ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL
School begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. Students should not arrive before 7:45 a.m. Students will be dismissed at 3:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday (Pre-K students are dismissed at 2:00 p.m.) All students are dismissed at 12:00 p.m. on Fridays. Students should be picked up precisely at dismissal time. If an emergency arises and a student will not be picked up within 15 minutes of dismissal, the school must be notified. A fee can be charged to the parent’s account for each student when the student is picked up late and arrangements have not been made
SCHOOL LUNCHES
Students are encouraged to bring wholesome, balanced school lunches–limiting sweets. No caffeinated drinks nor unclean meats (See Lev. 11). Microwaves are available to warm lunches. Please be considerate of others needing food to be warmed by sending things that only require a few minutes in the microwave.
ROOM MOMS
Each year, two parents for each classroom are asked to volunteer as “room moms”. These individuals will assist in providing extra activities for the students throughout the school year. Activities for holidays and special occasions are to be coordinated with the teachers’ schedules.
PARENT CONCERNS
Community Christian School encourages parent participation and is receptive to suggestions, opinions, and constructive criticism. Our grievance policy is based on Matthew 18:15-20. The proper channel for concerns is as follows:
1. Pray about the matter and ask for God’s wisdom and direction.
2. Speak directly to the person in question as soon as possible. This will solve most problems.
3. Ask the principal to go with you as you try again. If you are in conflict with the principal, ask the school board chairman to accompany you.
4. Ask the school board chairman and principal to accompany you, if possible, or present your problem to the school board chairman.
5. If no resolution is reached, the matter will be presented to a grievance committee composed of the school board chairman, pastor, and principal or the matter will be taken to the superintendent’s office.
6. A final presentation will be made, if needed, to the full School Operating Committee. The committee’s decision will be final.
Note: The school board will not address your concerns unless these steps have taken place, and the principal and the chairman have been notified of your request to address the school board one week prior to the board meeting.
Major problems can often be avoided if you are:
Open and direct in handling questions before they become problems
Careful in your choice of words, and timing, so that you can be calm, quiet, and constructive.
Convinced that the other person wants what is best for your child.
Willing to listen and try to put yourself in the other person’s place.
Do not interrupt.
Committed to finding possible solutions, or areas of compromise
Trust in each other’s honesty and good will is the biggest aid in solving problems so that both parties are satisfied.
Any parent wanting to discuss a misunderstanding or difficulty while school is in session is asked to make arrangements before or after school for a suitable appointment time with the teacher. Under no circumstances will parents talk to teachers regarding problems during class hours.
CALENDAR
Please take careful note of the scheduled vacation periods, holidays and school events. This information can be found on your monthly calendar. A tentative calendar for the year is mailed out before the beginning of each school year and can also be found in the Appendix of your printed handbook.
VOLUNTEERS
In the interest of protecting your child in this day and age, Community Christian School requires all school volunteers, including volunteer parents, substitute teachers, staff, and personnel, to complete a criminal history background check and complete child safety training through Sterling Volunteers prior to any time spent on campus or on field trips. Inquire at the office for directions on how to complete this free training. Furthermore, Community Christian School requires all visitors, including volunteers and parents, to check-in at the school office upon entering the school building or before spending time on the school grounds. In addition, any individual who drives for a field trip must submit a copy of their driver’s license and proof of insurance ($100,000/$300,000 or higher only).
VISITORS
Parents/guardians are welcome to visit classes in session when an appointment has been made. Please check in with the office before entering the classroom. Due to the safety of all of the students, visits without an appointment cannot be allowed. We understand that situations may arise that a parent/guardian may need to pop in unannounced (deliver lunch or homework, pick up students for an appointment etc.) and are allowed at the teachers’ discretion with minimal disruption.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Community Christian School will close during bad, or dangerous to travel, weather when Meridian Public Schools are closed. Please listen to the local media to determine these times and dates.
LOCKERS AND DESKS
Lockers and desks are provided to the students to store their personal belongings and school materials and supplies. It is the responsibility of the student to keep their assigned desk and locker clean and tidy. Food that is perishable and dirty dishes are not to be left in lockers overnight. Lockers and desks may be periodically inspected by staff members for cleanliness in order to maintain a safe, tidy and hygienic environment.