             This page updated: 02/27/04 |
| Handbook Revised September 2002 Table of Contents |
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Purpose Statement | |
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Philosophy | |
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Governance | |
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Accreditation | |
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Parent-Teacher-Friends Association | |
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Non-Discrimination Policy | |
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Age Requirements | |
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Enrollment Procedures | |
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Immunization and Health Records | |
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Illness and Accident | |
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Arrival and Dismissal | |
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Attendance | |
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Communications | |
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Curriculum | |
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Emergency Closings | |
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Worship | |
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Textbooks and Supplies | |
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Grading Policy | |
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Homework | |
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Library | |
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Visitation Policy | |
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Field Trips | |
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Lunch | |
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Celebrations | |
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Uniforms | |
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Parent Volunteers | |
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Student Behavior | |
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Unacceptable Behavior | |
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Discipline | |
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Pilgrim Christian Day School was
organized in 1948 as a ministry of Pilgrim
Lutheran Church to offer children an opportunity
for superior learning experiences in a Christian
environment. Our philosophy of Christian education is expressed in the following statements that indicate what Christians believe about the persons they teach. We believe that teacher-student relationships are based upon these premises: God made people in His image and foremost in creation. Sin separates people from God, but Christ has redeemed all. Teacher-student relationships are based on the acceptance of each person as a forgiven child of God. As adults and educators, we strive to teach and guide God's children by giving attention to spiritual, physical, academic, social, emotional, and aesthetic needs. An important aspect of Christian teaching is that we have been created to serve, worship, and give glory to Him. God's people have the hope of eternal life with Christ, so our earthly life is guided by faith, love and trust in Jesus as our Savior from sin. The expression of these is a response to God's infinite love. Pilgrim Christian Day School is governed by the Voters' Assembly of Pilgrim Lutheran Church. Pilgrim Christian Day School is administered by the School Board consisting of Pilgrim members and parent representatives. The school principal carries out day-to-day administrative functions. Duties and responsibilities of the Principal are well defined within the framework established by the Board. Pilgrim Christian Day School is accredited by the state of Maryland. The teachers of Pilgrim Christian Day School meet Maryland State Department of Education requirements. The staff brings a wide variety of experiences, and constantly strives to improve skills. Teachers continue their professional development by attending graduate courses at area colleges, education conferences and seminars. Graduates of Pilgrim enter middle school without reservation, and readily adapt to various programs. Accredited Lutheran middle schools are also available to Pilgrim graduates. Parent-Teacher-Friends Association [PTFA] The Parent Teacher Friends Association (PTFA) is a powerful support system for our school. This organization provides a means of communication between parents and teachers, and is an agency for the continuing growth of all concerned with Christian Education. Through the PTFA, each person can meet, serve, and work with others at Pilgrim Christian Day School. Pilgrim Christian Day School admits students of any race, color, sex or national and 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, sex, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, athletic, or other school-administered programs. Pilgrim Christian Day School does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, sex, or national and ethnic origin in the employment of administrative, teaching, or supportive staff for the school. Pilgrim Christian Day School strives to help children develop their fullest God-given potential. We offer half-day or full-day Pre-Kindergarten classes, full-day Kindergarten, and Grades 1st through 5th. Before and after Extended Care is offered for children enrolled at Pilgrim. Children must attain the following ages by November 30 of the enrollment year to be admitted:
1. Request an information packet from the school 2. Call or visit the school to discuss the information packet 3. Confer with the principal to:
4. Complete the application form. 5. Submit application and application fee along with pertinent documents: Students New to
School
Transfer Students
6. Pre-Admission Testing
7. Pending the results of the above, the application will be conditionally accepted or rejected with suggestions for placement. We reserve the right to place any student at a level most suitable for meeting the child's needs. 8. Complete SMART form, health forms, emergency information, extended care registration and begin tuition payment by July 10th. Immunization and Health Records Health forms will be forwarded to you upon acceptance of your application. These include immunization record forms, physical examination forms, and dental examination forms. Parents of new students should send their child's Immunization Record by July 15. All students must meet the State of Maryland immunization requirements for school enrollment. Illness and Accident at School Upon registration, parents will complete an emergency card. It is important that these forms be filled out and updated, so that we know whom to contact in case of emergency. School staff will provide first aid to children with minor injuries. In case of serious injury, every effort will be made to contact the parent/guardian. If this is not possible, staff will contact 911. If the child is too ill to remain in class, he/she is made as comfortable as possible until the home is contacted and arrangements are made for the child to be taken home. School personnel will not give medicine unless a doctor's written directive is provided. Students are expected to arrive by 8:30 am, be seated, and ready to begin by 8:45 am. Children arriving at 8:30 am should enter by the door adjacent to the steps, with the exception of Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students who enter their classroom door. Students arriving between 7:00 am and 8:30 am should enter the Extended Care door. Children arriving before 8:30 am will automatically be placed in Extended Care and charged a drop-in fee. Students are tardy, after 8:45 and should go to the office entrance on the upper level, ring the bell, and obtain a late pass before entering class. At dismissal students will wait outside next to the building with their teachers. Students may cross the yellow safety-zone line when accompanied by an adult. Pre-K and Kindergarten parents may enter their classroom to pick up their children. Pilgrim Christian Day School requires a phone call from parents/guardians when a child is absent. After a contagious illness, a child must have the doctor's permission to return to school. A pupil is tardy if she/he is not in the classroom at 8:45 am. This tardiness is recorded on the child's report care and permanent record. Students that request early dismissal should have a written note from a parent stating the time the child will be picked up. The note should be given to the teacher in the morning. The child's parent must sign the child out in the office. The Thursday Tidings is a weekly newsletter, that gives parents pertinent information concerning the school. Each teacher also publishes a bi-weekly class letter. The curriculum of Pilgrim Christian Day School consists of Bible study, and curriculum guidelines as set forth in the Maryland Course of Study and Integrating the Faith: A Teachers Guide to Curriculum in Christian Schools. In keeping with the Christian philosophy of education, and in regard to the requirements of the State of Maryland, our children receive a thorough education in the following areas:
Pilgrim stays abreast of new curriculum materials, audio-visuals, and supplemental programs in order to maintain a high quality instructional plan. We administer achievement tests to students during the spring. Pilgrim Christian Day School will follow Baltimore County's emergency closing announcements. Pilgrim Lutheran Church offers Sunday morning services, Sunday School, Bible Classes, and midweek chapel service to all families of Pilgrim Christian Day School. Pupils are required to attend chapel services. Children should bring a small offering. Children are asked to attend Pilgrim Lutheran Church on school sponsored activities. Children are encouraged to worship weekly and attend Sunday school at Pilgrim or a church of your choice. The school loans textbooks and provides instructional materials to students. The loan fee and cost of consumable materials (workbooks, manuals, spellers, etc) are included in the registration and instructional materials fee. Each pupil must supply her/his own classroom supplies and gym uniforms. Pilgrim's school year is separated into four quarters. Interim reports will be sent home midway through each quarter, in grades 2-5. Report cards will be sent home ten days to two weeks after the end of the grading period for all students. See the calendar for actual dates. Parent conferences regarding student grades are mandatory for the first marking period. Additional conferences may be scheduled as needed. Open House for parents is scheduled for November (American Education Week) and March (Lutheran Schools Week). Communication between parents, teachers, and students is crucial for staying apprised of academic progress; therefore each should not hesitate to confer should problems arise. The grading scale is as follows:
Grading Policy
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Homework assignments provide reinforcement of skills taught in the classroom and will vary in content according to the subject, the needs of the student(s), and the curriculum outcomes. The time necessary to complete assignments will depend on the child's developmental level. Homework is given daily, Monday through Thursday. Long term projects or reports may require weekend work. Homework completion is a component of report card grades. (See grading policy above for percentages.) Homework is given daily, Monday through Thursday. Long term projects or reports may require weekend work. Homework completion is a component of report card grades. (See grading policy above for percentages.) Class Performance: 50%, Homework: 20%. The suggested times allotments for homework is:
Parental assistance is expected for Pre-Kindergarten through 1st grade. Grades 2nd through 5th may require parental assistance, depending on the situation. Regardless of the student's level, parents should monitor homework. A large collection of library materials is available for classroom use. Children should have a library card and use the public library to supplement books available at school. For the security of our students and staff, all visitors are to sign in and out at the school office. Fields trips are an important function of any school. At Pilgrim Christian Day School, we encourage teachers to plan quarterly trips, which enhance our curriculum by reinforcing knowledge of the community, aesthetic values, and historical moments. The activity fee will cover the cost of admissions and transportation for students. Parents who chaperone will pay the admission cost per trip. Each spring our 4th & 5th grade students participate in an Outdoor education program. This program is a three-day overnight trip that enhances our curriculum. There is an additional fee for this trip that is determined by the program and bus cost. Students of Pilgrim Christian Day School bring tf all doors are locked alter the 8:45 a.m. bell. All visitors, parents or late students are to enter through the upper door. Parents/Guardians are welcome to visit throughout the year. Parent/Guardians may schedule appointments through the teacher or school Extended Care students. Pilgrim Christian Day School observes major holidays as outlined in the school calendar. Classroom parties may be held for Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Easter. Special celebrations include Octoberfest (in lieu of Halloween), Thanksgiving Chapel, Sunday Christmas Service, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Assembly and a Graduation/Awards Ceremony. Black History Month is commemorated, as well as Lutheran Schools Week. Birthday celebrations are welcome at Pilgrim, but are limited to refreshments. Please consult with the classroom teacher. Uniforms are required for children in Pre-Kindergarten through five. Boys
Girls
Navy blue skirts are not uniform dress. Jeans are not alllowed as uniform pants. Uniforms should be neat and clean. Shirts and blouses must be tucked in. T-Shirts may only be worn on gym day. Athletic shoes will be allowed only for physicall education, recess, and extended care. When purchasing shoes, please try and get shoes with non-marking soles. Gym uniforms may be worn on gym days. Physical Education attire consists of Pilgrim navy blue shorts/sweatpants, Pilgrim white T-shirts and navy blue sweatshirts. Tennis shoes are required for participation in Physical Education activities. Uniforms are available through Neil Roberts School Uniforms store in the Rolling Road Crossroads Plaza. Any parent, grandparent who has available time is encouraged to volunteer at Pilgrim. Below is a brief list of possible the areas where volunteer services would be appreciated. If you can help, contact the school. Parent/grandparent volunteers are needed to:
All Pilgrim students have the right to a good learning environment. The school should be free of inappropriate behavior. Our School rules are firm, but fair and deal with the problems associated with inappropriate behavior. Students must have a safe and orderly climate to learn. Discipline will be administered when any child's actions interfere with the right of teachers to teach and students to learn. Pilgrim has a discipline code that lists rules for guiding behavior and examples of acceptable behavior. Code of Conduct General Students will:
Fire Drills Students will:
The following behaviors are considered unacceptable. They will not be tolerated, and will result in strict disciplinary action.
Participating in or encouraging fighting (Physical Aggression: fighting, punching, pushing, shoving, tripping, hitting, unsafe behavior) Misusing, defacing or destroying school property
Bringing dangerous substances or weapons onto school property.
Making verbal or nonverbal sexual remarks.
Demonstrating indecent exposure. These behaviors may be punishable by disciplinary removal from school for a period of up to five days. A parent conference will be held before the student can return to school. Severe offenses or repeated offenses can result in a recommendation to the School Board for expulsion. The desired goal of discipline is that a child conduct him/herself in a Christian manner, and that the classroom atmosphere be conducive to learning. Each classroom has an age-appropriate set of rules and consequences. Rewards such as praise, stickers, special activities, and privileges are used to motivate acceptable behavior. The following behaviors are unacceptable and may result in suspension from school. Repeated acts of this type may result in expulsion.
Consequences of misbehavior are as follows:
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