VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOL HANDBOOK
Valley Presbyterian School admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, financial aid, and other school administered programs.”
Upon enrollment at Valley Presbyterian School each family unit is given a school handbook. This handbook should be kept in a handy yet safe place.
This information has been assembled to insure that each will realize the maximum benefit from his/her school experience. We have tried to anticipate the questions most often asked. Should you not find the answer to your questions in this handbook, please feel free to call the school office.
Each year in September an amendment will be sent home. The amendment should be kept with the handbook. The amendment will include a school calendar and the current faculty list.
PHILOSOPHY AND PROGRAM
ORGANIZATION
Valley Presbyterian School was organized by the Session (elders) of Valley Presbyterian Church to provide children with a well-balanced learning environment for the educational development of the total child in all areas: intellectual, aesthetic, physical, emotional, social and spiritual.
We believe that all ultimate truth is defined by and centered in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Holy Scriptures in the Old and New Testaments.
PURPOSE
It is our purpose to have "Total Christian Education" that is a thorough integration of the educational efforts of the HOME, the CHURCH, and the SCHOOL. We believe that when high standards of academic excellence are combined with the teaching of basic spiritual principles for daily living, as set forth in the Bible and expressed in the subordinate standards of the Westminster Confession of Faith, we will produce students who will not only know what to think but how to think. Ultimately the goal of all learning should lead the student to fulfill his created temporal and eternal purpose, which is to glorify and enjoy the true and living God . Only with a God-centered curriculum will the student be able to thoroughly integrate all of the particulars of life into a unified faith-life view, so that the mature individual will function optimally with himself, his fellow man, and before his God.
AFFILIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
Valley Presbyterian School is a ministry of Valley Presbyterian Church.
Valley Presbyterian School is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International. A.C.S.I. was founded by a group of Christian school leaders from Bible believing denominations for the purpose of promoting the cause of Christian education. A.C.S.I. has a membership of over a thousand schools and colleges.
CHILD REPORTING OBLIGATIONS
In accordance with Valley Presbyterian School policy and California law, school staff are obligated under penalty of fine and jail term to report the reasonable suspicion of physical abuse, emotional abuse, emotional deprivation, physical neglect, inadequate supervision, or sexual abuse and exploitation. In this very serious and legally narrow area, the school will not contact parents in advance of making a report to legal authorities which would be the procedure followed in most other legal matters. The clear intent of the law, based on the seriousness of the crimes listed above, is to mandate that a report of reasonable suspicion of abuse be made. School staff will make such reports in the best interest of the affected child and do not, once reasonable suspicion is established, have any legal alternative except to make the report to the proper authorities for their investigation and review.
OBJECTIVES
OBJECTIVES
Our goal is to expose children to a wide variety of experiences, geared to their level to give them...
1. A well-built foundation of ideas, experiences and goals.
2. A love of learning, free inquiry, and devotion to God.
3. Development in all areas (intellectual, aesthetic, physical, emotional, social and spiritual) to each child's own fullest potential.
VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOL endeavors to emphasize and assist the child and his parents in developing a sense of truth, love and appreciation of God's plan in the child's relationship with his parents, other children, Church and school. The Bible is the source of our Spiritual Education. “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105
The Elementary program has two classes in each grade level. In addition to the classroom teachers, there are remedial, music, drama, art, and physical education teachers. Computers are in each classroom.
The philosophy of the school is one of goals and objectives. Assessments are made of pupils proficiency in each skill area. Year after year, testing (Stanford Achievement-total test includes: vocabulary, reading, word study skills, math, spelling, language, social science, science and listening) shows that Valley Presbyterian School's students score higher than the national average at every grade taught.
Textbooks and curriculum are chosen so that there is a uniform adoption or series throughout the school. Each subject has its own framework. Teachers are expected not to stray too far from the subject content of their curriculum; however; they are encouraged to discuss topics of varied interest and to present materials in varied manners.
The Association of Christian Schools International coordinates many student activities. Valley Presbyterian School pupils participate in Speech Meets, Spelling Bees, Math Matches, Choir Festivals, Piano and Instrumental Festivals.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM
Each classroom has planned activities geared to the interest level of that particular age group. There will be learning in the cognitive areas of reading readiness, science, and number concepts.
Our preschool is privileged to utilize the facilities of Brewer Hall and the adjoining play areas. Our facilities have been specifically adapted and planned with the young child's balanced development in mind. The classrooms are spacious, colorful and modern. The preschool rooms are arranged with various interest centers—housekeeping, building blocks, science, library and art activities, cognitive center with games, puzzles, etc. Activities will also be planned to help the child in motor development, development of individual skills and socialization through group play. The goal is for each child to participate according to his own interests and at his own pace.
ELEMENTARY PROGRAM
The Elementary Program has two classes in each grade level. I n addition to the classroom teachers there are remedial, music, drama, Kodaly, computer and physical education teachers.
The philosophy of the school is one of goals and objectives. Assessments are made of pupils proficiency in each skill area. Year after year, testing (Stanford Achievement—total test includes: Vocabulary, reading, word study skills, math, spelling, language, social science, science and listening) shows that Valley Presbyterian School's students score higher than the national average at every grade taught.
Textbooks and curriculum are chosen so that there is a uniform adoption or series throughout the school . Each subject has its own framework. Teachers are expected not to stray too far from the subject content of their curriculum; however, they are encouraged to discuss topics of varied interest and to present materials in varied manners.
The Association of Christian Schools International coordinates many student activities. Valley Presbyterian School pupils participate in speech meets, Spelling Bee, Math Match, choir festivals, piano and instrumental festivals.
SCHOOL POLICIES AND RELATED ACTIVITIES
ELEMENTARY PHYSICAL EDUCATION POLICY
In order to give your children a well balanced experience, Valley Presbyterian School provides a program of physical education where the sole purpose is to conduct classes in physical education. Our program is one that has a fourfold purpose:
1. Motor development
2. Development of individual skills
3. Socialization through group play and
4. Christian sportsmanship
State law and school policy is that children are to participate in P.E. a specific period of time each week. If your child is ill or injured please send a note SIGNED BY A PHYSICIAN excusing him/her from P.E. activities. The P.E. teacher cannot honor a parents' excuse from class for more than one consecutive day. If the child has a problem that arose after he arrived at school, the School Office may excuse him from that day's class. SEE DRESS CODE REGARDING CLOTHING.
ELEMENTARY MUSIC POLICY
Each class performs in a special program each school year. Participation is mandatory and reflects in the student's grade. Family emergency may be excused through the Principal.
The school's Honor Choir is comprised of 5th and 6th grade students that have passed an audition. All Honor Choir students must maintain passing grades in all subjects and may not receive U's. Honor Choir students participate in several after school special music programs (PARTICIPATION IS MANDATORY. Family emergency must be cleared through the Principal.)
The School's Band is comprised of 5th and 6th grade students and is an optional activity, taught either before or after the instructional day
ADMISSION
In keeping with the State Law, kindergarten children must be 4.9 in September of entering year. Each child must have a licensed physician's report, complete identification and emergency information, the school agreement, and the initial fees paid by the 1st of August. Re-enrollment in February will guarantee a place in school for the Fall, provided the school account is kept current or paid in full. School records are not released if accounts are not current. The school reserves the right to dismiss or refuse to re-enroll a child at the school's discretion. In the event of said dismissal, all tuition charges will be prorated to the last day of attendance of said pupil. After February 15th, enrollment for the following Fall will be open to new students. Each child is accepted on his or her individual merits, regardless of race, color or creed. Children who are physically handicapped or emotionally disturbed shall be accepted only after evaluation by the Administrator and the School Committee. The decision shall be based on:
a. The child's attendance having no adverse effect upon other children, either through direct behavior of the child or through requiring staff time needed by other children.
b. The school's ability to meet the needs of the child.
Payments must be made ONE MONTH IN ADVANCE. All monthly tuition payments are due on the first of each month and must be received by the 10th of each month. In the event payment is not made by the 10th, there is a $15.00 service charge to cover additional bookkeeping and billing unless the office is notified and other arrangements are made in advance. If it becomes necessary to withdraw your child/children from V.P.S. during the school year, a written letter MUST BE GIVEN TO THE SCHOOL OFFICE ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THE TIME OF REMOVAL. If this is not done, you will be liable for the next month's tuition and Day Care fees. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS OR DEDUCTIONS for holidays or other absences. In the event of a late payment, you will be notified as follows;
1. 10 days late - You will pay a $15.00 late charge which will be added to your bill.
2. 15 days late - A letter will be sent home stating your child will not be re-admitted for the following month.
PROMOTIONALS, ADVERTISING, SOLICITING
Because we are a part of, and are supported by Valley Presbyterian Church, Valley Presbyterian School is prohibited by church constitution from promoting or soliciting the sale of or support of any non-church related organization or function (e.g. Girl Scout cookies or calendars, various walk-a-thons, etc.) It is also policy not to advertise or promote any activity not directly related to Valley Presbyterian Church or Valley Presbyterian School.
LUNCHES AND SNACKS
All children eat lunch at school. Please try to provide a balanced, nutritional lunch. Please omit candy, gum and CARBONATED soft drinks from their lunches.
Elementary students, 1st through 6th, WILL NOT be sharing birthday refreshments with their class in school. NO PARTY INVITATIONS ARE TO BE GIVEN OUT ON SCHOOL PROPERTY UNLESS THE ENTIRE CLASS OR ALL THE GIRLS OR ALL THE BOYS ARE INVITED. It is the school's policy never to release addresses or phone numbers of students.
DRESS CODE
All elementary children are expected to dress in a safe and modest manner. Excessively large trousers, pants, shorts and overalls may not be worn. Pants must fit at the waist and crotch area. Belt ends may not hang down. Overalls must be worn with straps on the shoulders. Excessively oversized shirts, including tee-shirts, worn outside pants are not allowed. Girls midriffs should not be exposed at any time. No caps, hats or headgear may be worn at school. The only exception to this will be during periods of hot or inclement weather (this only while outdoors). Hair that distracts from the educational process such as extreme cuts, spray painted, bleached or glitter in the hair is unacceptable. No barefeet or unsafe or disruptive footwear shall be worn. It is required that sturdy shoes suitable for physical education activities be worn on P.E. days, or a pair of tennis shoes kept at school. The school advises against wearing sandals and long dresses as they will inhibit play. Printed or pictorial t-shirts are acceptable provided they do not violate the values taught at V.P.S. Earrings and body piercing (except earrings for girls) is not acceptable for school. Jewelry, belt buckles, pins or buttons that portray the gang, punk or rock culture are inappropriate. Facial make-up for elementary girls is considered inappropriate for school.
The Administration and Staff reserve the right to declare any mode of dress that, in their estimation, inhibits the philosophy, purpose and goals of Valley Presbyterian School, the educational process or threatens the safety and protection of all students as unacceptable. Parents will be notified of dress referrals and may be asked to bring a change of clothing to their student.
VISITING CLASSROOM
Parents visiting classes are permitted only after the first six weeks and before the last four weeks of school. Classroom visits must be arranged through the office 24 hours in advance. A telephone call will prevent possible disappointments, since a healthy classroom environment can become overstimulated by too many visitors at any one time. (Anyone desiring a conference with a teacher or the principal concerning the student's work or records is asked to make arrangements in advance of the day requested.) All visitors are asked to enter through the office and sign in. Please remember this is for the safety of our children and staff.
Parents calling for students during school hours must come to the office for identification and student release form. The child will then be called to the office by the secretary or administrator.
When a child is to be picked up by someone other than the parents, an advance note must be sent to the office and definite verification obtained to guarantee the individual's identity.
Teachers have no authority to release a student to a parent without a release permission slip. Release permission must come from the office. Permission will not be given to any pupil to leave the school grounds except as outlined as above. The school regards the safekeeping of your children an important responsibility and asks for your cooperation in this procedure.
Parent communications to students during the school day must be reserved for emergencies only. Should it be necessary to make re-arrangements for home transportation, parents are asked to do so early in the day.
Because of the importance of the school atmosphere, our school desires that parents or friends avoid visiting around the classrooms, waiting for or picking up your children at the lunch area. If it is necessary to contact your child because of a forgotten lunch pail, etc., please do so through the office. Our secretary will be glad to assist you.
SEPARATION FOR KINDERGARTEN
Parent and child are encouraged to visit the school prior to enrollment. We want both to feel familiar with the school environment before the first day. An Orientation interview may be scheduled prior to formal acceptance where the parent(s) and child will be given a tour of the school facilities.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
Students in full day care may arrive at 7:00a.m. and stay as late as 6:00p.m. Students not in some form of day care should arrive after 8:15a.m. and leave the campus by 2:45p.m. After and before these hours students will be under the supervision of Day Care and will be liable for day care fees. Coupons for occasional day care may be purchased in the school office.
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION EVALUATION
Report Cards
Report cards are issued four times a year. The student should return his Report Card the day after it is taken home. A five dollar charge shall be made for any Report Card which has to be replaced. The FINAL Report Card will not be issued before the last day of school. Report cards will not be released each quarter unless all financial responsibilities have been met.
Progress Reports
In between each Report Card period Progress Reports are issued to deficient students. The Progress Report should be returned the day after it is taken home.
Conferences
In addition to these formal reports, individual conferences between parents and teachers regarding the student's progress will be scheduled at least once during the school year. Other conferences between parents and teachers may be scheduled as needed. Each teacher reserves one day of the week for this type of conference. Parents may make appointments on the teacher's conference day through the School Office. Telephone conferences may also be arranged on the teacher's conference day. For other than emergencies, please limit conferences to the one day each week that each teacher reserves for this purpose. On other days of the week, teachers have various duties to perform.
PUNCTUALITY
It is important that your child come to school on time. The bell will ring each morning at 8:25a.m. One or two children coming late distract the entire class. Those who share in car pools need to be especially careful in this matter. One child who is not ready on time can cause the entire group to be marked tardy. The student's grade in citizenship will be lowered a grade lower for every three tardies in a grading period. The only excused tardies are for medical appointments. At the discretion of the Administrator excessive tardies may result in dismissal from school.
ATTENDANCE
Illness
A sick child belongs at home for his own protection and others in the class. IF YOUR CHILD IS ABSENT, HE MUST BRING A WRITTEN EXCUSE TO THE TEACHER (unless the parent has telephoned the absence into the school office) UPON HIS RETURN OR HE WILL BE SENT TO THE OFFICE UNTIL A PARENT CAN BE REACHED. A note is required from the doctor for re-admittance in the case of any serious illness, surgery or broken bones. A doctor's note is necessary in any case that requires more than five days of absence. We will not administer any medication at school unless it is cleared with the school office and a medical release form is signed and on file in the office. All medication must be in the original container labeled for the student. Should a child become ill at school he/she will be isolated and the parent called to take him home.
Pupils absent from school because of a non-reportable communicable illness such as chicken pox, colds, influenza, pneumonia, skin diseases, or non-communicable illnesses, may be re-admitted to school by the principal or school office providing any health department regulations concerning the period of exclusion have been met and the child appears to have recovered. For all other diseases, a note must be brought from either your personal doctor or the Public Health Office in the area.
If your child should come down with a communicable disease (i.e. chicken pox, etc.), the parent is requested to notify the school as soon as possible so that a notice can be posted for the benefit of the other parents. If a child will have a prolonged absence, the parent is also requested to notify the school. Both teachers and children are concerned about your child and would appreciate such notice so they can plan their activities accordingly.
It is unfair to take the teacher's time away from the other students in the class to explain missed classroom work to the absent student. Parents must take this responsibility. If necessary, parents may be asked to pay for after-school tutoring.
Absence Other Than Illness
We observe the laws and regulations of state and local educational authorities respecting attendance. We appreciate that absences for personal reasons is sometimes unavoidable. If an absence is for personal reasons, to become an excused absence, the absence MUST be cleared in advance with the classroom teacher. At the discretion of the Administration excessive absences may result in dismissal from school.
Make-Up Work Due To Absence
To request Make-Up Work:
Call the school office before 11:00a.m. on the second day of absence. The make-up work may be picked up anytime after 3:00p.m. of that day.
Length of Time Given to Complete Make-Up Work:
When a student is absent, the student should work carefully with the teacher to get the work made up as soon as possible. Arrangements are at the discretion of the teacher.
Credit for Make-Up Work:
When an absence is excused and make-up work is done within the stated deadline, the student receives full credit for make-up work.
MISSED S.A.T. EXAMINATION
If a student is absent for any reason and misses all or part of the S.A.T. examination, at the discretion of the teacher a make-up may be requested. A fee will be charged when extra teacher time is needed to makeup a missed examination. The parent will be informed in advance should an extra fee be required.
ITEMS BROUGHT TO SCHOOL
Items that are not appropriate to the school environment should be left at home. If in doubt as to the appropriateness, clarification should be asked for in advance. Radios, tapes, discs, CD & tape decks, toys, trading cards are but a few of the items not appropriate for school. The school is not responsible for the loss or breakage of unauthorized items. Unauthorized items will be confiscated and must be picked up from school by the parent if dangerous or of great value. Other confiscated items will be returned at the discretion of the teacher.
PARENT PROGRAM
The following activities are part of our regular school program and are planned to help the parent develop confidence, establish rapport, set up attitudes of home-school cooperation to discover common needs and goals. The goal for the teacher is to get to know the child and the parents. The goal for the parent is to get to know the teacher, the school and their expectations.
1. PARENT ORIENTATION NIGHT - The first group meeting planned for mothers and fathers sometime early in September. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss school philosophy, policies and goals, and to further facilitate the school staff and parents getting better acquainted.
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION - All Kindergarten, and students new to Valley Presbyterian School are invited to meet their teacher on an announced day in September.
2. PARENT VOLUNTEERS - Parents may actually become involved in the program by volunteering to help in a variety of ways. (e.g. office help, making classroom teaching aids, supervising the use of the computers, helping in the classroom, working in the Reading Lab, Hot Lunch, Library, etc.) Please contact the school office for details.
3. PARENT-TEACHER FELLOWSHIP - The purpose of the Valley Presbyterian School P.T.F. is to be an auxiliary organization to the school, aiding, supporting, and promoting the school administration under the supervision of the Church Session and Church Executive Board. The goal is to contribute time, effort, and monies to further achieve and procure materials, equipment and programs to benefit all of the children enrolled in the school. All parents are welcome to join.
FIELD TRIPS
The children are occasionally taken on field trips to an area of interest. If chartered buses are used, a charge will be made. Parents who are licensed, insured drivers are sometimes requested to share the driving and accompany the children. Parents who share in the driving must have on file in the school office the following:
a. Copy of a valid California drivers license
b. Proof of insurance - this needs to show the dates that the insurance policy is in effect.
Signed permission slips are required to be on file in the office. Parents sharing in the supervision may not bring younger children on field trips. Parents are responsible for the care of their children if they have elected not to go on the field trip.
STATEMENT OF CORRECTIVE DISCIPLINE
Valley Presbyterian School's philosophy of discipline is biblically based (Proverbs 15:5; 19:18; 27:5; 28:23 and II Timothy 3:14-16 are but a few examples). Discipline promotes a child's development and growth; therefore, the staff looks upon discipline as an opportunity to teach and to train the child. Parents and students are required to yearly sign and agree to the “Executive Summary of the Student Handbook” and a “Parent's Pledge.” All areas of the child's development must be supported by both the home and the school. As much consistency as possible should be maintained between the home and school.
A “chain of discipline” has been established at the school. The teacher or adult on Yard Duty is responsible for handling non-cumulative misconduct. Within each classroom the uniqueness of each teacher leads to a variety of discipline techniques (i.e. isolation, notification of parents, deprivation of privileges, contracts). Giving the teacher this responsibility leads to a positive relationship with the class and with each individual student. Positive discipline techniques are used in all classrooms.
Cumulative or major misconduct may result in one of the following: Student referred to a school administrator; conference between administrator, teacher, parent and/or student; temporary suspension from classroom; dismissal from school.
After-School Detention may be assigned to students. This detention is assigned only on Tuesdays and IS MANDATORY, if assigned. A detention form will be sent home the Monday before to inform the parent. This must be signed by a parent and returned the following day.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
DAY CARE POLICIES
Day Care is limited to full day or pre-arranged hourly day care only. Day Care must be arranged in advance and paid in advance.
Day Care service is available each day from 7:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. This service is available only to those parents whose child is enrolled in the school and is prepaid by the month. It will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, as we do have a maximum limit as required by law.
FULL DAY CARE includes selected days of Easter and Christmas recesses, but does not include legal holidays. All other plans of Day Care do not include Easter and Christmas recesses or legal holidays.
There will be a fee (refer to contract) charged for each five (5) minutes after 6:00p.m. Exceptions will be made for occasional, valid emergencies. After three (3) late pick-up times, the student will no longer be allowed to remain in Day Care for the remainder of the school year.
Children may not be dropped off before 7:00a.m. or left unattended at anytime. Coupons for occasional emergency day care may be purchased in the school office.
SCHOOL POLICY - In cases when children are left after 6:00p.m. whose parents cannot be reached and when no one else on the emergency list can be reached to come pick up the child or children, the Juvenile Police will be called to take care of the emergency. Insurance prohibits our Day Care personnel from removing children from the premises; i.e. taking care of them at home until parents can be reached. We thank you in advance for being prompt and exact as to who is to pick up the child.
If you bring your child to school more than 15 minutes early or pick him up more than 15 minutes late, he will be sent to Day Care and you will be charged.
Check with the school office for full details.
STUDENT SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
In order to comply with California Education Code 212.6 and Government Code 129506b, Valley Presbyterian School has adopted a “Student Sexual Harassment Policy.” This detailed policy is given to each new enrolled family. A copy is available in the school office. This school is committed to maintaining an academic environment in which all individuals treat each other with dignity and respect.
Homework is the responsibility of the student. Homework done by the parent is a bad lesson for the student. Homework teaches decision making, exercises judgement, encourages self-discipline and responsibility. Together the parent and student should decide on a study area where needed tools are kept (pencils, dictionary, etc.) A regular daily schedule for homework should be followed. Parents are encouraged to help when the student asks for help. It is also suggested that on occasions the parents ask to see assignments before they are turned in and another time after assignments have been returned to the student. Brief help is expected but constant help prevents the student from becoming autonomous. Homework supplements classroom activities. A grade is not always assigned to homework. If the student is spending excessive time with homework, it could be that the student is not putting forth the effort in the classroom on his/her own.
PARKING AND TRAFFIC PROCEDURES
Safety is our primary concern! The speed limit is 5 miles per hour while in the parking lot. Do not enter the parking lot via the EXIT or Exit via an ENTER arrow. Before school all children are to unload on the RIGHT side of the car ONLY. Students may be unloaded along the cable or the drive through on the west side of the building. Caution must be exercised at all times. Students MAY NOT be picked up along the cable or the drive through along the west side of the building. Parents must park in a designated parking space before loading. Students may walk to their car if they use the pedestrian walkway. No student is to walk in the traffic lanes. Parents are encouraged to park and walk in to pick up their student. Parents are requested to remain in a designated area. To prevent congestion parents are asked to return to their car as soon as the students are dismissed or their business is finished at the school. On those occasions when the parent must pick up a student early or in the middle of the day the parent must come into the office to request the student. NO student will be dismissed at said times to the parking lot.
It is especially important for drivers of SUV's and trucks that set high to use extreme caution. Observing these rules, and a few minutes of your patience, can avoid a tragic accident.
A number of school staff are on duty to help insure that parking rules are followed. Should you be approached with a safety request please show courtesy and follow these requests. Please hold the hand of all young children while in the parking lot.
Parents are discouraged from sending flowers and balloons to students. (Should they be sent they will remain in the school office until school is dismissed). There is not an adequate place to keep them and they distract from the teaching time.
Valley Presbyterian School is in compliance with state laws in relation to having a disaster plan in place. Parents are expected to follow these policies and rules.
FIRE:
Fire drills are held monthly.
CATASTROPHIC:
Drills are held to train students to protect themselves in emergencies such as earthquakes, explosions, aircraft disaster, bomb blast or shooting.
Valley Presbyterian School maintains a fully organized and practical procedure with staff trained in first aid and CPR. Staff will remain at school until all students have been reunited with the adult listed by the parent on the student's emergency card.
REQUEST FOR RECOMMENDATIONS
All requests for recommendations or evaluations which may include those for magnet schools, testings, other schools, doctors, etc., must be submitted one week ahead of the due date for mailing and should be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. Forms for recommendations to other schools will have Valley Presbyterian School's own form attached along with copies of two past report cards, and most recent SAT.
I.E.P. “Individual Education Program”
Requests for Valley Presbyterian School staff to attend an I.E.P. meeting must be given in writing and approved by the Principal well in advance of the I.E.P. meeting date. Parents may be required to pay for a substitute to replace the staff member attending the I.E.P. Meeting.
POLICY: POSSESSION of/THREAT of/ USE OF WEAPONS
Valley Presbyterian School considers student possession of/use of/ or threat of the use of weapons as a serious offense and will not tolerate such by students on school property, at school events, or any other time while enrolled as a student. Statements made by a student claiming or boasting of a weapon at school or school event will be dealt with the same manner as a “threat” below.
Students who possess a weapon or who carry, exhibit, display, draw or threaten any of these items apparently capable of producing bodily arm in a manner which, under the circumstances, manifests and intent to intimidate another or warrants alarm for the safety of others shall be subject to discipline up to and including expulsion.
“Possession” includes, but is not limited to, having a weapon on school property or at a school-sponsored event located: (a) in a space assigned to a student such as a desk; (b) on the student's person or property or (c) under the student's control or accessible or available, such as hidden by the student.
“Threat” includes, but is not limited to: (a) a statement of personal bodily harm with a weapon; (b) a statement indicating friends or acquaintances with weapons who will commit bodily harm; (c) or the statement of possessing a weapon at school or a school function.
A “weapon” includes, but is not limited to: (a) a firearm, which is a weapon or device from which a projectile may be fired by an explosive; or (b) an air gun, which includes any air pistol or air rifle, designed to propel a BB, pellet, or other projectile by discharge of compressed air, carbon dioxide or other gas, or any items which appear to be realistic firearms or air guns; or (c) a slung shot, which is a piece of metal, or a stone fastened to a short strap, chain or thong, used as a weapon; or a (d) a sling shot, which is a forked piece of wood, metal, plastic or similar substance having an elastic band fastened to the prongs for shooting small stones and pebbles; or (e) a sand club, chains or metal knuckles; or (f) a device commonly known as “throwing star,” multi-pointed metal objects designed to embed upon impact; or (g) any knife which is a cutting or stabbing instrument with a sharp blade set in a handle; or (h) a dirk, which is a type of dagger; or (i) any device commonly known as “nun-chu-ka sticks” consisting of two or more lengths of wood, metal, plastic or similar substance connected with wire, rope or other means; or (j) a stun-gun; or (k) any explosive device including fireworks.
Any faculty member, staff member, or administrator with knowledge of “possession,” “threat,” or “use of weapons” as described above shall immediately report to the principal/director/designee, who shall: (a) submit a report to the appropriate jurisdictional police authority, and (b) remove the involved student(s) from school pending full investigation by school and law enforcement authorities.
See Valley Presbyterian School's Website for excellent information on parent resources: http://www.valleypresbyterian.org
