2013 Group Class Handbook - SHABACH! Christian Academy

SHABACH! Christian Academy Homeschool
Group Class Handbook
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Table of Contents
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Parent/Instructor Goals
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
The Word of God for Correction
4

Parent Responsibilities
5

Instructor Responsibilities
6

Student Standard of Expectations
7
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Group Class Information
8
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Group Class Guidelines
9
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Dress Code and Uniform Requirements 10
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Inclement Weather Policy
11

Parent Participation Responsibilities
12

Pledges
13

Program Fees
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Parent/Instructor Goals
Goal—Promote Lifelong Learning
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Encourage our children to develop lifelong learning
traits:
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By showing curiosity about human nature and
how the world works.
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By valuing cultural diversity.
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By persisting in seeking out new solutions.
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By using unique talents and intelligences to promote positive change.

By learning and applying technology tools to
solve problems.
Think about your class materials, be aware of the above
traits and work them into your discussions at home and
in class
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The Word Of God For Correction
“All Correction is Governed by the WORD of God”
We desire to follow God’s word as He has instructed us to handle relationships. Pastor Jenkins
has encouraged the Academy’s staff to use the following format when handling disputes.
Matthew 18: 15-17
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault
Between thee and him alone: thou hast gained thy brother
But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the
Mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect
To hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican.
How to Apply the Principle

Meet privately with the individual to tell him/her their fault alone.
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This meeting should not be confrontational or argumentative.
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Discuss with the individual the situation that led up to the problem, your perception of the individual’s behavior and the impact that it had.
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If he/she does not hear you or an agreement is not reached, bring two witnesses. The witnesses are
there to verify the meeting, not to participate.

If the second meeting does not bring resolution to the issue take it to the director.
When a parent/instructor perceives that students are not following biblical principles the Instructor should inform the administrator immediately.
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Parent Responsibilities

Parents must inform their children of the expectations of the ministry regarding manners, conduct, and
respect for Instructors, parents, and one another while participating in SHABACH! activities.

We have a heart to enforce and maintain Christian standards. We will address unacceptable behavior
from the children. This includes verbal or physical abuse, harassment, damaging property, borrowing
things without asking permission or taking something that doesn’t belong to you (stealing), telling untruths or misleading by exaggeration or omitting pertinent information (lying), and any other unacceptable behavior.

Parents are responsible to work with Instructors and class coordinators concerning discipline
problems as well as keep up with the information posted on thinkwave.com.
Parent Participation Commitment
I/We will assist during group classes for (4) consecutive Thursdays. I will be available to assist in a
classroom, as a hall-monitor, or to assist the coordinators and/or Instructors with the day-to-day operations of the group classes. I understand that I may select which month I desire to volunteer.
I/We will be supervised by the group class coordinators. I am assisting those responsible for teaching
or other duties. My assignment will be given by the Group Class Coordinator. I am expected to be
available from 10:00am- 3:00pm.
I/We will assist and participate in planning and executing at least (4) fellowships or special events
(see following page).
I/We will volunteer in various capacities (see p.12) for a total of 16 service hours.
I/We will exhibit Christ-like characteristics at all times. My words will be kind and gracious. I will be
on time and stay the entire time that group class are being held. I will sign-in and out each Thursday.
It will be a record of my completion of this commitment.
I acknowledge if I do not fulfill my 15 service hours, that my account will be charged $150.00.
It is important that this commitment be fulfilled. It is an essential support component for the program.
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Instructor Responsibilities

As Instructors, we have the privilege of being examples of God’s love, order
and discipline to our students.

Instructors are expected to arrive 15 minutes before their class begins. Instructors
are expected to be present for class each week.

Instructors are to be prepared for class. All materials, supplies, copies, etc.,
should be ready before the class begins. Please do not send students to the office
for supplies. At times, this can be difficult if we are in the midst of dealing with
private situations.

Instructors should follow the syllabus and inform parents in writing if there are
changes.

If a student is absent, they should be able to find the homework assignment in on
thinkwave (middle and high school) or by emailing the instructor (elementary
school).

Instructors should feel comfortable correcting students, even if they are not in
their class. Review the student responsibilities code frequently to remind the students and yourself about the standard.

Middle and High School Instructors must become thinkwave proficient and post all
assignments no more then 24 hours after their class period and all grades no more
than 48 hours after their class. As partners with parents we assist them in holding
their students accountable by posting grades and homework in a timely fashion.
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Standards of Expectations
Student Responsibilities
Goal: To conduct myself as it concerns speech and behavior in a manner that is
Christ like and glorifies God.
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No name-calling, joning, poking fun, or talking about one another in a negative manner.
No slang talk.
No inappropriate clothing (males remove hats in the building; females no excessive splits
in skirts-see dress code.)
No disrespectful speech or gestures towards authority.
No boyfriend/girlfriend love relations.
No inappropriate touching.
No fighting in words or actions. Fighting will result in an automatic suspension.
No threats.
No running or loud talking in the halls.
No children in the snack room, kitchen, or copy room without adult supervision.
We have discussed and explained to our children the above guidelines and agree with
these Standards of Expectation. We will conduct ourselves and encourage our children to
conduct themselves appropriately.
1st Offense: WARNING WILL BE GIVEN*
2ndOffense: WARNING WILL BE REPORTED IN SCHOOL RECORDS
3rd Offense: SUSPENSION
*EXCEPTION: FIGHTING WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION
(See SHABACH! Homeschool Student Handbook for more information)
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Student Discipline Procedures
Incidence(s) Inside the classroom:
The third time, the student(s) will be
dismissed from the class and sent to the
classroom coordinator.
An incident report will be completed
and the parent(s) will be notified. The
student(s) will not be able to return to
class on that day.
The student maybe re-admitted on the
following Thursday, if the parent returns
a signed copy of the incident report..
If the inappropriate behavior continues
on the other class days, step 1 and 2 will
be
repeated and the student(s) may be suspended from classes.
Incidence(s) Outside the Classroom:
The student will be talked to by the
adult that witnessed the behavior. If
necessary the parents and coordinator
will be notified.
If the behavior continues, the coordinator will talk with the parents and the student, as well as complete an incident report.
Group Class Information
□
It is important that your students are on time to class. If late, please
enter quietly.
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No cell phones are to be used during class time. Phones should be
turned off.
□
Instructors, helpers, and coordinators should escort students
throughout the building.
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Students should report directly to their classrooms each morning.
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Bathroom breaks will be allowed between classes. Excess walking
throughout the building before, during, and after classes is prohibited.
□
Parents are asked to provide their children with healthy bagged
snacks/lunches, which include a drink. Please do not send red colored drinks. They are difficult to clean out of the carpets. There
will be no time to go to the snack room for snacks/drinks or to
heat or cook food (middle and high school students may purchase snacks from the snack room).
□
SHA is not responsible for supplies and personal belongings that
are left behind at the end of the day. Sometimes things are returned
to the office or to the closet in the reception area waiting room.
□
Please encourage your students to keep track of their belongings (a
backpack and lunch packs are essential).
□
ALL ITEMS LEFT IN CLASS ROOMS WILL BE TAKEN TO
SHABACH’S GENERAL LOST AND FOUND.
* The student may not be able to return
to class that day.
The student must return a signed copy
of the incident report, to be re-admitted
on the following Thursday.
If the appropriate behavior continues
on in other class days, steps 1 and 2 will
be repeated; the student(s) may be suspended from classes.
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Group Class Guidelines

Each parent is responsible for making sure that they arrive on time and
that their child is prepared for class with all necessary supplies, assignments, and lunch (snack).

Each parent is to make certain that his or her child goes directly to
class upon arrival.

Parents must pick up their children, from the classroom after dismissal
at the end of the day. Please be prompt in picking up your child as late
fees will apply ($10.00 per 15 minute late after a fifteen minute grace
period)
Academic Requirements

Grades 9-12 are credit courses that require daily/weekly assignments, tests, quizzes, and projects. (See course overview and syllabus for each class).

Grades 6th-8th are not self-contained. The curriculum used in the classroom can be utilized at home to complete homework.. Homework assignments
are given weekly.

Grades Pre-K through 5th are self-contained classes that require little or
no work outside of the classroom.

The Word of God will govern classrooms for Correction, the House
Rules and Standard of Expectations.

All parents must sign the Standard of
Expectations.
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Dress Code and Uniform Requirements
Elementary School
Girls – white shirt/blue pants or jumper
Boys – white shirt/blue pants
Middle/High School
Young Women – Khaki pants/skirt below the knee, white or PINK shirts
Young Men – Khaki pants, white or BLACK shirts (No designs, logos, or decals on
shirts)
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Casual, but godly attire.
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Shorts worn to the knee (Capri pants).
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No tight fitting clothes.
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No stretch jeans or leggings.
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No tight or low cut tops (blouses).
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Skirts and dresses must be knee length,
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No excessive splits.
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Clothes should not be so baggy that it is falling off the body.
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No inappropriate clothing, no inappropriate words on clothing.
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Males must remove hats in the building
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During Inclement Weather:
The SHABACH! Christian Academy has a “one call” system. The system will call the phone number on file around
5 a.m. if the school is closed or delayed. Make sure the office has the proper contact numbers at all times.
The Academy does not necessarily follow the Prince Georges County School System for closing. You can listen to
WTOP A.M 1500, WKYS 93.9, watch FOX channel 5 news, or you can call 301/773-3600 or the office @ 301/772
-8591 to see if the church is open. If in doubt you can call the class coordinators as well.
*If SHABACH! Christian Academy has a 2 hour delay , classes will begin at 10:00am. First period for High
School students will be canceled.
Shelter-in-Place Procedures
Shelter-in-Place will help protect students from exposure to dangerous chemicals in the event of a biological or
chemical attack, should the air become unsafe to breathe. If a dangerous chemical were released in the community and posed a threat to students during the school day, we would be directed, most likely by public health
or safety officials, to bring all students and staff members indoors, to shut down all heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning systems, and to close and secure all doors and windows.
During a Shelter-in-Place incident, our building would be secured, and no one would be allowed in or out of
the building until an “all-clear” signal is given from health officials. While we protect our students in the
school building, we recognize that for their own safety, our parents will be sheltered in their own homes or
places of work.
In the event of a shelter-in-place incident, it would be broadcast on the news and on One Call Now. This is not
a decision that we make at the school independently, so the incident would get wide media coverage. We will
make every effort to communicate the status of our students to you. It is important that we have your current email address. Because of the number of students in our school, we will not place personal telephone calls.
To make sure that we can adequately provide for all of our students in the event of an emergency, we are
investigating how to have water and food needs handled.
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Parent Participation Responsibilities
All Group Class Parents will be Required to:
Volunteer to assist a Instructor on Thursdays.
Assist/organize at least four fellowships or
Special Events (listed below).
Special Events (Preparation/Planning and
Working the Event) :
Marketing:
□
Distribute flyers to local libraries and at
various events
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Secure donations of food/drink for special
events
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Orientation
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Kick-Off Cookout
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Grandparents’ Day
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Learning Expo
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Open House
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SHABACH! Day
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Hall Monitor
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Field Day
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Substitute
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Instructor Appreciation
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Academy Awards
Lunch Monitors (Thursdays, 12:30 p.m.- 1:00
p.m., includes pick-up and distribution)
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Graduation
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Science Fair Set-up, Judging, Clean Up
Group Classes:
Standardized Testing:
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Field Trips:
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Coordinators (3)

Pre-K through 2nd

3rd-5th

6th and up
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Drivers
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Proctors
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Homeschool Pledges
PLEDGE TO THE CHRISTIAN FLAG
I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag
And to the Savior for whose kingdom it stands
One Savior
Crucified, Risen and Coming Again
With Life and Liberty for all
Who Believe
PLEDGE TO THE BIBLE
I pledge allegiance to the Bible
God’s Holy Word
I will make it a lamp unto my feet
and a light unto my path.
I will hide his Word in my heart
that I might not sin against God.
PLEDGE TO THE AMERICAN FLAG
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America
And to the republic, for which it stands,
One nation, under God
Indivisible with Liberty
And Justice for all
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HOMESCHOOL PROGRAM FEES
Application Fees (this fee will be applied towards oversight
tuition ONLY until June 30th.)
$100.00 (new families)
$75.00 (re-enrolling families)
Group Class Fees
K-5th Group Classes
$100.00 per class/per year
6th-8th Group Classes
$125.00 per class/per year
9th-12th Group Classes
$190.00-$250.00 per class/per year
Study Hall Fee
$100.00 per year
Book Fee*
*Based on classes taken
Oversight Fees
Families w/ Students in Grades K-12
$200.00 annually
Transcripts (K-12)
$10.00 each
Late Grades Fee
$25.00 per grade report
12th Grade Graduation Fee
$300.00 per student
Additional Grade Reports
$5.00
Other Fees
Parent Participation Violation Fee (did not complete manda- $150.00
tory hours)
$10.00
Dress Code Violation Fee
Mandatory Meeting Violation Fee (did not attend mandatory $50.00
meeting)
Add Fee (applied unless classes are dropped by September 19, $50 per class after deadline
2013)
Drop Fee (any class dropped after September 19, 2013)
Fee will NOT be refunded
Late Payment Fee
5% of outstanding balance
Check Return Fee
$25.00
Probation Fee
$25.00 per month
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Program Fees (continued)
All payments may be made by check, credit card or money
order. Please make checks payable to SMI (SHABACH!
Ministries Inc.).
Mail payments to:
SHABACH! Homeschool
3600 Brightseat Road
Landover, MD 20785
Payment Deficiencies
Each deposit delay or payment postmarked after the 5th will
be considered a late payment and may be subject to a $10.00
late fee. Accounts 60 days past due may result in probation. Accounts 90 days past due may result in
termination of enrollment.
Reinstatement of enrollment will be at the discretion of the Director and will be considered only after
all issues related to delinquent records and/or fees have been resolved.
All accounts for a school year must be current by April 5th in order to re-enroll for the next school
year, to issue promotion certificates to students or to have official final grades or records transferred.
There is a $25.00 returned check fee for “insufficient funds” checks. Any family having two
“insufficient funds” checks will be required to make payments with certified funds or money order
only.
Billing Questions
Questions regarding monthly billing statements, specific charges, or financial policy can be directed
to the Academy Business Office at 301-583-5360.
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SHABACH! Christian Academy Homeschool
3600 Brightseat Road
Landover, MD 20785
301.772.8591
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