LANCASTER SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST SCHOOL
2640 Lancaster-Thornville Rd., Lancaster, OH 43130
Phone: 740 - 687-1741
School Website: http://lovinghope.com Click on School.
Table of Contents
Location and Charter
Mission Statement
Objectives
Philosophy
Admission Requirements
Minimum Age Requirements
Kindergarten Law
Admission and Registration
Registration Items Needed
Health and Immunizations
Special Education and Special Needs Students
Prescription Medication
Non-Discrimination Policy
Policies and General Information
Achievement Tests and Scholarship
Arrival and Departure Times
Attendance
Attendance at School Functions
Attendance Policy
Dress Standards
Field Trips
Home and School Association
Homework
Illness
Insurance
Lice Policy
Lunches
Phone Use
Report Cards and Conferences
Rules of Conduct, Safety, And Discipline
Snow Days and Inclement Weather
Transportation
Visiting School
Volunteer Drivers
Financial Information
Registration Fee and Tuition
Financial Agreement
Financial Responsibility Clause
Financial Aid and Discounts
Good Neighbor Thrift Store
School Calendar and Hours
Personnel Phone Numbers
LOCATION AND CHARTER
The Lancaster SDA Elementary School is located on State Rt. 188 near Coonpath Rd. It is an elementary school of the Ohio Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. It is chartered and accredited by the State of Ohio for grades K-8. This school also meet the guidelines of the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists for an elementary school. Evaluations are done on a regular basis to maintain these accreditations by the state of Ohio and the Ohio Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Office of Education.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Lancaster Seventh-day Adventist School is to provide a quality Christian education for students in grades K-8 that will help prepare them for effective citizenship on Earth and for rewarding citizenship in Heaven.
OBJECTIVES
The Lancaster Seventh-day Adventist Church believes that it is responsible for providing a Christian education for its young people. The Church is the family of Jesus Christ, thus making every member one brotherhood. It is a goal that the total membership will assume responsibility to provide Christian Education for the children. Every child who belongs to the family of God should be able to attend the Lancaster SDA Elementary School.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14.
The educational program of this school gives primary emphasis to character building and to building a spiritual foundation in the children. The fundamentals and the common branches of knowledge are studied so proficiency is achieved and a high quality of education is maintained.
PHILOSOPHY
The Seventh-day Adventist Church recognizes God as the ultimate source of existence and truth. In the beginning God created in His image a perfect humanity, a perfection later marred by sin. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, God’s character and purposes can be understood as revealed in nature, the Bible, and Jesus Christ. The distinctive characteristics of Adventist education, derived from the Bible and the inspired writings of Ellen G. White, point to the redemptive aim of true education: to restore human beings into the image of their Maker.
While God presents His infinitely loving and wise character as the ultimate norm for human conduct, human motives, thinking, and behavior have fallen short of God’s ideal. Education in its broadest sense is a means of returning human beings to their original relationship with God. Its time dimensions span eternity.
Adventist education seeks to develop a life of faith in God and respect for the dignity of all human beings; to build character akin to that of the Creator; to nurture thinkers rather than mere reflectors of others’ thoughts; to promote loving service rather than selfish ambition; to ensure maximum development of each individual’s potential; and to embrace all that is true, good, and beautiful.
An education of this kind imparts far more than academic knowledge. It fosters a balanced development of the whole person--physically, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. Working together, homes, schools, and churches cooperate with divine agencies in preparing learners for responsible citizenship in this world and in the world to come.
“True Education means more than the perusal of a certain course of study. It means more than a preparation for the life that now is. It has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to humans. It is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and spiritual powers. It prepares the student for the joy of service in this world, and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come.” Education, p. 14
Admission Requirements
MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENTS
Students entering Kindergarten must be 5 years old by August 1.
Students entering first grade must be 6 years old by August 1 or have successfully completed Kindergarten.
KINDERGARTEN LAW
The Kindergarten Law passed by the State of Ohio went into effect in August 1990. The Ohio Conference of Seventh-day Adventist’s Board of Education has taken the following action: “All first graders will have to show that they have had a kindergarten experience or are waived from requirement per section 3321.01 (B-D) of the law for any student not attending kindergarten.”
The Ohio Conference Educational system will comply to this law claiming the waiver allowed through establishing a Pupil Personnel Service Committee. The function of this committee is to determine if the child possesses the special, emotional and cognitive skills necessary for the first grade. This screening committee would consist of the following members: Ohio Conference Superintendent or Supervisor, the School Principal, and the First Grade Teacher.
The procedure used in making this determination will be administering a readiness test, a minimum competency based checklist of skills for Kindergarten, and personal interviews.
Parents or guardians with children who have not attended Kindergarten, who plan to enroll their child for first grade, should contact the School Principal by the 1st of March of the year preceding application to first grade.
ADMISSION AND REGISTRATION
To qualify, all applicants must give evidence of Christian character, intelligence, health, and a willingness to follow the Lancaster SDA Elementary School program as planned by the teachers, the Principal, and the local School Board.
All outstanding debts must be paid for prior to enrollment unless special arrangements have been agreed upon in writing by parents/guardians and the Principal, the School Board Chairperson, and/or the School Board for disposition of the previous year’s debt.
All new students approved by the School Board are accepted on probationary status. Non-constituent children who are not members of the Ohio Conference of SDA will be accepted under the guidelines of the Columbia Union code book, and upon approval of the School Board.
REGISTRATION ITEMS NEEDED :
1. Registration Fee for each child and completed registration checklist
2. Immunization forms completed with history and a doctor’s physical records for those entering Kindergarten, 4th, and 7th grades and for all new students
3. Birth certificates for Kindergarten students and new first graders
4. New students need to bring the previous year’s
report card verifying advancement to current grade level.
HEALTH AND IMMUNIZATIONS
If a child is thought to have a contagious disease, he/she is to be seen by a physician and to remain out of school until the doctor permits him/her to return to school.
State Law mandates that all students must have the
following immunizations before beginning school:
5 doses of DTP, DT or Td vaccine
4 doses of OPV Polio
2 doses of MMR on or after the first birthday
3 doses of Hib
3 doses of HEP B
1 dose of Varicella (Chicken Pox) beginning 2006-2007
If this record is not provided within 14 days, the law mandates the exclusion of the child from school.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
The Ohio Department of Education of SDA mandates that a doctor’s physical examination is required for all new students and students entering 4th and 7th grades.
A standard physical form provided by the school is available at the school office from the Principal.
SPECIAL EDUCATION AND SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS
The school does not typically admit non-S.D.A. students who are not at least average in prior scholastic reports or who are labeled as special education or special needs students. Students with major behavior problems may not be accepted. However, Lancaster S.D.A. School and the Ohio Conference Office of Education may consider any exceptions to this policy on an individual basis.
Parents will need to sign an agreement that it is understood that Lancaster S.D.A. teachers are not educationally certified as special education teachers and that there is no scholastic guarantee of educational advancement implied by accepting the student on regular student status.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION
Many students are able to attend school regularly only through effective use of medication in the treatment of disabilities, illnesses, or behavioral challenges such as ADD, ADHD, and ODD. If possible, all medication should be given by the parent at home. (See Administration of Medication at School Policy which is available from the school principal). If students need to take medication at school, they need a signed prescription form for dispensing prescription or non- prescription medication to students. (See the principal for the necessary form).
If a student has a prescription for ADD, ADHD, or ODD, he/she must be using an appropriately prescribed dose in order to attend school. If the student comes to school without the medication he/she will be sent home if the parents are unable to bring the medication to school.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
It is the policy of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in all of its church-operated schools, at all levels, to admit students of any race, color, ethnic background, country of origin or gender; to proffer all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally made available to students at its schools; and, to make no discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnic background, country of origin or gender in the administration of education policies, application for admission, scholarship or loan programs, and athletic or extracurricular programs.
Policies and General Information
ACHIEVEMENT TESTS AND SCHOLARSHIP
Good academic performance is expected in all classes.
A consistent daily effort in each subject will result in good scholarship and academic success.
In the fall the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills achievement tests are administered as prescribed by the Ohio Conference Education Department.
Ohio Proficiency Tests are not administered at this school.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES
Because the teachers are busy with their school work, and there is not adequate supervision, it is important that students do not arrive earlier than 15 minutes before school begins and be picked up within 15 minutes after dismissal each day. If, on occasion, it is necessary to arrive earlier or leave later, please notify the teacher in advance, if possible.
After arrival at school in the morning, a student is to remain at school until dismissal. If for some valid reason he/she must leave earlier, the Principal should be informed by written request from the parents/guardians. Students will not be permitted to go to the stores in the vicinity during school hours unless accompanied by their parent, guardian, or by a teacher.
ATTENDANCE
School shall be open for instruction for 180 days including snow days. The Ohio Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Schools operates in accordance with the guidelines of the Ohio School calendar as set up by the Ohio Conference Education Committee.
In accordance with State Laws, the official Handbook of Policies for the Columbia Union Conference states that the school day, exclusive of the lunch period, shall be six hours for all elementary grades. It includes the same instructional time allocations as the state with the addition of the devotional period and Bible instruction.
ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL FUNCTIONS
When a student is accepted at Lancaster SDA Elementary School, it is understood that parents/guardians and students will make a commitment to attend and support school functions. These may include Field Trips, Home and School Meetings, the Christmas Program, Graduation, and other functions.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
According to Ohio State Law and the Ohio Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Education Department, absences and tardiness are to be excused by the Principal. Absences or tardiness are excusable due to student illness, quarantine in the home, death of a relative, observance of religious holidays, and family emergencies that are deemed excusable by the Principal.
Attendance Guidelines
1. The student is required to bring a written excuse from his/her parents/guardians the day following an absence.
2. Students who are absent for more than 7 days in a grading period will have their grades reduced by ½ letter grade unless they have a doctor’s written excuse.
3. Students over one hour late will be counted as ½ day absent.
4. Time period for make-up work is as follows:
A. Excused Absences- Students out one or more days have one (1) week from the day of their return to complete all work.
B. Arranged Absences- Students who have made prior arrangements with the Principal for an excused absence and who are gone at least one(1) week have two (2) weeks from their return to complete all missed work.
Those who are absent for less than one (1) week have the same number of days as absent to complete the work. Schools may opt to require work in advance of the planned absence.
C. Unexcused Absences--Credit for work missed might not be allowed for unexcused absences.
5. The parents/guardians are to notify the school on the day of the child’s absence or delayed arrival within15 minutes of the start of school.
6. Students who plan an absence should arrange with the Principal and the teacher two weeks prior to the absence and make a request in writing for such consideration. Approval of such will be at the discretion of the Principal and the teacher. Considerations such as the student’s academic status as well as attendance record will be noted in making the decision.
Three (3) unexcused tardinesses equal one (1) unexcused absence.
DRESS STANDARDS
While fads and fashions change, the Christian principles of modesty, cleanliness, and appropriate dress do not. This is the basis of the dress code at Lancaster SDA School. What we wear reflects to others around us our attitudes about ourselves and about our God. This applies to what we wear to all school functions.
1. Attire for all students: Clothing needs to fit appropriately, be clean, and in good repair. No pictures, words (including brand names), numbers, or phrases (except S.D.A. school-related logos such as MVA, Camp Mohaven, or Music Festival) are permitted on clothing worn in the classroom. Jackets with appropriate writing or numbers may be worn outdoors for recess, but must be removed when the student enters the classroom. Shirt tails designed to be tucked in need to be tucked in. Shorts that are near knee length are permitted in warm weather.
2. Appropriate dress for girls: Dresses or skirts that come to the knee; pants or jeans with blouses or shirts.
3. Inappropriate dress: sleeveless or low cut shirts, tank tops, net shirts, shirts that do not cover the stomach or lower back, mini-skirts or mini-dresses, short shorts, overly tight clothing of any type. Caps, hats, bandannas, sweat bands, or other headgear are not to be worn while in the building.
4. Unacceptable attire: rings, bracelets (ankle or wrist), necklaces (with the exception of medical alert tags), earrings, body piercing, and colored fingernail polish, . Students will be required to remove these items if worn to school.
Make-up, if worn, must be minimal and in good taste.
5. Hair is to be neat and clean in a natural color and in style not to interfere with vision. Extreme styles and cuts are not permitted.
6. Shoes appropriate for active play need to be brought to school every day. Non-marking soles are needed for indoor play in the fellowship hall. Shoes with socks or hose need to be worn at all times including field trips.
FIELD TRIPS
There are a limited number of field trips each year. The object of these trips is to give the students a practical glimpse of some of the things about which they study. It is understood that when a student registers, the school is given permission by the parents/guardians for the student to attend such field trips that take place on a school day. Each student needs to have a signed permission slip before going on a field trip. If a written permission slip is not given, the child will remain in the classroom for class work or will be sent home if no teacher remains at the school. Supervision is supplied to insure safe conduct of all children on such field trips.
HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
“The teachers in the home and teachers in the school have a sympathetic understanding of one another’s work. They should labor together harmoniously, imbued with the same missionary spirit, striving together to benefit the children physically, mentally, and spiritually and to develop characters that will stand the test of temptation.” Counsels to Teachers, p. 157
In harmony with these instructions, a Home & School Association is made possible by the parents and teachers associated with the Lancaster SDA Elementary School. This organization should meet at least once during the school year. Notices of the meetings will be sent home with students.
HOMEWORK
Homework in the elementary grades is not generally assigned. Enough time in school is provided for the completion of most assigned work. However, work may have to be done at home if an efficient use of time is not made at school, if the student has been absent, or if assigned by the teacher.
ILLNESS
If a child is ill with fever, diarrhea, vomiting, severe cold symptoms, etc. he/she should remain at home. If a child becomes ill at school, parents/guardians must make arrangements to pick up their child.
INSURANCE
As required by the Ohio Conference, all students are covered by a school time student accident policy. Additional, optional insurance is available at registration for a fee.
LICE POLICY
Students will be checked for lice at registration. The Lancaster SDA School has the same nit-free policy followed by the Lancaster City Schools. Periodically, the Principal or Teacher will check students for head lice. These checks may be announced ahead of time. Any child who has head lice will be sent home until the lice have been treated and the nits have been removed. The student may return to school if the Principal says he/she is nit free, or if a note is brought from the Health Department stating the child is able to return to school. If lice or nits are found on a student at home, the parent should notify the Principal who can then examine the other students.
LUNCHES
1. Students bring their own lunch to school. Trading lunches other than with family members is not permitted.
2. Microwaves are available to heat up pre-cooked food. Microwaveable items should be ones that take no more than 1 - 2 minutes to heat. Students should not bring frozen, microwaveable dinners (such as Swanson’s or Banquet) since these foods require longer heating and cooling time than the school lunch period allows. Simple ready-to-eat foods such as sandwiches and fruit are encouraged. A refrigerator is available for student use.
3. Although a vegetarian lunch is encouraged, students are permitted to bring clean meats in their lunches, such as fish, chicken, or beef. Food containing pork products such as pepperoni, bologna, and spam are not permitted. See Leviticus 11.
4. Use of beverages containing caffeine such as coffee, tea, and some pop varieties is not permitted. Please avoid pop.
5. Students are to eat in the Fellowship Hall, using their own dishes, cups, and utensils from home. The kitchen is not for student use unless special permission is given. Students are expected to help clean the room after lunch.
PHONE USE
A phone is provided at the school for those needing to make emergency calls only. Students using this phone should do so with this in mind. Students may use the telephone with teacher’s permission only.
REPORT CARDS AND CONFERENCES
Report cards are sent out following the end of each quarter or given out at parent conferences, which are generally scheduled twice each school year. Parents and teachers may arrange for other conferences during the year as needed.
RULES OF CONDUCT, SAFETY, AND DISCIPLINE
As a Christian school, we endeavor to follow Christ’s example in the way we deal with others. As a pre-requisite for attendance at Lancaster SDA Elementary, each student must agree to be kind and helpful to one’s fellow students and teachers. Disputes may arise, but students need to settle these disputes using Christian principles.
Each teacher sets his/her own rules of conduct for the classroom. Students are expected to obey these rules. In addition, the rules that apply to all students are as follows:
1. Willfully undermining the religious ideals of the school is not permitted.
2. Using profane language, inappropriate slang expressions, and bringing obscene or inappropriate literature to school is not permitted.
3. Improper association with those of the opposite sex is not allowed.
4. Using or possessing narcotics or nonprescription drugs in any form is not permitted on school grounds or on field trips.
5. Back talking from student to teachers is a form of rebellion and is not permitted.
6. Stealing, lying, gambling, fighting, cheating, and willfully deceiving others, including physical and verbal abuse will not be tolerated and immediate disciplinary measures will be taken.
7. Bringing audio equipment such as cell phones, CD’s, DVD’s, videos, cassettes, or their players is not permitted unless permission is given by the teacher ahead of time. These items will be confiscated at the discretion of the teacher.
8. Games, trading cards, and fads based on the occult, witchcraft, etc. are not permitted.
9. All school and church audio visual equipment is to be operated by an adult. Responsible upper grade students may operate the copier with a teacher’s permission.
10. All students will be expected to help keep the school room, lunch room, and grounds clean and orderly.
Students must show respect for school property and to the faculty. Student’s parents/guardians will be responsible for damage to property, textbooks, reference books, etc.
These rules also apply at school sponsored activities.
All students will be expected to conduct themselves in an orderly and respectful way at all times and in all places.
Students must conform to the stipulations of any discipline administered by the school administration
How severe discipline problems are handled:
First Offense-- the student will be immediately talked to by the teacher and the Principal with parents/guardians being informed by phone.
Second Consecutive Offense-- There will be a parent/teacher and student conference as soon as possible.
Third Offense--The problem will be presented to the School Board with the parents/guardians and the student present. The Board will determine the method of further discipline.
Most discipline problems are handled directly between the teacher and the student. However, repeated or extremely inappropriate behavior may require stronger action, such as suspension or expulsion. In cases of serious or continued misconduct, the Principal may decide to suspend a student from school. If he/she does so, the principal will notify the parents/guardians and the School Chairperson promptly. The period of suspension will not ordinarily exceed three (3) school days. The School Board will meet with the parents/guardians and the child before the child can re-enter the school. All school work missed, due to suspension must be made up promptly. Expulsion from school comes only by School Board Action.
All regulations adopted by the faculty or School Board and announced to the students have the same force as those published in this handbook.
SNOW DAYS AND INCLEMENT WEATHER
All time lost due to bad weather such as snow days,
will be made up in accordance with the policies of the Ohio Conference Office of Education. School will be closed when Lancaster City Schools are closed due to inclement weather. Parents may find out when school is closed by listening to 610 WTYN AM radio, by watching the CBS TV CHANNEL, or by phone.
TRANSPORTATION
Parents/guardians are responsible for their own child’s or children’s transportation to and from school.
Bussing is not a service of the Lancaster SDA School.
Transportation by public school busses is the decision of the parents/guardians and arrangements are to be made by the parents/guardians with the following Bus Barns:
Lancaster City Schools Bus Barn: 687-7366
Fairfield Union Bus Barn: 536-7820
Liberty Union Bus Barn: 862-4171
Bern Union (746-8341) and Amanda Clearcreek (969-7257) do not currently offer bussing, but may compensate parents who live in their school districts and who transport their own children. Compensation is generally made at the end of the school year.
Bus transportation is a privilege, not a right, granted by the Local School District and the State of Ohio. Students are expected to respect and obey the bus driver and may be suspended from riding the bus if the student to is unruly or a danger to the safety of the passengers or the bus driver. Suspensions may range from a few days to permanently.
VISITING SCHOOL
Parents/Guardians may visit the school and acquaint themselves with the program. If a parent wishes to visit a teacher, an afternoon appointment is required. Unregistered children are not permitted to visit the school except by permission from the teacher and principal. After one day’s grace visiting students will be charged $10 for each day they attend school. After two weeks students will need to register to continue attending school. (action 01:24)
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS
Parents are urged to fill in a volunteer driver form to help drive on field trips if they have enough insurance and a good driving record. They must pass a background check.
Financial Information
REGISTRATION FEE AND TUITION
The Registration Fee is $200 per child for all grades and is due at Registration.
Kindergarten Tuition: $170
Elementary tuition rates are as follows:
1 Child $230
2 Children: $370
3 Children: $500
4 or more Children: $550
The First month’s tuition is due August 25. The remaining 9 tuition payments are due on the 15th of each month from September 15 to May 15.
Visa or Master Card payments for registration and tuition can be made at The Good Neighbor Thrift Store with prior arrangements. Call 687-1741, 687-6589, or 215-2228 first.
Financial Agreement
Parents or Guardians will specify on the Financial Agreement Form how much their monthly payment will be.
Tuition may be paid by the month, by the semester, or for the entire school year.
Financial Responsibility Clause
The financial responsibility clause is for parents of students who are not members of the Ohio Conference of S.D.A.
If tuition is not paid by the 3rd Tuesday of the current month, parents will meet with the school board to make financial arrangements for tuition payment or withdraw their children from the school by the first day of the following month.
(action 04:34)
Financial Aid and Discounts
Church Attendance Credit
On the Financial Agreement form, parents or guardians may request a credit for currently enrolled children and their parents or guardians who attend the Lancaster Seventh-Day Adventist Church in the amount of $5 per person per Sabbath. SDA membership is not required.
Discounts for tuition of elementary students:
Either $40 per child per month for Ohio Conf. SDA Church members
Or $20 per child per month for all previous year students
Pre-pay discounts
Pre-pay discounts available for tuition of all K-8 students:
10% discount if paid for entire school year before school begins
5% discount if paid in advance for either semester (5 months)
Recruitment Incentive Policy
Parents of current students who recruit a family to attend school will get $20 in tuition credit for each month that each recruited student attends school. This offer is good for up to 10 consecutive months.
Requests for Financial Assistance
Requests for financial assistance must be made in writing.
1) Lancaster SDA Church members may request aid from the church on forms available from the Principal.
2) All volunteers at the Good Neighbor Thrift Store may request aid on forms available from the Principal.
GOOD NEIGHBOR THRIFT STORE
Phone number: 687-6589
Much of the funding for the school comes from the GNTS. Parents, students, and other volunteers are needed to help with the store’s needs. Parents/guardians are encouraged to help at the store on a regular basis. A variety of activities are needed to keep the store vibrant. The store is open Sunday through Thursday from 9 - 5 and Friday from 9 - 4. The GNTS is located at 217 S. Columbus Street in Lancaster. You are encouraged to volunteer by calling the store manager, Freda Shultz, at 687- 0464.
School Calendar 2006-2007 ( < click here )
School Hours: M-F 7:40 - 2:10 (Tentative--depends on bussing schedule)
Kindergarten days: Tues., Wed., Thur.
Personnel Phone Numbers
Teachers: Al and Bonnie Schone 740 - 654 - 8979
School Board Chairperson: Freda Shultz 740 - 687-0464
Pastor: Pam Farley 740 - 654 - 8928
School Phone: 740 - 687-1741
