Policies

School policies provide an objective standard that promotes learning and fosters respect for others. We strive to uphold Christian liberty by defining necessary boundaries (Psalm 119:44-45). An introduction to some key policies is below. A full policy handbook is available in the school office.

If you have questions about any policy, please ask.

Conduct and Manners

“I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way.”  (Psalm 101:2)

All student behavior should reflect:  Obedience to authority (parents, teachers, headmaster, car pool or bus drivers, etc.) even when the person in authority is not immediately present.  Such obedience should be willing, cheerful, and immediate.

Responsibility in doing assigned or expected tasks.
Courtesy and respect for other students, teachers, visitors, etc.
Cleanliness in person and property.
Respect for the property of others and of the school.
Morally good conduct in respect to recreation and social relationships.

Discipline

The goal of our discipline code is to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning.  Teachers are to make classroom rules clear on the first day and enforce them fairly and consistently throughout the year.  Specific disciplinary tools will be discussed with parents during the admissions interview so that everyone understands what is necessary to maintain a fertile learning environment.

While not an all inclusive list, the following is representative of the types of offenses in which suspension/expulsion could result:  Use of tobacco products, use of alcoholic beverages, use of marijuana, use of any illegal drugs, pharmaceuticals or controlled substances, also for lying, stealing, cheating, disrespect for authority, and for causing consistent classroom disturbances. 

Dress Code

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23)

A person’s attire often reflects his attitudes and values. So we believe it is important to dress in a way that reflects the values we teach.  When students come to school we want them to know that work done for the Lord is to be heartily carried out and God-centered as commanded in the verse, above.  Professionalism in dress sets the tone for work well done.  And modesty encourages a desire to please the Lord rather than to draw the attention of others.  We trust that our families value these two principles, yet recognize that there is Christian liberty in applying these ideals.

These are the expectations in these two areas of dress:

Professionalism:  Come to school ready to get to work and wear clothes that convey that attitude.  Clothing that is in disrepair or articles that seem better suited for lounging rather than learning should be kept at home.

Modesty:  Cover and conceal the areas of your body that should not be revealed: back, belly, bottom and chest.  In these areas, wearing skin revealing or shape conveying clothes (even if skin is not visible) is not appropriate.

We understand that giving more specific direction on dress may come across as legalistic, but it is our hope that a heart of modesty and humility is cultivated as students consider their clothing choices each day.  We intend the dress code to be a practical help for parents and students aspiring to give heart-motivated honor to the Lord by how they dress for school.  By enrolling their child, parents agree to follow the dress code for the benefit and unity of the school. A more detailed dress code is in the policy handbook.

Arriving

Teachers arrive by 7:15 A.M.  Students may enter the building either by the Orange Street door, West Penn Street door, or courtyard door when arriving in the morning.  The tardy bell rings at 7:55 A.M.  Students are to be in their seats at that time and ready for morning devotions.  Students arriving after the tardy bell must report to the office and sign in before entering the classroom.

Dismissing

Kindergarten dismissal is at 11:30 A.M.  Parents and buses pick up children on West Penn Street.

The students leave the building by the courtyard door.  Parent pick up is on West Penn Street.  Students board busses on West North Street.

At 2:15 P.M. an early bell is rung for bus students.

At 2:20 P.M. the dismissal bell is rung. Students leave the building at this time unless arrangements have been made with the teacher to remain after school.

Attendance

The Compulsory School Attendance law of Pennsylvania requires that pupils, upon admission to grade one, must attend school regularly until the age of seventeen.

1. State law requires that when a student returns to school after an absence, he must bring a note signed by a parent or doctor stating the exact reason for the absence.  The note must be given to the homeroom teacher.
2. Any student who arrives at school after the scheduled starting time will be considered tardy.  Bussing delays are excepted. Students arriving after 9:00 A.M. will be considered a 1/2 day absent.  Students leaving before 1:30 P.M. will also be considered a 1/2 day absent.
3. Students will be permitted 3 school days to turn in their absence excuse.  If a note is not turned in within this period of time, the absence will be considered unexcused at the Headmaster’s discretion.
4. After a student has accumulated 10 absences during the school year, a doctor’s excuse will be required for all future absences.  The excuse must be presented on the day the student returns to school and must indicate the days the student was under the doctor’s care.  If a student fails to present a doctor’s excuse, the absence will be considered unexcused.
5.  After excused or unexcused absences, all students are required to make up all missed work.  After unexcused absences, missed work must be made up within 3 school days or an “F” will be given for missed work.

Pre-Arranged Absences
Request for prearranged absences may be approved, at the discretion of the Headmaster.  Students may be excused for a total of not more than 5 days for such absences.

1. Students may be excused from school for medical and dental appointments if a note signed by the parent is first given to the homeroom teacher or Headmaster.
2. While school is in session, no student may leave the building/school property, without permission of the homeroom teacher/Headmaster.

Please fill out the following form to request a Pre-Arranged Absence: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_7io-7t2h_4gl31xgH2uqMZg14zodrFs/view?usp=sharing

Closings

School closing for inclement weather will be sent by email and announced over radio stations W100, WHYL and WHP, as early as possible. The Christian School follows the Carlisle Area School District for delays and closings.

If classes are already in session and weather forces an early dismissal, an announcement will be made on radio stations WHYL, W100, WHP.  When possible, the school office will attempt to contact parents to inform them of early dismissal.

Recess During Harsh Weather

Recess is held outside unless the weather poses a health or safety risk.  Students with specific needs may stay indoors if written permission is given.

Chapel and Assemblies

Chapel is held approximately every 2 weeks from 8:00 A.M. until 8:45 A.M. This is in lieu of Bible class for that morning. All classes shall be in attendance. Students are to become silent upon entering the assembly room and to remain quiet and reverent throughout the chapel service. Kindergarten, grades five, six, seven and eight sit on the left side in order from front to back. Grades one, two, three and four sit on the right side from front to back. Parents are always welcome to attend.

Grades

The Kindergarten teacher keeps a record of the progress of each child.  Reports will be sent home at the end of each semester.

The progress of students in grades one and two is indicated on the report cards by the following system:

O- outstanding
S- satisfactory
N- needs improving
U- unsatisfactory

The progress of students in grades three through eight is indicated on the report cards by O – S – I – N – U for Art, Music, Writing, Physical Education.

For grade 3-8 academic subjects grading is as follows:

A – Superior 94% – 100%
B – Above Average 86% – 93%
C – Average 78% – 85%
D – Below Average 70% – 77%
F – Failure Below 70%

Report Cards
Students in Grades 1-8 receive report cards four times during the school year.  Each period covers approximately 45 school days.  Additional reports will be sent home if a student is having difficulty in a subject.

Honor Roll
Students in grades 5-8 who earn an average of 94% in each subject are placed on the “A” honor roll.  Those who maintain an average of 86% or above in each subject will be placed on the “B” honor roll.

Health

The School Health Act of Pennsylvania mandates that each child have a tuberculin test on original entry (K-1) and in grade 9. This test is usually done annually so any test done with the past year is acceptable. The tests may be done by the multiple puncture method or by the Mantoux test. The patch test is not acceptable.  Since the 1997-98 school year, three doses of hepatitis B vaccine have been required of students entering school for the first time (i.e., kindergarten or first grade).  A new student who has only one or two doses of hepatitis B vaccine may be enrolled if there is a plan to complete the remaining doses within eight months.

Medications

Medication is stored in the school office and will be administered to students from the school office.

Prescription Medication
Prescription medication must be in a prescription bottle with a current date and the name of the student on the bottle.  A written order from the physician and a note from the parent stating when and for how long the prescription is to be given must accompany the prescription.

Medication should only be administered at school when absolutely necessary. For example, medication that is to be given 3 times a day may be given before school, after school and at bedtime at home.

Non-Prescription Medication
Parents may send non-prescription medication to school with their child with a parental note requesting that it be given. The medication must be in its original container or packaging.  Do not send tablets in envelopes or baggies.

Permission is given to school personnel to give the students Tylenol or antacid by signing the back of the Emergency Card which is issued every September.

Lunch

Students must bring their own food to school each day.  Pre-K and Kindergarten have morning snacks, and 1st – 8th grade have lunch.

Telephones

Students may use the phone only by permission.  No student will be called from class to take a phone message except in an emergency.  Messages will be taken by the secretary and given to the student.