Statement of Philosophy

Seventh-day 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." Education, p. 15, 16

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 Saviour. 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.

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.

Objectives of the School

According to the Constitution of Robson Valley Jr. Academy, the purpose of the school shall be:

1. To conduct and operate a school on the elementary and secondary levels in harmony with Biblical principles and the counsels of the Spirit of Prophecy.

To see that the scholastic standards are maintained at the level required by the Department of Education of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and the Ministry of Education of the province of British Columbia.
To develop in students the ability to analyze critically, reason and think independently, and to acquire basic learning skills and bodies of knowledge.
To develop in students a sense of self-worth, personal well-being, and initiative.
To develop a practical witnessing, community service, and outreach program.
To develop a sense of social responsibility.
To be spiritually sensitive to God and tolerant of the differences of others.

Admission Policies

The admittance of students shall be based on a careful consideration of the following points:

Adequacy of available school facilities and teaching personnel.
A positive attitude of the student toward the principles of the church.
Willingness of the student to abide by the principles outlined in the Student Handbook.

In order to determine a child's social, physical, and emotional adjustments, a transfer folder or report from the previous school attended shall be required. If this is not available, adequate testing will be administered under the supervision of the Conference Education Department.

The admittance of students whose parents or legal guardians are not members of the McBride Seventh-day Adventist Church shall be based on the principles above along with the following considerations:

Scholastic ability and home background based on an interview with the parents and student by the principal. The school is not necessarily equipped to accept special needs students. These will be assessed on an individual basis.
Reasons from both the parents and the student for wanting to attend the school.
Ability to meet financial responsibilities.

All students who have not completed the previous year at Robson Valley Jr. Academy must complete an application form to be submitted to the Admissions Committee via the principal.

Upon receipt of application, an interview will be granted with the Admissions Committee.
The Robson Valley Jr. Academy School Board will make all final decisions regarding admission.
Parents will be notified in writing of the board's decision.

Entrance Age

It is recommended that the counsel of the Spirit of Prophecy be followed regarding starting age of students but if any parents choose to send their children earlier, they will be accepted provided they are six years old by September 30. Exceptions to this would require school board approval.

Home School

Home schooled students registering with the school shall pay the Registration fee. This fee covers inclusion in such items as, but is not limited to, the following:

Standardized testing
Access to resource materials
Participation in school programs
Field trips
Selected school activities
Week of Prayer
Classes as arranged
Textbooks (as used at RVJA)
Administrative fees
School pictures
Basic student accident insurance

(Home Schoolers will be charged the same as other students for activities requiring fees.)

It is the responsibility of the parents and students to abide by the policies as outlined in the Student Handbook when involved in any school-sponsored activities or on the school premises.

Financial Information

Registration forms must be completed for all students prior to entering class.

Registration fees are to be paid at the time of registration, and shall not be refundable after Oct. 1.

Grades Registration Fee

1-8 $100.00

9, 10 $150.00

The Registration Fee will include the basic student accident insurance coverage. Extra coverage and life insurance features can be purchased for an additional charge. Please see the principal for details.

Yearbook fee: $10.00 per student

Practical arts fee: $ 20.00 grades 7-10

No tuition is charged for students whose parents or legal guardians are members of McBride SDA Church. The school is operated as a ministry of the McBride SDA Church and is supported from the Combined Budget. Every church member is encouraged to support this important ministry by contributing to the Combined Budget at the recommended budget percentage.

The tuition for students whose parents or legal guardians are not members of the McBride SDA Church is as follows:

Grades Per month Per School Year

1-6 $100.00 $1000.00

7-10 $130.00 $1300.00

Attendance Policies

Punctual, regular attendance at all classes is required of all students. School hours are from: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 8:30 a.m. - 12 noon Friday.

Teachers cannot teach students who are not present.

Acceptable excuses for absences include:

Illness of the student
Bereavement
Medical or dental services
Serious, unavoidable emergencies or situations

If possible, appointments for medical or dental services should be made for other than school time.

Attendance and tardiness are recorded in the Daily Register which is a legal document. In order to have an absence or tardy excused for any of the above reasons a note dated and signed by the parent or guardian documenting the reason for the absence must be submitted to the teacher. This note should be presented the following day.

This excuse note must be on file to satisfy the government audit of school attendance, which determines the amount of grant received per student.

If a student's grant is reduced because of too many unexcused absences the parent may be charged the amount by which the grant has been reduced.

Providing the teacher with these notes is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

Tardiness

A student who accumulates more than three (3) unexcused tardiness per term will be fined $5.00 for each successive tardy.

School Closure

The dates given in the School Calendar are prescribed by the Department of Education of the British Columbia Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and the local school board, and must be strictly adhered to unless special permission for a variance is granted, or in the case of emergency. One such 'emergency' would be extreme temperatures such that the local public school suspends bus or class activities, which would automatically force the closure of Robson Valley Jr. Academy. The school will close when temperatures are lower than ^-35^OC.

Testing and Grading

The school follows the grading policy recommended by the British Columbia Ministry of Education. Letter grades may be earned as follows:

Grades

1-3
Grades

4-10
Percentage

Outstanding O A 86-100

Good G B 73-85

Satisfactory S C+ 67-72

C 60-66

Needs Improvement N C- 50-59

I In progress

F 0-49

Periodic tests and quizzes may be given either announced or unannounced in any subject at the discretion of the teacher. All major tests will be announced prior to the test date.

Comprehensive final examinations may or may not be given in any major subject above Grade 6 at the discretion of the teacher.

It should be noted that work missed due to unexcused absences may earn a score of "Zero". Work missed due to excused absences may be made up within a reasonable length of time, or may be "averaged in" with the term's work at the discretion of the teacher.

Homework

One of the objectives of the school is to teach efficiency in the use of time. Generally speaking, the elementary student will find sufficient time during the school day to complete his assignments. Uncompleted assignments, any assigned homework, together with memory work, occasional research projects, etc. are to be carried as homework.

Students in the upper grades can expect regular homework assignments.

Failure to have assignments completed on time (except in cases of excused absences) may result in detention after class, at the discretion of the teacher in cooperation with the parents.

It is the responsibility of the student to obtain and complete any assignments missed due to absences.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Formal parent-teacher conferences are held after the first report card of the school year is issued. However, parents do not have to wait for a formal conference to speak to the teacher. Parents are encouraged to contact the teachers when they have questions or thoughts regarding their children's work.

Discipline

Self-control is the object of the system of discipline of the school. By responsible adult example and by such routine procedures as the teacher may find helpful and appropriate, self-government and self-discipline are to be taught.

Major or very troublesome disciplinary matters may require stronger measures. Parents or legal guardians will be contacted as soon as possible.

Search & Seizure Policy

School lockers and desks are the property of the school and as such may be searched at any time by the principal or a teacher.

Grievance Appeal Procedure

Robson Valley Jr. Academy is desirous of maintaining open and clear communication among students, families, staff, administration, and the board when conflict arises. From time to time differences will arise between any of the above mentioned groups and this procedure is to be followed in order to resolve any differences. The appeal procedure may be used in, but not limited to, issues such as discipline and grades. Best Practice Guidelines for Independent Schools regarding Procedural Fairness as published by FISA will be followed.

In order to enter into the official appeal process of RVJA, the party appealing is to obtain an Appeal Form from the school office or any School Board member, and follow either procedure listed below. The Appeal Procedure is intended to initiate face to face discussion and resolution of an issue between two parties. In order for an official appeal to proceed, the party appealing must complete the required form as well as appear in person at each meeting. The person has the right to have an advocate of their choosing present at the appeal.

Grades

Students shall be evaluated academically on the basis of scholastic performance, not on opinions in matters unrelated to the academic standards of the course. If students feel that their academic rights have been violated, they should speak personally with the teacher. If unable to resolve the issue at that level, the student may appeal to the Executive Committee of RVJA. If the parties are unable to resolve the issue at this level, the final level of appeal available is to the Vice-President for Education of the British Columbia Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Discipline

Students who feel their rights have been violated in a disciplinary action are first to speak directly with the teacher involved. If unable to resolve the issue at that level the student may appeal to the Discipline Committee of RVJA. If the parties are unable to resolve the issue at this level, appeal may be made to the School Board of RVJA. The final level to which an appeal can go is the Vice-President for Education of the British Columbia Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Conduct of Students

Students are expected to practice principles of Christian morals, ethics, fair play, and courtesy in all relations and activities.

All forms of alcohol, tobacco, and narcotics are inconsistent with Seventh-day Adventist health standards. Their use is unacceptable at any time.

Students must keep their language above reproach, refraining from the use of profanity or vulgar conversation. This would include put-downs, slander, degrading talk, and derogatory comments.

Personal tapes, CD's, tape players, radios, and electronic equipment are not to be brought to school.

In order to be consistent with the health principles promoted at Robson Valley Jr. Academy, students are asked to refrain from eating or snacking between meals and bringing into the school caffeinated beverages, and other types of food not conducive to healthful living. These health principles also apply to off-campus functions that are school sponsored. As a vegetarian diet has many health advantages, students are discouraged from bringing meat to school. Foods and drinks with excessive amounts of sugar are discouraged.

Microwaves are provided but dishes and cutlery are not available.

Because the body is the temple of God (1Cor. 6:19, 20) students should only read, watch, and listen to material that will develop a relationship with Jesus. Any material which uses language or portrays scenes which are not in accordance with the Ten Commandments will not develop this relationship.

Dress Standards

Christian standards for dress require that careful consideration be given to economy, simplicity, appropriateness, modesty, masculinity/femininity, neatness, and health.

Shorts may be worn, but they must be modest and not excessively short. Clothes that reveal a bare stomach, shoulders, chest, or back are not appropriate.

Printing and writing on T-shirts should demonstrate a loyalty to Christian principles.

All clothing that has a shabby, tattered, or worn-out appearance should be avoided.

Since parents largely control the money spent on clothes for their children, the responsibility rests on them to choose wisely. The parent may be contacted if it is felt the student's attire is out of harmony with Christian principles.

Simplicity would exclude the wearing of jewelry and other ornaments, and the applying of conspicuous make-up.

Other Guidelines for Students

Students are not allowed to leave the school grounds without permission from the teacher during the entire school day (from arrival at school to dismissal time).
The church and wheelchair ramp are off limits without authorization.
To aid in floor maintenance, students are expected to change outside shoes to a pair of inside shoes or slippers each time they enter the building.
Bicycles and legally licensed motor vehicles are not to be used on the school grounds except in going directly to and from school. Unlicensed motor vehicles are prohibited. Unlicensed drivers are not allowed to operate vehicles on school property.
Students wishing to bring a visitor to the school are requested to obtain prior permission from the teacher.
No pupils are allowed to use the telephone except at the discretion of the teacher. Telephone calls to the school should be made from 8:20 - 8:30 a.m., at noon hour, or after school, and otherwise only when absolutely necessary.

Textbooks are issued at the beginning of each year to each student. Students or parents will be expected to pay for unnecessary damage or loss.

Throwing of snowballs is not permitted on school grounds during school hours.

Home & School Association

All parents are members of the Home & School and are expected to take active part in these programs:

Home & School meetings
Promote Adventist Education
Room Mothers/Fathers
Field trips and other school sponsored outings
Hot lunches
Fund raising activities
Coordinate the parent portion of school janitor program
Graduation ceremonies of senior class

School Janitor Program

In keeping with the school's philosophy of practical training, students take responsibility for cleaning and maintaining the school premises. Consequently, a share of the total janitorial responsibility will be assigned to each student.

Parents are required to participate in school cleaning on a regularly scheduled basis. If for any reason they are unable to clean as scheduled, they may choose to trade with another parent or pay a fee of $40.00.

Use of Facilities

All functions other than School Board meetings, if to be held at the school, should be cleared with the teachers and/or School Board Chairman. Rooms not in use will be locked

Tips for Parents

Maintain a regular schedule for getting up, meals, work, study times, worship, and bedtime.
Control the TV, radio, CD and tape players, and other distracting activities during study time.
Ensure that your student has a good breakfast before coming to school and pack a nourishing lunch.
Keep in touch with your children's progress in school. Encourage them to do their best and ask for help when needed.
You are encouraged to visit the school and become acquainted with the teacher.
The staff will be glad to relay important messages. Only in an emergency should the teacher or student be called from the classroom.
Please clearly mark your children's clothing with their name to avoid loss.
Sign and return report card envelopes within three days after they have been issued.
Attend and participate in Home & School meetings and school programs.
Uphold the school standards in conduct, dress, and ideals.
Refrain from making critical remarks about the school or teachers in the presence of students.
Appointments with the teacher should be after school hours, not during class or recess time.
The school needs your support in every way. Remember the school, teachers, and students in family and private prayers.

Amendments to the Handbook

Amendments to this handbook may be found necessary during the course of the school year. Upon approval by the School Board and after formal notification of the patrons of the school, these amendments will be considered to be as binding as if printed in this handbook.

	Grades 1-3	Grades 4-10	Percentage
Outstanding	O	A	86-100
Good	G	B	73-85
Satisfactory	S	C+	67-72
		C	60-66
Needs Improvement	N	C-	50-59
		I	In progress
		F	0-49