GCS Handbook

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GENERAL INFORMATION FOR ALL FAMILIES

HISTORY

The modern-day movement in Christian Day School education has seen rapid growth over the past few decades. Concerned parents and churches started schools that would provide Christian teaching in every facet of their children’s education. Granger Christian School was established in 1972 as an elementary and junior high school ministry of Grace Church. Over the next two years, the high school grades were added. For the first 25 years of existence, the school was housed in a church building on the north side of South Bend. In 1992, God provided the property to build a new church facility in the heart of the fast-growing community of Granger, Indiana. The year 1997 brought about a name change when Grace Baptist Schools became Granger Christian School in an effort to reflect a redirection in the philosophy of the school. This new direction included a desire for a broader appeal in the community and a commitment to expanded educational and extracurricular opportunities. Today, Granger Christian is a growing K-12th grade school providing an academically challenging program in a spiritually nurturing environment. Granger Christian School meets the current graduation requirements of the State of Indiana. GCS is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) earning their accreditation status in the spring of 2010. ACSI is the largest accrediting association of Christian schools in the world.

MISSION STATEMENT

Granger Christian School exists as an extension of the home to provide a program of academic and spiritual excellence, in order to prepare students to impact the world.

STATEMENT OF FAITH

  • Eessential beliefs, we have unity. (Ephesians 4:4-6)
  • In non-essential beliefs, we have liberty. (Romans 14:1, 4, 12, 22)
  • In all our beliefs, we show charity. (I Corinthians 13:2)

As a ministry of Grace Church, Granger Christian School is integral to and inseparable from Grace Church and is, therefore, in agreement with and bound by the doctrinal position of the Church. This position includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  1. That the Scriptures are fully, verbally inspired and absolutely inerrant.
  2. That the Eternal God is triune in nature.
  3. That sinful mankind is totally devoid of ability to please God without supernatural aid.
  4. That God has provided salvation forsinful mankind through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ.
  5. That salvation is wholly by grace, through faith, apart from any human effort.
  6. That those who are truly saved will continue and be kept in that relationship eternally.
  7. That sanctification is both positional through our standing in Christ and progressive through God-appointed means.
  8. That the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer is revealed through the fruit of the Spirit rather than through any external manifestations.
  9. That Satan is a person, and that the Biblical teaching concerning hell is to be taken literally.
  10. That the saints will be taken from the earth in the Pre-Tribulation rapture and that Christ will return to earth prior to the Millennium.
  11. That all believers are commanded to be baptized by immersion following conversion and
  12. That such baptism is a prerequisite to church membership.
  13. That the Lord’s Supper is an ordinance to be observed regularly by the local church.
  14. That the local church is absolutely autonomous and independent, being subject to no external authority other than the Bible.
  15. That there should be separation between church and state, but that the church should affect the state, especially through the character of the individuals who make up the church.

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

The basic philosophical questions of life are effectively answered from the Scriptures. Students at Granger Christian School are nurtured in the realization of who they are, where they came from, why they are here, and where they are going as: (a) God’s special creation, made in His likeness (Genesis 1:26); (b) redeemed by His grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9); (c) kept by His power (I Peter 1:5); (d) indwelt by His Son (Colossians 1:27); (e) called to be “conformed to His image” (Romans 8:29); (f) being examples of the believers (I Timothy 4:12); (g) being vessels unto honor prepared for the Master’s use (II Timothy 2:21); (h) ever “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2); (i) anticipating their blessed hope (I John 3:3) and their “inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, . . . reserved in heaven” for them ( I Peter 1:4).

The purpose of Granger Christian School is to reach students for Christ; to reinforce their spiritual progress; to relate that all truth is God’s truth, Jesus Christ Himself being the foundation of all truth; and to send students forth to serve Him by their lives and through their testimonies.

Therefore, all academic subjects at Granger Christian School are taught in light of God’s Word and are based upon Scriptural principles. All academics presume a Christian world view as the presupposition, and they integrate the Word of God throughout the curriculum. Although the Bible is studied in a class block of its own, it is the basis of and is integrated into every academic course taught. A very important Biblical principle is this: the training of a child belongs to the parents, not to the school. Granger Christian School is an extension of the home to support and extend training academically, spiritually, physically, and socially. The family is the institution that God initially established to instill discipline, character, and proper patterns of behavior in the child. When a child is taught the value of right over wrong, self-discipline, respect for authority, proper responses and attitudes toward others, and is lovingly accepted and respected by his parents, he is prepared to gain the maximum benefit from a Christian education. This enables the student to develop the necessary skills in order to be successful in the adult world.

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Parents are encouraged to be involved in the education of their children. It is the primary responsibility of parents to educate their children. GCS parents have chosen to enlist the support and help of Granger Christian School in fulfilling this responsibility. However, each parent must remain actively involved, both in and out of school, in providing the proper educational environment for their child.

Prayer Support – Both the parents and the staff assume the responsibility of praying for the administration and teachers involved in the education of their children.

Financial Support – Parents are encouraged to faithfully consider how they might support GCS above and beyond their tuition commitment. Granger Christian School is committed to keeping tuition as reasonable as possible. Since tuition does not meet all of our expenses, it is incumbent upon others to supply the additional financial support in order for GCS to provide a top-quality Christian education to all students. While we rely solely on God for this provision, we believe it is necessary to make our needs known and solicit support in accordance with God’s will.

Read and abide by the Parent/Student Handbook – Each parent should read and determine to follow the instruction of the Parent/Student Handbook. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure their children follow this handbook as well.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

Granger Christian School admits students of any sex, race, color, nationality, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to our students. The school does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, and color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions procedures, scholarship programs, athletic, and other school-administered programs. The school does, however, reserve the right to deny admission to any individual who cannot benefit by the experience based on past academic achievement or whose personal lifestyle is not in harmony with the stated philosophy and purpose of GCS.

ENROLLMENT FEE

Each application must be accompanied by an application fee.

TUITION

All payments are made online through FACTS, the tuition management company GCS partners with to process payments.

Tuition may be paid by full year or semester (in advance) or in monthly payments. A prepay
discount is available except to families receiving financial aid.

When tuition or other accounts are in arrears or fines have not been paid, report cards and diplomas will be withheld and no transcripts or records will be transferred to other schools.

Each time a bank returns a check to us, for any reason, a $20 fee will be charged to your account. You will be notified of this occurrence within ten days. After two returned checks, you will be required to make all payments to GCS by cash, money order, or cashiers’ check.

In addition to application/enrollment fees and tuition, every student will pay a registration fee to cover textbooks, agenda, handbook, testing, technology/administrative fees, supplies and materials for the year. This fee, along with any fees associated with the start of school will be identified and paid during registration. Other incidentals or items such as field trips, retreats, lunches and after care will be assessed as they occur.

Donations to GCS are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by IRS codes. (Consult your tax advisor.) GCS is a ministry of Grace Church, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation.

ADDITIONAL FEES

In addition to application/enrollment fees and tuition, every student will also pay a pre- established book rental fee. Other fees, such as retreats, yearbook, etc. will be assessed as they apply. Most additional fees will be paid during August registration.

GIFTS
A SPECIAL NOTE TO PARENTS

Since tuition does not cover all of the operating expenses necessary to educate our students, GCS must rely on the generous gifts of parents and others concerned for Christian education. Opportunities will be provided throughout the school year for parents to help meet the costs ofeducating their children. We assume that it is the desire of our families to financially support GCS to the degree the Lord enables them to help meet this need.  DONATIONS MADE TO GCS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS

Each student is required to have a physical examination prior to entering kindergarten. The Indiana Statutes require that school children be adequately immunized unless the parents submit a written objection based on constitutional grounds.

PHILOSOPHY OF ATTENDANCE

Regular and prompt attendance at school is a vital pattern for children to develop. Valuable instructional time is missed when a student is absent. Working at home or catching up cannot replace the time with the teacher in the classroom. The teacher cannot possibly give make-up assignments to cover everything missed.  This especially applies to the lower grades on days when a new concept or skill is being taught. Absenteeism also places an extra burden on the teachers, causing them to spend extra hours preparing make-up work for each child when time at school is missed.

Scripture makes it clear that we are to be faithful in the things which God gives us to do. It is required in stewards that a man be faithful (I Corinthians 4:2). Faithfulness certainly includes being dependable with our attendance.

We value quality time together as a family, yet at the same time, we would be remiss if we did not point out that it is your responsibility as parents to aid us in giving your child a quality education through continuous attendance.

Family vacations during school weeks can be a problem. Adequate time for vacations is available at Christmas, spring break, and summertime, and we ask that you limit vacations to these times.

The pattern formed in early life is usually very closely related to those of adulthood. In one way, we view a student’s relationship to school in much the same way an employer views an employee.

We realize there are extenuating circumstances, which cause absences and tardiness. We want to stress the importance of not bringing children to school who may be contagious, have a fever over 100o, are vomiting, or need 24 hours of medication before returning to school, etc. Additionally, we realize the vast majority of our students will be absent or tardy on occasion. There are many cases of tardiness which can be avoided by planning ahead.

ATTENDANCE GOALS

We view school as a student’s job, and perfect or outstanding attendance is a goal for which all should strive.

MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENTS
When students are absent, it is the student’s responsibility to make up the work missed. The student will be given a reasonable amount of time to make up the missed work, which should not exceed twice the number of days absent for up to three days. For any absence longer than three days, make-up work must be arranged with the teacher. Work turned in within the time limit set by the teacher will be graded at full credit. Work assigned prior to an absence should be submitted upon return, and assigned tests should also be taken upon return. If you feel this is not possible due to extenuating circumstances, please send a note with your student explaining the reasons.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

Should school need to be canceled because of snow or other inclement weather conditions, this announcement will be aired over local radio and television stations. We will make every effort to get this on the air by 6:30 a.m. Please do not call the school or staff since all closing announcements will be made via the news media. Please be aware that delayed openings may also be announced. We could possibly delay the opening of school for one or two hours (or potentially decide to cancel) depending upon weather conditions. Please continue to listen for updates on your local stations.

CLOSED-CAMPUS POLICY/VISITORS

Granger Christian School operates under a closed-campus policy. Generally, once a student arrives on school property in the morning, he/she is not to leave until dismissed from school in the afternoon. The closed-campus policy covers assemblies and school activities as well.

This closed-campus policy also covers all visitors. Parents and interested friends are welcome to visit our classes by making arrangements through the school office at least 24 hours in advance. At the time of the visit, please report to the office. Parents who are visiting their child for lunch must also check in at the office. Parents are invited to attend our chapel services. Forgotten homework, books, lunches, etc. should be left in the office rather than being taken directly to the classroom.

Parents and friends must check in at the office upon entering the building during school hours.

For student visitors, the parents of the host student must make arrangements with the office at least one day in advance. All visitors must abide by school regulations, including dress code. We prefer to have only visitors who are prospective students. Student visitors must visit on non-party days.

Students are not to arrange noon-hour visits with other students who are not enrolled at GCS.

PARENTS IN THE BUILDING

We welcome parents to come to our offices at any time if you have needs with which we can help you. We would ask that you follow these simple guidelines:

  • If a parent needs to meet with a teacher, please arrange for an appointment at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Because we cannot accommodate all of the parents in the hallways (space problems), we would ask you to kindly wait outside to pick up your children at dismissal time.
  • If you desire to have a conference with an administrator, please call for an appointment so we can ensure that person is available.


GENERAL PHILOSOPHY
Because of the wide differences in backgrounds and spiritual preferences/convictions, acceptance and cooperation are very important. The standard of dress at Granger Christian School is designed to reflect modesty, neatness, and moderation. Our desire is that the dress code be one that contributes to a distinctive Christian education and promotes an effective learning environment. Our dress codes are designed to promote a high level of personal character and appearance.


It is important to understand that if we do not allow a particular article/style of clothing or dress, we are not saying the item is wrong to wear at other times – just not to school. Our dress code is not designed to support or encourage the latest fashion trends and fads. This means that clothing bought at some of the popular clothing stores may not meet GCS standards.


Decisions regarding clothing choices are, at times, very complex. Because styles change frequently, we cannot anticipate and cover every possible fashion style ahead of time. Developing a dress code which is all-encompassing is nearly impossible. In all dress code issues, the administration reserves the right to make the final decision on the appropriateness of clothing and appearance. The administration also reserves the right to make adjustments to the dress code should the need arise.

We recognize that families, and sometimes school officials, interpret the dress code in a different manner. We realize that consistency and fairness are vital to having an effective dress code. Yet, there is a grave danger in giving the impression that externals are more important than internals (“the hidden man of the heart” – I Peter 3:4). We desire, with your help, to let our young people know that “what” you are is most important.

Please try to understand and apply the following thoughts regarding the dress code:

  • We desire that our students reflect the best possible image of our school and of the Lord.
  • We desire NEATNESS in the dress of our student body.
  • We want to emphasize the principle of MODESTY.
  • A student’s dress should not draw undue attention to him/herself.
  • We ask that the parents take responsibility to ensure their student(s) complies with the dress code.
  • Because styles change rapidly, we cannot cover every clothing possibility.
  • Each student’s appearance will be judged on an individual basis.
  • The administration will make the final decision on the appropriateness of a student’s dress and appearance.
  • Students violating the code will be dealt with as privately as possible. If necessary, the student may be sent home to change or not be allowed to attend class until a change of clothing can be made available.
Students should not expect to be continually warned about Dress Code Violations. Please refer to the Elementary and Secondary Sections for specific dress code details.

GENERAL SCHOOL REGULATIONS
In order to maintain a proper learning environment, procedures of conduct have been established. The following are general school rules necessary for the orderly and safe operation of the school and are applicable to ALL students:

  • Food and beverages will only be consumed by students in the lunchroom or other areas assigned by the teacher during designated lunch periods.
  • Students should refrain from going to the office except for a specific and legitimate reason.
  • When leaving the classroom for any reason during class time, ALL 7th–12th grade students must have their agenda with the pass section completed by the classroom teacher.
  • Calls from GCS: Generally, students do not need to make calls during the school day. We realize that situations arise where it is necessary for students to call home or to a parent’s work location. In these cases, students must come to the office to use the phone. Phone calls home will be limited to emergency and/or necessary situations.
  • Calls to GCS: We are unable to pass along messages to students, unless it involves an emergency situation or transportation problem. Please plan ahead to communicate transportation plans for after- school activities.
  • When a parent needs to talk with a teacher, we ask that you adhere to the following guidelines:
    • If possible, please send a note or email to the teacher with your student. The teacher will either return the note or call you as requested.
    • Call the school office and leave a message for the teacher. If needed, the teacher will return your call at the earliest convenience.
    • As a last resort or in an emergency, you may call the teacher at home.
  • There is to be no gum chewing or mints in the building. (Exclusion: ball games and athletic practices)
  • No electronic entertainment devices are allowed at school or on school activities unless requested by the teacher.
  • Cell phones must be turned off at all times and kept in a secure location (e.g., locker, purse, pocket, book bag, etc.).
  • Roller skates/blades, skateboards, or any other item which might pose a danger or is disruptive to the educational process, are not permitted at school. This includes laser pens and pocketknives.
  • Batting, catching, and throwing balls before and after school is prohibited on all outside grounds.
  • Playground fences and trees are not to be climbed.
  • Throwing snowballs is not permitted.
  • Students are not permitted to leave the building unless permission has been secured beforehand from the school office. This includes going to the parking lot to get something from a car.
  • All students should keep their hands to 
themselves and their own property at all times. A “hands-off” policy is to be followed at all times (including bus trips, athletic events, field trips, etc.). This includes “couples”.
  • Parents are asked to pick up their children and car-pool members no later than 3:15 p.m. Those students waiting beyond 3:15 p.m. will be placed in our after-care program and applicable charges will be assessed.
  • Students are not allowed to use the playground, athletic equipment, athletic fields, or gymnasium before or after school without permission and proper supervision from a coach or the school office.
  • Students are not to leave books, bags or instruments on the hallway floor at any time.
  • Students are expected to refrain from the following or face appropriate disciplinary action:
    • Vulgar language or swearing
    • Fighting
    • Bullying
    • Verbal abuse/criticism of other students
    • Cheating
    • Vandalism
    • Stealing
    • Disobedience
    • Defiance, disrespect, cut-downs, and criticism
    • Lying
    • Reckless operation of a motor vehicle on school property
    • Sexual immorality
    • Use, sale, or possession of illicit drugs or alcoholic beverages
    • Possession of or threats concerning potentially harmful weapons. This includes laser pens and pocketknives.
    • Smoking or possession of tobacco
    • Threats of violence or acts of violence •
  • Students, whose conduct and behavior outside of school reflects poorly on accepted Christian behavior, may be subject to school probation or loss of enrollment. This includes the improper use of the internet and/or its resources. 


DAMAGED OR LOST SCHOOL PROPERTY 

Students causing damage to any GCS property, books, or equipment must pay the cost of repair or replacement.
Books and equipment that are checked out to students must be returned to the teacher responsible for the articles within seven (7) days of the last usage. A fine may be charged beyond the seven days.

THE MATTHEW 18 PRINCIPLE
We believe the Matthew 18 principle should be used when any problem or misunderstanding occurs. When you go to the person(s) directly involved in the problem or misunderstanding, you can generally solve most of the problems. Administration should be brought into the issue only after the parents, students, and teachers have discussed the situation.

ATHLETICS
Please refer to the Athletic Handbook.

GENERAL INFORMATION

GAME REGULATIONS

Students in kindergarten through 4th grade are not allowed to attend athletic events unless they are accompanied by an adult (older than high school age). If attending a game, the elementary student must remain with that adult at all times.

For all students (kindergarten through 12th grade), the playground, athletic fields, hallways, and classrooms are off limits during games. Only the gym, front restrooms, front lobby, and cafeteria (if refreshments are being served) are open during the contest(s).

CHURCH ATTENDANCE

As a Christian school, we expect all of our students and parents to be faithful and regular in attendance at their local church.

COPY MACHINES

We are not able to run copies on our office machines for parents or students.

FUNDRAISING

Only those fundraising activities approved by the administration will be permitted. No fund-raising by outside groups or individual students will be allowed unless approved by the administration. While we invite families to participate in our fundraising activities, we understand that you may not always be able to do so.

LUNCH/SNACKS

Students may either bring a lunch from home or purchase a hot lunch. Hot lunches must be ordered in advance. Menus and due dates will be sent home with the students.

MEDICATIONS

If a student is required to take medication while at school, a Permission to Take Medication form must be filed, in writing, with the school office. The student may then bring in a dose for one- day only. If a student must bring a non- prescribed medication to school (e.g., aspirin, antihistamine), the student may bring only one- day’s dose. Elementary students must give the medicine and note to their classroom teacher. Secondary students may keep medication with them and be responsible for taking it at the prescribed time. No student shall give or sell medications to another student at any time. The office does not stock nor dispense any type of medication.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS

We cannot get along without the numerous people who help us in so many ways. Thank you for your unselfish and untiring devotion to the Lord, the school, and our students. We would like to ask one favor if you choose to volunteer. In a classroom, please understand the need to be a good example in the areas of conduct and dress. We request that you follow the school dress code when working in a position of authority. (e.g., classroom aide, lunch room, field trip monitor, etc.) Volunteers must come to the office and sign in or out. Thank you!

PLAYGROUND

Students are not allowed on the playground or athletic field without proper supervision.

SCHOOL BUSINESS HOURS

The school office will be open for business from 7:45 a.m.–4:00 p.m. each school day. Please contact the office should you need to speak with us outside of normal office hours.

TRAFFIC PATTERNS FOR ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

GCS is located at a very busy intersection. For the safety of our families and those driving near the school, it is important that all of us drive very carefully and defensively at all times. Please help us by observing the following:

  • Comply with all requests the school puts out for traffic patterns.
  • Do not leave cars unattended unless parked in a marked parking space.
  • Parents or teachers of elementary students must escort children from the sidewalk to the car.
  • Please drive carefully in our parking lots. You must pay attention to all instructions given by our staff directing cars at arrival and dismissal.
  • Do not use a cell phone while driving in our parking lot. This is a very unsafe practice and places our students, staff, and other parents in danger.
  • Students driving to school must park in the area designated for student parking. Elementary students riding with high school drivers may not go directly to the car. The high school driver must come to the elementary pick-up line to pick up the elementary student.
  • Improper driving and parking by student drivers will not be tolerated. Failure to observe all safety requirements may result in the loss of driving privileges on school property. 


WITHHOLDING REPORT CARDS

Report cards will not be released if a student owes fines, has school property not returned, or if the family is in arrears on tuition payments. This does not include fines for individual class activities.