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Handbook
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Philosophy of Christian Education
The Farmington Christian School is operated by the Farmington Seventh-day Adventist Church to provide a spiritually oriented education for the children of our community. A belief in the existence of the Creator God is fundamental in the philosophy of Seventh-day Adventist schools. We respect His divine authority and recognize His intervention in human affairs. We believe that true education develops the spiritual, mental, and physical powers of each student; preparing them for the joy of service in this life and for the higher joy of service in the life to come. To achieve this goal, we encourage each student to:
  1. Develop a personal relationship with God and their fellow men as stated in Matthew 2:37-39.
  2. Master the basic academic skills.
  3. Value labor, physical and mental, as the blessing God intended.
  4. Cultivate physical fitness, mental ability, and moral purity as the blessing God intended.

The Farmington Christian School is operated in harmony with the guidance and direction of the Upper Columbia Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and is accredited by the state of Washington.

School Board
The school board is composed of above members who are either elected by the Farmington Seventh-day Adventist Church, or who serve because they hold a particular church office. Meetings are open to the public, except when confidentiality is an issue. Any person wishing to address the board should consult with the chairperson in advance. Time will be provided at the beginning of each board meeting for visitor’s comments.

School Board Members

Dennis Schroetlin, Chair

Doug Arlt

Lynda Jamison

Pastor Roger Martin

Ben Perkins

Linda Schoepflin

Karla Wagner


Inclement Weather
When severe conditions warrant the closing of school, an announcement will be posted on the school website, www.thefarmingtonschool.org. Local television stations will also be alerted.

Admission
The Farmington Christian School does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or ethnicity in the administration of its educational policies, admissions, scholarships, or other school programs.

To be admitted, a student must present a standard application, properly filled out and signed by parent(s) or guardian(s). The parents/guardians and students should become acquainted with the behavioral standards and policies listed in this handbook before entering school.

Admission and maintenance as a student-in-good-standing are based on willingness to accept and cooperate fully with the standards of the Seventh-day Adventist Church as revealed in the Bible and the behavioral standards of the school.

Attendance
 The school day begins at 8:30 AM and ends at 3:30 PM Monday through Thursday and ends at 2:00 PM on Friday. Regular and prompt attendance at school appointments is expected of every student.

Students should be at school no earlier than 8:00 AM and should stay no later than 15 minutes after school is dismissed.

Absences
Washington state requires daily attendance and strict punctuality. The only legal excuses for absences are illness of the student, death in the immediate family or snowed in.

Parents should notify the school by phone when a student is absent. This is to be done on the morning of the absence between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. If the phone call is not made, a written excuse should be sent the first morning that the students returns to school. If a phone call is not made or a note sent when the student returns the absence will be considered unexcused.

For each absence makeup work is required. A student absent as many as 6 days in one 9-week period, for whatever cause, may forfeit his/her period grades unless it is evident to the teacher that school work has been satisfactorily completed.

Tardiness
 Students are considered tardy if they are not in their classroom and ready for school at 8:30 a.m. A written excuse or phone call will be required for tardiness. After three unexcused tardies in one grading period, a written warning will be issued. After five unexcused tardies an absence will be imposed.

Leaving Premises
We discourage students leaving the school grounds during the school day for any reason. Please do not request such permission except for emergencies. Dental and medical treatment should be attended to outside school hours. If this is not possible, prior arrangements should be made with the teacher.

Recess Excuses
 The criteria for deciding if the child’s health permits him/her to not take part in recess are as follows:
  1. A note from home stating reasons
  2. A note from a physician for an extended period of time.

After School Departure
 If an emergency arises, and a student is unable to be picked up at the close of school, please contact the school to make arrangements.

Financial Information
Tuition is $225 per month for 10 months (September -June), per student. Tuition for each additional student in a family is $175.

Each student will pay a non-refundable entrance fee of $150 by the time school beings. This covers items such as cost of textbook use, student accident insurance, achievement testing program, library books, and workbooks which become the property of the student.

Parents or guardians of children in attendance will need to make their financial commitment to the Farmington Christian School a definite “priority” matter. Faithfulness and promptness in meeting this responsibility cannot be overstressed.
1. Tuition payments will be due in advance on the 25th of each month. This includes the portion that those receiving student aid have agreed to pay.
2. Any back tuition from previous years must be paid in full before a child will be allowed to enroll for the current school year.
3. Academic records will not be transferred to another school until tuition accounts are paid in full.

Textbooks or other related supplies can not be issued unless entrance fee is received at registration. Textbooks are owned by the school and loaned to the student. They are to be cared for properly.

Each student is to provide his/her own supplies such as a Bible, pencils, pens, crayons, scissors, glue, erasers, protractors, compasses, facial tissues, and other supplies the teacher may require.

Appearance
 As a Christian school, we choose to emphasize principles of neatness, modesty, simplicity, and appropriateness in dress. Important educational opportunities are present daily in our school and student dress should not inhibit these opportunities.

The Farmington Christian School’s expectations in dress and appearance also apply to all school-sponsored events. It is the desire of your faculty and board to maintain a Christian atmosphere in dress and manners. Some helpful guidelines are as follows:

Yes! Looking Good!
  • shirts with sleeves, shirts long enough to cover the tummy area, even during play, reaching or stretching
  • clean jeans in good repair, dress slacks, and khakis that fit well at the waist
  • shorts with hem close to the knee, May 15 through September 30 only
  • skirts with hem close to knee or below the knee
  • shoes with socks, sandals for classroom wear, secure, closed shoes for outdoor play
  • inconspicuous make-up, neatly styled hair
  • medical alert bracelets

Nope! Not at School
  • shirts that are low necked, see-through, suggestive, or immodest, sleeveless tops, tank tops, and spaghetti straps
  • clothing with pictures or language advertising movies or the entertainment world
  • short shorts or skirts, sweat pants, warm-up suits, wind pants, stretch pants, and droopy drawers
  • shoes without socks, sandals, flip-flops, or clogs for outdoor play
  • extreme hair or eye-catching make-up
  • jewelry

Student Conduct
Students of the Farmington Christian School are at all times representatives of their school. It is the policy and desire of the faculty and school board to foster an atmosphere of cooperation and responsibility.

It is expected that students will at all times live by these four essential principles:
  1. Respect God
  2. Respect others
  3. Respect self
  4. Respect property.

Disciplinary Policy
Teachers and/or their designate have the authority to discipline students in the classroom, on school grounds, or during any school program, event, or trip. All possible effort will be made by the teacher to solve any problem that may arise. When necessary, further disciplinary action may be taken. Parents may be contacted to plan together with the teacher for the development of right conduct and character. Some major infractions may be subject to immediate suspension.

First Time
  1. A note shall be sent to the parent to be signed and returned and/or the principal shall contact the parent.
  2. Corrective measures may be taken by the principal.
  3. A record of misconduct will be kept. This record will not be placed in the student’s permanent file.
  4. The principal may recommend counseling or intervention when it seems appropriate.
Second Time
  1. After a second visit to the principal, or in the case of a major infraction, the parents may be required to have a conference with the principal and/or the teacher.
  2. Corrective courses of action will be outlined and agreed upon.
Third Time
  1. The principal has the right to suspend a rebellious or insubordinate student. The action will be reported to the school board chairman.
  2. Should the problem persist, or the infraction is of an extreme nature, the school board may choose to expel the student. Parents may request to meet with the school board to discuss such a decision.

All regulations adopted by the faculty or school board and announced to the students have the same force as those published in this handbook. The school board has designated that the principal and teachers are responsible for the interpretation and enforcement of the school rules and behavioral standards. Teachers have the right to search desks and lockers. Parental support of those charged with the responsibility of caring for their children is crucial and appreciated.

Grievance Procedure
Parents are advised to make an appointment to meet privately with the involved teacher outside school hours to discuss concerns, problems, or misunderstandings. Confidentiality and discretion are of utmost importance to both teacher and parent. If a mutually acceptable solution cannot be found, then a meeting with the principal, teacher, and parent should follow.

If there is still need for assistance in resolution, these steps may be taken:
  1. Discussion with the school board chairperson
  2. A written explanation to the school board
  3. Request through the principal or school board chairperson to appear before the school board.

Parents are urged not to involve themselves in the affairs of children other than their own.

Cause for Dismissal
A student, who in conduct or attitude shows unwillingness to cooperate with the expectations outlined by the school, may be asked to withdraw from school and/or be denied readmission. Farmington Christian School will not permit a student, who continually engages in any of the following practices, to continue attending school:
  1. Willfully undermining the religious ideals of the school
  2. Using profane language, indulging in lewd conduct or suggestions, or possessing and/or displaying obscene literature or pictures gambling and possessing or using any type of gambling devices stealing, lying, cheating, willful deception and dishonesty, improper association with members of the opposite sex, possessing or using alcoholic beverages, dangerous drugs, or tobacco in any form, possessing fireworks, firearms (including toy guns), knives, and other devices designated for bodily harm, the use of physical force toward a teacher or another student, failing to comply completely to the stipulations of any discipline that has been administered by the teachers, willfully disregarding directives given by the teachers, setting off false fire alarms or failing to comply with the personal appearance code.

Medical Information
Accident Insurance A group accident insurance policy providing medical coverage for accidents occurring while attending school functions is compulsory for all students. The premium is included in the registration fee. This policy covers only that part not covered by other policies held by parents or guardians.

Medical Examination
A medical examination is required for each 1st, 4th, and 7th grade student. New students transferring from another school must also have a medical examination regardless of which school they were attending. A medical examination form must be received by the school before classes begin. Forms may be obtained by the teacher.

Immunization Requirements
A completed certificate of immunization must be submitted to the school no later than 45 days after the child’s first day of attendance. Forms may be obtained from the teacher. In addition, all students entering the 6th grade will need a second measles vaccination.

Home & School Association
The Home & School Association is an organization established and sponsored by the church to foster understanding, cooperation, and fellowship for the parents, teachers, students, school board, and the membership of the church. It promotes the interest of the church’s educational program through periodic meetings and various projects. Parents will find many benefits through active participation in the Home & School Association.

Playground Activities
 Students will not use the playground before or after school without a teacher’s permission. All students must be either in the classroom or in their vehicle.

Progress Reports
 Progress reports are issued every nine weeks during the school year. Parent/teacher conferences are scheduled after the fall quarter and winter quarter. When necessary, additional appointments may be arranged by the parent or teacher at their mutual convenience.

Eighth Grade
All 8th grade students must have board approval to be eligible for graduation. It is customary for parents of the graduation class to provide a simple reception for the graduate and their guests after graduation exercises. Nice dress clothes, in accordance with school policy, are the usual attire for the graduates. The class and sponsor may ask others for assistance in planning or chaperoning activities. Any fund raising activities must receive prior approval by the principal and school board.

Because of the multigrade nature of the classroom and the difficulty presented to the teacher by the classes requesting their own class activity, the board encourages the eighth grade to consider scheduling their “class trip” as a family activity outside of school hours.

After School Transportation
For the safety of your child and the protection of the school against liability, if your child is not riding home with you, the parent, please inform the school through note or phone call before the alternate transportation arrives.

We are aware that many of you arrange for your child to ride with other parents or grandparents on a regular basis. A one time notification is appropriate for regular rides. A form is available at the school. Please inform us if there is any change in normal daily practice.