Fountain Inn Christian School

Parent/Student Handbook

2008-2009

Fountain Inn Christian School

Fountain Inn, S.C.

 

Dear Parent,

Fountain Inn Christian School operates with the vision of providing a Christ-centered education that would nurture the Christian values students are being taught both at home and in the church. The school operates under the leadership of a Board of Directors as a non-denominational school.

Students are offered a complete educational program from K-4 through twelfth grade. A variety of sports and fine arts activities are offered to enrich our student’s lives and give our students the opportunity to compete on the local, state and national level.

At Fountain Inn Christian School, our commitment to excellence is exceeded only by our commitment to Jesus Christ. We seek to enroll students who will flourish in a Christian environment that challenges them spiritually, academically, socially and physically. Our goal is to maximize each child’s God-given potential.

The faculty and staff are qualified and experienced Christian educators, who receive additional training each school year at educational seminars. The school is a member of the American Association of Christian Schools and the South Carolina Association of Christian Schools.

Your first step towards a rewarding educational experience at Fountain Inn Christian School is to schedule an interview with our principal. Our prayer is that you will allow God to lead as you prepare for your child’s future.

Sincerely,

The Administration

 

Statement of Faith

We Believe:

In the verbal inspiration of the Bible.

In one God eternally existing in three persons; namely, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

The essential , absolute, eternal Deity; and the real and proper, but sinless, humanity of our Jesus Christ.

That Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of the Father, conceived of the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary. That Jesus was crucified, buried, and raised from the dead. That He ascended to heaven and is today at the right hand of the Father as the Intercessor.

That all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and that repentance is commanded of God for all and necessary for forgiveness of sins.

In Salvation of fallen man is through the effect of regeneration by the Spirit and the Word, not by works but by grace through faith.

In the Lord’s Supper and washing of the saints’ feet.

That fellowship with God and fruitfulness in the Christians life is maintained by purity of life according to the Word of God.

In the premillennial second coming of Jesus. First, to resurrect the righteous dead and to catch away the living saints to Him in the air. Second, to reign on the earth a thousand years.

In the bodily resurrection; eternal life for the righteous and eternal punishment for the wicked.

 

ADMISSONS

Required for student enrollment:

1. New applicants must be interviewed by the principal/administrator with

the parents or guardians.

2. New applicants will be required to take academic testing prior to

admission unless standardized testing results are available.

3. The enrollment form must be completed.

4. A transcript of the grades must be obtained and evaluated for transfer students.

5. A copy of the S.C. Certificate of Immunization must be provided.

6. A copy of the child’s birth certificate must be provided.

7. A copy of the child’s social security card must be provided.

8. Five-year old kindergarten students must be five respectively before September 1 of the school year.

Fountain Inn Christian School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, nationality, or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies and admissions policies.

ATTENDANCE

The South Carolina State Law requires that a student must be in attendance a minimum of 170 days of school per year. The 170 day rule will be enforced, except in cases of extended chronic illnesses when certified by a physician and/or absences that are due to an emergency situation approved by the Administrator as excusable.

EXCUSED ABSENCES:

1. Illness or injury that is certified by a doctor’s statement.

2. Death in the immediate family.

3. Court or legal proceedings.

4. School functions or activities.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES:

1. Willingful absences.

2. Unacceptable cause absences such as family vacation.

When a student returns to school after being absent, he is required to bring a written excuse to the school office, signed by the parent or guardian. A doctor’s statement must be present for a medical excuse. Students are expected to make up all missed work for any absence. In the case of a planned unexcused absence, such as a family trip, the office must be notified in advance in order for missed assignments to be made up.

Students arriving to school later than 11:30 AM will be counted absent for the day. Students leaving prior to 11:30 AM will be counted absent for the day. A student who has an unexcused absence for the day may not participate in extracurricular school activities.

Students arriving to school later than 8:00AM will need to obtain a late pass from the school office. Three unexcused tardies will count as one unexcused absence. A student absent more than the allowed ten (10) days may be retained for the year, and/or subject to summer school in order to move to the next grade.

Work missed because of absence can be made up on the student’s return to school. Teachers are granted discretion in setting deadlines for make-up work. All work missed during an unexcused absence may be entered as zero credit.

Students are allowed to miss ten days of school and can miss only ten days per course or class period. Any absences in the excess of the ten days will be at the descretion of the administrator.

SCHOOL HOURS

Fountain Inn Christian School will operate between 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM for grades K-5 - 12^th. Our K-4 Program will operate between 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM with the opportunity to stay until 3:00 PM.

DROP OFF/PICK UP

Students are not allowed on school grounds before 7:30 AM. Students arriving late for class must check in with the school office before going to class. Early pick ups must be signed out by an authorized person before they may leave campus. Any person leaving their vehicle to pick up a child or visit the school office should be modestly dressed.

EXTENDED DAY

After school care is available for students in grades K-4 - 6^th until 6:00 PM. Please check with the school office for hourly rates.

CLOSING OF SCHOOL

School will be closed or delayed for inclement weather when Greenville County Schools are closed or delayed. WYFF News channel 4 will carry all school closing announcements.

CURRICULUM

Our curriculum at Fountain Inn Christian School is a combination of A-Beka and Bob Jones. The program includes the core curriculum of language, mathematics, social studies, and science. Students also have the opportunity to develop skills in our computer lab and can also receive instruction in art, music, physical education, and foreign language. Christian character is integrated throughout the curriculum.

GRADING SCALE/HONOR ROLL

A 93 - 100

B 85 - 92

C 77 - 84

D 70 - 76

F 0 - 69

Students are honored for their academic achievements at the end of each nine week period. Honor Rolls are posted for straight “A’s” and the A/B Honor Roll.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

A student must earn a total of 24 units of credit distributed as follows:

English/Language Arts - 4 Units

U.S. History and Constitution - 1 Unit

Economics (½ Unit), Government (½ Unit) - 1 Unit

Other Social Studies - 1 Unit

Mathematics - 4 Units

Science - 3 Units

Physical Education or ROTC - 1 Unit

Computer Science (Including Keyboarding) - 1 Unit

Foreign Language or Occupational Education - 1 Unit

Electives - 7 Units

Total of 24 Units

REPORT CARDS/PROGRESS REPORTS

Report cards are issued 4 times each year to give students and parents an accurate indication of progress. Report cards will record grades, attendance, and conduct.

Progress reports will be issued midway through each 9 week grading period.

PTM (PARENT-TEACHER MEETING)

PTM is scheduled once each nine week period. These dates are listed in the school calendar. Please plan to attend for the benefit of your child.

CONDUCT

Fountain Inn Christian School is an orderly, disciplined school where students are responsible and accountable for their behavior. Students are expected to respect themselves, each other and their teachers. A child that refuses to respond to our disciplinary measures and continues to be a disruption, will be asked to withdraw. The school will not administer corporal punishment but instead use detention, suspension, or expulsion. Other methods of discipline will also include revoking of privileges and extra work. The middle/high school students will use a demerit system as follows.

10 Demerits - 2 hours detention and parent conference

20 Demerits - 5 hours detention and parent conference

30 Demerits - 3 days of in-school suspension (all schoolwork will be recorded as zero credit)

40 Demerits - 5 days of in-school suspension (all schoolwork will be recorded as zero credit. Student will be removed from all extracurricular activities such as athletics and fine arts.

50 Demerits - Expulsion for remainder of school year

Not all of misconduct can be itemized but the following include some of the main areas of conduct which may lead to disciplinary action.

Possession of any kind of weapon - Expulsion

Possession, sales or distribution of any illegal drugs, toxic substances, or paraphernalia - Expulsion

Threatening to inflict or inflicting bodily harm on any school employee - Expulsion

Engaging in the use of or possessing or dispensing of alcoholic beverages - Expulsion

Tardiness- 1 Demerit (excessive tardiness will equal detention)

Homework not completed- 2 Demerits

Gum- 1 Demerit

Excessive talking in class- 2 Demerits

Dress code violation- 1 Demerit (Students can be sent home to change if dress is inappropriate)

Horseplay- 2 Demerits

The following infractions will be either 10 demerits or principals discretion.

Using profanity, swearing, telling obscene jokes and stories

Fighting or attempting to injure or intimidate others

Cheating, stealing, and destroying property

Immoral behavior

Possession of obscene material

Disrespect to faculty or staff

Leaving campus without permission

Engaging in or possession of tobacco products

Physical contact between male and female students

Destruction of school property

Please keep in mind that your child can be dismissed before 50 demerits if they are a continual behavior problem.

If an infraction occurs not listed on the conduct list, it will be handled at the discretion of the teacher or principal. Also, students are expected to represent FICS in a Christian manner away from school. Students can be held responsible for their actions away from school, and will be asked to withdraw if the administration feels that they do not fit into the spirit of the school which is discussed in the student application.

The following are not to be brought to school:

Pagers, knives, razors, play guns, fireworks, matches, cigarette lighters, cards, magazines, and electronic devices such as DVD/CD players, MP3 players, iPods, and cameras. Cameras are allowed for members of the yearbook staff with the advisor's authorization.

Students are not allowed to have cell phones in their possession during school hours. Cell phones are to be left in the vehicle or in the school office. The school office phone is available during school hours for parents needing to contact their children and available to students needing to contact their parents.

Discipline for cell phones:

1st offense- 2 Demerits & will be confiscated and parent must pick up in the school office.

2nd offense- 2 hours detention

3rd offense- 5 hours detention

DRESS CODE

While no attempt is made to dictate fashion or style, we believe there is a correlation between a person’s attitude and attire. Cleanliness and proper dress are important to each school day for social conduct and interaction.

BOYS

May wear jeans or slacks (cannot be torn, ripped, sagging, or tight fitting)

Belts are required for grades 5^th - 12^th at all times.

T-shirts can be worn. The guidelines for T-shirts are as follows: must be a name brand, sports teams, religious or promote FICS and come no farther down than the belt area.

Tank top, shorts, and clothing with alcohol, tobacco, profanity, or any discriminatory or inflammatory display are not allowed.

Chains and necklaces are permitted but must be small in size.

Gothic style dress is not permitted, which would include large chains and odd style clothing.

Shorts are allowed for PE and athletic practice and must be no more than two inches above the knee.

No athletic pants of any type allowed. (i.e., warm-up pants, sweat pants, wind pants)

TATOOS are not permitted at FICS. If a student already has a tattoo, it must be approved by the administration. If a student obtains a tattoo after enrollment at FICS, this will be grounds for dismissal.

Boys are allowed to wear sandals and flip flops to school.

Boys are not allowed to wear earrings.

Boy’s hair is too be kept off the shirt collar, out of the eyes, and off the ears. Hair on the top must be kept at an acceptable length. (Administrator’s Discretion)

Mustaches must be kept neatly trimmed and no beards are allowed.

Sideburns are not allowed to be below the ear lobe.

Body piercings are not allowed.

Headwear (hats, sunglasses, do-rags, bandannas, etc.) is not permitted at school.

 

GIRLS

May wear jeans or slacks (cannot be torn, ripped, sagging, or tight fitting)

Capri pants are not allowed at school, but jeans, slacks, and dresses are permitted.

 Sandals and flip flops are permitted at school.

Blouses and tops must meet the waistband at all times.

Shoulder straps must be at least three inches wide.

Blouses and tops must be modest at all times. (no cleavage should be seen at any time.)

T-shirts can be worn. The guidelines for T-shirts are as follows: must be a name brand, sports teams, religious or promote FICS and come no farther down than the belt area.

Skirts are allowed. The skirt needs to come to the top of the knee. If the skirt has a split, the split must not exceed the top of the knee.

Tank top, halter-tops, fish net shirts, shorts, and clothing with alcohol, tobacco, profanity, or any discriminatory or inflammatory display are not allowed.

Chains and necklaces are permitted but must be small in size.

Gothic style dress is not permitted, which would include large chains and odd style clothing.

Girls may have only two earrings in each ear.

Shorts are allowed for PE and athletic practice and must be no more than two inches above the knee.

No athletic pants of any type allowed. (i.e., warm-up pants, sweat pants, wind pants)

TATOOS are not permitted at FICS. If a student already has a tattoo, it must be approved by the administration. If a student obtains a tattoo after enrollment at FICS, this will be grounds for dismissal.

Body piercings are not allowed.

Headwear (hats, sunglasses, do-rags, bandannas, etc.) is not permitted at school.

AUTOMOBILES

It is a privilege to be able to drive an automobile to school; therefore, each driver must abide by the following requirements:

1. All student-driven vehicles must be registered in the school office.

2. Vehicles are to be parked in designated areas only.

3. Each driver should practice courteous driving habits.

4. Vehicles are not to be borrowed or loaned to other students.

BIBLE

The school curriculum calls for the Authorized King James Version of the Bible, therefore only this version will be acceptable at school.

LUNCH

Our school lunch menu will include a variety of hot sandwiches, snacks, and beverages. A menu will be sent home with each student.

CHAPEL

Each week we have a planned chapel program for all students. This is a time of inspiration, devotion, and worship.

ELIGIBILITY

Policies and regulations are given to govern student activities and student participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, etc. Students must maintain a “C” average. Students cannot fail more than one subject and cannot fail Bible.

Student’s grades will be evaluated at the end of each grading period. Ineligible students will be rechecked two weeks following the previous grading period.

EMERGENCY DRILLS

Emergency drills will be held at regular intervals. Such practice is important and should be approached seriously.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are an extension of the regular school day and are intended to be educational in nature. Students are expected to participate. Parents will be informed in advance of the nature and location of the planned field trip. Parents may be asked to assist, provided their schedule will allow it. The same level of discipline and the school dress code will be enforced during a trip. All parents that attend a field trip will need to fill out a form in the office concerning a background check.

HEALTH SERVICES

Students who become ill during the school day will be given proper care at the office or will be sent home. The office staff is not authorized to prescribe or give medication. If a student must take prescription medication during the school day, the medicine, along with the doctor’s directions, must be brought to the office as soon as the student arrives at school.

Students who need non-prescription medication such as Tylenol, Pepto-Bismol, or cough drops must have permission from their parents. Parents must bring in the medication and fill out the proper medication form provided in the office. No medication is to be in a student’s possession during the school day. FICS will not supply medication to students.

If your child should develop a contagious disease, please notify the school immediately. Do not send a child to school with a fever, diarrhea, or other symptoms of a contagious disease. The child should have a normal temperature for 24 hours before returning to school. No student with a temperature of 100 degrees or above will be allowed to remain in school. Parents will be called to pick up the student at school.

VISITORS

Parents and other visitors are welcome at Fountain Inn Christian School. Parents and visitors must first report to the school office before visiting any class or any other location on campus during school hours. Students may invite their friends to visit class, provided they receive permission at least one day in advance. All visitors must abide by rules of conduct and school dress code.

Guests of students attending any school sponsored function not open to the general public must be approved by the administration.

INSURANCE

Included in the enrollment fee for each child is coverage for accident insurance, which covers each child while on school grounds or during any activity under school supervision.

WITHDRAWAL

A parent withdrawing a student from school must meet with the principal and complete a withdrawal form. Report cards and school records will not be released until all bills are paid in full.