2023-2024 FPDS Family Guide

family guide

CONTENTS.

WELCOME

A note from the Head of School - Parental Committment - Crusader Club - First Pres for Families - Calendar

DAILY DETAILS

Communication - Security - Carpool - Crusader Circle - Summer

STUDENT INFORMATION

Attendance - Illness - Uniforms - Grades - Discipline - Technology - Tuition

LEARN - GROW - GO

Declaration - Social Media

FPDS

MISSION STATEMENT

Believing that children are a heritage of the Lord, the mission of First Presbyterian Day School is:

PlantingseedsofChristlikenessintheheartsofchildren;

Pursuingexcellenceinacademics;

PreparingstudentsforfutureserviceinGod’skingdomintheirhomes,churches,andprofessions.

WELCOME.

For 58 years, First Presbyterian Day School has served the Jackson-Metro area with a distinctly Christian elementary education.

We are excited for the opportunity in the year ahead to teach your child a Biblical worldview with developmentally appropriate activities that enhance their elementary experience. Watch as your child learns to walk with Christ, so that they can find their path in the world. FPDS students are equipped spiritually, academically, and emotionally - to be sure of themselves, to make wise choices, and to do great work in God’s kingdom, and we are proud to partner alongside you in their journey.

Brian T. Smith, Head of School

Classroom assignments will be emailed

Friday, August 4th. Please make sure your email address is current in FACTS.

Tutoring and summer reading lists can be found at fpds. org/parentinformation.

K3, K4, and K5 school bags will be given by the school. If you have not received yours, please email achestnut@fpds. org.

School supplies were ordered for all students through EPI. If you opted out, visit fpds. org/parentinformation for your supply list.

ADMINISTRATION & OFFICE

Brian T. Smith, Head of School

bsmith@fpds.org

Gigi O’Neal, Elementary Principal & Assistant Head of School goneal@fpds.org

Kim Duhs, Kindergarten Principal kduhs@fpds.org

Dea Bowling, Early Childhood Director dbowling@fpds.org

Swayze Pentecost, Advancement Director spentecost@fpds.org

Ann Chestnut, Crusader Circle Director achestnut@fpds.org

Rebekah Dawson, Accounting rdawson@fpds.org

Jennifer Dryden, School Counselor jdryden@fpds.org

Susan Graves & Summer Adams, Front Desk Managers receptionist@fpds.org

Meredith Johnson, Communications & Admissions Manager mjohnson@fpds.org

Meredith Matlock, Student Services Director mmatlock@fpds.org

Gary Sinclair, Chaplain gsinclair@fpds.org

Lauren Vance, Administrative Staff Support lvance@fpds.org

BOARD of TRUSTEES

Max Bowman, Chair

Kirk Anderson

Jay Brown

Reid Cotten

David Dale

David Elkin

Paul Hurst

George May

Phillip Parker

Richard Russ

Jeff Skelton

Tim Threadgill

Cal Wells

Julie Wyatt

Jordan Yerger

PARENTAL COMMITTMENT & SUPPORT OF FPDS

By enrolling a child in First Presbyterian Day School, parents agree to abide by and comply with all policies, rules, and procedures as outlined in the annual school registration contract and all terms of the current student handbook. Parents further agree not to involve school personnel in any domestic disputes, including requesting a teacher or administrator to be subpoenaed to testify in court on the behalf of either parent in such a dispute. Parents will sign a form each year stating they have read the student handbook and will adhere to all policies.

Parental/guardian support is required with regard to all aspects of First Presbyterian Day School and is an integral component contributing to the school’s success. We request that parents refrain from utilizing any language and/or technology which would have a negative effect on:

• School order and discipline;

• The safety, welfare, or reputation of other students or staff; or

• The reputation of First Presbyterian Day School and its students, faculty, and staff.

This would include, but is not limited to, emails, texts, group messaging apps, and social networking sites. First Presbyterian Day School reserves the right to dismiss students when parents, through the stated means or any other, fail to support the administration, faculty, and the school’s policies.

CRUSADER CLUB

FPDS Parent Organization

Crusader Club is the FPDS parent organization. Crusader Club officers and chairmen help oversee several committees, including:

Caring Committee

Cheerleader & Football Moms

Classroom Volunteer Opportunities

Field Day

Holiday Potpourri

Hospitality

MAIS Swim Meet

Moms in Prayer

Room Moms

Sixth Grade Graduation

All parents are encouraged to volunteer and be active in Crusader Club - visit fpds.org/crusaderclub to submit your committee interests! For a list of officers and chairs please visit the Crusader Club section on fpds.org.

Nikki and Will Barbour, Crusader Club President, crusaderclub@fpds.org

Crusader Party

Holiday Potpourri Presents the Annual Crusader Party - Saturday, August 26

At the home of Amanda and Nathan Wells

2443 Lake Circle, Jackson

6:30 - 9:30 PM

5:30 - 6:30 Host Families Hour / Chef Demonstration

Individual ticket $60 * Set of two tickets $100 * Host tickets $150

Live Auction / Food by Chef Nick Wallace / Live Music

Purchase tickets via OneCause at holidaypotpourri.com

Lauren Ludwig, Crusader Party Chair, laurenludwig1@gmail.com

Holiday Potpourri

November 10, 9-2 p.m., at the home of Laura and Mart Lamar in Jackson

Holiday Potpourri generates more than $200,000 annually for educational and extracurricular improvements to our school. Sponsors, parents, and volunteers come together for this half-day event consisting of a home and garden showcase, Bountiful Bakery, Gift Gallery, Silent Auction, Tasting Tea, musical performances by our own talented students, and much more.

How can families be involved in Holiday Potpourri?

Become a Parent Patron.

Purchase tickets and attend the Crusader Party. Include your business as a Corporate Sponsor. Donate to silent auction (online and at the event). Volunteer before or the day of the event. Sell tickets. Attend the event!

Cook baked goods for Bountiful Bakery. Purchase student art.

Purchase a variety of raffle tickets. Visit holidaypotpourri.org for a detailed FAQ regarding this event.

Whitney Pleasant, Holiday Potpourri Chair, whitneypleasant@gmail.com

Cassi Strange, Holiday Potpourri Chair, cassi.dubois@yahoo.com

FIELD DAY

May 3rd, 2024

FPDS Field Day is one of the most special days of the school year. It is a day we set aside to have fun and celebrate the wonderful year God has blessed us with. All students K3 through sixth grade and their families attend the event held off-campus. All students who attend are required to have a parent or guardian present, and there are many volunteer opportunities. There will be no school on campus this day, along with no after-school care.

How can families be involved in Field Day?

• Volunteer for a shift

• Attend with your family (each child is required to have one guardian present)

• Pre-purchase food & drink tickets to save your time at the event for fun things!

• Purchase a t-shirt for your child to wear

• Cheer on your class during the relays (K5 & 6th Grade: 9:30-10:00; 1st & 2nd Grades: 10:15-10:45; 3rd, 4th & 5th Grades: 11:00-11:30)

• Line the streets for the neighborhood parade (from the school to the event)

Rebecca Houston and Lizzy Craig, Field Day Chairs, fieldday@fpds.org

First Pres FOR FAMILES

Our ministry to students works in partnership with the parents and the church. Think of it as a triangle with school, home, and church at each corner raising Christian disciples together. It is our prayer that FPDS will be one more means through which God molds children spiritually and educationally.

FPDS is a ‘kingdom’ school, meaning that not only are we committed to excellence in the classroom, but we count it a privilege to be involved in cultivating your child’s ongoing growth in their knowledge of God and love for Jesus Christ. It is our desire to serve as both a resource and as an encouragement to parents. Gary Sinclair and Jennifer Dryden are incredibly valuable to the fulfillment of our mission.

Chaplain Gary Sinclair’s role includes both worship within the school community (chapel services, prayer, missions) and spiritual care (caring and praying for FPDS families and staff). You may contact Pastor Gary by email (gsinclair@fpds.org) or phone (769-7982430).

Counselor Jennifer Dryden visits each 1st through 6th grade classroom monthly to discuss various topics such as wise choices, bullying, and integrity. She teaches Integrity Time in K5 weekly. In addition to classroom instruction, Mrs. Dryden meets with students and families as needed. Feel free to contact her by email (jdryden@ fpds.org) or phone (601-355-1731).

Building off of that partnership with parents and the church to develop our students, it is important that we provide opportunities to strengthen our families as well. Throughout the year, we will offer several “Parent Universities,” providing childcare for our families while allowing our parents to learn and grow through educational and spiritual events.

CALENDAR

AUGUST

DECEMBER

7 / Uniform Swap Shop

20 / Christmas Parties (1/2 Day)

21 / Christmas Holidays

MARCH

4-5 / OLSAT Testing (2nd & 5th grades only)

8 / First Day of Spring Break

11-15 / Spring Break

29 / Good Friday/Easter Break

SEPTEMBER 4 / Labor Day Holiday

JANUARY

3 / Parent Conferences (NO SCHOOL)

4 / First Day of School

15 / Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday

17 / Class Picture Day

22-26 / CTP 5 (2nd - 6th Grades only)

APRIL

1 / Easter Break

OCTOBER

6, 9 / Columbus Day Fall Break

FEBRUARY

16 / Grandparents’ Day (1/2 day)

19 / Presidents’ Day Holiday

MAY

1 / Uniform Swap Shop

3 / Field Day

22 / Last Day of School & End of Year

NOVEMBER 10 / Holiday Potpourri (normal school hours)

20-24 / Thanksgiving Holidays

FPDS celebrates Going Gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness in September, Dyslexia Awareness Month in October, and World Down Syndrome Day in March.

K3 & K4

September 15th - Muffins with Mom

October 13th - Pumpkin Patch

December 12th - Christmas Chapel

February 1st - Donuts with Dad

March 19th - Easter Chapel

March 27th - K3 Program and Egg Hunt

March 28th - K4 Program and Egg Hunt

SECOND

October 27th - Pumpkin Parade

December 12th - Christmas Chapel

February 8th & 9th - 2nd Grade Play

March 19th - Easter Chapel

May 1st - Awards Day

ACTIVITIES BY GRADE

K5

October 27th - Fall Fest

December 12th - Christmas Chapel

February 2nd - Superkids Parade

March 7th - Mother Goose Parade

March 19th - Easter Chapel

March 28th - Egg Hunts

April 25th & 26th - Barnyard Praise Play

May 21st - K5 Graduation

THIRD

September 1 - Neon Noun Day

December 14th - Christmas Chapel

February 1 - Verb Vocation Parade

February 29th & March 1st - 3rd Grade Play

March 21st - Easter Chapel

May 1st - Awards Day

FIFTH

October 19th & 20th - 5th Grade Play

December 13th - Christmas Chapel

February 16th - Grandparents’ Day

March 20th - Easter Chapel

April 19th - Living History Museum

May 2nd - Awards Day

FIRST

December 7th & 8th - 1st Grade Play

December 12th - Christmas Chapel

January 19th - 100 Day of School Parade

March 19th - Easter Chapel

May 1st - Awards Day

FOURTH

November 2nd & 3rd - 4th Grade Play

December 14th - Christmas Chapel

February 16th - Grandparents’ Day

March 21st - Easter Chapel

April 24th - Mississippi Parade

May 1st - Awards Day

SIXTH

December 13th - Christmas Chapel

March 20th - Easter Chapel

May 2nd - Awards Day

May 6th - 8th - 6th Grade Trip

May 13th - Party & Graduation Practice

May 14th - 6th Grade Graduation

COMMUNICATION

FPDS utilizes FACTS ParentAlert text-messaging system for emergency and/or important notifications, such as school closings or rainy weather carpool procedures. Therefore, parents are asked to maintain current contact information via FACTS Family Portal. School closings and/or early dismissals are also sent via text to anyone designated in FACTS as a “pick-up” contact; please ensure that email addresses and cell phone numbers are entered for any guardian who needs to also receive these messages.

• If you have a timely message for your child, please call the school office as teachers are away from their computers and phones the majority of the day.

• FPDS will not send emails out on behalf of parents for any non-school sponsored activity.

• A student directory is available through the FACTS Family Portal and app. (School’s FACTS district code: FP-MS).

• If you would like a list of specific contact information, such as an entire grade level, please call the school office to make the request.

• All requests for report card copies and/or transcripts must be submitted to the school office (receptionist@fpds.org).

• A weekly school-wide email will be sent each Friday. Information to include should be sent to mjohnson@fpds.org no later than 3 p.m. on Wednesdays.

COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS

The following communication protocols are in place to help promote direct, open, and respectful interaction so that concerns and problems can be worked out quickly and effectively. Communication should begin with the staff member closest to the situation, as that person will usually have the most information. At times, additional personnel are required to resolve specific situations. These steps will help guide the most effective course of action for resolution of any need. We encourage students in grades 5th and 6th to advocate for themselves by initiating communication with the appropriate teacher or staff member.

STEP 1: Teacher; if not resolved…

STEP 2: Area Principal; if not resolved…

STEP 3: Head of School; if not resolved…

STEP 4: Board Chairman (chairman@fpds.org)

DAILY DETAILS

SECURITY

The safety of our families, students, and staff is extremely important to us. Be assured that we are committed to making our facility as safe as possible. We are constantly reviewing our security measures and will continue to update our systems as we see opportunities for enhancements.

Security Team

First Presbyterian Church and FPDS have invested heavily in a superb team of security professionals. Our Head of Security, Chris Dill, leads a team of nine professional security officers who are equipped with the experience and resources they need to keep our students, members, and staff safe. These are well trained law enforcement professionals whose experience and skills in the field are of the highest caliber. This team is equipped with security lighting in their vehicles and a roving golf cart that can easily monitor parking lots. There are at least three armed guards monitoring the building at our most high-volume time and guards posted on both the Belhaven and Pinehurst Street sides of the building 24 hours a day.

Controlled Access System

All staff are equipped with keycards that enable access around the building. This secures the building by keeping the many doors to our facility locked throughout the day.

Security Camera System

Our camera system allows our security department the ability to monitor activities inside the building and outside the entire property. Additionally, we have joined with other organizations in Belhaven by contributing to the JPD Blue-light camera program, which allows two cameras on Belhaven and Pinehurst to be directly connected to the JPD Command Center.

GRADES 1-6

MORNING CARPOOL (7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.)

Parents should drop-off students on Pinehurst Street and Belhaven Street next to the building’s curb only, not into the streets. Please have your child ready to exit the vehicle. See next page for information regarding preschool drop-off.

AFTERNOON CARPOOL (2:45 p.m.)

Students in grades 2nd and below will be dismissed on Pinehurst Street. Students in grades 3rd through 6th will be dismissed on Belhaven Street. Cars will flow continuously along the curbs on each of these streets. Please use caution as traffic may back up from Belhaven Street onto North State Street; also take care not to block intersections or driveways along Pinehurst Street. Once your child is safely in the car, you are free to exit the line.

Families with children in both carpool sessions may send older children to Pinehurst Street for pick-up. *Preschool through 2nd grade students may NOT be picked up with their older siblings or friends on Belhaven Street.

Each family will receive a carpool number; these will be distributed at Meet the Teacher. These numbers are the same each year. The numbers should be displayed in the upper window of the passenger side. It is very important to display these numbers throughout the entire school year. **Please have your child memorize his or her carpool number prior to the first day of school.

Parents/ guardians are NOT allowed to park and accompany children to and from their cars. Parents and children crossing the street during afternoon carpool is strictly prohibited. Due to students transitioning for dismissal, students may not be checked out after 2:15 p.m. We cannot call students down for dismissal before you are at the front office.

BEFORE SCHOOL

All students go to their classrooms beginning at 7:30 a.m. Those arriving between 7:15 a.m. and 7:30 a.m will be kept under staff supervision in the cafeteria with no charge. K3, K4, and K5 carpool begins at 7:30 a.m. These children should not exit the car before carpool has started.

GRADES K3-K5

MORNING CARPOOL (7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.)

K3 and K4 parents only may pull through the porte-cochere on Belhaven Street for preschool teachers to get children from the cars and down to their classrooms safely in groups. (Older siblings of preschoolers may exit here as well.) K5 students are dropped off on Pinehurst Street; a kindergarten teacher will be on duty.

• K3 and K4 are not permitted to open a car door to get out of the car.

• Please have your child unbuckled and ready to exit the vehicle.

• Children exit through the right side. Preschoolers are not permitted to exit the car onto the sidewalk.

• Parents should remain inside the vehicle during carpool. You may pull up and over to the curb to safely buckle your child in.

12:15 CARPOOL

Our first dismissal of the day is from 12:15 p.m. -12:25 p.m. through the porte-cochere on Belhaven Street. After 12:25 p.m., any child not picked up will be taken to after-school care and a hot lunch will be charged to their account if they do not have a lunchbox.

From 12:25-2:15, parents must walk in and sign students out at the Front Office for dismissal.

AFTERNOON CARPOOL (2:45 p.m.)

Our last dismissal for the day takes place at 2:45 p.m. in the Pinehurst carpool line. After 3:10 p.m., any child not picked up will be taken to after-school care.

CRUSADER CIRCLE

Crusader Circle is First Presbyterian Day School’s after-school care program available for any currently enrolled student who needs to stay after 12:15 p.m. or 2:45 p.m. carpool.

Crusader Circle Director: Ann Claridge Chestnut, achestnut@fpds.org

Crusader Circle begins the first full day of school and is open only full days when school is in session. Crusader Circle is not available when school dismisses for a half-day.

Hours: 12:15 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. (K3-K4), 2:45 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. (K5 - 6th grade)

Cost: $5.00 per student per hour (Note: A $15 per quarter hour, or any part thereof, will be charged for students picked up after 6:00 p.m.)

Billing: At the end of each month, you will be billed via FACTS for the time your child spent on campus after regular school hours.

After 3:10, a member of our after-school care staff will be at a front desk inside the Belhaven Street entrance with the sign-out clipboard. Please park and come in to sign your child out. Pick-up/ sign-out locations are subject to change.

K3 & K4

Students who stay for Crusader Circle will have lunch at noon. Preschoolers can bring their own lunch or purchase a meal from the cafeteria, which will be delivered to the preschool area. After lunch, students will have a short rest time followed by activities and free play outside or in the gym. Preschool students staying for Crusader Circle will bring a nap mat of their choice. Loveys are welcome, but not required.

K5 - 6th GRADE

Students attending Crusader Circle will begin their afternoon with designated study time at the conclusion of carpool. This is a time for students to read, study, or complete homework.

All students at Crusader Circle staying past 3:00 should bring a snack.

A Lamp To Our Feet: Knowing and Loving the Word of God

Spiritual life at FPDS begins with the understanding that God loves us and desires a relationship with us. While faith begins at home and is nurtured at church, we recognize the important role that our Christian school community plays in our students’ faith journeys. We are a community united for one purpose: to bring honor and glory to God in all that we do.

Each week our students attend a chapel service in the sanctuary with their grade levels, gathering together as a faith family. It is a special time for both students and teachers to worship together through prayer, singing, and studying God’s Word.

First Presbyterian Church pastors speak in chapel monthly, and Christians from around the community as well as missionaries serving the church worldwide are often guest speakers - a great opportunity to show our students how the Lord uses His people in various ways to impact the world for Christ!

Our Chapel theme for 2023-2024 is "A Lamp To Our Feet: Knowing and Loving the Word of God". Our Chapel verse is Psalm 119:105: “Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”.

*All chapels begin at 8:15 a.m., except K3-K4, which are scheduled throughout the morning. We invite you to come and join us for worship.

K3-K4 / Wednesday

K5-2nd / Tuesday

3rd-4th / Thursday

5th-6th / Wednesday

LUNCH

Lexington Independents provides food service for FPDS. New students will be assigned an identification number that will be the same each year. These numbers, along with instructions on how to activate, will be sent via email prior to the first day of school. Instructions may also be found at www.myschoolaccount.com. At the time of activation, parents should be sure to set “low balance alerts” to ensure you do not go into negative balances without notification.

A variety of food choices are offered each day. Prices will be determined prior to August, and parents will be notified. Monthly lunch menus are posted to fpds.org in the Parent Resources section.

K3 through 6th grade students should bring their own snack and water bottle daily, which may be refilled at our filtered water stations throughout campus.

Parents should contact your child’s homeroom teacher if you wish to send a birthday snack for the class or join your child for lunch in the cafeteria. Please note that outside food such as fast food or take-out from local restaurants should not be purchased from outside vendors and brought to school. If this occurs, your child will be asked to keep the lunch in the school office until the end of the day and purchase a lunch from the cafeteria.

For questions about lunch accounts and balances, contact Food Service Manager/ Lexington Independents Joseph Bonner (joseph. bonner@lexingtonindependents.com).

CLASS PARTIES, PLAYS AND FIELD TRIPS

Five parties are held throughout the year: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and the last day of school. Crusader Club Room Moms are responsible for planning parties and will coordinate with class parents for simple refreshments. (No favors are given at the parties.) Parties are usually held at the end of the school day. Passing out invitations at school to parties at home, such as birthday parties, will be permitted only when all students in the room are invited.

Parents are invited to attend the Christmas and last day of school parties. K3 and K4 parents are also invited to the Thanksgiving and Easter parties.

Grade levels will take one field trip in the fall and one in the spring. All children are required to wear seat belts while being transported to and from field trips. No child is allowed to ride on the front passenger side of an automobile where an airbag is present (except the child of the owner of the vehicle). Siblings may not attend field trips. Parents must bring students directly to the Field Trip and back to school without making any stops. Refunds cannot be given within seven days of the Field Trip.

Grades K3 through 5th each participate in a grade-level program. Parents and family members are invited to attend these plays. Siblings will be dismissed from their classrooms and should sit with their parents.

Parents may also be invited to attend grade-level activities that are traditions in the life of FPDS, such as the dress-up parades, Second Grade Mystery Reader, Fifth Grade Living History Museum, etc.

SUMMER TIME.

UNDER THE OAKS

Under the Oaks is the summer program of FPDS, available for students who have completed K3 through 5th grades. Limited spots are available for new students as well. This will be a fun-filled, interactive summer for your child. Open 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Under the Oaks is available during the months of June and July with monthly, weekly, and drop-in options. For more information and fees, visit fpds.org.

Under the Oaks Directors: Rising K4 & K5 Ann Claridge Chestnut (achestnut@fpds.org) and Rising 1st - 6th Jennifer Morgan (jmorgan@fpds.org)

ATHLETICS

FPDS's athletic programs foster an appreciation for physical fitness and athleticism while teaching the value of discipline, commitment, and team contribution over self-promotion. Godly coaches inspire students to strive for their best while uplifting one another, showing respect for competitors, and glorifying God in all that they do.

• Cheerleading (5th and 6th) September - October

• Football (5th and 6th) September - October

• Intramural Girls’ Volleyball (5th) August - September

• Interscholastic Girls’ Volleyball (6th) August - September

• MAIS Swim Meet (1st - 6th) September

• Intramural Basketball (3rd and 4th) October

• Intramural Basketball (5th and 6th) December - January

• Interscholastic Basketball (5th and 6th; tryouts will be held) November-December

• Track (5th and 6th) March - April

Sara Moss, Athletic Director, smoss@fpds.org

STUDENT

ATTENDANCE & TARDIES

FPDS believes that regular attendance in class is essential to the success of a student’s school experience. Regular attendance is required by both FPDS and the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) and is necessary for good scholarship. Students are allowed 20 absences per school year (which includes medical, excused, unexcused, and pre-arranged). A student who accumulates more than 20 absences in a year due to prolonged illness or similar long-term reasons will need to have medical documentation to support these absences. These absences will then be reviewed by the principal and the head of school for determining approval.

Punctuality is a matter of utmost importance in the education process. Students are expected to be in the classroom at the start of the school day. Activities to start the day are an important part of the academic day; tardiness disrupts this educational process and hinders a student’s academic success. In the event of excessive tardies, the grade-level principal will notify the parents.

Requests for dismissal between 2:15 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. will not be accepted. If a child has an appointment at the end of the day, the child should be picked up by 2:15 p.m. Students will NOT be called down for dismissal until the parent is present at the office. Do not text or email your teacher for dismissals or check outs.

MAKE-UP WORK

In order to protect our teachers’ instructional time in the classroom, make-up work for student absences will be available the morning following the day the student is out. This work may be picked up at the school office by a parent, sibling, or friend. If a student returns after one day, they may bring it home themselves. Students have one day per absence to return make-up work, beginning the day they receive the work.

SPORTS AND SCHOOL ABSENCES

A student who is absent from school for more than half a day must receive administrative approval to participate in FPDS sports on the day of the absence.

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ILLNESS & LICE

Your student must stay home if they are experiencing:

• A fever of 100.4 or higher

• Vomiting

• Diarhea

• An eye infection and/or pink eye

• A cold or cold-like symptoms

• Head lice* (Any discovery of lice must be reported to your child’s teacher)

Your student may come back to school when:

• No symptoms above have appeared in the last 24 hours (WITHOUT medication)

*Treated with appropriate lice treatment at home & head checked by school office upon return

Treatment of Lice and Nits:

• You must check your child’s head for nits (eggs); everyone in your family should be checked, and anyone with nits should be treated.

• Use a medicine that your health care provider prescribes or recommends, noting product usage guidelines very carefully.

• After appropriate treatment, all nits must be removed. This is a difficult and time-consuming process because nits have such a firm grip on the hair. You can remove them with a special nit-removal comb. A metal tooth comb, like the Lice Meister, is the best comb to use.

• **Check for nits daily for the next 21 days. Most treatments recommend a reapplication 7 days later.

Tips for reducing the spread of Lice and Nits:

• Clean personal items and surroundings.

• Machine-wash all washable and possibly infested items in hot water. Dry them in a hot dryer.

• Put non-washable items (furry toys or pillows) in a hot dryer for 20 minutes.

• Seal items that cannot be washed or dried in a plastic bag for 10 days (any eggs or lice present will die in this time).

• Wash combs and brushes in a shampoo approved to kill lice, or soak in hot water for at least 5 minutes.

• Thoroughly vacuum rugs, upholstered furniture, and mattresses.

• Do not use insecticide sprays because they can be harmful to people and animals.

If your child vomits at school, or is sent home with a fever, they are not to return to school until at minimum 24 hours later.

SCHOOL UNIFORMS & CRUSADER CLOTHING CO.

Lands' End is the school’s uniform provider. Visit fpds.org for information on ordering. Be sure to sign up to receive Lands’ End emails so that you can be notified of sales. Please be aware of possible shipping delays.

FPDS offers apparel for sale through The Crusader Clothing Co. that the administration has approved to be worn to school as part of the uniform, such as sweatshirts, outerwear, as well as spirit wear that may be worn every Friday. This is a retail store for shopping (no pre-orders) that is open several times each semester, starting with Meet the Teacher and Back to School Night. Parents should check the Parent Newsletter sent every Friday for store opening hours and location, and be sure to follow @crusaderclothingco on Instagram!

It is our belief that God created us male or female. We will adhere to this belief in our dress of uniforms and special events (dress up days, character book reports, etc).

• All approved uniforms must be purchased through Lands' End or at the FPDS Uniform Swap Shop.

• Only FPDS outerwear is allowed to be worn in the classrooms/buildings and at PE/ recess during academic hours. (Outerwear must be purchased through Lands' End or The Crusader Clothing Co.)

• 1st - 6th grade boys are required to wear belts with pants and shorts, with all shirts tucked in. (Exceptions are made on spirit days.)

• A plain, white undershirt, camisole, or long-sleeve t-shirt may be worn under shirts, but must be tucked in.

• Girls’ shirts do not have to be tucked in.

• Jumpers and skirts must be no more than 6 inches above the floor in kneeling position. Skorts must have the original hemline from the store — no hemming. Girls must wear plain, navy blue modesty shorts, leggings, or bloomers.

• Skirts, shorts, and jumpers must show at the bottom underneath sweatshirts.

• All shoes must be closed-toe, rubber soled, with heels no higher than 2 inches and top no taller than ankles. Students attend either PE or recess every day; therefore, for the safety of the student, please adhere to this guideline.

• All socks must be visible and white, navy blue, or gray-colored. Small branding logos are allowed as long as the socks meet the prescribed guidelines. Students may also wear FPDS socks sold at The Crusader Clothing Co.

• All hair should be neat with no extreme styles or hair colors. Boys’ haircuts must be trimmed neatly above the eyebrows, not touching the back collar of the shirt, with sides no longer than the earlobes.

• Uniforms, outerwear, and shoes should be in good condition (not ripped, faded, ragged, or with holes) and should be appropriately fitted to each child.

• Be sure to label all jackets and clothes with your child’s name.

REQUIRED DRESS

K3 - K4 PRESCHOOL

For chapel and school picture days, K3-K4 girls are required to wear the light blue preschool dress. Boys are required to wear a short-sleeve or long-sleeve navy or light blue shirt (mesh or cotton) with khaki shorts or pants.

K5 - SECOND GRADE

For chapel and school picture days, kindergarten through second grade girls are required to wear the plaid jumper with the peter pan (rounded) collared white shirt. Boys are required to wear a navy or green shirt with khaki shorts or pants.

3RD THROUGH 6TH GRADE

For chapel and school picture days, third through sixth grade girls are required to wear the plaid skirt with square-collared white shirt. Boys are required to wear a navy or green shirt with khaki shorts or pants.

SPIRIT DAYS & FIELD TRIPS

On Fridays, Field Trips, and special reward days, etc., students may wear ONLY FPDS t-shirts sold through The Crusader Clothing Co. along with jeans with no rips or holes; and/or uniform shorts or skirts. Leggings must be worn with shorts or uniform skirts over them. Sweatshirts must have no rips, tears, or holes, and fit properly. Sock and shoe guidelines must be adhered to on Fridays and special days.

School spirit days are an opportunity to show your FPDS pride! We ask that all students refrain from wearing spirit wear from other institutions unless speficied (for example, a college spirit day, or favorite pro-team).

UNIFORM SWAP SHOPS

The FPDS Crusader Club Swap Shop provides FPDS families the opportunity to buy school uniforms and Lands’ End outerwear. Items from the Crusader Clothing Co. are not accepted. Proceeds from Swap Shop benefit the Crusader Club and its projects to support FPDS and its students, families, and programming. The Crusader Club provides three sales each school year in August, December, and May. Clean uniforms are turned in, and a voucher is given for accepted garments. Parents may then use the voucher to shop for items. Cash and checks are also accepted for those who wish to shop without swapping items. We are always in need of parent volunteers as well!

GRADES & HOMEWORK

Report cards are emailed to parents four times a year at intervals of nine weeks.

Report cards for students in 1st and 2nd grades will be presented in the form of grades and a checklist. K3, K4 and K5 receive progress reports only (no grades).

Special subject grades are primarily based on effort and cooperation since the abilities of students in these areas are so varied. Grades for special subjects are assigned in 6th grade only. Bible grades are given beginning in 3rd grade.

Behavior and study habits are rated with E (exceptional), S (satisfactory), N (needs improvement), and U (unacceptable).

If a child fails math or reading, he or she will be retained.The Head of School and the parents should be kept informed if there seems to be a possibility of retention.

Homework will be given nightly (except on Wednesday) that fits into the general timescale below.

K5 & 1st 15 to 30 minutes

2nd & 3rd 30 to 45 minutes

4th & 5th 45 minutes to 1 hour

6th 1 to 1.5 hours

*FPDS recognizes that some students may require more time than listed in order to master the skills and concepts being taught in class.

BEHAVIOR/DISCIPLINE

FPDS students are expected to conduct themselves properly at all times. Good behavior ensures a proper atmosphere for academic learning and the development of personal character traits for a Christian life. We believe that the home and the school must work cooperatively to train children to learn respect and self-control.

Each grade level has a set discipline system. These discipline systems will be explained to students and shared with families at the beginning of the school year. If a situation arises that calls for school administration to become involved, the classroom teacher will notify the appropriate principal for assistance.

GIFTS AND SALES

Room moms are only allowed to collect money for gifts for teachers at Christmas and the end of the year. Parents should not solicit other parents to collect gifts/money unless approved by the administration. Collections of money at school will not be permitted without prior approval from the administration. This also includes any type of sales.

LOST TEXTBOOKS

If a textbook is lost, the list price of the book must be paid for replacement. See “technology” for information related to lost devices.

TECHNOLOGY

First Presbyterian Day School strives to maintain an environment that promotes ethical and responsible conduct in all online activities by staff and students. It is a violation of this policy for any employee, student, or other individual to engage in any activity that does not conform to the established purpose and general rules and policies of the school. Students may not use any type of technology at any time or place that has a negative effect on: school order and discipline; the safety, welfare, and reputation of other students or staff; or the reputation of First Presbyterian Day School and its students, faculty, and staff.

All email and internet accounts are to be used only by the authorized owner of the account for the authorized purpose. All communications and information accessible via the school’s network should be assumed to be private property. All students must exhibit exemplary behavior on the internet. From time to time, First Presbyterian Day School will make determinations on whether specific uses of the network and/or internet are consistent with the acceptable use practice.

Should a student be discovered using any online site (including, but not limited to, social media and group/ text messaging services) that results in damaging, profaning, despairing, or harming any faculty member or other student, that student shall face disciplinary action by the school, even if the activity is conducted outside regular school hours or while away from school. Such activity affects the Christian reputation of FPDS and its patrons.

• Giving out personal information about another person, including home address and phone number, is strictly prohibited.

• Any use of technology, including, but not limited to, the internet, for product advertisement or political lobbying is prohibited.

• Users shall not intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of, or modify files, other data, or passwords belonging to other users, or misrepresent other users.

• No use of the network, including malicious use, shall serve to disrupt the use of the network by others.

• Hate mail, chain letters, harassment, discriminatory remarks, and other antisocial behaviors are prohibited across any platform of technology.

• The unauthorized installation of any software is prohibited.

• Use of the network to access or process pornographic material, inappropriate text files (as determined by the system administrator or school administrators), or files dangerous to the integrity of the school’s network is prohibited.

• The use of copyrighted materials without proper citation or permission is strictly prohibited.

• Use of profanity, obscenity, racist terms, or other language that may be offensive to another user is prohibited across any platform of technology.

• Playing games is prohibited unless specifically authorized by a teacher for instructional purposes.

• First Presbyterian Day School cannot be held accountable for the information that is retrieved via the network.

CELL PHONE, WATCHES, AND WEARABLE DEVICES POLICY

K3 through 3rd grade students should not bring devices of any kind to school, including, but not limited to, cell phones, watches, or other wearable devices. Wearable devices include any smartwatch, Fitbit, etc. Digital and analog watches only are allowed for use during school hours.

4th through 6th grade students may bring phones or other devices as long as they adhere to the following policy: cell phones, watches, or other wearable devices must be TURNED OFF and kept in students’ backpacks from the time the student enters school in the morning to the time he or she enters their car in the afternoon. This also includes Crusader Circle, school-sponsored after-school activities, and carpool.

The school will not be responsible for lost, stolen, broken, or misplaced devices brought to school. This is the sole responsibility of the student.

First offense of above policies: device confiscated and kept in the school office until the end of the following school day.

Second offense: device confiscated and kept in the school office for one full week.

Third or more offenses: disciplinary action at the discretion of school administration.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY

FPDS reenrollment occurs in January for the upcoming school year. Agreement to reenrollment for the upcoming year indicates the parents’ commitment to paying the tuition for that year. No withdrawals are considered by the School Board without a properly executed withdrawal form.

SCHOOL BOARD APPROVAL IS NECESSARY FOR RELEASE FROM TUITION FINANCIAL COMMITMENT FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR.

In the rare event a family desires to withdraw a student prior to the end of the school year, a request in writing must be made to the Board of Trustees stating the reason for the withdrawal. At the discretion of the Board of Trustees, responsibility for tuition may be as follows:

Withdrawal before June 30 / Responsible for 25% Annual tuition

Withdrawal between July 1 and December 15 / Responsible for 50% Annual Tuition

Withdrawal after December 15 / Responsible for 100% Annual Tuition

TECHNOLOGY - Contract for School Owned Devices

FPDS students have the privilege of using technology at school to reinforce and enhance their academic growth. FPDS has approved the use of school-owned devices for your child to use throughout the school year on-campus, and offcampus (4th - 6th grades). As always, we want to encourage and produce good digital citizenship. This Technology Use Contract is provided to help students and parents better understand their responsibilities when using the internet and technology.

As a student, I will:

• Protect my private information, including my passwords.

• Respect myself and others when using the internet and other forms of technology. I will always use appropriate language.

• Respect others’ work. When I create projects, I will show where my information and pictures were found. I will do my own work and not plagiarize information.

• Follow the school’s online rules and acceptable use policies, even when using the device at home.

• Understand that if I break this contract, I may lose technology privileges and face other consequences for my choices.

• Be responsible for properly handling my device at all times. If damages occur, then my parents may be responsible for the repair costs.

• Not install any apps or change any settings on my device without the permission of my teacher and/or the Technology Department.

• Use the appropriate cleaners/sanitizers on my device which is authorized by my teacher and/or the Technology Department.

• (4th - 6th Grade) Bring my device to school fully charged and ready to use. Charging stations will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

• (4th - 6th Grade) Understand that if I leave my device at home or fail to charge my device before coming to school, I may request a loaner device. I understand there are a limited number of loaner devices and they are available on a first come, first service basis.

• (4th - 6th Grade) Not leave my device outdoors, in the direct sunlight, or in a hot car which could result in damage.

• Students in K5 through 3rd grade will not be allowed to take any device home.

• Students in 4th grade have the option to take their devices home on a daily basis, if needed. Otherwise, the device will remain locked in the classroom charging cart.

• Students in 5th and 6th grade will take their devices home on a daily basis.

• FPDS will monitor device use and provide web filtering at all times, even when away from campus. No web filter is perfect, and in some rare cases, some websites may not be properly filtered. In the event something did not get filtered that should have, parents should notify the child’s teacher.

• Except for where listed below: FPDS does not purchase extended warranties for student devices. Instead, FPDS self-insures for repair costs.

• (K5-3rd grade) When the device is at school, the school will cover the first repair as a result of accidental damage. Repair costs for subsequent damages or in non-accidental situations will be the responsibility of the child’s parent(s).

• (4th grade) Parents will be required to purchase a 3-year AppleCare warranty (one time purchase) that allows for up to two incidents per calendar year. Subsequent incidents in the same calendar year will be billed to the student’s FACTS account.

• (6th grade only) Current 6th grade devices do not have AppleCare cover. ( AppleCare for Education was not available at the time these devices were purchased.) Therefore, while the device is being used off-campus, parents will be responsible for any repair costs incurred as a result of damages outside of normal manufacturer defects. These damages include, but not limited to, cracked screens, broken headphone ports, liquid spills, drops, etc. Any damage to the device must be reported immediately to your child’s teacher, who will process all repairs through an authorized repair center. Costs for repairs start at $85 on up, depending on the damage occured. First time damage occurring on campus will be taken care of by FPDS.

• Parents will be responsible for the replacement cost of the device in the event of loss or theft should it occur off-campus. This includes costs associated with lost or stolen cases, accessories, and chargers. Lost or stolen devices should be reported to your child’s teacher immediately.

• Parents will be responsible for the replacement cost of any accessories or chargers in the event of loss on-campus.

• Parents should monitor the child’s activity and screen time on the device and limit its use to school work and educational games/apps when it is used off-campus.

• Parents should understand that loaner devices are limited should the device be left at home or is uncharged before coming to school. However, loaner devices will be available should the device be sent for repairs.

• Students in grades 4th through 6th grades will be given a school-issued email address. Students will only be allowed to email their teacher and vice versa. Students will not be allowed to email parents and vice versa, other students, or any other parties.

FPDS DECLARATION

We go to First Presbyterian Day School, a Kingdom school.

We exalt the name of Jesus. We recognize His presence here. We believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We believe the Bible to be God’s Holy Word, to be complete truth, a guide to our feet.I am created in the image of God, and He loves me beyond my imagination. God calls me to love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ --- to listen and obey. To listen and obey the first time, not the second time or the third time, but the first.

To use words of kindness; to respect God’s creation and all authority; to seek no harm against another; to love and encourage others; and to serve my community.

For I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. I can be a teacher, a preacher, a doctor, a banker, a coach, a mother, a father, a fireman, a zookeeper, or a nurse.

We will display a crown of beauty instead of ashes; the oil of gladness instead of mourning; a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

We will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.

Follow your child as they LEARN, GROW, and GO at FPDS!

LEARN

Children at FPDS learn to be “learners.” Through the teachings of the Bible and the personal attention each child receives, they are equipped with a deep understanding of God’s love and a personal conviction of academic excellence.

GROW

Throughout their time at FPDS, each child grows to have a deep understanding of the love of Christ, how to embrace their faith and use it daily to pursue the challenges of the world.

GO

When it’s time for a child to leave FPDS, they have developed confidence and self worth, grounded in their faith - so they are prepared for whatever or wherever is their next right place.

Instagram: @fpdscrusaders & Facebook: FirstPDS

Preschool Instagram: @fpdspreschool

Please take note of our new building organziation. The FPDS office is now located on Belhaven Street, across from the grassy knoll. The new Early Childhood Nursery will be located by the preschool, with the entrance on Pinehurst Street.