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Handbook
Maranatha Christian SchoolsA Ministry of Maranatha Chapel Established 1990 Preschool Parent Handbook 2006-2007 10752 Coastwood Road San Diego, Ca. 92127 (858) 613-7803 Mr. Dennis Frey – Superintendent Sherri Garbarini-Director MARANATHA CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Welcome Welcome to Maranatha Christian Preschool (MCPS). We are genuinely thankful for the privilege and opportunity to participate in the education of your child and caring for their spiritual needs. We believe that God has called us here for that purpose. Partnering with parents, we can provide an experience that will equip each student with the tools they will need to reach their academic potential and grow spiritually in their relationship with Jesus Christ. We trust that this school year will be very rewarding for you and your child. Please remember to pray for all students and the school staff as we work together with every parent to train up virtuous and wise young men and women for the service of our lord Jesus Christ. May the Lord truly bless you and your family this school year! Relationship to Maranatha Chapel Maranatha Christian Schools (MCS) exists as a ministry of Maranatha Chapel. Unless noted or changed via written communication, the guidelines of MCS’s policies apply to all who serve in and attend the school. If you have any questions or need further clarification of policies, please see the school’s administrator. Maranatha Chapel’s Vision Statement: As His children we are to be: Following Jesus; He is the onlyWay. Feeding on God’s Word; He is the only Truth. Fulfilling God’s purposes for our lives; Only then will we have abundant Life. Mission Statement: Maranatha Christian Schools, in partnership with parents, is dedicated to providing a Christ-centered preschool program in a nurturing environment, supporting spiritual and academic excellence, and equipping students to fulfill God’s purposes in their daily lives. Statement of Faith We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. We believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is fully God and fully man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins; He arose bodily from the dead and ascended to heaven, where, at the right hand of God the Father, He is now our High Priest and Advocate. Our supreme desire is to know Christ and to be conformed into His Image by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are not a denominational church, nor are we opposed to denominations. We do not, however, agree with the over emphasis of the doctrinal differences that have led to divisions in the Body of Christ. We believe that the true basis for Christian fellowship is God's [Agape] love, which is greater than the differences we possess and without which we cannot claim to be Christians. We believe the Bible, God's Holy Word, is our foundation, it is authoritative as the rule of faith and is the standard for living. We believe worship is Spiritual. Therefore: we remain flexible and yielded to the leading of the Holy Spirit to direct our school. We believe worship of God should be inspirational. Therefore: music is an integral part of our spiritual development. We believe worship of God should be intelligent. Therefore: chapel services and education programs are designed with great emphasis on the teaching of God's Word. We believe worship of God is fruitful. Therefore: we look for His love in our lives as evidence that we have truly been worshipping Him. Philosophy of Education We believe that parents are God’s primary provision for nurturing and educating children (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). Our philosophy of Christian education consists of the home, church and school aligning themselves and working together to help provide a solid foundation for the students. The ultimate goal of students is for them to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. It is our desire to come alongside and supplement the home, serving as a representative of parents in matters of education, ministry, and discipline during school hours. We believe a strong home/school relationship is essential. Therefore, parental involvement and support play a vital role in the social, emotional, cognitive, physical and spiritual growth of each child (1Thessalonians 5:23). Teachers and parents must regularly and consistently communicate regarding the progress of their child. As a ministry of Maranatha Chapel, Maranatha Christian Preschool presents a Bible-centered, hands on, developmentally appropriate philosophy of education that places Jesus Christ at the center of all things. God’s Truth is universal in scope. Therefore, we believe that integrating the knowledge of His truth with man’s discoveries in science, mathematics, geography, literature, etc. will give our students an appropriate and godly perspective. Core Values Proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord of our school, recognizing His Word as final authority. Engaging only in activities that support our mission. Providing a safe, orderly and caring environment that promotes productivity and stimulates learning. Pursuing excellence in all our endeavors. Seeking unity in all we do. Promoting clear, candid and frequent communication with all constituencies. Staff Our Director and teachers have met or exceeded the early childhood education licensing requirements for the state of California. In addition, each teacher is a professing believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and attends a bible believing church. Each staff member has been called by God to minister at MCPS and counts it a privilege to serve the families represented here. Enrollment Maranatha Christian Schools admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at this school. MCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national, or ethnic origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal and state law, in administration of its policies, educational policies, athletics, and any other school-administered programs. Ages Tue./Thurs. morning half day 3 year old program, student must be 3 and potty trained by September 1st of that school year. MWF Morning and Afternoon half day 4 year old program, student must be 4 by September 1st of that school year. M-Thurs. or M-F half day Jr. K program, student must be 5 by December 31st of that school year. School Hours Maranatha Christian Preschool’s hours are as follows: 8:30 - 11:30 Morning Programs 12:30 - 3:30 Afternoon Programs Lunch Bunch Lunch bunch is a program offered to those children who wish to stay and eat lunch with their friends. The time is from 11:30 – 12:30 and the cost is $5.00 per child. Sign-up sheets will be posted in the office at least two weeks in advance. Priority Enrollment MCPS opens enrollment in the following order: 1) Families that are currently enrolled at Maranatha Christian Schools. 2) Families that currently attending Maranatha Chapel (pastoral reference required) 3) Families from the surrounding communities Enrollment process
Registration Fee There is a $50.00 non-refundable new student application fee due upon enrollment. There is a non-refundable $85.00 all student registration fee due at registration in May. Tuition Maranatha Christian Schools follows a traditional school year calendar and charges an annual tuition. Tuition can be paid either in full no later than July 5th or in 10 month installments which is collected through FACTS Tuition Management Company. There is a $41.00 fee to use this service. Please see school office for tuition information sheet. Withdrawal Notification of withdrawal must be received in the office by the 10th of the month in order to stop the automatic payment for the next month. Affiliations/Licensing Maranatha Christian Preschool is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). MCPS is also licensed with the state of California and strives to meet or exceed the Title 22 standards set forth by the Department of Social Services. OUR PROGRAM Sign In/out It is required by the state of California that all students be signed in and out with a full signature and time by an adult listed on their emergency form. If you wish for someone to pick up your child who is not on the emergency card, you must notify the director in writing. I.D. will be required for anyone picking up a child who is not their parent or guardian. Promptness It is very easy for a 3, 4, or 5 year old to become distracted. That being said, the staff at MCPS asks that you have your child signed in the classroom by 8:30 to help minimize distraction. If there is a day in which you cannot be there on time, please enter the classroom quietly and encourage your child to join the class in the given activity as quickly and quietly as possible. Communication MCPS will make every effort to keep the parents informed about every day activities, upcoming events, needs, and praises. We will send home fliers as well as communicate electronically. It is the parent’s responsibility to read the information sent home. Uniform As a whole Maranatha Christian Schools adheres to a uniform policy. Therefore, MCPS students will be required to dress in “preschool uniform” at all times. This uniform will consist of shorts that are no shorter than 2 inches from the knee or pants and a MCPS t-shirt available in the school office. If a child comes to school out of uniform we will change them and bill the family accordingly. The cost for these t-shirts is $10.00. Extra Clothes While all students are required to be potty trained upon enrollment, we recognize that accidents do happen. Please bring a change of pants and underwear for your child and keep them in your child’s bucket at all times. Buckets Each student should bring a bucket to school every day. Buckets will be lined up outside the classroom door. All parent communication and artwork will be sent home in your child’s bucket. We would ask that you keep a change of clothes in your child’s bucket at all times as we often get dirty or wet! Children can decorate their bucket in a fun and appropriate manner. Please remember that super heros and other controversial figures (ie. spiderman, batman, Yu-Gi-Oh, Harry Potter) are not allowed. Health Policies For the protection of all students, children should be kept home if they show any of the following symptoms:
Please contact the school before 10:00 a.m. if your child contracts any contagious disease including…
Emergency/Illness It is a requirement that all staff be trained in both first aid and CPR. We have basic first aid supplies in each classroom and on the playground. While we want to prevent as much injury as possible, it is inevitable that a few bumps and bruises will happen. Our staff will treat any minor injury that may happen and then notify you by a note home. In the event that a major medical emergency happens, our staff will take the appropriate first aid measures and then notify you by phone. It is extremely important that you have at least two up-to-date emergency numbers on file for us to use as a contact. Medication [CCR, Title 22, Section 101226 (e)] It is the policy of the State of California that the administering of medicine to students during school hours is discouraged unless absolutely necessary for the critical health of the student. Under no circumstances are teachers or other non-administrative school employees authorized to administer medication to students. We discourage the use of non-essential medication during school hours unless there is a special or serious need. A parent's release and request form is available for this purpose. Use of over-the-counter medication is discouraged. However, if the student’s physician prescribes this type of medication it falls under the same guidelines as prescription medication (cough drops are included as over-the counter remedies). All medication must be taken to the school office and dispensed by the school nurse or other authorized personnel. The school must receive: 1. A written statement from a physician detailing the method, amount and time schedules by which such medication is to be taken, and… 2. A note from parents/guardian indicating a desire that the school assist the pupil in the manner set forth in the physician’s statement, and… 3. The medication must be in the original prescription container. COMMUNICABLE DISEASE MCS is committed to providing a strong Christ-centered instructional program. Students admitted to MCS shall be protected from influences negatively affecting their well-being and education progress. Children with communicable diseases could affect classmates adversely. Therefore, MCS will exclude student applicants who are currently affected with live (active) viruses from illnesses of a communicable nature. Absences Since enrollment is limited by state regulations and expenses continue regardless of attendance, no reduction or make-up time will be given when your child is absent or for school scheduled holidays. Extended illness needs to be brought to the Director’s attention. Tuition is averaged over the year and is based on a four week month to take into account days closed. Disaster Preparedness Program California State law requires all schools to have a plan in place in order to provide care for students in the event of a major earthquake or other disaster. Therefore, MCS requires the following items to be kept on campus, for all students and staff.
Fire Drills MCPS will conduct fire drills with all classes on a monthly basis. Notice of these drills will be found on the monthly calendar sent home with the newsletter. Separation Preschool is a new experience for the children, a new teacher, a new classroom, and new friends. To ease in the transition we have an orientation week to introduce both you and your child to our preschool. We also have shortened hours on the first day of school. Children adjust best when there is a routine established. We suggest that you bring your child to class, sign him/her in, help them get settled with a teacher or classroom activity, and let your child know that you will be back at the end of the preschool day. WE DO NOT SUGGEST THAT YOU SNEAK OUT ONCE YOUR CHILD IS DISTRACTED WITH AN ACTIVITY. It is best to say good-bye. If your child has difficulty separating, together we will develop strategies to help ease the anxiety. Most of the children adjust fairly quickly to the school routine. Lunch and Snacks MCPS does not have the facilities to provide lunch for the students. Therefore, it is the parent’s responsibility to send a lunch that is healthy and can remain at classroom temperature. There will be a nutritious morning and afternoon snack provided by the preschool. A monthly menu will be posted in the school office. Holidays and Vacations Maranatha Christian Preschool follows the same calendar as the elementary and junior high. This calendar closely resembles Poway Unified School District calendar. A list of our scheduled days off will be sent home in September. Halloween MCPS does not celebrate Halloween. We will be discussing Harvest and Farming. Christmas Christmas is a wonderful time to talk about Christ’s birth and the gift that he gave in coming to earth. We know that many families incorporate Santa into their holiday. In an effort to support family’s decisions regarding their traditions surrounding the holiday MCPS will not teach about Santa Clause. Easter Once again, our focus for this holiday is on Jesus and the sacrifice He made for our sins. During this time we will discuss Palm Sunday, the resurrection, and how Jesus lives today in Heaven. Birthdays We celebrate birthdays during snack time. If you wish to make a special snack on your child’s birthday to be shared by her/his class, you are encouraged to do so. But, please make prior arrangements with your child’s teacher so we can inform you of any food allergies. If you are giving a party outside of school you are welcome to pass invitations out in the class if you are inviting the whole class. If you are not, please discretely give them to the parents in passing or mail them. Discipline The Bible exhorts us to discipline our children because of our love for them. This philosophy should be a hallmark of Christian education. One of the most important lessons that students can learn is the proper response to and respect of authority. We recognize that in “equipping students to fulfill God’s purposes in their daily lives,” will include the opportunity to discipline students. The purpose of discipline is to disciple students according to God’s word and is intended to bring about corrective behavior, or what the Bible calls the “fruit of righteousness.” Discipline is instruction that molds, shapes, correct, and inspires appropriate behavior. It is one of the tools God uses to help develop Christ-likeness. It is therefore, our desire to maintain loving, yet firm disciplinary procedures that will encourage growth. Proverbs 13:24, 22:6; Jn.8:11, Hebrews 12:5,9,11; I Tim 4:12,and Gal. 6:1 The following are the guidelines for handling day-to-day classroom situations and major problems. The Director reserves the right to handle unique individual situations that may not be described in the Parent Handbook in a manner that deems appropriate. All disciplinary decisions are made prayerfully and the school administration reserves the right to make all final decisions regarding discipline. Please note: The use of corporal punishment in discipline is against the law (CCR Title 22, Section 101223.2) and will never be used in a disciplinary action.
Curriculum All classes at MCPS will be taught on a thematic basis that will change monthly. Specific goals and objectives for each class are available in the preschool office. MCPS also uses Bob Jones University Press curriculum in their Pre-K and Jr. K classes for handwriting and pre-reading skills. This is in line with the kindergarten program at MCS. Copies of the “pre-cursive” writing style will be handed out at registration. Pre cursive is not as fancy as denilian and is more rounded than ball and stick. Because we want to maintain consistency in the classroom, MCPS will not teach ball and stick or denilian handwriting styles regardless of the school they will be attending. Sharing Day Sharing day and the theme for sharing will be decided by each teacher and will be posted on the PTC board. The objects brought to school must follow the guidelines set forth by the classroom teacher. Other than sharing item, no toys from home may be brought to the school. Amendment Policy Maranatha Christian Pre-School reserves the right to amend the policies and procedures outlined in this handbook with reasonable notice. This handbook is not an all-inclusive manual. Questions regarding school policies or procedures should be directed to the school director. |
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