to help clean up the damaged area. The school, after affording the student their due process rights, may withhold the grades, diploma, and transcripts of the pupil responsible for the damage until the pupil or the pupil’s parent or guardian has paid for the damages.
Extended Care
Before School Care
Personnel are on campus beginning at 7:00 a.m. through 7:30 a.m. for those parents who must leave their child/ren at that time. There is a $1.00 charge per child per day for this care. Parents are not to leave their children on our campus any earlier than 7:00 a.m. Students are not permitted to wait in the parking lot without parental supervision. At 7:30, general supervision begins on the playground for all students arriving for the school day.
After School Care
This is a special service offered to parents who are unable to pick up their child/ren immediately after school due to their work schedules. It should not be used as a socializing or play time for students who could be picked up earlier.
It is for your child’s safety and best interest that the After School Care Guidelines have been established. After school care supervisors must devote their attention to supervising all of the students in the program and time may not allow them to specifically address behavior or homework concerns. Because of this, supervisors cannot provide tutoring or counseling for students. Miramonte is happy to provide after school care services, but we need your cooperation to enable this program to meet your family’s needs, and the needs of our neighbors and the supervisors. If you cannot agree to the guidelines listed below, we suggest you look elsewhere for after school care services.
After School Care Guidelines
When a student chooses to disregard any of the guidelines, he/she will be warned and possibly referred to the Principal. If the behavior persists, the After School Care supervisor will fill out a Student Discipline Report which will be sent home. Any further problem will lead to a meeting with the Principal, After School Care supervisor, student and parents. If any of the guidelines continue to be disregarded following this meeting, the student and parents will be asked to make other after school care arrangements.
At no time should students wait unsupervised at the front portion of the school. Any student who is found in an unsupervised area will be subject to discipline.
After School Care Hours and Charges
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