LOWER SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK
TPCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender or disability either in regard to admission or administration of school programs
TPCS reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant when that decision is determined to be in the best interest of the student and/or the school
About Traders Point Christian Schools
TPCS Mission
TPCS Vision
TPCS Credo
Philosophy
Accreditation
Traders Point Christian Schools challenges and educates students within the framework of a Biblical worldview while leading them to a personal faith and transformed life in Jesus Christ.
Traders Point Christian Schools will prepare and equip students to reach their highest individual potential and impact the world for Christ
Training scholars. Making disciples. Graduating leaders.
TPCS Lower School is a Christ-centered nurturing environment that supports students in reaching their fullest potential as a unique creation of God
Traders Point Christian Schools is fully accredited with the Association of Christian Schools International and North Central Association
TPCS Mascot Knights
TPCS Colors
School Verse
TPCS Core Values
TPCS Statement of Faith
Navy & Silver
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint ” Isaiah 40:31
TPCS Core Values
TPCS Statement of Faith
Admissions
Lower School General Policies and Procedures
EC students must turn the appropriate age for their specific program by August 1st of that school year (eg- A child must turn two before August 1, 2022 to be enrolled in the Twos program for the 2022-2023).
TPCS students are automatically re-enrolled each year, however, EC families must still choose their class selections each year This opportunity will be emailed directly to EC families from the Director of Admissions (csmith@tpcs.org).
❖ After the first of the calendar year the Admissions Department will set a deadline for unenrolling students Families must adhere to this deadline in order to receive a refund of their initial enrollment deposit
Financial Policies
Attendance
TPCS Financial Policies
On the occasion when school must be missed due to illness or family emergencies The LS follows these guidelines concerning school attendance:
Absences: A parent/guardian is to notify the school office, and the child’s teacher, by phone, email (to attendance@tpcs org) or a note to report a school absence on the day it occurs
1 Voicemail on the school office phone is available 24 hours/day to report an absence
2 Notification is needed each day a student is absent
3 Please call prior to 2:00 pm if an early pick-up is needed We must have emergency contacts updated
4. An absence is excused if the parent notifies the front office and/or teacher of the absence by phone, email, or note.
5 A student may have up to ten (10) excused days for absences per semester
6 Absences that exceed ten (10) days in a semester are cause for a review of the student’s attendance conducted by administration A doctor may need to complete a “Certificate of Incapacity” on the child to determine if there is a medical reason for the excessive absences
7 A doctor’s note will be required, citing specific health reasons, for extended or excessive absences.
8. Parents/guardians must contact the teacher(s) via email or note to request make-up work.
9 For each day of excused non-vacation absence, a student will have one day to make up work
Unexcused Absences/Truancy: Unexcused absences could result in no opportunity for make-up work Absences are considered unexcused if:
1 A parent/guardian does not notify the school office and/or teacher of the absence by phone, email or written note
2 The number of student absences exceeds 10 per semester
3 A student is absent from school without the knowledge of the parent/guardian
Field Trips
Well-planned class field trips are an important part of a student’s learning experiences They enable students to see, apply, explore and/or experience what is being studied in the classroom Teachers plan for these carefully and parents are informed about them beforehand. We encourage (and often invite) parents to go with us on these trips. Please be aware of any special conditions that may apply to the trip (i e a limited number of chaperones, transportation rules, etc ) Chaperones are required to have a current background check on file prior to the day of the field trip (contact csmith@tpcs org)
Before and After School Care
Before Care:
● Hours are between 7:00-8:00 AM
After Care:
● Hours are between: 3:30-6:00 PM
Before School Care begins at 7:00 AM and ends when children are dismissed to report to their classrooms at 8:00 a m. ALL students arriving prior to 8:00 am are to use Door # 2, which is just south of the main entrance All children will be checked into our Hall Pass system This system utilizes a time/date stamp that allows us to view all students in our care during each occurrence. This system is also used for billing purposes.
***Before School care will be free from 7:40 – 8:00 a m
***Drop-offs between 7:00 AM and 7:40 AM will be $5 00 per child & $10 00 per family per day
After School Care begins at 3:30 p m or at the end of regular dismissal. Any students who are not picked up will be entered into After Care, in which fees will apply. After School Care ends each day at 6:00 p.m. Parents are required to come inside the main office and check the student out You may pick up your child any time between 3:30 and 6:00 p m
***Pick-ups between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM will be charged $5 00 per child & $10 00 per family per day
***Pick-ups after 4:30 pm will be charged an additional $10 per student or $20 per family per day
***Students picked up before 3:30 pm will NOT be charged
Children are to be picked up no later than 6:00 p.m. each evening. Families not picking up their children by 6:00 p.m. will be charged a $20 late fee for each 15 minute interval past 6:00 p m
***For more details refer to the Before and After School Care section available on our website at tpcs org, or contact Mrs Sabrina Gossett, our Before and After Care Program Coordinator, at sgossett@tpcs org
Arrival and Dismissal Guidelines
Arrival: Students can be dropped off between 8:00-8:10 (school begins at 8:10 a.m.)
Dismissal: Students are to be picked up in the dismissal line at 3:10 p m
***see Before/After School Care for more options
***see Health and Safety for more information
***Students who are not picked up by the end of the dismissal line or 3:30PM will be sent to aftercare and charged accordingly
Traffic Patterns for Arrival and Dismissal
FACTS Family Portal
● View information about your child
● Communicate with TPCS staff
● Update your child’s emergency information
Family Portal Edits Changing your information in the FACTS Family Portal
Parent Alert
School Communication
Parent Conferences
The Parent Alert Notification Service through FACTS allows us to send an automated message to you in the event of a school emergency, weather closing or delay The successful delivery of information is dependent upon accurate contact information for each student, so please make certain that you update your contact information in FACTS Family Portal (see the above link for instructions)
TPCS uses Parent Square for all communication, scheduling, notification, alerts, etc Please click here for more information
A conference with your child’s teacher is the best opportunity to follow your child’s progress in school These conferences enhance the partnership between the home and the school Conferences will be held at least twice a year (please see calendar)
Classroom teachers are available to respond to notes and e-mails from parents/guardians or to talk with parents/guardians over the phone or during scheduled conference times
We urge parents/guardians with questions and concerns to contact your child’s teacher through these options.
Support Services
We recognize that each child is a unique blessing from God with their own strengths, interests, and challenges In order to meet the needs of your child best, please inform your child’s teacher of any challenges that might impact his/her time at school
The Resource Room is designed to assist students identified with learning difficulties and/or organizational needs. Students are placed in the Resource Room program based on teacher and/or parent referral, testing results and available openings within the program.
The LS staff will inform families of any observed developmental delays that may need additional support. Educational Professionals from Boone County Joint Service may be consulted with permission from parents or guardians.
Family Service and Engagement
The Family Service Agreement (FSA) promotes family involvement at TPCS by serving and engaging within the school community
Record Engagement Hours Here
Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF)
Hours are earned by acts of service (volunteering in the classroom, concession stand workers) and engagement (parent conference, PTF events)
LS Families = 25 hours total
Hours are calculated June 1st - May 31st
Unserved hours after May 31st will be charged $15 per hour.
It is the mission of Traders Point Christian Schools PTF to establish and nurture relationships between parents, students, and teachers by Page 7 of 16
Problem Solving using the Matthew 18 Principle
Social Media
Phones
Health and Safety
Health Records
providing opportunities for fellowship and engagement as a school community Our meetings and events are listed on the master calendar.
To learn more about serving through PTF, simply attend a meeting or email ptf@tpcs org
It is the policy of the TPCS to approach concerns through the application of the Matthew 18 principle found in Matthew 18:15-17
Learn more about Traders Point Christian Schools at wwwTPCS org Facebook: Traders Point Christian Schools Instagram: @traderspointcs
Students are not permitted to use the school phones for personal calls except in an emergency and only with permission from the teacher or the office staff If such a call needs to be made the student will ask for a pass from the teacher and go to the receptionist to make the phone call.
Cell Phones are not permitted for any PK-6th grade student during school hours and/or before/after care.
Each child is required by state health codes to be properly immunized against diphtheria, pertussis /whooping cough, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), hepatitis B, chickenpox, and meningococcal disease. The State Board of Health may expand/modify the list of communicable diseases that require documentation of immunity
● Student immunization records (or a religious objection document) are due by the first day of school
● Children previously enrolled in the school will have their immunization records kept on file.
● New immunization records need to be completed as students enroll in early childhood classes, kindergarten and sixth grades or if the student is new/transferred into any grade
● Each child enrolled is required to have a health history completed by the parents and/or physician at the start of the school year
● All Health Record/medical forms are available on the TPCS website under parent/forms/medical and other forms.
Medical Emergency Information and Injuries at School
A phone call or email is sent each time a student receives a visit from the TPCS nurse for non-emergency situations
The Student Medical Contact and Emergency Information form completed by parents at enrollment will be followed in an emergency situation
Minor injuries may be treated at the school If medical attention is required, the office will follow standard emergency procedures that may involve calling EMS for transportation to the nearest hospital Parents/guardians will be contacted immediately.
Please alert the TPCS Nurse should there be any changes to your child’s Medical Emergency Information
Illness and Sick Day Guidelines
When a suspected illness at school arises, the child may be sent to the office for evaluation Parents/guardians will be contacted when symptoms of illness or communicable disease are present Including these Symptoms:
● Fever of 100 4° F or higher
● Vomiting
● Three or more loose stools/diarrhea
● Rashes with open areas and/or suspected of being contagious
● Red, irritated eyes with discharge
● Signs of communicable disease (strep throat, chicken pox, influenza)
Children should remain at home after an illness until all of the following guidelines are met:
● Fever free for 24 hours without any fever reducing medication
● Free from vomiting and/or diarrhea for 24 hours
● Antibiotics need to be taken for 24 hours for any contagious disease, including pink eye
● Diagnosis of skin rash by a physician, and on any prescribed medication for 24 hours, including ringworm
The State Board of Health requires that the occurrence of certain communicable diseases be reported to health authorities We ask that you immediately report your child's documented cases of chickenpox or other communicable diseases to the office so that the local and state health department can be notified as soon as possible The school reserves the right to require a doctor’s clearance for a student to return to school whenever school officials feel it necessary to protect the health of either the pupil who has been ill or that of the other pupils in school
Medications
Allergies, Seizures, Diabetes, General, Asthma (MAP)
Any required medications taken during school hours need parent permission (for over-the-counter) and prescription medications will need to be in the ORIGINAL bottle/box/carton with prescription attached
A medical action plan (MAP) will need to be filled out and signed by a physician each year for any of these disease processes/ailments MAP forms are found on the TPCS website (under ABOUT> Parent Resources> Medical Forms) If your child requires an epi-pen then he or she must have one that stays at school It cannot go to and from school in your child’s backpack
Lice (pediculosis)
● A student found with live head lice while at school, will be sent home and can return the next day provided he/she has been treated with a special lice shampoo and has been checked by the school nurse.
● Data does not support the exclusion of students for the presence of nits, although continued monitoring by the school nurse and parents/guardians for signs of reinfestation is appropriate
● This will be left to the discretion of the TPCS nurse and/or building principal.
Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect
In accordance with state law and school policy, school staff are obligated, under penalty of fine and jail term, to report the reasonable suspicion of physical abuse, sexual abuse or child neglect The school will not contact parents in advance of making a report to authorities
Safety Drills
Weather Emergencies
Please keep your family information up to date
Family Portal Edits
Visitors
Animals in the Building
Arrival and Dismissal Safety
● A safety drill (eg- fire, tornado, lockdown, or earthquake) is conducted monthly throughout the school year.
● Staff are trained yearly in how to handle these emergency situations appropriately
● In the event of an evacuation, TPCS school safety officers will make certain the children and staff are safely bussed to a nearby relocation site Parents will be notified of the relocation site and will be asked to come to the site with identification to retrieve their child(ren).
● Families will receive a text/call from The Parent Alert Notification Service in the event of school emergency or weather closing or delay
● Families should monitor major radio and television stations for Traders Point Christian Schools closings
● Weather Delays: Students arrive 9:45-10AM, class begins @ 10AM (no Before School Care)
● Early Dismissals: Early dismissals will also be announced by using Parent Alert and over the media outlets (no After School Care)
All visitors to the school, including visiting parents/guardians, are required to check-in at the LS office. You will need your driver's license for the check in process
Non-service related animals are not allowed in school buildings unless permission is granted by the building principal
The use of cellular phones is prohibited during arrival, throughout the school day, and dismissal times.
Children should never be left unattended in a car in the parking lot
No parking is allowed in front of the building due to fire codes
Cars are to travel one way from north to south in front of the building as illustrated on the map above
The speed limit in the parking lot is 10 MPH
Unless your child needs help getting extra materials into the building, we urge parents/guardians to send students into the building on their own
Students should be ready to get out of the car (passenger’s side to avoid accidents) and onto the sidewalk quickly.
Food Services
LS students will not be allowed to remain at an exit door by themselves as it is school policy that all students must be supervised by an adult at all times
Once the dismissal process has begun, we urge parents/guardians to use the dismissal line or wait until the dismissal process is completed before entering the building to receive their student.
If a different person is picking up the student (s) other than adults approved and documented in FACTS, please make sure to either call, e-mail, or send a note to the front office. We will check the identification of anyone who is not typically on the list.
Ensure that the family ID tag is evident in the windshield If the standard sign is reproduced, staff members may ask for ID
Hot lunch is prepared and available at school every day The lunch menu can be found on Family Portal by selecting “Student” and then “Lunch” or selecting “Lunch Menu” on the TPCS app.
Lunch Payment: Student lunch accounts will be managed within the FACTS system Lunch orders will be taken each morning in the classroom and charged to student accounts as students pass through the lunch line. Lunch charges will be billed to your FACTS account as an Incidental Expense at the end of each month.
Guests: Guests are welcome during lunch time All guests must observe the same rules as the students and staff. They also must abide by rules for visitors and sign in at the receptionist’s desk.
Students Without a Lunch: Students without lunch will be allowed to contact a parent/guardian, but if a lunch is not brought in a timely manner, a hot lunch will be provided, and the student’s account will be charged a lunch fee for that day.
Special Lunches: If a special lunch is being planned for a birthday or guest, the child’s teacher should be notified in advance so that adequate seating can be arranged.
Bullying
Definition click here.
In addition to disciplinary action, TPCS incorporates the use of Responsive Classroom to prevent and reduce bullying by or towards students and to ensure an environment that glorifies God Students learn that God expects us to help others when it is within our power to do so Parents are asked to partner with the school by having conversations with their child(ren) about peer relationships, behaviors, and bullying Parents who are concerned that their child is displaying bullying-type behavior or is a victim of a bully should contact one of their child’s teachers or their administrator for assistance We ask each student to follow the proper procedures shown below in the event that they believe someone is bullying them or others:
1 The bullying recipient should tell the offender to stop the action (i e name calling, excluding, etc ) Should the first offense be more serious (i e pushing and hitting) then they should report it immediately to the nearest adult
Students who witness bullying or negative behavior towards others should “be a buddy” and speak out, using phrases like “Stop it,” or “Get away from him,” or “Leave her alone ”
2 Should the bullying behavior continue then it should be reported to the nearest adult. Staff members will investigate the situation in a timely and judicious manner and provide a safe place for apologies to occur The investigation should result in a positive resolution between students A consequence may or may not be deemed necessary depending on the situation
PLEASE NOTE: Reporting to the nearest adult is extremely important in the investigation of an alleged bullying situation It is equally important for students to report the situation to their parents, but students should never “wait to tell” (avoiding telling staff) as it places parents in a position where they can’t help the situation at home. At TPCS, students are taught the difference between tattling and reporting incidents of a more serious nature. Students are also taught a method of how to anonymously report incidents of bullying
Behavioral Expectations
“Train yourself to be godly For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come ” I Timothy 4:7b-8
Biblical Worldview
At the LS our daily interactions with staff and families are filtered through the lens of a biblical worldview, meaning we strive to make the Bible the foundation of everything we say and do This is done both intentionally (Chapel, Bible curriculum) and organically (classroom discussion, teaching moments)
Chapel: Children attend chapel once a week. We begin and end Chapel with worship in the form of movement and song Parents/guardians are welcome to attend our weekly Chapel programs
Holidays and Seasonal Celebrations: In all our special celebrations throughout the year we want to make Jesus the focus In the fall we will highlight our Heavenly Father’s provision and the beauty of His creation At Christmas the birth of Jesus is emphasized, and in the spring Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection is center stage
Discipline
1Timothy 4:7b-8
Proverbs 10:17
School-wide Expectations: In order for our students to reach the goal of self-discipline, they must know what is expected from them These expectations are built around the following principles:
● Show proper respect for God
● Be good stewards of property and facilities
● Be kind and respectful to others
● Practice good health and safety
Classroom Discipline Procedures: At TPCS our goal is to disciple each child in a loving, safe environment that focuses on positive reinforcement We may take the following steps in guiding students as they navigate interactions in the classroom:
Dress Code
Recess Guidelines
● Redirection is the standard procedure to discourage inappropriate behavior
● The next step may be removal from the environment and/or time in a calming area until the student is ready to rejoin the class
● Visiting the principal may be necessary to reinforce the expected behavior. (we will communicate with parents at this step)
● Any behavior that is considered to be a risk to anyone will be immediately referred to the appropriate administrator.
Lower School Discipline Policy
Biblical teaching is very clear about the importance of modesty in dress and appearance in order that our witness always points to Christ and not ourselves (I Timothy 2:9-10 and I Peter 3:3-4)
● Clothing should be modest with no weapons or inappropriate symbols
● Dress for a project/play based learning environment and comfort
● Footwear must be worn at all times while at school Students will need a pair of gym shoes that will be kept at school for PE classes only
● Modest length dresses/skirts with shorts underneath
● shirts/tops that completely cover the midriff and undergarments
Students WILL go outside for recess as long as the wind chill is 10 degrees or above Student(s) are responsible for bringing a coat, hat, and gloves each day
Students are expected to behave in a manner that is consistent with Christian standards at all times, both in the classroom and on the playground
Click here for further expectations and discipline
Weapons and Threats
The school takes a serious stance against threats and weapons, even when students make comments in jest, on email, or away from school toward or about another student, employee, or the school Students are prohibited from bringing any type of weapon to school or school-sponsored events, including knives, guns, fireworks, etc Any such items may be confiscated and, if appropriate, turned over to law enforcement Any pictorial depictions of weapons or verbal or written comments that the administration determines in its discretion appear to be threatening in nature may result in disciplinary action
Threat of Significant Harm
If TPCS has information of a reasonable threat of significant harm to a student or staff member by a student, the principal of the student, as well as another member of TPCS administration, will gather
Appropriate Use of Language
information about the event and determine next steps, which may include disciplinary consequences The school may also require an evaluation by an outside mental health professional The student in question may be removed from school until such time as the mental health professional(s) can determine that the student does not pose a danger to self or others
All language in the school should be positive, building others up instead of bringing them down: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen ” (Ephesians 4:29) “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing.” (I Peter 3:9) Swearing, sexual remarks or innuendos have no place in a Christian’s vocabulary: “There should be no obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving ” (Ephesians 5:4)
Gossip and backbiting are to be avoided: “A perverse man stirs up dissension, and gossip separates close friends ” (Proverbs 16:28)
Based on Scripture, the following language will not be tolerated:
- Put downs and/or insults of any kind
- Threats
- Sexual remarks, including innuendo or double meaning
- Profanity
- Gossip and backbiting
- Talk that causes dissention and division
- Harassment of any kind
- Racial shuns or remarks
- Any of the above language followed by “I was only kidding”
Consequences for violating inappropriate language guidelines:
The use of inappropriate language as described above will be immediately addressed by any one of the following: teachers, staff, school administrators and/or church officials using the principles of Matthew 18
If the problem persists, the matter will be taken to the next level of administration to work out a solution
Violation of school rules will also result in the application of Discipline Policy
Academic Expectations
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men ” Colossians 3:23
Academic Honesty
Students at TPCS are expected to work independently on tests, homework and all other assignments unless otherwise specified by the teacher Any cheating, sharing of answers, informing about the content of a quiz or test, copying or plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in a grade of zero for the assignment or test. The student
Assessments
Class Instruction
Grading Scale and Report Cards
will also be referred to the appropriate principal for possible further action (see Discipline Policies)
Various assessment tools are used throughout the school year to aid the teacher in diagnosing both individual and class-wide academic needs that should be addressed
iLearn: The state iLearn test is administered to students enrolled in grades 3 through 8 and is administered in the spring according to state requirements This test provides a good measure of academic progress based on state academic standards in comparison to local and state educational communities. Parents/guardians receive an internet link to the Indiana Department of Education in order to access detailed information regarding their child’s performance on this test
NWEA: The NWEA assessment, a standardized computer test, is administered to TPCS students 2-3 times per academic year Information from this test is given to parents as a report that shows students growth over time in comparison to their grade level norms and national norms This test is beneficial as the results help to identify academic goals, progress monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of our curriculum
Common Formative Assessments: Our highly effective collaborative teams monitor the learning of each student, skill by skill, by capturing the power of commonly developed, formative assessments
The elementary school offers instruction in Bible, language arts (reading, handwriting, grammar, spelling and handwriting), math, science, and social studies with their classroom teacher.
Other teachers provide instruction/support in art, media and digital citizenship, music, outdoor education, and physical education.
Accelerated ELA and Math - Click here for the details
Students enrolled in kindergarten through second grade earn standards based grades
Students enrolled in 3rd through 6th grade will earn letter grades
Comments: All teachers will give a summary of the students progress at the end of each semester
Click here for a detailed grading scale.
Students are issued a report card (via email) at the end of each quarter. Final report cards are emailed and available on RenWeb to all K-6 parents within one week of the last day of school. Release of evaluations, report cards and
Student Records
records is dependent on the timely payment of all tuition and fees
All students’ permanent academic records are considered highly confidential and are strictly protected by the school These records include, but are not limited to: family information, student information, copies of report cards, attendance, test scores, health records, birth certificate, special education records, and documentation from other schools attended Parents or guardians are allowed to review their child’s academic file if sufficient notice is given to the appropriate principal Appeals for the purpose of making changes to a student’s records must be made in writing to the appropriate principal with the reason for or support of the claim clearly stated
In order to protect the student and his or her family from unauthorized access to the student’s academic records, the school requires that all requests for copies of records for other schools be made in writing with a parent’s signature The school will provide one copy per year of a student’s record at no cost to the parent or guardian; additional copies will be provided at $5 per copy of a complete record per student
***All gifts and donations made to Traders Point Christian Schools, Inc are tax deductible Anyone who has named the school as a beneficiary of a will or estate should contact the Director of Finance and Operations to confirm the correct information for this purpose