PARENT HANDBOOK - Manassas Christian School

PARENT HANDBOOK
www.manassaschristianschool.org
“Learning in a Loving Christian Environment”
About
Manassas Christian School was established in September 1965 by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Copeland,
offering a kindergarten program to the community. In 1987, Minnieland Private Day School, Inc.
became its owner and established a legacy of educational excellence for preschool through middle
school students.
It now encompasses two campuses: Manassas Christian Academy, our preschool and kindergarten
learning center, and Manassas Christian School, our upper school designed to meet the academic,
social and emotional needs of kindergarten through eighth grade students.
Manassas Christian School has combined academic excellence with character education by utilizing
an enriched curriculum and Bible study. Our children develop strong minds and character while learning the importance of compassion and friendship.
Mission Statement
The mission of Manassas Christian School is to provide our students with successful learning
opportunities in a Christian environment. These opportunities are designed to meet the individual
needs of our students as we prepare them to be responsible citizens and valued members of the
community.
To achieve this we:
 Include our families and the community in the educational process.
 Provide challenging and individualized curricula that encourage our students’ creativity and
love of learning.
 Promote character building and problem-solving skills.
 Foster our students’ feelings of self-esteem and self-worth.
 Establish a safe and supportive leaning environment, which accepts and respects diversity.
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Table of Contents
 Program Information: Page 3
 Faculty and Elementary Curriculum: Page 4
 Daily Elementary Program: Page 5
 Middle School Curriculum: Page 6
 Extra-curriculurs, Community Service and School Trips: Page 7
 Middle School Schedule and Bible Curriculum: Page 8
 Music, Spanish, German: Page 9
 Technology, P.E. and Art: Page 10
 Assessments and Standardized Testing: Page 11
 Teacher/ Parent Contact, Homework Policy: Page 12
 School Hours, Attendance and Transportation: Page 13
 Sports, Clubs, Special Events: Page 14
 Parent Involvement, Food, Extended Care: Page 15
 Suspected Child Abuse, Outdoor Play, Personal Items: Page 33
 Registration, Transfers, Special Needs: Page 34
 Fees: Page 35
 Additional Programs: Page 36
 Holidays and Closings : Page 38
 Inclement Weather Policy: Page 39
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Program Information
Our curriculum not only meets, but also exceeds the Standards of Learning established by the Virginia
Department of Education. As the established curriculum spirals from grade to grade, higher-level skills
are introduced, reinforced and reviewed throughout the year. Daily lessons combine the use of
textbooks, workbooks, manipulatives, resource materials, computer assisted instruction, and audio
visual aides to enhance learning and the mastery of the skill.
Integration of subject matter is a vital component of our strong educational program. Whole and small
group instruction, cooperative learning activities, and individualized instruction are utilized daily by our
staff in order to meet the academic needs of our students. The literacy skills of our students are
enhanced through ongoing instructional and enrichment programs, such as:
 Meet the Author: creative writing class and book signing
 Book-It Reading Program
 Accelerated Reading Program
 Scholastic Weekly Readers
 Drop Everything and Read (DEAR)
 Yearly Scholastic Book Fair
 Buddy Reading
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Faculty
Manassas Christian School’s faculty has been selected based on their professional development and
experience, their commitment to individualized instruction, and their warm and loving nature.
Teachers must have attained a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field and have teaching experience. They guide their students not only in academic achievement, but also in social and personal
development, through their leadership in school clubs and extra-curricular activities.
Elementary Curriculum: K-5th Grade
Manassas Christian School sets high standards for its elementary student body and provides the
instruction, support and home-school connection to help every child achieve. We present an
academically challenging program while meeting the individual needs of our students.
The attainment of literacy skills is the focus of our program. Our kindergarten program initiates the
child into the world of letters, words and books. A phonics based reading program is utilized in first and
second grades, and is enhanced by a literature based program in third through fifth grades. Formal
handwriting instruction is conducted in kindergarten through fourth grades.
Daily writing activities in journals and for student publication support the reading-writing connection.
Our spelling program is based on the “word study” program and is developmental in design. Spelling
and grammar skills are further developed, practiced, and incorporated into our reading instruction.
The Accelerated Reader program is utilized to motivate our students to read and improve their
comprehension skills, while Drop Everything and Read (DEAR), regular library visits, read-alouds,
and literature circles develop the students’ reading abilities.
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Math is explored through a hands-on approach to number concept, problem solving, computation,
and estimation. Our social studies program encompasses the concepts of living and learning in our
school, community and country. American history and geography is explored as well as the ancient
civilizations of Egypt, Rome, China and Greece.
Our science program is founded on the scientific method in which concepts are investigated through
student predictions, hypotheses, and testing. Our Spring Science Fair is the highlight of our year of
study for our second through eighth grade students and their research into their favorite scientific area.
Daily Elementary Program
 Reading Social Studies
90 minutes per week
 Bible Science
90 minutes per week
 Language Arts: Spelling, Grammar, Vocabulary Hand Writing
(3 days per week)
 Writing Math
(3 days per week)
Music, Spanish, German, Physical Education, and Computer classes are conducted for one hour
weekly, while a one-hour Art class is conducted every other week.
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Middle School Curriculum:
Sixth through Eighth Grades
The middle school years are unique and challenging in many ways. Our goal is to prepare students
both academically and spiritually for high school with special emphasis on character and moral development. Our wish is for every child to work to the best of his/her potential, to experience success,
and to have a supportive community at MCS. Therefore, our teachers and staff are experienced with
the early adolescent age group and are committed to meeting their unique needs.
We provide an academically challenging environment with individual attention for each student. Our
reading program emphasizes teaching students the strategies that will improve their comprehension
as well as broad exposure to and practice with a variety of literature styles through textbooks and
Accelerated Reader Program. Middle school students utilize the Criterion Online Writing Program as
another method of assessment to improve their writing skills. Our English classes focus on the grammatical and the creative process of writing. A special class in vocabulary and spelling emphasizes
words common to the SAT college-testing program.
Our math curriculum prepares our students for Algebra, and allows those who are ready to complete
the first year of algebra in eighth grade. Our social studies program explores American History, Civics
and World History. The science program is lab-based and studies life science, earth science and
physics. In addition to the core classes, weekly classes in Music, German or Spanish, Physical Education, and Computer are conducted, with Art classes presented twice a month.
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Extra-Curricular Activities
Beyond academics, we strive to build community at MCS. Many extra-curricular activities offer the
student the chance to get involved, make friends and build leadership skills. Students may participate
in interscholastic competitive sports such as basketball, baseball, volleyball, and soccer. Elections are
held every year to choose students that serve as officers of the Student Government Association.
Community Service
Our students are encouraged to complete 20 hours of community service each year. We provide opportunities for reaching this goal through activities such as buddy reading, bagging food for Operation Turkey, and Christmas caroling at local nursing homes. Students may also earn hours
through working with church or community groups and scouts.
School Trip
The highlight of the year is our middle school trips which are planned in the fall, and conducted in
the spring. The students sponsor a selection of fund-raising activities to support this project. Sixth and
seventh grade students have enjoyed day trips to Washington, D.C and Williamsburg, Virginia. Our
eighth grade students earn an overnight trip to wonderful places such as Virginia Beach, Atlanta, and
New York City. The process and trip serve as a wonderful learning and friendship experiences for each
student that culminates a year of academic and personal growth.
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Instructional Schedule: Block Schedule
The Middle School has a block schedule which is divided into two days: green day and gold day. Each
day has 4-one hour classes and specials classes. Each Middle school student will be issued a Kindle
Fire tablet to use with their daily instruction and research projects.
There are four leveled classes that are divided by ability: Math, Reading, Word Study and Foreign
Language. There are three grade-level classes: Writing, Science and Social Studies.
Bible Curriculum
Our Bible study programs are non-denominational in content and developmental in design.
Our Kindergarten and First grade students learn about Jesus in their lives, their family and community
through bible stories, activities and songs through Standard Publishing’s Biblical Choices curriculum.
Our Second through Middle school programs utilize the ACSI Elementary and Middle School Bible
Series. This bible series begins with familiar bible stories that are expanded into a theme of God’s Gifts
to Me. Character traits are studied through the lives of the Old Testament prophets. The life of Christ
is studied, along with the Acts and missions.
Bible doctrine study begins in Third grade, while in-depth investigations of the Old Testament and
New Testament comprise the Fifth and Sixth grade programs. Seventh grade focuses on the gifts and
prophecies of biblical leaders, while the Eighth grade program studies the nature and character of God.
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Music
Music not only soothes the soul, but also builds the brain. Our music teacher designs the weekly
program to meet the developmental skills of each class which include singing, reading and writing music, instrument experience, and recital skills. This teacher plans and develops our Christmas program as well as our graduation event in June. Instrumental music instruction is available to our
students as an after-school activity. Fees are charged monthly.
Spanish
Spanish is our language of exploration for our kindergarten through third grade students. They may
opt to continue this learning through eighth grade. The teacher incorporates speaking, reading and
writing skills with hands-on and computer assisted activities. Spanish culture is incorporated into every
lesson with field trips planned for program enrichment.
German
Students may choose German instruction in the third grade as their foreign language component.
The teacher designs her weekly class to practice conversation, vocabulary, writing, and reading while
integrating German culture and history. German language field trips enrich and enhance our student’s
learning.
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Technology
Our computer lab is the IT hub of the school, utilized on a weekly basis for instructional classes,
classroom teacher support, foreign language practice, and individual student research and information
processing. Keyboarding, spreadsheet and presentation design, data management, graphic arts and
research skills are developed under the guidance of our technology specialist. Document cameras,
response buttons, and Smart Boards keep teachers on the cutting edge of technology.
Physical Education
Healthy bodies, healthy minds, and healthy spirits are the focus of our physical education program.
Lead by our specialty teacher/ sports coach, the students improve and enhance their physical skills,
while building their confidence and teamwork abilities. The President’s Physical Fitness Challenge is
conducted every fall and spring to assess student’s abilities.
Art
Creativity is fostered while technique is taught in our bi-weekly art class. Our teacher encourages
the students to use their imagination, access inspiration, and develop their creativity while expressing
themselves through a variety of art mediums and styles. Student work is displayed throughout the
school. The Spring Art Show spotlights student projects from the school year.
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Assessment Program & Edline Access
Student’s test scores, classwork evaluations, homework and attendance information are posted in
real time and are available to parents and guardians on a daily basis on our Edline website. This secure website can only be accessed by a parent or guardian who has requested their password from
the school office.
Report Cards are issued every six weeks. Interim reports are issued in the middle of each report card
session to students with academic needs.
Standardized Testing Program
The Phonemic Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS) is administered to our Kindergarten students
in the fall in order to determine instructional reading levels, in the winter per teacher recommendation,
and in the spring to determine skill attainment.
The STAR Reading Test is administered in the fall, winter, and spring to students in all grades in order
to initially determine and then monitor their Accelerated Reading Program level.
The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) is administered to students in first through eighth grades in the
spring. The writing component of the ITBS is administered to the third through eighth grade students
in the spring.
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Teacher & Parent Communication
The Elementary teachers frequently update their Edline website page, outlining the concepts that
will be taught weekly, while Middle school teachers keep their parents informed through a monthly
newsletter. Grades, homework, field trip information, project guidelines, and curriculum links are easily
accessible on these website pages.
E-mail communication between teachers and parents is greatly encouraged. Mandatory parent conferences are held throughout the year to facilitate regular communication between home and
school.
Homework Policy
 Philosophy
The purpose of homework is to provide meaningful practice and review of the child’s academic day.
It will reinforce the child’s study skills and personal responsibility to learning. It will develop the child’s
organizational skills and ability to work independently. It will provide the parents with an overview of
the curriculum.
 Standards
The teacher will assign homework from the following subject areas: reading, spelling, math, social
studies, science and English. She or he will select the areas to be reviewed on a daily basis. Homework will not be assigned from every subject area each evening. Homework will be assigned Monday
through Thursday, with Friday assignments at the discretion of the teacher.
 Guidelines
The daily homework assignment is planned by the teacher to be completed within the guidelines listed
below:
First Grade:
10-15 minutes Second Grade:
20-30 minutes
Third Grade:
30-45 minutes
Fourth Grade:
40-60 minutes
Fifth Grade:
50-75 minutes
Sixth-Eighth Grade : 1-2 hours
The kindergarten teachers encourages our parents to read to their child daily and practice writing and spelling skills in family situation.
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School Hours
School hours are from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. A creative before and after
school program is available to our students from 6:30 a.m. until 8:15 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30
p.m. After school clubs and sports meet seasonally from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m.
Attendance and Tardy Policies
Students are expected to arrive at school on time each day. Students that arrive after 8:45 a.m. are
considered tardy and must check in at the office before proceeding to class. Middle School students
are considered tardy as of 8:30 a.m. Once a student is tardy five times, an absence is recorded.
Absence Notification
Parents must call the school each day that their child is absent. Upon the parent’s request, the teacher
will compile a work folder for the student. The request must be made by noon so that the materials will
be available for pick-up after 3:30 P.M. Parents must submit a note explaining their child’s absence to
the teacher on the day that the child returns.
Transportation
School transportation is provided on a door-to-door, space available basis. Parents must register their
child for this program. Contact the school office for the registration form.
Three routes are established and their rates are determined by each route’s distance to the school. A shuttle bus between Manassas Christian School and Manassas Christian Academy is available only
to students that have siblings at both schools. A monthly fee is charged for the shuttle.
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Sports
Sports are offered throughout the year and include soccer, baseball, volleyball, basketball, and cheerleading. Interscholastic competition for our middle school students is offered for these sports also.
Sportsmanship, participation, skill and strategy development are our focus for these programs.
School Clubs
MCS recognizes the importance of extra-curricular activities and provides opportunities for participation in school clubs such as Arts and Crafts Club, Walking Club, WeDo Robotics, Legos,
Science Club, and Gardening Club. These are just some of the choices that are available seasonally.
Teachers and staff direct these clubs.
Field Trips and Special Events
Field trips are an integral part of our students’ learning process. Three trips are planned each year
per grade to educational facilities as well as fun-filled sites. Our children are transported by our school
buses to ensure their safety. In-house special events are scheduled on a regular basis, and include
musicians, an opera company, and guest speakers.
School and Community Awareness
Manassas Christian School encourages the staff, parents and students to participate in school and
community activities throughout the school year. Some of the events include: Fall Festival
 Toys for Tots Food Collection for SERVE family shelter
 Winter Coat Drive
 St. Jude’s Math-A-Thon
 Christmas Parade and Program
 Joe-15 Community Service Group
 PTO Meetings  Science Fair
 Performances Family Movie Night
 Spring Art Festival
 Fall Festival Family Bingo Night
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Parent Involvement
Manassas Christian School is very proud of our Parent Advisory Board, which plays a vital role in
the development and success of our fundraising programs. A meeting is held each month with a specific class and program as its focus. Our parent volunteers assist with classroom activities, field
trips, school parties, and the Accelerated Reader Program.
Food Service
A hot lunch is served daily in the cafeteria. Breakfast and an afternoon snack are provided to students
in our Extended Care Program. A high nutritional standard is used for all food prepared by the school.
Milk, fruits, sources of protein and vegetables are components of each daily menu. Lunch tickets are
available for purchase to students in First through Eighth grade. Kindergarten lunch is included in the
student’s tuition.
Our monthly menu is posted on our website, and is available at our parent information table on campus. Home packed lunches are an alternative to the school lunch. Ice-cream treats are sold to our
students on Friday. Lunch, milk, and ice cream tickets may be purchased from the school office.
Extended Care Program
A creative before and after school program is available to our students, which includes breakfast and
an afternoon snack. Quiet, child centered activities, to include a homework review time, are scheduled
in the morning.
The afternoon session is dedicated to our Mastermind Program, which engages the students in 60
minutes of directed learning activities. Besides a supervised homework period, the students select
activities to practice math and reading skills using games, books, and computer access. Outdoor play
and creative activities round out the afternoon. Parents should contact the school office in order to
register their child for this program.
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Vacation Camp
A winter and spring vacation camp program is held during the school holiday vacation weeks for students who need full day care during this time. Activities are based on a weekly theme and encompass
arts and crafts, sports, music, cooking, drama, and nature study activities.
The program includes breakfast, morning snack, lunch, and an afternoon snack as well as field trips
and special guests. Students registered for our before and after or after care program are not charged
for attending this camp. Students in our before care program, or those who are not registered for our
extended care program are charged a daily rate.
Summer Camp
Children ages five through fourteen enjoy our summer camp program, in which experienced camp
counselors lead the children in stories, games, and creative activities. A weekly Bible theme is integrated with a weekly theme and imaginative ideas are presented through arts and crafts, sports
and games, music, drama, storytelling and nature study.
Specialty camps in the areas of sports, golf, dance, archery, robotics, fishing, cooking, and art are
scheduled throughout the summer. Field trips, special events, such as the camp talent show, swimming lessons, and recreational swimming in our pool round out a week of fun. Academic tutoring
is available during camp hours as well as the Accelerated Reader Program. Registration and tuition
information is available in the school office.
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Dress Code
Students attending Manassas Christian School in Kindergarten through Eighth grade will wear our
school uniform. The components of the uniform are listed below. Uniforms will be worn on the first day
of school and every day there after, except those days designated by the administration as “dress
down” days. On these days, uniforms will not be required and the students may dress in appropriate
casual attire.
Flynn and O’Hara, located at Fair City Mall, 9650 Main Street, Fairfax, Virginia, provide our uniforms.
They can be contacted at 703-503-5966 or www.flynnohara.com. Some clothing items must be purchased through them, while the majority of the uniform components can be purchased at local
stores.
Boys: Kindergarten through Eighth Grade
 A relaxed fit khaki pants.
 Khaki walking shorts may be worn in September and May only and on P.E. days in October and
April.
 Pants and shorts are belted with a black or brown belt.
 A white or hunter green long or short sleeve polo style shirt, a white long or short sleeve dress
shirt, or a white or hunter green turtleneck.
 A hunter green v-neck or cardigan sweater with Manassas Christian School embroidered on
the front or a hunter green sweater vest with Manassas Christian School embroidered on the
front as an alternative.
 School plaid tie to be worn on special occasions, i.e. school pictures, special field trips.
 Socks of the students’ choice.
 Athletic style or rubber-soled shoes should be worn every day.
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Girls: Kindergarten through Second Grade
 School dark green plaid jumper or a relaxed fit khaki twill pant.
 Khaki walking shorts or khaki skort, worn in September and May and on P.E. days in October
and April only.
 Pants and shorts are belted with a black or brown belt.
 A white or hunter green long or short sleeve polo style shirt, a white long or short sleeve peter
pan blouse, or a white or hunter green turtleneck shirt.
 A hunter green v-neck cardigan sweater with Manassas Christian School embroidered on the
front, or a hunter green sweater vest with Manassas Christian School embroidered on the front
as an alternative.
 Athletic style or rubber-soled shoes should be worn everyday.
Girls: Third through Eighth Grade
 Plaid jumper is optional in third grade.
 A dark green plaid or khaki kilt style skirt.
 A relaxed fit khaki twill pant.
 Khaki walking shorts or khaki skort, worn in September and May and on P.E. days in October
and April only.
 Pants and shorts are belted with a black or brown belt.
 A white or hunter green long or short sleeve polo style shirt, a white long or short sleeve peter
pan blouse, or a white or hunter green turtleneck shirt.
 A hunter green v-neck cardigan sweater with Manassas Christian School embroidered on the
front or a hunter green sweater vest with Manassas Christian School embroidered on the front
as an alternative.
 Athletic style or rubber-soled shoes should be worn every day.
For All Girls: Hunter green, black, navy or white socks, knee socks, tights or leggings.
Khaki shorts or a khaki skort for girls may be worn everyday in September and May, and on P.E. days.
only in October and April.
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We encourage the girls to wear black or hunter green bicycle shorts under the jumper and skirt when
tights are not worn. Hunter green, black, navy or white leggings may be worn with the jumper during
the cold weather season. Pants are not a substitute for leggings.
Physical Education Class Clothing: K-5
Hunter green sweatpants and sweatshirt with Manassas Christian School imprinted on each item.
Physical Education Class Clothing: 6-8
School T-shirt and shorts under Manassas Christian School jogging suit.
Personal Grooming Rules
Hair should be clean and neatly styled. It is to be combed or brushed before coming to school.
Boy’s hair must be cut above the ears and above the shirt collar. It cannot hang in their eyes. Appropriate hair length will be judged by the administration. Notices will be sent home if it is deemed
necessary for the student have his hair cut.
Girl’s hair should be tastefully cut, not distracting or unusual. Hair cannot hang in their eyes. Hair
length should not prohibit a girl from participating in class because it is a health or safety issue. Appropriate hair length will be judged by the administration. Notices will be sent home if it is deemed
necessary for the student to have her hair cut
Hair adornment and jewelry (to include plastic bracelets) should be simple and tasteful. The adornment should not be distracting to the other students in the class. If a student comes to school
with hair attachments or jewelry that becomes a distraction, the teacher will ask the student to remove
them. Only girls may wear earrings.
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Hair color should be a normal/natural shade, i.e. blonde, brunette, auburn type shades. Any tinting
with unusual coloring or haircuts that are designed to shock and/or distract the class will not be tolerated. The student’s parents will be contacted and the child will be sent home from school until the hair
is appropriately styled.
Make-up is approved for middle school girls only. Clear lip-gloss and clear, pastel or light colored fingernail polish may be worn. The polish may have glitter in it. Dark or neon-colored fingernail polish is
not allowed. A thin line of eyeliner on the top lashes only and discrete eye shadow may be worn. When
a teacher determines that the applied make-up is distracting, the student will be directed to remove it.
With the exception of lip-gloss, no make-up containers are allowed in school or in lockers. Lip-gloss
may be applied throughout the day but only in the bathroom, not in the classroom.
Code of Student Behavior
Students will:
 Respect themselves, other students, teacher, staff and the personal property of others as well as
school property.
 Obey school rules and follow school policies.
 Be honest.
 Be on time.
 Be prepared for class.
 Not be physically or verbally abusive of others.
 Not willfully disrupt class or school activities.
 Will not use social media in an inappropriate manner towards the school community.
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Delineation of the Code of
Student Behavior
 The student is expected to act appropriately in class. Tantrums, stealing, vandalism will not be tolerated.
 Rules and policies include bus rules, playground and lunchroom rules, classroom rules and homework policy.
 Cheating, telling lies, and plagiarism will not be tolerated.
 Be on time for school.
 Student preparation includes: homework, supplies, lunch, permission slips and special
projects.
 Fighting, rude and/or vulgar language, profanity, and minced oaths will not be tolerated.
 Disruptive behavior is any behavior that requires the teacher to stop teaching and/or remove
the student from the class or activity.
Consequences for Infractions of the
Student Code of Behavior
 Teacher Initiated: Counseling, time-out period, redirection to another activity, phone call to parents,
parent-conference, and student contract.
 Principal Initiated: Counseling, phone call to parents, parent conference, task assigned by the Principal, student contract, restitution to the school, staff or student, detention after school, suspension
from the program, disenrollment from the program.
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Cheating and Plagiarism
Our school incorporates the use of an honor pledge in our effort to emphasize the importance of honesty. Therefore, students are responsible for neither giving nor receiving assistance (written, oral
or otherwise) on tests, examinations, final evaluations or class assignments that are to be graded as
the work of a single individual.
Cheating includes the giving and receiving of a computer file, computer program, part of a program or
other computer-based information without specific teacher direction or approval. Cheating encompasses any violation of rules where the violation involves dishonesty.
The student will receive a zero for the particular assignment, test, exam, final, etc. The parent will be
contacted and the student may be disciplined up to and including expulsion.
Plagiarism is a form of cheating. Students are responsible for giving due recognition of sources from
which material is quoted, summarized or paraphrased, as well as to the persons from whom assistance has been received. When plagiarism has been determined, the student must resubmit the
work with appropriate notations. This task is completed after school under teacher supervision.
Electronic Devices
Electronic devices are not needed or allowed in school. This includes cell phones, iPods, MP3 players
and electronic gaming systems. These devices are allowed at extra-curricular activities as long as they
are not a distraction to the event.
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Possession of Weapons
In order to ensure the safety and welfare of our students, staff and visitors to Manassas Christian
School, weapons, look-a-like weapons, or other objects deemed harmful by the administration of
Manassas Christian School will not be permitted on Manassas Christian School property, in any Minnieland vehicle, or at any Manassas Christian school-related function either before or after school
regardless of where the activity takes place.
Students will be subject to disciplinary action for possessing weapons in these situations and in other
situations that occur off school grounds if the offense results in the disruption of the activity or threatens
and/or endangers the welfare of staff, students, or school property.
This is a zero tolerance policy and a student found to be in violation will be disenrolled.
The principal of MCS, in consultation with the Director of Private School Operations, may modify
the punishment based on the facts of the particular situation or when special circumstances exist.
Students who violate the law will be referred to local authorities for appropriate action in the criminal
justice or juvenile delinquency system.
All MCS employees and students are required to notify the principal, teacher or other school employee immediately if they have reason to believe there is, or likely to be, a weapon in school or on
school grounds, on a school bus, or at any school related activity. Students who have such knowledge
and fail to report it, may themselves be subject to disciplinary action.
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Threats of Physical Violence
The threat of verbal or physical attack and the use of force upon the person are expressly forbidden.
Any expression of intent to cause harm, injury or damage to school property or to other persons on
school property, at school sponsored activities or on school buses, will not be tolerated, including
threats made off school grounds. This includes all oral, written or electronic forms of threats to bomb,
utilize weapons or cause bodily injury and/or property damage.
Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including disenrollment
and referral to the appropriate authorities. Fighting will result in disciplinary action that may include
suspension or disenrollment.
Students are also subject to disciplinary action for behavior they may not consider serious or threatening when Manassas Christian School staff believes that the behavior may cause discomfort or injury
to an individual or disruption to the school activity.
Bullying
Bullying is the repeated attack of another student either verbally, physically, or emotionally.
Bullying, actions which cause the physical, verbal or emotional abuse of others, will not be tolerated.
Repeated taunts, threats, insults, gossip, harassment, humiliation teasing, pushing, tripping, and hitting are all considered to be bullying behaviors. Such actions can be conveyed, but are not limited to,
face to face contact, text messages, phone calls, written dialogue, or social media.
Cyber bullying, the intentional and/or repeated harm of others through the use of computers, cell
phone, and other electronic or technological devices, is strictly forbidden. This includes, but is not limited to, text messages and social media. Violators are subject to corrective action up to and including
suspension and expulsion. Our school is committed to creating an environment in which students are
free from bullying. Students are strongly encouraged to report bullying incidents to the Principal without fear of retaliation. The Principal will take appropriate steps to respond quickly and effectively to
student reports of bullying.
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Bus Rules
 Students should respect everyone, and the personal property of others on the bus.
 Students should not physically or verbally aggravate others.
 Students are not allowed to eat or have open drinks on the bus.
 Disruptive behavior to include excessively loud voice, throwing of objects, hanging outside
the window, bouncing in the seat, jumping on the bus, is not tolerated.
 Glass is not allowed on the bus. Objects such as scissors, pencils, pens, and toys must
remain in the backpack.
Consequences of not following
the Bus Rules
 Bus driver counsels student.
 Bus driver reports to the Principal, and contacts student’s parents.
 Bus driver and Principal counsel the student, notifying parent by letter.
 The Principal contacts the parent by phone and letter.
 Loss of field trips.
 Suspension of bus privileges for 2 days.
 Suspension of bus privileges 1 week.
 Suspension of bus privileges for the school year.
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Locker Rules
 Each student will receive a locker.
 The student will be responsible for keeping the locker organized. Books and notebooks
should be stored in the locker, not hanging outside of the locker or stacked on top.
 The student may decorate the inside of the locker. Pictures may be hung with scotch tape. NO glue,
stickers or permanent fixtures can be attached to the inside or door of the locker. The pictures and
posters displayed cannot contain drug, cigarette or alcohol advertisements. The pictures and posters
cannot contain vulgar, lewd or sexually explicit
slogans.
The faculty reserves the right to ask a student to remove any offensive material from the
locker.
 The faculty and staff reserve the right to search any locker at any time.
 Lockers are a privilege and may be taken away if the student mars, destroys or uses the
locker in an unsafe way.
Dismissal
We will terminate our services under the following conditions:
 The child’s school tuition account becomes more than one month in arrears.
 The child’s extended care tuition account becomes more than one month in arrears.
 We do not receive parental support and help when a child is found to have a learning or
behavioral problem. This includes failure to attend parent conferences and to follow through
with medical and/or educational specialists.
 The child’s behavior pattern threatens his or her own health and safety or threatens the health
and safety of other children and staff.
 The parents are no longer supportive of our program and philosophy and become negative and
uncooperative in their actions and opinions, which may undermine the operation of the school.
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Witness Fees
Payment of the following minimum fees is required for all civil subpoena, court order and warrant requests. Each time we are called as witnesses in a civil case, it is understood that we are being called
as professionals. If either parent/guardian subpoenas a staff member as a witness, that parent will be
required to pay a fee of $250.00 per appearance per employee. This helps to defer the cost of compliance to Manassas Christian School, such as the expense of additional staff needed at the center and
salary for the employee being called to court. Cancellation must be reported to the center in writing by
the issuing party and received no later than 1 business day prior to the scheduled court appearance
in order to qualify for a refund of the appearance fee. In addition, Manassas Christian School reserves
the right to charge a document retrieval fee of $0.25 per page for all copies of children’s records or
files.
Child Custody
We strive to provide a stable environment for each child. This includes keeping lines of communication open with all custodial parties and following court orders to arrange suitable and agreeable visitation and exchange times. If we are not successful, we will refer the family back to attorneys, therapists,
caseworkers, or the parents/guardians involved. We will not act as a mediator or go-between. In accordance with licensing standards, appropriate legal paperwork shall be kept on file
Excess Damage
We take pride in offering an active learning environment and normal wear and tear on materials is
expected in busy hands. On the contrary, where damage to school property is caused through willful
destruction, undue carelessness, or disregard for rules, it is our policy to inform parents of this and
seek their cooperation in overcoming the problem. Individual circumstance will determine the action
taken. The principal shall determine the reasonable cost of repairing or replacing property damaged
by the student.
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School Community
The Manassas Christian School community is considered a family that includes parents, students,
administration, teachers, and staff. Everyone in this community must value and respect this relationship and uphold the integrity of all its members and the campus. Should any member of the
Manassas Christian School community compromise its integrity or be disrespectful toward it, this will
be considered grounds for disenrollment as determined by the administration. This can take place in
any form including, but not limited to, social media, telephone, text message, e-mail, person to person
conversation, and written letter among other avenues.
Immunization and Physical Records
Our health policies are designed to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all of our students and
staff. A copy of the child’s immunization record must be received prior to the student’s admission.
A copy of the child’s physical examination, conducted within the last 12 months, must be submitted
within 30 days of registration. All immunization updates for the child must be administered at the designated time, and reported in writing to the Principal.
Sick Student Procedures
Parents are expected to pick up an ill child within one hour of notification. Parents will be contacted when the child has a temperature of 100 degrees or more, experiences projectile vomiting
or diarrhea, or exhibits symptoms of a communicable disease such as a suspicious rash or red, draining eyes.
A doctor’s written permission to return to school is required for a child infected by contagious disease.
The doctor’s note must state that the child is not contagious and may return to a group situation that
includes active indoor and outdoor play. The Principal has the right to call the physician’s office to verify
the doctor’s authorization.
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24 Hour Recuperation Period
The 24-hour recuperation period insures that the child has had adequate time to recover from the
illness and is no longer contagious. If a child has a fever, the temperature must remain normal for 24
hours before the child can return to the school. Prescription medication must be administered at home
for 24 hours before the child can return to the school. Students experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, or
a temperature over 100 degrees cannot return to school until the day after the 24th hour after
the last occurrence of symptoms.
Medical Emergency
If the parents/guardians cannot be contacted in a medical emergency situation, the hospital must
have parental authorization to perform emergency services. The Medical Authorization Form must
be completed in full, signed by the parents and notarized. This authorization is part of the child’s registration form.
Sunscreen and Insect Repellent
School staff members are not permitted to apply insect repellent. Sunscreen will be applied with
authorization from parent/guardian indicating the name of the product, times to be applied, and any
known adverse reactions. Sunscreen will be applied by a staff member to children under the age of
nine. Children over the age of nine may apply the sunscreen themselves with the supervision of a staff
member.
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Medication and Health
In the best interests of the children, parents should make every attempt to administer all necessary medication at home.
When it becomes necessary to have medication administered at the school, Manassas Christian will
administer medication as a courtesy to parents by an on-duty staff member who is certified to do so by
the Commonwealth of Virginia. If there is no employee certified in medication administration present,
medicine will not be administered. When medication is administered, the following policies apply:
 All medication, prescription or over the counter, can only by administered after the parent’s submission of the Authorization to Administer Medication Form. Medication will only be administered
at approximately 11:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. and will be administered daily for as long as the period of
authorization not to exceed 10 working days unless the parent removes the medication from the
school.

 Medication will not be accepted for administration on an “as needed” basis unless the medication is
an emergency medication for a federally protected disabling condition.
 All medication administered to the children by MCS staff must be in the original container with the
prescription label or direction label attached. The label on each type of medicine must list the child’s
name, dosage, and whether it is to be given at approximately 11:00 A.M. or 3:00 P.M. The expiration
date on the medication must be current.
 The dosage for non-prescription medication must be appropriate for the child’s age. If a non-prescription medication states that a doctor must be consulted to determine the dosage for the
child, a doctor’s prescription shall be required.
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 Fever and other pain reducing medications (Tylenol, Motrin, etc.) or multi-symptom medication
containing pain-reducing medications, such as, but not limited to acetaminophen or aspirin will not
normally be administered.
 When the authorization to administer medication has expired, the parents must remove the medication from the premises or it will be discarded.
 Emergency medication for a federally protected disabling condition must be accompanied by an
individualized health plan (IHP) or Asthma Plan that is signed by a doctor and an IHP and Asthma
Companion Medication Authorization Form signed by a parent and the doctor. This health plan must
detail the exact conditions under which the medication is to be administered along with instructions for
care of the child when critical symptoms exist.
Authorized Pick-up of Children
Children will be released only to those individuals who have been authorized on the child’s registration
form, or added to this list in writing. The minimum age of an individual authorized to pick up a child
from Manassas Christian is 14 years of age. Changes to this authorization must be made in person.
Individuals may be asked to show their driver’s license, or picture identification to verify their identity
and authorization when picking up a student.
Car Line Procedures
Manassas Christian School offers a morning and afternoon car line for the convenience of our parents. Our morning car line runs from 8:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Afternoon carline begins at 3:30 p.m.
and ends at 4:00 p.m. Children not picked up by 4:00 p.m. will be sent to the extended care program
and the hourly extended care fee will be applied.
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Early Dismissal
Students that are picked up early from school must have a note sent to the office on the day of the
early dismissal. The student must be signed out by a parent/guardian in the main office at the time of
dismissal.
Visitors
Manassas Christian School requires that all visitors report to the office upon entering the school. They will sign in and receive a visitor pass, which must be worn during their time in the school.
Accidents
When a child has an accident that requires first aid, an accident report is written by the teacher, and
reviewed by the Principal or Administrative Staff. The parent reviews the report, signs it, and receives
the yellow copy. The white copy is returned to the school office.
Insurance
Manassas Christian School has secondary accident insurance for children injured while participating
in the program. This insurance may pay usual and customary charges to a maximum of $15,000. This
policy provides medical coverage for any accident or injury that occurs during the time the child is in
our care that is not covered by family insurance.
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Reporting Suspected Child Abuse
We are required by the Commonwealth of Virginia to report any and all instances of suspected child
abuse. When a staff member has information or evidence of suspected child abuse, the Principal is
informed and Child Protective Services is contacted and given this information. Child Protective Services will determine what, if any, action will be taken.
Outdoor Play
Students are required to play outdoors on a daily basis weather permitting. Proper dress is required
to insure the students’ comfort. In order to restrict a student from outside play, the parent must submit
a letter explaining the reasons for the restriction. A note from the student’s doctor stating the reason
why he/she cannot go outside will also be honored.
Toys and Personal Items
Students are required to play outdoors on a daily basis weather permitting. Proper dress is required
to insure the students’ comfort. In order to restrict a student from outside play, the parent must submit
a letter explaining the reasons for the restriction. A note from the student’s doctor stating the reason
why he/she cannot go outside will also be honored.
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Registration
The Principal conducts an interview with the parents/guardians and student to explain our philosophy
and program and to determine the child’s educational needs and possible placement in the program
The parents/guardians must pay the registration, book and program support and activity fees, present
the child’s birth certificate, and submit a copy of the child’s current immunization record and completed
Registration Form before the child can be admitted to the program.
The Registration Form includes the Child Profile, the Parent/Guardian Statement of Understanding,
and a copy of the Medical Authorization Form. A recent copy of the child’s physical examination,
conducted within the last 12 months, must be submitted within 30 days of registration as well as a
copy of the student’s prior school records.
Transfer Students
Prior to registration, parents of transfer students are required to submit a copy of their student’s most
recent report card. In order to complete the registration process, they must authorize the release of an
official copy of their student’s school records to MCS.
Plans for Children with
Special Needs (IHP/IEP/FSP)
Prior to enrollment, parents are required to provide the school with an updated copy of the appropriate
documentation/care plan (IHP, IEP, or DSP) for a student requiring special accommodations.
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Registration Fee
The Registration Fee is paid upon initial enrollment, and subsequent yearly re-enrollment.
Book and Program Support Fee
A Book and Program Support Fee is due upon enrollment. This fee pays for basic student supplies,
workbooks, textbook rentals, weekly student newspapers, science lab fees, art class materials, testing
costs, and computer program access fees.
Activity Fee
The Activity Fee is due at the time of enrollment. This fee funds all field trips, special events, and guest
speakers and entertainers. It also supports our yearbook program, and provides a yearbook for each
student.
The Registration, Book and Program Support Fee and Activity Fees are non-refundable.
All school payments must be made by check or money order or processed through the Tuition Express Program. Cash is not accepted.
Returned Checks
A service fee will be charged for any returned checks. If a check is returned, payment will be due in
full within 24 hours of notification, by money order. After 2 returned checks, all future payments must
be made by money order.
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School Program Tuition
The tuition rate is established by the grade in which the child is enrolled. There is no discount to the
monthly tuition because of the holidays that the school is closed, emergency snow closings, teacher
workdays, or absences.
The monthly tuition rate is based upon a yearly rate divided into ten installments and is charged on
the first of each month beginning in August and ending in May. Payment is due the first of the month
and is considered late on the fifth.
A late charge of $10.00 will be assessed if payment is not received by the fifth and weekly thereafter
until the account is paid up to date for that month. If a tuition account becomes more that 1 month
past due, school services will be terminated. The student can be re- enrolled upon full payment of the
account and a re-registration fee.
Families with two children enrolled receive a 10% discount on the lower tuition of the two students.
Families with three or more children enrolled receive a 10% discount on the total amount. A tuition
discount of 5% will be applied to accounts paid in full by August 15th.
Late Pick-up School Program
Children picked up after the school’s closing time will incur a late fee. The child will be placed in our
Extended Day Program and charged the hourly childcare rate for any part of the first hour and any
additional hours thereafter.
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Withdrawal School Program
It is requested that parents give a 1-month notice in writing if it becomes necessary to withdraw their
child from school. No fees, including tuition, are refunded when a parent terminates services prior to
the end of the school year. Parents can complete a Termination of Services Form. It is available in the
school office.
Extended Day Program Tuition
Manassas Christian School offers before and after school care to the students that attend our school
only. The hours of extended care are 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Children
can be enrolled in our extended care program for the morning or afternoon program, or the morning
and afternoon program. Parents must complete a registration form for this program in order for their
child to attend. This form is available in the school office.
Extended Day Program tuition is based upon a yearly rate divided into ten installments. Payment
begins in August and ends in May and is charged on the 1st of the month. A late charge of $10.00 is
assessed when payment is received after the 15th and will continue to accrue weekly until the charge
is paid in full. If an account becomes more than one-month past due, services will be terminated until
the account is paid in full.
Children participating in our before and after or after school Extended Day Program are not charged
additional fees for teacher workday, snow days, and our winter and spring camp. Children attending our before care only program, and students not registered in our extended care program will
be charged a daily fee for these programs
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Late Pick-up Extended Day Program
Children picked-up after the closing of the Extended Day Program at 6:30 P.M. will incur a late fee of
$1.00 per minute per family. At 6:45 P.M., the Principal or Closing Supervisor will begin to call the parents, and all listed emergency contacts for the child. If a contact cannot be made for the child by
8:00 P.M., the Police will be notified, and the child will be placed in their custody. Parents who are repeatedly late will be asked to make other extended care arrangements.
Withdrawal Extended Day Program
It is requested that a parent give a 1- month notice in writing if it becomes necessary to withdraw
their child from the Extended Day Program. No fees, including tuition are refunded when a parent terminates services prior to the end of the school year. Parents can complete a Termination of Services
Form that is available in the school office.
Holidays
Manassas Christian School will be closed in observance of the following Federal Holidays: New Year’s
Day, Martin Luther King’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day
and Christmas Day.
Teacher Workdays
Manassas Christian School conducts three teacher workdays each school year. Our extended care
program is open to those students currently enrolled in the program. There is no extra fee for students
enrolled in the Before and After extended care program. Those who are enrolled in our morning program will be charged a fee.
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Inclement Weather Policy
In the event of inclement weather, please tune to Channel 4 NBC and Channel 9 CBS for school
closing information. School closings are listed on our website www.manassaschristianschool.org, our
Edline site www.edline.net or call the school at 703-393-6555 for closing information.
**We do not follow Prince William County, Manassas City or Manassas Park school closings**
If it is necessary for us to close school early due to inclement weather, our Extended Care Program
will be open to those already enrolled in that program. Parents of our Extended Care students will be
called to arrange their student’s pick-up as soon as possible.
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