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SonShine Christian Academy
2002-2003 Handbook
Attendance
Change to Regulations
Discipline
Dress Standards
Finances
Grades and Evaluation
Health
Home and School
Inclement Weather
Insurance
Mission Statement
Objectives
Organization
Parent/Teacher Relationships
Requirements for Entrance
Standards of Conduct
Telephone
Visitors
Withdrawal
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Mission Statement
We see our mission as developing the student's physical, mental and spiritual
powers in order that she or he will be prepared for the joy of service in
this world and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come.
The SonShine Christian Academy is a Christian elementary school operated
by the Thomaston Seventh-day Adventist Church in cooperation
with the Georgia-Cumberland Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The governing
body of this school is the duly elected School Board.
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The following objectives are intended to expand and reflect the
mission statement of SonShine Christian Academy:
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To encourage a personal experience with the Master Teacher, Jesus
Christ.
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To provide a quality program which challenges students to strive
for educational excellence
within the parameters of the interests, needs, and capabilities of each
individual.
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To instill a love for God and man kind which will be expressed
in unselfish service to others.
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To assist students in developing an understanding and appreciation
for the worth of all people.
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To promote standards of a dynamic lifestyle by training students
in the principles
of healthful diet and physical activity.
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To assist students in acquiring the basic skills of reading,
mathematics, and communication.
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To afford students the opportunity to develop aesthetic values
by participating in music and the arts,
and teach students discernment in the use of leisure time.
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To give students a feeling of self-worth and a foundation for decision
making
based on moral and ethical values.
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To assist students in developing a personal sense of mission for
presenting the gospel message
to all the world in preparation for the soon return of Jesus Christ.
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SonShine Christian Academy is operated especially for the youth
of the Seventh-Day Adventist faith. When room is available, however, a child
may be admitted who desires a character-building education, and who will
uphold the standards of SonShine Christian Academy, and who will cheerfully
endeavor to live in harmony with the principles of the school.
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Parents are asked to support the school by upholding its standards
and regulations in the home. Parents, who after consultation with the teacher
and pastor, find themselves in disagreement with the practices and policies
should withdraw their children.
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It is recommended that children not be started into school before
seven years of age, but first grade students may be accepted if they are
six by August 15.
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To become enrolled in the school the pupil must submit to the principal
a standard application form, properly filled out, which will be presented
to the School Board for final approval.
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All newly registered students will be considered probationary
admissions for a period of 45 days.
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The school reserves the right, after testing an applicant, and
counseling with the parent, to change the grade placement to one more suitable
to the child.
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The school endeavors to meet the academic needs of each individual
student attending, but is not equipped to handle young people who have major
behavioral or scholastic problems.
The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion or gender but does require each student to uphold the standards and objectives of the school.
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The school cooperates with the Pike County Public Health Department
in preserving the health of the students. A nurse from the Public Health
Department may visit the school periodically. An accumulative health record
is kept for each child.
Physical examinations are expected routinely for all the 1st, 4th, and 7th
graders. It is the responsibility of the parents to see that the health
examinations are given and reported to the school.
Screening tests (mandated by law) for vision and hearing are given in all
grades. A tuberculin testing program is available.
By Georgia law, all children should be immunized for diphtheria, tetanus
and poliomyelitis by the family physician prior to registration, and reimmunized
against these diseases as recommended by the medical profession.
The State requires us to inform you that our school has no asbestos.
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Regular attendance and promptness in meeting appointments are necessary
for satisfactory school work and proper child training. Parents will assist
the instructors in the execution of their duties by conforming to the following
requests:
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Have the child arrive at school early enough to be in his seat
for morning worship at 8:15 a.m. He is considered tardy if not in his place
at the right time. School ends at 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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Please arrange for dental and medical appointments outside of school
hours except in cases of an emergency, and unless the health of the child
would be otherwise impaired. If it is necessary to take a child from class,
the teacher should be advised in advance.
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If at any time it is necessary for a child to be absent or tardy,
please write a note of explanation to the teacher. State laws hold teachers
responsible for reporting unexcused tardiness and absences, with heavy penalties
if this is neglected. A child is considered absent or tardy without excuse
if the parents do not send written explanation giving valid reasons for the
absence or tardiness.
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A pupil absent for as many as six days in one nine-week period,
for whatever cause, may forfeit his period grades unless it is evident to
the teacher that his work has been satisfactorily completed. School work
missed due to unexcused absence will be made up for half-credit.
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Pupils will not be permitted to be taken from school or class by
outside persons except on written request of the parents or guardian, which
must be approved by the principal of the school, or by properly identified
officers.
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No pupil will be permitted to leave school at recess or any other
time before the regular hour of leaving for home, except by permission to
be granted either for sickness or on written request of the parent or guardian,
then only with the foreknowledge and permission of the teacher.
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Parents may expect the cooperation of the teachers in supervising
the activities of the children on the school grounds. To make this possible,
children are not expected to arrive on the school grounds earlier than 15
minutes before opening of school, or to remain more than 20 minutes after
school closes. If care is needed outside of these times arrangements may
be made with SonShine DayCare.
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Observe carefully the dates and times listed in the school calendar
for the beginning and ending of vacation periods. Both the days and times
of vacations are listed for your planning. Our classes need their amount
of time, and so do the children. Please do not ask for exceptions.
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In the event of inclement weather, the school will follow the same
course of action as Pike County Schools. Return to
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All members of the Thomaston Seventh-Day Adventist
church, and the parents of the school children are members of the Home
and School Association. They are strongly encouraged to attend the functions
sponsored by the organization and to assist in the program of the school.
You support the cause of Christian education when you support the Home and
School Association. It conducts regular meetings and sponsors special events
to aid the various aspects of the school program.
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The success of the school depends in a large measure upon the fullest
cooperation between the parents and the teachers. At times students make
complaints to their parents concerning school matters, especially when
disciplinary measures are involved. In such cases, the parents are urged
to contact the teacher and to withhold judgment until investigation can be
made. Carefulness along this line often prevents much unhappiness.
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Grade cards are issued during the week following each of the four
grading periods. These reports should be examined carefully by the parents,
both for scholarship and conduct. Interim reports will be sent whenever the
attention of the parents should be focused on a problem or on an outstanding
accomplishment.
Grade cards are not issued unless the school account is paid up to date.
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Teachers and parents should work together for the development of
the right character in the children, and to this end the teachers should
counsel with the parents concerning the conduct of unruly pupils. The School
Board may suspend or expel a pupil who is guilty of misconduct or disobedience
whenever, in their judgment, the interest of the school demands it. In extreme
cases, the principal may suspend a pupil until such time as the School Board
will consider the case and take definite action.
In order to obtain the highest objectives outlined herein, and
to represent before others at all times the high spiritual, moral, and social
principles to which Christian education is dedicated, this school must of
necessity require the following standards of conduct on the part of all
students:
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Students will respect the Bible as the inspired Word of God.
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Students will be respectful and obedient to all staff. They will
respond with courtesy and promptness to instructions by any staff member.
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Students will practice the principles of Christian morals, ethics,
fair play, and courtesy in all school relationships. No bullying, injuring,
defrauding or disgracing of fellow students or their fundamental beliefs
of faith is allowed.
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Students must abstain from indecent or disorderly behavior, and
from profane or unbecoming language.
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Upon arrival at school, students will report immediately to their
respective rooms and remain there, unless given permission by the teacher
to leave. When dismissed at the end of the day, all students are expected
to remain in their classroom until they have transportation home.
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Attendance at questionable places of amusement is discouraged,
and the discussion of questionable TV programs, movies, books, magazines,
music or activities is not permitted at school.
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Students must obtain permission from the teacher before bringing
such things as pets, toys, records or tapes, or special projects to school.
At no time will students be permitted to bring such things as playing cards
or other gambling devices, guns, firecrackers, matches, caps, knives, radios,
tape or CD players, TV, questionable literature or pictures, make-up or jewelry
to school. Any of the above may be taken by the teacher.
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Any school or personal property that is misused, broken, damaged
or destroyed will be charged to those responsible for the student. School
and library books which are marred beyond normal usage will be charged according
to the damage. Full payment will be required for all lost books.
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Our insurance requires that skate boards, roller blades and roller
skates not be used on school property.
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All students who enter school must abstain from the use of tobacco,
alcohol, or drugs in any form.
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Because of problems arising from chewing gum, students are asked
not to bring gum to school at all.
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It is required that tennis or other soft-soled shoes be provided
for use in activities in the gym or on paved areas in an effort to avoid
slipping and accidents.
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Each student is expected to accept responsibility for taking advantage
of the learning opportunities provided. A student whose choices result in
multiple failures on his/her report card will be asked, with his/her parents,
to meet with the school board to discuss a plan of action.
In addition we find it helpful if the following dietary recommendations are
followed:
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Because such things can affect a child's behavior and concentration
we request that caffeinated drinks or high sugar drinks or foods not be sent
in lunches.
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Because of the health benefits, we advocate a vegetarian diet but
we understand that this may not fit in with your family's dietary practices.
Students are allowed to bring food containing beef, chicken, turkey or
fish.
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In a time when dress and neatness reflect more than just personal
tastes, SonShine Christian Academy follows quite closely the spiritual counsel
to be modest and yet neat and attractive in our attire.
Students are expected to adhere to the following regarding dress:
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Shoes or sandals are to be worn at all times unless other wise
specified by the teacher.
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Hats, visors or bandannas are not to be worn inside the building.
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Jewelry such as necklaces, rings, ear rings or posts, body piercing,
or bracelets (including "friendship bracelets") is not permitted with the
exception of a medical alert bracelet or pendant.
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Items of clothing depicting Christian themes are appropriate. If
you have a question on clothing, check with the teacher.
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Girls' dresses, skirts, or other attire must be fitted so as to
provide modesty at all times. This usually requires that the clothing reach
the top of the knee.
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Shirts or blouses should not be worn if not fitted properly, and
must be "tucked in" if the apparel's design so warrants.
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Any articles of clothing that contain holes or are frayed should
not be worn.
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Shorts are permitted, but must reach the top of the knee, and may
not be worn excessively tight.
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Tank tops, midriff shirts and sleeveless shirts or blouses with
"scooped" sleeves should not be worn.
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Wearing any foundation garment as outside apparel is not permitted.
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Hair cuts and styles should be neat and clean and not extreme.
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Excessive use of cosmetics that results in an artificial appearance
is not permitted. Only clear (or natural coloring) fingernail polish may
be worn.
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SonShine Christian Academy is operated and financed primarily by
the Griffin-Thomaston District Seventh-Day Adventist Churches. Students are
admitted on a tuition basis.
A registration fee of $150.00 for the term is charged for each
student. This fee covers book rental, work books, library costs, scholastic
aptitude tests, various supplies for the school, and school insurance. Pencils
and paper are not supplied by the school. Students entering school the second
semester will be charged a registration fee of $80.00. All registration fees
are to be paid before the child is enrolled in school. There will be a penalty
for late registrations of $15.00. (If a member cannot pay the registration
fee before school starts, arrangements may be made with the school board.)
There are three options for payment schedule:
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Ten equal tuition payments are due the first of each month August
thru May. A late fee of $10.00 will be charged after the 10th of the month.
No payment of tuition for two consecutive months will be grounds for suspension
until tuition is paid.
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Tuition may be paid in 12 equal monthly payments. The first payment
will be due June 1 for the upcoming school year. Additional tuition payments
are due the first of each month July thru May. A late fee of $10.00 will
be charged after the 10th of the month after school starts. No late penalty
will be applied for summer payments as long as three full payments have been
made on or before registration day. No payment of tuition for two consecutive
months after school starts will be grounds for suspension until tuition is
paid.
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If tuition for the entire year and registration fee paid in full
on or before the scheduled registration day tuition will receive a 5% discount
on the total tuition expense. Discount does not apply to the registration
fee.
All monies due must be paid to date before any grades will be issued. School
records are the property of the school and will be withheld until satisfactory
payment has been made.
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A group accident policy which provides for medical coverage for
accidents occurring while at school or on organized school activities is
carried by the school, and the cost is included in the registration fee.
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The telephone number of the school is 770-567-8017. The phone may
be used by the students when necessary, with the teacher's permission. When
calling the school, for either teacher or student, please call at a time
when class is not in session.
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The school welcomes visitors at any time to watch the school in
action. Please do not wait for a personal invitation, or for a special visiting
day. School Board members, church members and parents who see the school
in regular session can better understand and appreciate what the teachers
are doing for the students. Visits will be more profitable when arrangements
have been made in advance through the teacher. Preschool children may visit
only while they are attended by a parent. Students should obtain consent
from the teacher before bringing any visitors to school. Students should
not expect special privileges for themselves when they bring visitors to
school with them.
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If for any reason it is necessary to withdraw a student from school,
proper arrangements for the withdrawal and transfer are to be made through
the principal. No transcripts or grades will be transferred until all moneys
due are paid.
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Any changes to these regulations, or additions thereto, approved
by the school board and when publically announced will have the same impact
as those already appearing in this handbook.
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