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School Handbook

Edenville Seventh-day Adventist 

Elementary School 



 


 

2022-2023

 

P.O. Box 189

342 West Curtis Road  Edenville, MI 48620

989-689-3505

 

“True education means more than pursuing a certain course of study.  It has to do with the whole person, and with the whole period of existence possible to human beings.  It is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers." 

Ellen G. White

True Education, p. 9.

 

Table of Contents

Directory    3

Introduction    4

School History    4

Mission Statement    4

Philosophy    4

Policies & Procedures    5

Admission Policy    5

Application Procedures    5

Attendance Policy    6

Tardiness    6

Visitor Policy    7

Field Trips    7

Reporting Student Progress    7

Report Cards    7

Parent-Teacher Conferences    7

Healthful Living    7

Breakfast and School Lunches    7

Medical Services    8

Standards of Conduct    8

Personal Appearance Standards    9

School Appearance    10

Additional Rules and Guidelines    10

Textbooks    10

Electronic Devices    10

Telephone Usage    10

New Rules or Guidelines    10

Student Discipline    10

Note to Parents    11

The School Board    11

Home and School Association    12

Financial Information    13

Tuition Payments    13

Tuition Charges    13

School Address:    13

Mailing Address:    13

 

 

Directory

Edenville Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School

 

STAFF

Rachel Jameson, Principal, Teacher Grades 1-8……...…….…….………(989) 264-9462

Deb Azolton Lee, Teacher’s Assistant Monday and Thursday……...……..(989) 429-8733

Susan Cortez, Teacher’s Assistant Tuesday and Wednesday………...…….(989) 329-9483

Linda Harrison, Teacher’s Assistant……………………………….………(989) 689-0348

 

SCHOOL BOARD CHAIR

    Doug Simsack………………...……………………………………………(989) 435-4093

 

SCHOOL TREASURER

    Linda Harrison…………………………………………..…………………(989) 404-0075

 

PASTOR

    Travis Smith…………………………………………….………………….(269) 783-6063

 

HOME AND SCHOOL LEADER……………………………………………..

 

ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION

    Charlotte Green……………………………………….……………………(517) 316-5100

 

SCHOOL BOARD

    Dan Bisel…………………………..Term Ends 6/23……………………(989) 387-5895

    Ellen Bisel…………………………Term Ends 6/25……………………(989) 435-4603

    Chris Richards……………………..Term Ends 6/25……………………(989) 426-5372

Ex-officio Members: Superintendent of Schools, School Principal, School treasurer, Pastor, Home and School Leader.

 

Introduction

The purpose of this handbook is to illustrate the philosophy, policies and requirements for attending the Edenville Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School (Edenville SDA School).  Parents should read this handbook and go over its contents with their children before applying for admission to the school. This will ensure that both parent and child have the opportunity to make an informed decision of whether to attend the Edenville SDA School.

 

School History

The early members of the Edenville Seventh-day Adventist Church believed that all education should be Christ-centered and Bible-based.  This led many people to sacrifice both time and money to establish this school.

The school had its humble beginning in the year 1894 in the home of Nancy Weed, a church member.  In 1897 the school was moved into what was the original Edenville SDA Church located on West Curtis Road.  In 1904 an addition was built on the back of the church and was used to house the school for nearly sixty years.  In 1964 the current school facility was built.

Attendance during the existence of the school has varied from 30 to 5 students.  About 66 teachers have served at the school during those years. The Edenville SDA School has the distinction of graduating students who went on to serve as literature evangelists, ministers, missionaries, doctors, teachers, nurses and workers in other areas of service in the Lord’s work.  The Edenville SDA School is associated with the Michigan Conference of SDA Department of Education. Each of its teachers holds a college degree and has been certified by the Michigan Department of Education.

 

Mission Statement

The purpose of the Edenville SDA School is to lead our students to a living Saviour and to guide them into a practical life of love and service to all.  We feel that if a child is led to Christ and learns to love Him, all other aspects of life will subsequently result in success for the present and eternal wellbeing of the child.

 

Philosophy

The Seventh-day Adventist Church recognizes God as the ultimate source of existence and truth.  In the beginning God created in His image a perfect humanity, a perfection later marred by sin. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, God’s character and purposes can be understood as revealed in nature, the Bible and Jesus Christ.  The distinctive characteristics of Adventist education, derived from the Bible and the inspired writings of Ellen G. White, point to the redemptive aim of true education: to restore human beings into the image of their Maker.

While God presents His infinitely loving and wise character as the ultimate norm for human conduct, human motives, thinking and behavior have fallen short of God’s ideal.  Education in its broadest sense is a means of returning human beings to their original relationship with God. Its time dimensions span eternity.

Adventist education seeks to develop a life of faith in God and respect for the dignity of all human beings, to build character akin to that of the Creator, to nurture thinkers rather than mere reflectors of others’ thoughts, to promote loving service rather than selfish ambition, to ensure maximum development of each individual’s potential, and to embrace all that is true, good and beautiful.

An education of this kind imparts far more than academic knowledge.  It fosters a balanced development of the whole person—physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually.  Working together, homes, schools and churches cooperate with divine agencies in preparing learners for responsible citizenship in this world and in the world to come.

 

Policies & Procedures

Admission Policy

"The Seventh-day Adventist Church, in all of its church schools, admits students of any race to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at its schools, and makes no discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnic background, country of origin, or gender in the administration of education policies, applications for admission, scholarship or loan programs, and extracurricular programs." (Taken from The North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists nondiscrimination policy statement.)

While the Edenville SDA School has been established primarily for the youth of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, membership in the church is not a requirement for admission.  Although the school would like to accept all students, we are not equipped to accept students with some unusual learning, behavioral or disciplinary needs.

 

Application Procedures

Students in grades one through eight who express a definite interest in receiving a Christian education are eligible for admission.  Those wishing to apply for admission to the school should fill out the application form that may be obtained from the school. Applications can be submitted to the school teacher, the School Board chairperson, or mailed to the school.  Applications will be reviewed at the first scheduled School Board meeting after the application is received.

Students will be considered for admission to the first grade if they are at least six years of age by the 1st of September.  This is in compliance with the laws of the State of Michigan.

A medical report from a physician must be submitted when school begins by all students entering into Michigan schools for the first time.  Any special conditions existing which would exclude a student from normal school activities should be stated in writing.

All students transferring from another school will be required to present a report card or transcript from the former school.


 

Attendance Policy

The purpose of the attendance policy is to maintain academic standards for earning credits.  Students who come to school regularly usually achieve more from their total experiences. Frequent absenteeism of pupils from standard classroom learning opportunities disrupts the continuity of the instructional process.  The benefit of regular classroom instruction is lost and cannot be entirely regained even if the work is later made up. Consequently, many pupils who miss school frequently experience great difficulty in achieving the maximum benefit of school.  Indeed, many pupils in these circumstances are able to achieve only mediocre success in their academic programs.

Teachers cannot instruct students who are not present.  The process of education requires a regular continuity of instruction, class participation, learning experiences and study to reach the maximum educational ability of each student.  The regular contact of the pupils with one another in the classroom and their participation in well-planned instructional activity and education underlies and gives purpose to the requirements of compulsory school in this and every other state in the nation.  For these reasons, we feel that a student must satisfy two basic requirements to earn class promotions: (1) satisfy academic requirements, and (2) exhibit good attendance habits.

The Michigan Conference Office of Education requires that school be in session 144 days per year.  Michigan requires that children between the ages of 6 and 16 be in regular school attendance. Parents are expected to ensure that their child attends school regularly and on time.

Punctuality is essential in the development of character.  Tardiness and missed appointments tend to become an unacceptable way of life.  Therefore, any student who is absent from Edenville SDA School for more than eight (8) days during any one semester will be subject to school board review for administrative action.

A student who misses more than eight (8) days in a semester regardless of the reasons for the absences, may forfeit his/her grades.

Parents are asked to call the school on the day of the absence unless prior arrangements have been made.  If prior communication has not occurred, verbal or written communication by the parent must accompany the student upon return to school.

Absences for vacation are discouraged.  Please plan your vacations to coincide with the school calendar.  If that is not possible, it is necessary for the parent to contact the teacher involved at least a week in advance to arrange to get assignments.  We request that the child make every effort to complete any assignments by their return.

Class time is from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday.  All students are expected to be in attendance. If for any reason a child must come earlier or remain later than regular school hours, prior arrangements must be made with the teacher.

 

Tardiness

The reliability of being on time to one’s appointments is a vital aspect of character.  Therefore, arriving late is harmful to the student and detrimental to the overall class program.  All students are expected to meet their appointments on time. Excessive tardiness, like excessive absences, will be subject to review by the school board.

 

Visitor Policy

Parents, church members and school board members are welcome to visit the school.  Arrangements with the teacher are to be made prior to the school day in which the visitation is planned.  If the teacher feels that the visit would be detrimental, he/she has the right to deny it. The decision may be taken to the school board by both parties involved if there is a conflict.

Parents, guardians or church members are welcomed to attend the school board meetings. Simply contact the principal or school board chairman about your interest in attending. (Any meetings dealing with personnel are closed to non-members.)

Parents, family, relatives, friends, and church members are all welcome to attend any of the school sponsored programs and activities which are announced.

Field Trips

Field trips will be planned at the teacher’s discretion and according to Michigan Seventh-day Adventist Conference policy.  The object of these trips is to give the students a practical glimpse of a few of the things they are studying. Parents are required to sign a permission statement before their child will be allowed to participate in a school field trip.

 

Reporting Student Progress

Report Cards

Progress cards will be issued four times a year.  Conferences may be arranged by parents or the teacher as needed.  Parents whose child is below a “C” average in any subject may expect an interim report. Parents may view student progress at any time by logging in to our online student information system..  Login information will be shared with parents and students.

 

Parent-Teacher Conferences

A parent or teacher may discuss a student’s progress at any time.  However, there will be two regularly scheduled parent-teacher conferences each school year.  These will be scheduled by the teacher in consultation with the parents. Normally, such conferences will be held in October and February..

 

Healthful Living

Breakfast and School Lunches

Parents are encouraged to see that their child gets a hearty, well-rounded breakfast.  Breakfast is essential as it provides the student with the energy needed to learn and to grow.

School lunches are also important.  A child’s performance demands a lunch that is nutritionally balanced.  Fresh fruit and vegetables are encouraged. The following items are not allowed:

1. Please do not bring to school beverages such as coffee, tea or other caffeinated soft drinks (Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew, etc.); students are encouraged to drink adequate water.

2. Unclean meats such as pork, shrimp, etc. (see Lev. 11:1-13; Deut. 14:1-21).  A vegetarian diet is encouraged.

3. Food and snacks with high sugar content are discouraged.

Students are not to eat food during school hours except during the provided lunch period or during a school sponsored party.  Students may not chew gum unless the teacher allows it.

 

Medical Services

Students who get sick during school hours will have to be picked up by their parent(s) or a designated guardian if the teacher feels it is necessary. School accident insurance which supplies partial, and, in some cases, complete coverage of student accidents is included in the registration fee.  However, this insurance is secondary. A student’s private insurance is primary. Accidents should be reported promptly to the individual in charge of the activity or to the principal.

 

Standards of Conduct

The chief aim of the Edenville SDA School is to assist young people in developing high standards as a firm foundation for character development.  To accomplish this, the school sets before its students these ideals. Any student who becomes involved with the following practices will be subject to discipline or dismissal from school:

1.  The use, handling or possession of alcoholic beverages, tobacco in all its forms or illegal drugs in any form.

2.  Immoral conduct, improper social relationships, the use of profane or indecent language, indulging in lewd conduct or suggestions or possession of obscene literature or pictures.

3.  Possession of gambling devices.

4.  Theft, damage or defacing of school property or that of other students.  (This includes tampering with fire alarms or extinguishers).  Any damage will be paid for by the student.

5.  Possession of potentially dangerous objects, such as firearms, knives, or other weapons.

6.  Leaving the school grounds without permission.

7.  Persistent violation of school dress standards or other regulations.

8.  Disorderly behavior in or outside the building which endangers the safety of other students.

Personal Appearance Standards

Appearance tells a lot about a person and affects how we feel about ourselves.  It shows what we are interested in and what matters to us. Appearance helps mold our mood and thus impacts the educational process.

 

Each student should have a neat, clean, modest, and simple appearance that is in good taste and appropriate for the occasion.  The principal will handle any questions regarding specific articles of clothing.  To help in making decisions, use the following guidelines as clothing is chosen:

  1. Any writing or pictures on clothing must be in harmony with Seventh-day Adventist Christian standards. (Examples to avoid: rock star association, alcoholic/caffeine beverage association, most secular media/video game association, and suggestive phrases.)

  2. Students do not have time to change clothes for PE, so clothing should be appropriate for both studying and playing.  (For  example, modest and sturdy enough for playing center, quarterback, goalie, etc.  Your 1st grade daughter may be snapping the ball to an 8th grade quarterback.)

  3. Dresses should be long enough and full enough to be modest whether the wearer is sitting, standing, or bending.

  4. Students may not wear sleeveless shirts, dresses, or blouses.

  5. Necklines must be high enough to be modest at all times, including when a student is bending over.  (Check each top by bending over in front of a mirror before wearing the top to school.)

  6. Students may not wear tight-fitting pants or tops. Leggings may be worn under a dress or very long top.  Leggings are not to be worn as pants.

  7. Bermuda type shorts and split skirts are permissible.

  8. A student’s clothing is to cover the midriff at all times.

  9. Clothing may not be ragged or torn.

  10. Students may not wear ornamental jewelry, unnatural appearing make-up, or nail polish.*

  11. Students are to wear shoes at school, and if the shoes have laces, the laces are to be kept tied.  Only sandals that have a strap fastened to the ankle may be acceptable.  Flip flops are not allowed.

  12. Hair should be kept neatly cut, clean, groomed, and not extreme in style.

  13. If a teacher deems it proper to allow athletic-style clothing on a special day, parents and students will be notified. 

  14. Each child should have appropriate outerwear for the season which will allow him/her to participate in outdoor activities. 

    1. Students should bring extra shoes during the winter, so they do not have to wear their snow boots while studying or playing indoors.

*Exodus 33:5,6; 1 Tim. 2:9-10; 1 Pet. 3:3-4; Education, p. 287; Testimonies For the Church, Vol. 6, p. 170

 

School Appearance

Equally important to personal appearance is the appearance of the school.  Since we are stewards of what the Lord has given us, students are expected to help the teachers in keeping the school and school ground neat and clean.  Since the building and grounds are a witness to what the school stands for, students will do what they can to keep things clean and orderly. This includes picking up sticks for the mowing of the grass, taking out the trash, cleaning the bathrooms and the kitchen, cleaning walls, cleaning floors and vacuuming, etc.

 

Additional Rules and Guidelines

Textbooks

The schoolbooks, furnished by the school and rented to the students as covered by the registration fee, will be checked, and evaluated at the beginning and end of the school year by the teacher.  A student whose books have been marred beyond normal usage will be charged according to the damage done. Full payment will be required for all books lost.

Electronic Devices

Electronic devices may be brought to school at the teacher’s discretion. 

Telephone Usage

Students are not to use the school telephone without permission of the teacher.  Any calls not related to injury or illness may or may not be approved.

New Rules or Guidelines

The School Board and teacher have the right to announce rules and guidelines that have not been previously adopted and printed.  Parents will be made aware of any additional rules or guidelines throughout the school year. Every student who registers thereby pledges to cheerfully and faithfully accept any new rules or guidelines.

 

Student Discipline

Discipline is designed to be redemptive, restorative and corrective rather than punitive. When the actions of a student require corrective measures, the teacher will first employ a method of discipline that he/she deems best.  If these measures do not bring the desired results, the teacher will contact the parents of the student. If the undesired behavior of the student does not improve after these steps, the matter will be taken before the School Board.  If an effective solution to the problem cannot be found, the student will either be suspended or dismissed from school.

The responsibility of discipline does not rest solely with the teacher.  Parents and church members should both cooperate and work together with the teacher.  Never should they say or do anything that would undermine the authority and influence of the teacher.  The following statements reflect the importance of such cooperation in the character development of our students.

        “The teacher should not be left to carry the burden of his work alone. He needs the

        sympathy, kindness, the cooperation, and the love of every church member.  The parents

        should encourage the teacher by showing that they appreciate his efforts.”  (Counsels to

        Parents Teachers and Students, p. 153)

 

        “Parents must feel it their duty to cooperate with the teacher, to encourage wise discipline,

         and to pray much for the one who is teaching their children.”  (Fundamentals of Christian

         Education, p. 270)

Note to Parents

The success of the school depends largely upon the full cooperation between parents and teacher.  It sometimes happens that students make complaints to their parents concerning school matters, especially when measures for discipline are involved.  In such cases, parents are urged to withhold judgment until the teacher is contacted and an investigation of the matter is made. Following this plan can prevent unhappy consequences.

A parent who has a question regarding something at school should contact the teacher, school principal, or School Board Chairperson.

Parents should discuss policies, problems or complaints with the teacher rather than with other parents or members of the community.

 

The School Board

The School Board consists of members elected by the Edenville SDA Church, and in some instances, other SDA churches may be invited to elect a member to the School Board.

The purpose of the School Board is to care for the business and administration of the school.  The responsibilities of the School Board are:

1.    To hold regular monthly meetings or as necessary to conduct school business.

2.    To establish rules and guidelines to guide the operation of the school.

3.    To monitor the financial condition of the school.

4.    To monitor student financial accounts.

5.    To staff the school in harmony with the Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists recommendations.

6.    To establish the yearly school budget.

7.    To select and purchase necessary equipment.

8. To provide the care and upkeep of the school and grounds.

9. To organize student recruitment.

10.  To operate the school in harmony with the policies and standards of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination and the “Educational Policies Handbook” provided by the Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

11.   To appoint any committees necessary to fulfill its responsibilities.

12.   To review the applications of all students prior to the beginning of school.  Any students with special financial needs will be reviewed by the Board.

 

Home and School Association

In the Seventh-day Adventist schools, the name “Home and School Association,” has been adopted in place of “Parent-Teacher Association.”  Home and School officers are members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and serve a term from July 1 to June 30.

Members of the Edenville church and patrons of the school are members of the association.  The purpose of the Home and School Association is twofold:  to provide parent education and to unite the home, the school and the church in their endeavors to provide a Christian education for the children.  The responsibilities of the Home and School Association are:

1.  To conduct meetings (up to one each grading period) for parents, teachers and all church members.

2.  To strengthen the relationship between home and school by:

a.  Encouraging frequent communication between home and school.

b.  Encouraging parents to visit school.

c.  Planning a yearly open house.

3.  To offer opportunities for parents to participate in the school.

4.  To provide opportunities for parents and teachers to develop a positive relationship in their work for the children.

5.   To help provide school equipment and supplies which the School Board cannot finance.

6.  To educate parents and teachers in their work of fostering the development of the whole child – “the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers.”  (Education, p. 13)

7.  To provide opportunities for the teacher to demonstrate teaching methods.

8.  To offer opportunities for parent participation in the school.

9.  To work toward the goal of enrolling every child of the church in church school.

The Home and School Association officers and the teachers will plan together the types of meetings, the topics to be presented and other activities for the school year.  These plans should be presented to the School Board at its monthly meeting. (For further explanation as to the work of the Home and School Association, see the Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual.)

 

Financial Information

The Edenville SDA School is financed by tuition charges and contributions.  Tuition charges usually cover approximately one-fifth of the actual cost incurred in the education of a child while the remainder is provided by contributions of the membership of the Edenville Seventh-day Adventist Church and other interested individuals or churches.

Tuition rates are established by the School Board for each year.  The rates are based upon projected enrollment and estimated cost of operation.  The School Board strives to keep the school charges as low as possible without sacrificing the quality of education.

The school recognizes the need for financial assistance for some students.  Worthy students in need of special tuition assistance will be considered on an individual basis by the School Board.

Tuition Payments

Tuition charges are based upon the ten months of school.  The first monthly payment is due upon registration in August along with the registration fee.  Subsequent payments are due on the 20th of each month, September through May.  Monthly statements are sent out indicating current account activity.

Tuition should be mailed directly to the school or to the school treasurer.  All checks, drafts or money orders should be made payable to the Edenville SDA School.

If your account becomes delinquent, it is your duty to contact the School Board chairperson or treasurer to clarify your intent or payment.  Those students whose accounts become two months delinquent may, at the discretion of the School Board, be dismissed from the school. Generally, students will not be accepted for the following year if their accounts are not up to date.

Tuition Charges

Registration fee………………………………$150

First child monthly charge…………………...$200

Second child monthly charge……...………...$190

Third child monthly charge…...……………..$180

Kindergarten monthly charge…...…………...$200

 

School Address:

342 West Curtis Road

Edenville, Michigan

Mailing Address:  

P. O. Box 189

Edenville, Michigan 48620

989-689-3505


 

(Last modified January 8, 2023)