It is my pleasure to welcome you to Turlock Christian Elementary School. The faculty and staff join me in saying we’re happy to have you as a part of the TC family. We hope this will be a very successful and rewarding year for you.
The pages of this handbook are filled with important information regarding school policy and procedures. Parents and students should review the contents together. If you have any questions, please call the school office. Sue Buchanan, our school secretary, and I are here to assist you in any way we can. We feel that open and clear communication between school and home is important to the success of our educational program. Turlock Christian parents are our partners in the important job of educating the children with which God had entrusted us.
We welcome your participation and support this school year. You are all members of our Family Service Fellowship organization. I hope you will volunteer throughout the year as opportunities arise, as you will be blessed with the fellowship and friends you will meet. Working together, we will be able to reach our collective and individual goals and celebrate the achievements of our students.
The purpose of education is to provide a continuation of essential learning. It is essential to instill in each student the importance of God’s love for them and His will for their life. We want to help create a positive self-image through the personal development of initiative, resourcefulness, and responsibility.
It is the intent of our entire faculty to lead students toward being disciplined, productive and fulfilled individuals. To achieve these goals, mutual respect and understanding must be present in the learning process on the part of all participants, the faculty, students and parents.
I look forward to meeting each of you and to an exciting and rewarding year.
In His Service,
Mrs. Pam Hanson
Turlock Christian Elementary Principal
Mission Statement
To develop students who excel in learning from a Biblical perspective, experience Christ personally, and serve others wholeheartedly.
GOALS
For Students to Become:
Authentic Christians, who:
§ Receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord.
§ Apply Biblical teachings to provide the foundation for moral and spiritual living.
§ Demonstrate a desire to share with others their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
§ Value others and themselves based on a Biblical view of man, and so develop God-honoring relationships.
§ Live balanced and healthy lives, striving to be good stewards of their God-given resources and abilities.
Academic Achievers, who:
§ Strive to maximize their academic potential in order to equip themselves for God’s plan in their lives.
§ Prepare and plan for future college and career options.
§ Appreciate and produce intellectual, artistic, practical and/or physical products.
§ Show technological literacy and the ability to adapt to emerging technologies.
Critical Thinkers, who:
· Analyze, interpret and evaluate information based on a Biblical worldview.
· Identify, locate and organize information or data.
· Apply problem-solving strategies to real-life scenarios.
· Cultivate discernment in responding to moral and ethical issues.
· Respond to cultural differences with understanding and consideration.
Effective Communicators, who:
· Honor God in their communication, using it constructively and responsibly.
· Use all forms of communication—oral, written, artistic and technological—to clearly express and receive ideas.
· Read fluently, write skillfully, speak competently, listen actively, and articulate clearly Biblical truth.
Community Servants, who:
· Recognize their call by God to serve others.
· Give of their time, talents and resources to make positive contributions to the school, church and community.
· Display God’s love to a diversity of people, locally and globally.
Admission Policy
Turlock Christian Schools, Inc. makes no distinction concerning an individual’s race or ethnic background because the school acknowledges that there can be no preferential treatment from God. Romans 2:11
Students attending Turlock Christian School are educated in an environment that is distinctively Christian. Turlock Christian expects that all who present themselves for enrollment will demonstrate their respect and honor for the Christian principles on which the school is founded.
Acceptance is based upon the evaluation of a personal interview, references, and educational performance or developmental readiness of the student.
Re-enrollment is required for all students on a yearly basis.
Academic and Standards and Procedures
Goal of Students
The goal of each student should be the fullest development possible of his God given ability.
1. Students should come to class prepared. All necessary work materials should be brought to class. All assignments should be completed prior to class.
2. In order to learn, students must be in class. Therefore, students should be regular and punctual in attendance.
3. Students must make a strong effort to do the work on their own. He or she should ask the teacher for assistance if help is needed.
Subjects Offered
Bible Mathematics Choir Language Arts Science
Music Theory Reading Social Studies Physical Education Computer
Penmanship Spelling Fine Art/Meet the Masters Art Program
Band (elective for 4-6 graders)
Report Cards
Report cards are issued four times a year, approximately every nine weeks. Parents and/or guardians should examine the report card, sign and return the envelope to the teacher. The dates on which report cards are to be given out will be anounced in the Parent’s Page.
Grading System
Grading scale:
A or E = Outstanding 90–100%
B or S+ = Above Average 80—89%
C or S = Average 70—79%
D or N = Needs Improvement 60—69%
F or U = Unsatisfactory 0—59 %
Inc. = Incomplete work
Student has two weeks to make up required work.
Instructional Level:
1 = Above Grade Level
2 = At Grade Level
3 = Below Grade Level
Students are graded in reading, mathematics and spelling according to their instructional level. Level designation is not constant; it may vary during the school year.
Fourth—Sixth Grade Progress Reports
Halfway through each quarter, teachers will send out Progress Reports for students whose class work is below average. It is possible for a student to be doing average work at mid-quarter and then fail because they did not turn in all required work, had low grades or failed tests. Progress Reports may also be sent home to indicate that the student is improving or doing especially well in class. Personal notes, calls or interim reports may also be sent or made by a teacher at any time during the grading period if the teacher feels that a parent needs to be alerted to a particular situation.
Parent—Teacher Conferences
Any parent who wishes to have a conference with a teacher is welcome to do so. The parent may contact the teacher for an appointment. Should a conference with the principal and teacher be desired, contact the secretary for an appointment. At the end of the first grading period, parents are expected to attend a parent-teacher conference at which time First Quarter report cards will be reviewed.
Parent Classroom Visits
All adults who come on campus must check in with the school office to receive a Visitor’s Pass. Parents wishing to visit the classroom for observational purposes should call the school office at least one day in advance of the day you wish to visit. Parents that are not volunteering are asked to leave the classroom as this disrupts the normal operation of the educational day.
Student Recognition
Turlock Christian participates in the Rotary Club Student of the Month program. Each month, one boy and girl is selected from grades K-6. The criteria for selection are based on classroom success, leadership, participation in school activities, special contribution to school and/or community and citizenship. The selected students are given a write up in the Parents’ Page. Special recognition is given to every student at the end of the school year. A character trait award is given by the classroom teacher during a special awards ceremony. Recognition is also given for Band, Music, P.E. (Presidential Physical Fitness Awards) and Perfect Attendance.
Resource Program
Realizing the importance of strong reading and math skills, TCS has instituted a Remedial Reading and Math Program. Help is given to students who need to further strengthen their skills in either of these areas, determined by the classroom teacher and resource director.
Homework
Homework is an integral part of the school program. Each teacher is at liberty to give homework to our students to enhance their studies. The broad topic of homework includes regular daily assignments and studying for tests and quizzes, as well as the weekly or long-term projects. Students are encouraged to budget their time and properly space their work. They should avoid procrastinating until the night before long-term assignments fall due. Teachers assign this type of project realizing that several sittings are necessary to properly complete the work. Parents are strongly encouraged to assist in the planning and completion of special projects that require work at home over an extended time period, helping the child with explanations when necessary. The work must be done by the child, and he or she must take responsibility for it. The length of homework assignments will be kept within reasonable limits. Homework that is submitted late will receive a reduced grade, with the exception of an excused absence. If a student is absent, a parent may request homework for the
day(s) missed. Please call the school office by 9:00 a.m. so that the teacher can collect the assignments and have them available to be picked up at the end of the day.
Standardized Testing
The Stanford Achievement Test is given annually to all 2nd—6th grade students. Information from these tests is used by the school to help evaluate and respond to the needs of the students in the most effective way possible. Test results will be sent home with the child’s fourth quarter report card, or mailed home as soon as we receive them.
Textbooks
Textbooks are furnished to students by the school. Once a student has received a book, he is responsible for it. All textbooks must be covered immediately and stay covered the entire year. Books are not to be covered with contact paper or the stretchy material book covers. These covers are typically too tight and ruin the book bindings.
Standards of Behavior
Spiritual Life and Conduct
One of the unique purposes of Turlock Christian Elementary School is to prepare Christian young people for effective service for Christ. TCS desires for each student a vital, personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ and asks all students to measure their lives by spiritual standards of conduct.
Each student should understand that attending TCS is a privilege granted to those who will demonstrate a spirit of harmony with the philosophy and goals of the school. By applying for admission to TCS, he or she indicates their desire to become a sincere, cooperative member of the student body.
Chapel
Chapel is held each Thursday for all K—6 graders. This is a time of biblical teaching, praise and worship, and student recognition. We encourage parents to attend.
Pledges of Allegiance
1. Pledge to the American Flag—I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
2. Pledge to the Christian Flag—I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag, and to the Savior for whose Kingdom it stands. One Savior, crucified, risen and coming again, with life and liberty for all who believe.
3. Pledge to the Bible—I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God’s Holy Word; I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I will hide its words in my heart that I might not sin against God.
Christian Lifestyle
Students enrolled at TCS must at all times refrain from:
1. Possession, distribution and/or use of illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, any form of tobacco, or pornographic material.
2. Involvement in immoral activities.
3. Swearing, using bad language that is unbecoming to a Christian.
4. Acts of dishonesty, such as cheating, lying, and stealing.
Students enrolled at TCS will:
1. Listen to whoever has the floor or is in authority.
2. Follow “common sense” principles of behavior.
3. Leave all cell phones, CD players, iPods, MP3 players, electronic games, etc., at home unless prior permission has been granted by a teacher or the principal.
4. Clothing and personal property must display only pictures and messages which enhance and support the spiritual standards and goals of the school.
Mutual Respect
For Teachers: As the students’ direct authority, teachers are to be shown respect. This is both a Biblical mandate and common courtesy.
For Students: As a staff, the school also accepts its responsibility in treating students with the utmost respect and fairness. Should a student feel that a teacher has been disrespectful or unfair, he or she is encouraged to speak to the teacher first. If that is unsuccessful, the student should then appeal to the principal.
For Fellow Students: Verbal abuse or harassment of another student is totally unacceptable to the school’s Christian ethics and is in direct opposition to the purpose of TCS.
Expectations of Student Classroom Behavior
In order to maintain a classroom environment which allows for maximum learning, teachers will establish those standards they feel necessary. The following are standards for all classes:
1. Students must always demonstrate respect for and cooperation with teachers.
2. Students will be on time each day and be prepared with the necessary materials and mental attitude which indicates a readiness to learn.
3. Communication which is edifying to both the teacher and/or student.
4. Cheating, stealing, and plagiarism will not be allowed.
5. Students are responsible for the cleanliness around their desks at the end of the day.
Expectations of Student Campus Behavior
The following serves as a guide for student behavior on campus:
1. Hallway Courtesy: Students are expected to walk in halls and on walkways and stairs. Talking will be allowed at normal voice level.
2. Lunch Courtesy: Students will eat lunch in designated areas according to the weather. Students will clean up after themselves.
3. Littering; All students should do their part by keeping classrooms, halls, walkways, restrooms and lunch areas free of litter.
4. Chapel Courtesy: Chapel is a time set aside for praise, worship and instruction from the Bible. Students should enter and leave chapel in a manner conducive to worship.
5. School and Church Property: Buildings, furniture, books, materials and grounds are provided and maintained through the efforts of many people so that students may receive a Christian Education. TCS students are expected to assist in preserving all school and church property.
Expectations of Parent Behavior
We are the role models for our students. It is expected that parents and staff members will be respectful at all times to one another. This includes:
1. Follow Matthew 18 in situations that may require guidance.
2. Respect for privacy. Please do not speak about sensitive matters in the hallways, in front of students, etc. Arrange a private conference with a teacher if you have a concern.
3. Obey all traffic patrols and observe common safe driving rules. Demonstrate patience and extreme caution while picking up and dropping off students. Observe speed limits.
4. Any parent who speaks in a demanding, insulting or demeaning manner to a staff member will be asked to leave campus and may jeopardize their student’s enrollment at TCS. A conference with the site administrator and superintendent may be scheduled.
5. It is not appropriate for parents or other unauthorized adults to take matters into their own hands. This includes reprimanding any student other than their own child.
6. Our goal is to work together in harmony, resolving all conflicts and misunderstandings in a Christ-like manner. It is our intention to treat all individuals with dignity and respect.
Discipline
Without discipline, a school will not achieve its full potential. In Hebrews 12:6 and 11 Paul tells us, “...the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
Effective discipline means the classroom is free from confusion, disorder, and anti-social behavior. It means that each student and the group as a whole operates freely within a structured framework which they understand, accept and incorporate into their behavior with constant reminders and punishment.
The classroom teacher will decide when a student is to receive the initial warning based on his/her classroom rules. All classroom rules are based on the following statements:
1. The student will respect the rights and property of others by treating others with respect.
2. The student will listen when others are speaking so he may hear and follow directions.
3. The student will accept the authority of the teacher and respect the right of his classmates to learn. The student will be quiet, attentive and accept the responsibility of completing all tasks assigned.
Detention Policy 4th—6th grades
The teacher will assign detention for the following reasons:
1. The student exhibits violent or abusive behavior towards the teacher and/or students.
2. The student has not followed classroom rules as set by the teacher.
3. The student has not completed homework assignments based on the timeline set by the teacher.
The principal may assign detention and/or out of school suspension for the breaking of the discipline code while the student is on the playground, in the Ministries Center, coming to and from school and/or any other time the student is not in the classroom.
Detention will be held one day a week from 3-4 p.m.
Actions by Principal Concerning Assertive Discipline
If a student is sent by the teacher to the principal for further discipline action, the following actions will be enforced:
The first visit will result in one or more of the following:
A. Conference with student
B. Phone call by student to parent
C. Special duty assignment
D. Prayer
The second visit will result in one or more of the following:
A. Parent/student conference at school
B. Special duty assignment
C. Loss of certain privileges
D. Prayer
The third visit will result in one or more of the following:
A. Parent/student conference at school
B. In-school suspension
C. Loss of certain privileges
D. Prayer
The fourth visit will result in one or more of the following:
A. Parent/student conference
B. In-school suspension
C. Expulsion
D. Prayer
Severe offences will result in one of the following;
A. Immediate removal from school to home
B. Automatic suspension or expulsion
Sexual Harassment
Any form of harassment, including sexual harassment, is absolutely prohibited. Any incident of harassment of a student by another student should be brought immediately to the attention of the school principal. Any incident of sexual harassment of a student by an adult must be reported to a school staff member immediately. Those receiving the report will thoroughly investigate the matter in confidence. After reviewing all the facts, Turlock Christian Schools will make a determination concerning whether reasonable ground exists to believe that harassment has occurred for any incident reported to us. Disciplinary action, up to and including discharge, will be taken against any employee or student who is found to have engaged in harassment. In cases of suspected sexual harassment of a student by an adult, a report must be made to local government authorities.
Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, physical, or visual conduct of a sexual nature and such conduct (intentionally or unintentionally), which unreasonably interferes with an individual or creates an intimidating hostile or offensive environment. The school will deal with all of these factors.
We trust that students and staff alike will act responsibly to maintain a pleasant environment, free of discrimination, allowing each individual to perform to his or her maximum potential.
Student Attendance Policy
Regular school attendance is very important. Many lessons concerning spiritual insight, emotional maturity and social adjustment are often learned through the dynamics of the pupil-teacher relationship. These types of lessons cannot be “made-up” like academic work. California state law requires children of school age to be present each day that school is in session, unless illness or a death in the family occurs. It is important that subsequent to each absence the student bring a note from the parents explaining why he or she was absent. Forms are available online or in the elementary office.
An absence is considered excused if it is due to:
1. Illness
2. Doctor, dentist, chiropractor, etc.
3. Bereavement
4. Emergency - an absence which is an obvious one-time emergency situation may be excused at the discretion of the principal or her staff.
If a student misses more than 20 days during the school year, promotion may be in jeopardy. Families are encouraged to plan vacations around the school vacation calendar. If you must leave during the regular school time, you must:
1. Notify the school office and teacher 5 days prior to absence. Complete a Pre-arranged Absence Form, signed by parents and teacher. Principal may modify this requirement in cases of emergency or other circumstances.
2. Make arrangements to bring in completed work following the absence. Assignments must be turned in on the first day the student returns unless other arrangements were approved with the teacher and/or administrator. Work turned in after mutually agreed upon date will receive a reduced grade.
Arrival Time
Kindergarten begins at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 12:15 p.m. Grades 1-6 begin daily classes at 8:30 a.m. All students who arrive BEFORE 8:00 a.m. will automatically come under Extended Day Care supervision and will be charged accordingly.
Departure Time
Daily classes for grades 1-6 end at 2:45 p.m. Students riding in cars should be picked up no later than 3:00 p.m. Students who are walking home or who are riding their bikes should go home immediately upon checking out with their teacher. All students remaining on campus after 3:00 p.m. will be taken to Extended day Care and charged accordingly.
Tardies
Promptness demonstrates self-discipline and responsibility. Self discipline in this area is not only important for proper academic achievement, but is essential for the development of good habits. Attendance shall be taken within the first five minutes of the bell, marking the beginning of class. It must be clearly understood that the parent has the responsibility to see that his child gets to school on time.
Excused Tardies are tardies due to circumstances beyond the control of the student and the parent; for example, illness, unexpected mechanical failure of a vehicle, or weather conditions.
Unexcused tardies are tardies due to circumstances the parent or student could have controlled; for example, oversleeping, late carpool, or family member running late.
Six or more unexcused tardies in one month will result in a conference with the principal. If tardiness becomes habitual, a conference with the principal, superintendent and parents will be mandated.
Withdrawal From the School
The school office must have a one week notice if a parent plans to withdraw his child from school. Any fines must be paid at the time of withdrawal. All financial obligations must be cleared through the business office.
Dress Code
The purpose of the dress code is to minimize influences which distract from the goals of the school. It is also designed to limit competition for attention (based on appearance) among the students. The dress of students should reflect the worth and respect for each person in light of Christian principles.
The school asks for your understanding and wholehearted cooperation in the implementation of this policy while students are involved in the education program and all associated activities of Turlock Christian School.
The establishment of a dress code is necessary due to the variety of lifestyles and standards represented within the enrollment of Turlock Christian School. It is generally easy to determine grossly inappropriate apparel or overly conservative clothing but there is a considerable amount of gray area between the extremes. At TC our goal is for clothing to be neat, clean, modest, and not distracting; appropriate for school activity. Styles which are perfectly acceptable for off campus activity may not be appropriate for school wear. We will always opt towards the conservative standards.
Turlock Christian depends on the parents to work with the administration in maintaining the dress code guidelines. Please remember that the dress code lasts for an entire year when purchasing school clothing. The administration reserves the right to make the final decision in regard to any questionable dress code or appearance of students.
Standards for Girls
1. All skirts and dresses must be appropriate in length for school activities. They must be no shorter than three inches from the floor in a kneeling position.
2. Dresses and girls’ tops should be appropriate for school activity with undergarments not visible. Modest, sleeveless tops are acceptable, but spaghetti straps are not to be worn. Tight tops may not be worn as outerwear. Tops that are too short to completely cover the midriff in all postures are also unacceptable.
3. Bare midriffs, low cut (front or back) or other revealing styles are unacceptable at school and school functions.
4. Swimsuits must be one piece, provide full coverage, and not be low cut on top or high cut at the legs. Tankini's are unacceptable.
5. Kindergarten through 6th grade girls may not wear face make-up.
6. Pierced Jewelry may be worn only in the ears.
Standards for Boys
1. Shirts with collars and pullover shirts designed for external wear are acceptable styles.
2. Hairstyles must be no longer than eyebrows in the front and base of the neck in the back. Any hairstyle which is extreme and causes excess attention is not allowed.
3. Boys may not wear nail polish, earrings, or pierced jewelry of any kind.
Standards for Both Boys and Girls
1. Pants should be clean and neat. Threadbare and ragged pants are not allowed.
2. Modest shorts may be worn throughout the year. For grades 4-6, shorts must be no shorter than the midpoint between the floor and the top of the bend of the thigh ina kneeling position. Cutoffs must be hemmed. Frayed hems are unacceptable.
3. Underwear, including boxer shorts, must not be visible in any posture.
4. All garments with words or pictures must be of a wholesome nature.
5. Shoes are to be worn at all times. Students must either wear gym shoes or have a pair of tennis shoes to change into on days when they have P.E.
6. Wallet chains of no more than 12 inches may be worn; other chains are unacceptable.
7. Hair that is dyed must be a natural color.
8. Hats are allowed on the playground only.
9. Regular school attire should be worn on field trips unless permission is granted for some modification because of the nature of the activity.
A student who violates the Dress Code will be sent home to change into clothing conforming to the Dress Code.
Extra Curricular Activities
Turlock Christian Elementary School offers soccer, volleyball, and basketball team competition for both boys and girls in the sixth grades. For the privilege of participating in sports or any other extra curricular activity, students must maintain good grades and good conduct.
Students who fall below the academic and conduct standards cannot participate. To qualify academically, a student cannot have any failing grades on his or her report cards or mid- quarter progress report. The student will remain ineligible until the next report card and/or mid-quarter progress report whichever comes first.
The following are general rules governing both participants and spectators in extra-curricular activities:
1. All activities are under the supervision of the school. Students are expected to be as responsible and cooperative at an activity as they are in the classroom.
2. The school dress code applies to extra-curricular activities unless specific exceptions are announced.
3. Students may not participate in an extra-curricular activity on the day in which he or she has been suspended or has been absent from school for any other reason.
4. Team members or participants must use school approved transportation unless other means have been specifically approved by the administration. All parents who drive for any event must have a “Private Vehicle Travel Check” form on file in the school office. School insurance only covers students when they are traveling in school authorized vehicles.
Miscellaneous Information
Closed Campus
Because of the legal ramifications under the state’s interpretation of responsibility and supervision of children away from home during the day, the school operates under a closed campus policy. This means that no one is allowed to leave the campus without prior written permission from the parent or guardian signed by the teacher or principal. The student must be accompanied by an adult (non student). In emergencies, the school will accept the permission of a parent or guardian over the phone.
Annual Programs
Music is a creation of God. At Turlock Christian School, choir and band are considered to be subjects that are as
important as any other. Many hours of diligent practice go into the preparation of the annual programs. These programs are a part of the course and are essentially the final exam. It is required that all students be present for, and participate in, their respective programs. Students are not excused from programs, except for verified illness or a situation which the principal considers a family emergency.
Sixth Grade Science Camp
Each year, during the Fall, the Sixth Grade goes to Hume Lake Christian Camp for Outdoor Education Camp. The camp is located 65 miles east of Fresno in the Sequoia National Forest. The experience is a school activity and is part of the curriculum.
Parents’ Page
Each Friday, throughout the year, a newsletter is published and sent home with the students. The “Parents’ Page” includes a calendar of events to keep parents informed each week of special events at the school. Parents are encouraged to carefully read the “Parents’ Page”, as it is one of the best forms of school-home communication.
Field Trips
Each teacher plans educational trips that correlate to each grade level’s curriculum. These are planned to enhance the class’s study in a particular area. Attendance is required for all students. Siblings of children whose parents are chaperoning a group may not attend. For the ultimate safety of our students, we need to minimize any distractions that could occur with small children.
Parents will receive information from your teacher whenever a field trip is scheduled. A permission slip will be attached. The form must be signed and returned to the teacher, along with any fee required for the fieldtrip, before the student will be allowed to go on the fieldtrip.
Extended Day Care
Extended Day Care is provided for TCS kindergarten—6th grade students during all non-school hours from 7:30 a.m.—6:00 p.m. each school day. This service is also provided for morning kindergarten students from 12:15 p.m. on. Time spent in EDC is recorded on a per half hour basis each day.
Typically there is no care offered during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter vacations.
For parents who pick their child up after 6:00 p.m., there is a charge of $6 for each 15 minute increment or fraction thereof. Charges will show up on the monthly billing. This policy is to encourage parents to pick their child up by 6:00 p.m. so the teacher can leave on time.
Lunches
Students are to bring lunch from home. All lunch boxes, sacks, etc. should be clearly labeled with the students name. FSF provides hot lunch one day each week. Menus will be published in the weekly Parents’ Page.
For health and safety reasons, children are not allowed to trade or share lunch items. Students are expected to follow the rules for the dining area and to clean up after themselves. Lunches will not be warmed in the microwave by lunch staff. Please send precooked items or items that do not need heating for lunch.
Birthday Celebration Guidelines
Each teacher has their own policy regarding birthdays and bringing of treats for your child’s birthday. Please call your child’s teacher several days in advance to make arrangements. The teacher will present her classroom guidelines for treats at Back-to-School night.
1. Birthday party invitations may only be distributed at TCS if:
a) In the event of an all boy party, all boys in the classroom are invited.
b) In the event of an all girl party, all girls in the classroom are invited.
c) In the event of a mixed party, all children in the classroom are invited.
2. When a parent wishes to limit the number of students to be invited to a birthday party, the invitations must be mailed or distributed off campus.
Lost and Found
When articles are found anywhere on campus, they are turned into the Lost and Found closet. They will be returned to their owners upon identification. During special school activities, the lost and found items will be on a table near the playground. All items not claimed will be given to a charity at Christmas and at the end of the school year. Pease write your child’s name on everything!
School Colors
The school colors are red, white, and blue. The school colors, like the mascot, were chosen with a degree of historical significance in mind. Each Friday is school spirit day when all students are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue, or the school t-shirt.
School Mascot
The mascot of TCS is the Eagle, depicted in Scripture as strong, brave, and courageous. Isaiah graphically portrays God’s sustaining power to the Christian as that matching the power of an eagle in flight. TCS embodies the spiritual concept of individual growth through the omniscient power of God in Isaiah 40:31.
School Verse
Isaiah 40:31 has been chosen as the school verse. “But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not grow weary; they shall walk and not grow faint.”
Isaiah 40:31
Yearbook
The elementary school publishes a yearbook. Parents who have a business, profession, or who desire to help with the cost of the book are encouraged to purchase an advertisement. Yearbooks are ordered by checking the appropriate box on the enrollment application at a discounted price. If you decline, you may order through the elementary office. Yearbook cost increases after March 1.
Student Insurance/Accident Reports
The school carries secondary medical insurance, which offers a protection plan for students at any activity sponsored by the school, including field trips.
1) All accidents, regardless of how slight the injury or damage, must be reported immediately to the teacher in charge of the class or activity.
2) If no teacher is available, the accident is to be reported to the office.
3) The student, parent, and physician must cooperate with our office personnel in completing all necessary insurance forms.
Health Information
Immunizations—All kindergarten entrants must meet specific immunization requirements and present an immunization record (i.e. a personal record with entries made by a physician or clinic). All students transferring from other schools in California or other states must present either a personal immunization record or a state immunization record.
Kindergarten Dental Exam—All students entering kindergarten are required to have an oral health assessment by a licensed dentist or other registered dental health professional. This is to be completed within the kindergarten year.
First Grade Physicals—All students entering first grade need a complete health examination as required by California State Law. Forms (which are available from the school office) verifying the examination must be returned to the school by October 30th of their first grade year. Please contact the office for further information.
Illness—If your child is vomiting, has diarrhea or had a fever over 100° in the last 24 hours, please keep them out of school. Students who become ill during the school day must report to the office. The office will contact the parents if it is felt the illness warrants the student being sent home.
Contagious Illness—If your child has been knowingly exposed to a contagious illness such as chicken pox, lice, etc., the school will send home a written notice.
Medication—A “Medication Consent Form” must be filled out and properly signed by the parent and physician before the office staff may administer prescription medication to a student. State Law requires that all medication must be in the original container with the correct dosage stated and prescribed for the indicated student only. Pharmacies will give duplicate containers at your request for school. Consent forms may be obtained from the office. Please never send any medication to school with your child in their backpack or lunchbox for them to take on their own.
Asbestos Management Plan
In compliance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), our school office has available for your inspection the Asbestos Management Plan. This plan includes details regarding the location, condition and make-up of all asbestos-containing situations as they currently exist in this school. Please feel free to examine this plan at our office during regular business hours.
Telephone/Cell phones
Good organization at home will help prevent mid-day trips to bring instruments, lunches, etc.. Please be sure to clearly communicate pick up times to your child in the morning. Students need permission to call home during school hours and may do so at the discretion of the classroom teacher and office. If students must call home during school hours they are to use the school phone and not their cell phone. Cell phones are not to be used at the elementary office between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. or during Extended Day Care hours. Cell phones must remain off and checked in with a teacher or the office, if brought to school.
Visitors
The school welcomes visitors. All adults who come on campus must check in with the school office to receive a Visitor’s Pass.
Child-relatives visiting in the home may visit the school, providing the youngster is of school age and visits in the grade in which he himself is enrolled or one close to the same grade. Clearance must be obtained from the school office and classroom teacher within 24-48 hours minimum notice.
Professional Organization
Turlock Christian School is an active member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). TCS participates regularly in ACSI conventions, choir festivals, speech meets, band festivals and other activities. ACSI is the largest Christian School organization in the world of its kind.
Transportation
TCS does not provide transportation for students to and from school. To encourage families to form car pools, the school office will provide information on parents who live in your area. When traveling to school-sponsored activities, drivers must have one functioning seat belt for each passenger. TC elementary students may not ride in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger side air bag. No more than seven students are allowed in any vehicle.
top of page
HOME 
