Whats Next Packet 2022 Family Edition

NCS NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

WHAT'S NEXT? PACKET 2022-2023

All the answers needed to sate your burgeoning curiosity about the new school year!

CLICK HERE TO READ THE NCS FAMILY EDITION

Tuesday, June 28, 2022 Dear Northwest Christian family, Having survived the harried end of the school year, as families within the Crusader community settle into summer, enjoying vacations and time together, every once in a while, the occasional thought of the approaching school year may encroach upon some of the merriment and memorymaking. As such thoughts do dawn, they most often produce the question, “Hey, what’s next?”

To set such anxious minds at ease, each summer, typically as the calendar rolls from June into July, we launch the appropriately titled “What’s Next?” mailing for our families.

It’s this virtual resource that you are presently holding within your digital hands. Contained herein, you will find a wealth of information–everything you need to know for the new school year. The information is sorted by school division–Early Education, Elementary, Middle School, High School, and Online School–and while it may take some time to work through, the information is ready and available when you are!

Please enjoy the balance of the summer!

Geoff Brown Superintendent Northwest Christian School (623)225-5573 (cell) (602)978-5134 x505 (office) gbrown@ncsaz.org

NCS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

All School Early Education Elementary Middle School High School Online/Flex

NCS

ALL SCHOOL MINI-12TH GRADE

FROM THE FINANCE OFFICE We hope you are enjoying your summer break and that your family is well. There have been several changes in the finance office this past school year. We transitioned to the Blackbaud Tuition Management (BTM) system, in your portal, for online tuition payments. We have had some personnel changes as well. Diane Collicott will be retiring after serving our families for 39 years as the Director of Finance. The NCS families, and their children will be the one thing she will miss the most. It has been her pleasure and privilege to serve your families through your student’s educational journeys. Tricia Mucklow has assumed the role of NCS Business Manager and Monette Mason is working as the Accounts Receivable Assistant. Tricia has been working with the finance office since September 2021 to prepare for this transition, and we are confident in their ability to serve your family’s tuition and tax credit needs. Diane Shulda will continue to assist families with their MySchoolBucks lunch account needs.

As we go into the 22-23 school year, we want to remind our families that payments are due on the 1st of each month. A late fee of $25 will be charged to the tuition account after the 7th of every month, if the monthly payment is not received in full. Any credit balances from the 21-22 school year will be applied to the 22-23 school year in July. If your student is a Senior in the 22-23 school year, the entire family tuition balance through May AND the Senior’s portion of June tuition, is due by May 19, 2023 to guarantee participation in the graduation ceremony.

If a family pays the full tuition amount before August 9, 2022, a 3% discount of the full tuition amount will be applied at a later date. Please click here for the 22-23 tuition schedule, the totals that reflect the 3% discount, and for details regarding family discounts. Tuition payments are made through your BTM portal on the NCS website. If you use your credit or debit card, BTM charges a 3% convenience fee, however payments made with a checking account are free. Automatic payments are available through BTM and can be set up via the portal on our website. We receive tax credits starting in July and award cycles continue throughout the school year. Awards are available once they are posted to your NCS family tuition account. Once you are notified of an award by the STO, it can take up to three weeks for that award to be received by the finance office and posted to your account. For more information regarding tax credits and the STO’s we work with, please click here.

Early Education students will have a BTM account that is separate from your student(s) in K-12, because tax credits cannot be used prior to Kindergarten. You will need a separate username and password for each BTM account. If your student(s) utilize our extended care program, charges will be posted to your BTM account weekly. The preschool department will no longer accept payments. Please make your payments through your BTM portal.

We know families sometimes have financial difficulties and we are here to help. Please contact the Finance Office. If you have an extenuating circumstance for example, illness, loss of a job, death, divorce, etc., we may be able to offer assistance.

We are looking forward to working with each of you, Diane Collicott and The Finance Team

Northwest Christian School Early Education Tuition/Fee Schedule 2022-2023 Mini Crusaders Fees

Monthly Tuition Payment

Mini Crusaders Fees: New Student Application fee - (non-refundable) - $50 Registration fee for all attending options - due upon acceptance - (non-refundable) - $100 Mini Crusaders Half Day option (8:00am - 12:00 pm)

Walkers & 2’s $295

Tuesday/Thursday mornings Monday/Wednesday/Friday mornings

Ten months, August - May

$397

Monday through Friday morning

Ten months, August - May

Ten months, August - May

$618

Before Care Hours 7:30am-8:00am. After Care Hours 12:00pm-5:30pm Before and after care M-F for Walkers and 2’s,will be charged at an hourly rate of $6.00/hr.

Preschool Fees

Annual

Annual

Monthly Tuition Payment

If paid in full by 8/8 Half Day (8:30am - 11:30 am) – 3’s, 4’s & Pre-K Tuesday/Thursday mornings $3,245 June Monday/Wednesday/Friday mornings $4,367 June Monday through Friday mornings $6,798 June

$3,148 $4,236 $6,594

$295 -Eleven months, August $397 -Eleven months, August $618 -Eleven months, August –

(5 day class available for 4 year olds only; 2/3 day configuration available for 3 year olds)

Full Day (8:30am-3:00pm) – 3’s, 4’s & Pre-K Tuesday/Thursday Monday/Wednesday/Friday Monday through Friday

$4,983 $7,161 $9,383

Extended Care Fees for 3’s, 4’s & Pre-K 7:30am - 8:30am and/or dismissal through 5:30pm

$4,834 $6,946 $9,102

Pre-Scheduled: $6.00/hr.

$453 -Eleven months, August - June $651 -Eleven months, August - June $853 -Eleven months, August - June Drop-in: $6.50/hr.

All classes are offered subject to meeting minimum enrollment requirements.

Preschool Registration Fees

Family Discounts ( Preschool Only)

New Student non-refundable application fee

$50

Registration non-refundable fee

$100

1st Child 2nd Child 3rd Child

Regular Price 15% on the lower priced student 30% on the lowest priced student

(Early Education is not included in the K-12 discount.)

Registration Refund Policy Registration and re-registration fees are non refundable.

Tuition Payment Policy

The Early Education program runs from August-May (10 months); however, the tuition for Early Education students is divided into eleven monthly payments. The first payment is due on August 1 and the last payment is due on or before June 1.

Any payment received after the seventh of the month will be considered late and the account will be assessed a $25 late charge.

If account becomes more than 60 days past due, student may not be allowed to attend class until account is current.

There is a $25 charge on all checks returned by the bank.

If annual tuition is paid in full by the first day of school, the family will receive a three percent discount.

Revised 1/10/22

Northwest Christian School K-12 Tuition Schedule 2022-2023 Grade/Age Levels Full Day K-5 Middle School (6-8) High School

Annual

Annual If paid in full by 8/8

Monthly Tuition Payment

$ 9,614 $11,616 $12,969

$ 9,326 $11,268 $12,580

$ 874 – Eleven months, August through June $1,056 – Eleven months, August through June $1,179 – Eleven months, August through June

NCS Online Options K-8 Full Time $ 2,500 9-12 Biblical Worldview Institute

$ 2,425

$ 250 – Ten months, August through May $ 250 per class/semester

Extended Care (K-8)

$6.00/hr. Pre scheduled $6.50/hr. Drop in

Re-Registration Fees 1-12 Grade by 2/18 (nonrefundable) 1-12 Grade after 2/18 (nonrefundable) Kindergarten due upon acceptance

Available dismissal through 5:30pm AM Extend Care for Kinder only 7:30am to 8am

New Student Fees $205* $250 $205

Non-refundable application fee (all new students) $50 Testing fee, if applicable (due on testing day) $30 Registration fee, K-12 (due upon acceptance) $205

* A $45 late fee will be added to any 1-12th grade enrollment agreement received after the February 18, 2022 deadline.

Students in all grade levels with late re-enrollment agreement submissions may be subject to a wait list.

The re-enrollment fee is nonrefundable.

Family Discounts (Kindergarten – 12) 1st Child Regular price 2nd Child 10% to both students 3rd Child 18% to all three students 4th Child + Total tuition charged to families with 4 or more K-12 students will not exceed the sum of the three oldest student’s tuition less our 18% discount. This total will then be allocated proportionately to all K-12 students based upon each students full cost of tuition. (Early Education/Preschool is not included in the family discount)

Registration Refund Policy Registration and re-registration fees are non-refundable for the 22-23 school year.

Tuition Payment Policy • Tuition for Kindergarten through 12th Grade on the ground students will be divided into eleven monthly payments.

The first payment is due Aug 1 and the last payment is due June 1. Online only, ten months Aug 1 through May 1.

• Any payment received after the seventh of the month will be considered late and the account will be assessed a $25 late charge.

• If an account becomes more than 60 days past due, the student may not be allowed to attend class until the account is brought current.

• There is a $25 charge on all checks returned by the bank.

• Tuition for graduating seniors must be paid before graduation day in order for the student to participate in graduation ceremonies.

• If annual tuition is paid in full by the first day of school, the family will receive a three percent discount.

Updated 1/10/2022

Family Discount Tuition Examples ( more than one student per family) 2 Elementary August September-June (If paid in full by 8/8 - $16,786)

2 Elementary & 1 High School $ 1575 $ 1573 Total $17,305

3 Elementary August September-June (If paid in full by 8/8 - $22,941)

(If paid in full by 8/8 - $18,534)

(If paid in full by 8/8 - $26,126)

(If paid in full by 8/8 - $24,533)

(If paid in full by 8/8 - $20,282)

August September-June (If paid in full by 8/8 - $27,718)

August September-June (If paid in full by 8/8 - $21,462)

August September-June (If paid in full by 8/8 - $29,870)

2 Middle School & 1 High School

August September-June

August September-June

$ 2553 $ 2549 Total $28,043

1 Elementary & 1 High School August September-June (If paid in full by 8/8 - $19,715)

(If paid in full by 8/8 - $28,278)

$ 2016 $ 2011 Total $22,126

(If paid in full by 8/8 - $28,794)

$ 2804 $ 2799 Total $30,794 $ 2695 $ 2699 Total $29,685

2 High School $ 1845 $ 1848 Total $20,325

1 Elementary & 2 High School August September-June

$ 2595 $ 2598 Total $28,575

1 Middle School & 2 High School $ 2302 $ 2299 Total $25,292

1 Elementary, 1 Middle School & 1 High School (If paid in full by 8/8 - $27,202)

$ 1899 $ 1901 Total $20,909

1 Middle School & 1 High School $ 2444 $ 2449 Total $26,934

2 Elementary & 1 Middle School August September-June

August September-June

3 Middle School $ 1737 $ 1737 Total $19,107

1 Elementary & 2 Middle School August September-June

(If paid in full by 8/8 - $25,610)

$ 2402 $ 2400 Total $26,402

2 Middle School $ 2150 $ 2150 Total $23,650

1 Elementary & 1 Middle School August September-June

August September-June

August September-June (If paid in full by 8/8 - $22,644)

$ 2124 $ 2122 Total $23,344

3 High School $ 2653 $ 2650 Total $29,153

August September-June (If paid in full by 8/8 - $30,947)

$ 2904 $ 2900 Total $31,904

TUITION ASSISTANCE Dear NCS Family, Since 2010, I’ve had the pleasure to share tuition assistance information with many of you. Together, NCS has helped make Arizona a “parent choice, school choice” leader. As we enter the 2022-2023 school year, I am encouraged by the many praise reports of God’s perfect provision in the lives of NCS families. Your successful efforts to make a Christ-centered, private education a reality, have made NCS a consistent leader in tuition assistance awards in Arizona. Congratulations!

There are several ways to learn more about the various private school tuition assistance programs.

1) Attend a group workshop on either Tuesday, October 4th, 2022, or Thursday, January 12, 2023.

Registration information will be included in the September, Week At-A-Glance email.

2) Consider self-scheduling a phone consultation: Schedule Tuition Assistance Consult.

3) Review the following links to learn more about the various tuition assistance options in Arizona: Ways to Afford A Christian Education, Tax Credit Program Detail & Qualifying Criteria 4) Watch our Tuition Assistance Webinar for families with full time, on campus students in PK-12.

5) Watch our NCS K5 Online Affordability video for families of NCS online students.

6) Review the AZTO Applicant Guide as well as the materials from other STO’s suchs as: ACSTO, APESF, IBE, New Hope, PSTF123, and STO4KIDZ. 7) Consider creating a family landing page unique to your student(s). This tool allows you to promote the tax credit program easily to family, friends, and colleagues. See the samples available from AZTO and ACSTO. If you have questions about the Arizona tuition assistance programs, login into your NCS portal and review the tuition assistance tile under “RESOURCES”, or contact the admissions office or tax credit organization directly. If you are a current family with questions relating to your tuition account balance or if you would like to discuss a financial hardship, please contact the NCS finance office at 602-978-5134 ext. 507. Our team is happy to assist you.

Whether you are new to NCS or a long-time NCS family, there is a tuition assistance program for you.

You are a valued part of the NCS family and it is our privilege to partner with you as you seek to provide an affordable, Christ-centered education of excellence for your family.

Joyfully Serving Him, Michelle Reddy Director of Admissions Northwest Christian School 16401 N. 43rd Ave. | Phoenix, AZ 85053 Phone: 602-978-5134 | Ext: 515 Email: mreddy@ncsaz.org Web: www.NorthwestChristianSchool.org

NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2022-2023 CALENDAR (Updated 6/2/2022)

AUGUST 3 MS & HS Registration 4 Elementary “Meet the Teacher” Day 8 School Begins – Including Early Ed 10-12 HS Camp 15 Elementary “Back to School Night” EE Parent Orientation 16 MS and HS “Back to School Night” 26 No School - Teacher In-Service 30 K-5 Picture Day SEPTEMBER 5 Labor Day – No School 6 6-12 Picture Day 16 No school - Teacher In-Service OCTOBER 3-4 Secondary Parent Teacher Conferences 3:30pm-5:00pm 6 How to Afford a Christian Education Workshop EL & EE Parent/Teacher Conferences 11:00 a.m. Dismissal – ALL GRADES, 7

JANUARY 3 School Resumes 12 How to Afford a Christian Education Workshop Freshman & HS Information Night Kindergarten Readiness and Info Meeting 6th Grade Orientation 13 No school - Teacher In-Service 16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – No School FEBRUARY 7 Open House & Curriculum Showcase 13 Online Re-enrollment & Deposit Due 17 No School - Teacher In-Service 20 Presidents’ Day – No School MARCH 6-7 Secondary Parent Teacher Conferences 3:30pm-5:00pm 9 EL & EE Parent/Teacher Conferences 11:00 a.m. Dismissal – ALL GRADES

All Early Ed 5 day classes & all Mini Crusaders (2/3 day Presch, Ex Care No School)

All Early Ed 5 day classes & all Mini Crusaders (2/3 day Presch, Ex Care No School)

10

EL & EE Parent/Teacher Conferences-

No School for Elementary, Mini Cru, Presch

13-17 20 30 31

MS and HS – 11:00 a.m. Dismissal Spring Break School Resumes Preschool-12th Open House No School - Teacher In-Service

EL & EE Parent/Teacher Conferences

MS and HS – 11:00 a.m. Dismissal 10-14 Fall Break – No School 19-20 Early Education Picture Day

NOVEMBER 4 No School - Teacher In-Service 11 Veteran’s Day Observance- No School 21-22 Grandparents Days 23 Thanksgiving Vacation Begins – 11:00 a.m. Dismissal 24-25 Thanksgiving Vacation DECEMBER 13-15 High School Final Exams (full day) 16 High School Finals Exams Christmas Break Begins – 11:00 a.m. Dismissal (All Grades) First Semester Ends

No School for Elementary, Mini Cru, Presch

APRIL 7 Good Friday – No School 10 Easter Monday – No School 28 No School - Teacher In-Service MAY 15-19 23-25 25 26

Senior Final Exams High School Final Exams (full day) 8th Grade Promotion High School Final Exams Last Day of School – 11:00 a.m. Dismissal (All Grades) Senior Graduation – 7:00 p.m.

BLACKBAUD STUDENT/PARENT PORTAL LOGIN INSTRUCTIONS To sign forms, access schedules, review school documents and announcements, and check posted grades, use the Blackbaud Student Portal or Blackbaud Parent Portal accessible from the BLACKBAUD LOGIN button at the top right of the school’s ncsaz.org website or directly at ncsaz.myschoolapp.com. This web-based portal allows users to easily toggle between their roles, if applicable (Student - Parent - Faculty - Alum) and to see the features relevant to that role.

July 10, 2022 Blackbaud ID login invitation In July, Blackbaud is requiring all users to login with Blackbaud ID instead of the previous username and password. All current students are registered to sign in using their school Google email accounts for Blackbaud ID. New students will receive this information on Registration Day. Parents ● ● ●

Prior to July 10, please log in with your existing Blackbaud credentials that you used during the re-enrollment or application process.

Once logged in, click your name in the upper righthand corner and select Profile.

Under the Digital section, verify the primary email address listed. ○ This will be used as your Blackbaud ID and must be unique from other users, including your spouse or children.

If you need help resetting your password, click the link Forgot login or First time logging in? and the system will send a link to reset your password. You may also email HelpDesk@ncsaz.org for additional support.

Students ● ●

Enter your school email address for your username then click Next.

You will be routed to a different sign in page. Click the Sign in the Google button at the bottom. ○ If you need help resetting your password, contact HelpDesk@ncsaz.org and mention your first and last name and that you are requesting a password reset.

If you have any difficulty logging in, please contact 602-978-5134 ext. 519 or HelpDesk@ncsaz.org.

Please note: At this time, there is not an app for the Blackbaud Portal; however, a mobile browser should enable necessary features of the website.

Join Us! The following events are an opportunity for both our new and existing families to connect and get "stitched" into the NCS family and meet others with children of the same age. Both parents and children are welcome to attend events and are responsible to arrange supervision as needed. If you plan to attend an event, please RSVP here!

EARLY EDUCATION 



Friday, June 10, Early Ed to early Elementary, Enchanted Island, 9:00am  This event is intended for younger students (Early Ed and early Elementary).

Water and snacks will be available. Wristbands will be $5 at the door. *When signing up, please only sign up for the # of students*.

Thursday, June 23, EE to Elementary, Uptown Jungle, 9:00am  Uptown Jungle for Early Ed to Elementary. Uptown Jungle at Cactus and 75th Ave. Water and snacks will be available.*When signing up, please only sign up for the # of students*.

Details and RSVP here!

ELEMENTARY 







Friday, June 3, Elementary, Paqua Park, 11:30am  This event is intended for elementary students 7 years of age and older. The cost will be $20. Paqua Park is located at Lake Pleasant Regional Park. Please read details when signing up!

Friday, June 10, Early Ed to early Elementary, Enchanted Island, 9:00am  This event is intended for younger students (Early Ed and early Elementary).

Water and snacks will be available. Wristbands will be $5 at the door. *When signing up, please only sign up for the # of students*.

Thursday, June 23, Early Ed to Elementary, Uptown Jungle, 9:00am  Uptown Jungle for Early Ed to Elementary. Uptown Jungle at Cactus and 75th Ave. Water and snacks will be available.*When signing up, please only sign up for the # of students*.

Thursday, July 14, Elementary, Peter Piper Pizza, 11:00am  Pizza and tokens will be available for purchase.*When signing up, please only sign up for the # of students*. Peter Piper Pizza on 75th Ave and Bell Road.

Details and RSVP here!

MIDDLE SCHOOL  

 

Friday, June 3, Adventure Cru H2WHOA, 7:00pm  Join the Adventure Cru for a fantastic time of sliding at Lake Pleasant on the Worlds Largest floating water slide! The cost for this event will be $20 dollars.

Tuesday, June 21, Rocks and Arrows with Adventure Cru, 10:00am  Secondary students will head to Geck Rock gym for some climbing, enjoy a lunch at Culver's and cap the day off with time on the archery range at Arizona Archery Club. Please bring $$ for lunch, but climbing and archery will be covered.

Thursday, June 30, Adventure Cru to serve at St. Marys, 7:00am  Secondary students can join Mr. G on his birthday and serve the vulnerable at St. Marys food bank. We will enjoy lunch afterwards.

Wednesday, July 27, 40th Annual WildBurro Adventure Cru Hike, 8:00am  Well, maybe the 3rd or 4th annual, but fun none the less. Join us for a great hike, some swimming in the lake and lunch as well. Lunch will be covered for all who attend.

Details and RSVP here!

HIGH SCHOOL            

Friday, June 3, Adventure Cru H2WHOA, 7:00pm Join the Adventure Cru for a fantastic time of sliding at Lake Pleasant on the Worlds Largest floating water slide! The cost for this event will be $20 dollars.

Tuesday, June 21, Rocks and Arrows with Adventure Cru, 10:00am Secondary students will head to Geck Rock gym for some climbing, enjoy a lunch at Culver's and cap the day off with time on the archery range at Arizona Archery Club.

Please bring $$ for lunch, but climbing and archery will be covered.

Thursday, June 30, Adventure Cru to serve at St. Marys, 7:00am Secondary students can join Mr. G on his birthday and serve the vulnerable at St. Marys food bank. We will enjoy lunch afterwards.

Wednesday, July 27, 40th Annual WildBurro Adventure Cru Hike, 8:00am Well, maybe the 3rd or 4th annual, but fun none the less. Join us for a great hike, some swimming in the lake and lunch as well. Lunch will be covered for all who attend.

Tuesday, August 2, New High School Boys: Fishing Boating, 5:00pm New High School boys to NCS are welcome to join us on the lake for some fish fishing as well as magnet fishing.

Tuesday, August 2, New High School Girls Dinner at Sauce, 5:00pm New High School girls to NCS are invited to join us at Sauce at Norterra for dinner.

This will be a great time to meet some other new faces, as well as some current NCS high school girls. See you there!

Details and RSVP here!

NORTHWEST SPONSORSHIP CHRISTIAN OPPORTUNITIES SCHOOL SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

2022 2023

WHY NCS? With a strong history of world-changing alumni, a thriving on-campus culture, demonstrably strong academic outcomes, and a vibrant spiritual atmosphere, Northwest Christian School is one of the largest private schools in the state of Arizona.

Northwest Christian School serves preschool - high school students and their families. NCS is made up of families with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and circumstances all united in Christ.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Northwest Christian School has been serving families in the Phoenix area for more than 40 years.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Questions?

Contact Holli Barnes hbarnes@ncsaz.org

2022 2023

Auction Jogathon NXNW Film Festival

Spring Musical

SUMMER

WINTER

Monday Folders Football Magnet Spirit Shirts *NEW* PURPLE Homecoming Alumni Tent Taco Tailgate

SPRING

FALL

TITLE (limit 1)

Summer Stitching

EVENT SOLD SOLD 3,500 SOLD 5,000 2,000 4,000 3,000 1,000

1,000

Big Boys on Campus (limit 3)

1,000

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FALL SPORTS PROGRAM $700 Back Cover $500 Inside Cover $300 Inside Back Cover $225 Full-page Ad $125 Half-page Ad $75 Quarter-page Ad

Auction

TBD

NXNW Film Festival (limit 3) Middle School Musical

250

Spring Musical (limit 3) Staff Appreciation Week (limit 4) Middle School Play

500

250

400 250

SPRING PLAYBILL $100 Full-page Ad $75 Half-page Ad $50 Quarter-page Ad

AUCTION DONATIONS

500

Organizations that donate a product or service to our annual auction will receive recognition in the program.

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES JR. CRUSADER

$600

1/4 Ad Fall Sports Program or Spring Playbill Athletic Family Pass for home games* Spotlight Advertisement (12 months)

CRUSADER

$800

1/4 Ad Fall Sports Program or Spring Playbill Athletic Family Pass for home games* Spotlight Advertisement (12 months) 2 NCS Polos/NCS T-shirts Outdoor Banner (4x5)

*Immediate Family Only ** Sponsor is responsible for scheduling.

Homecoming is on a first come first serve basis.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

CORPORATE

$1200

1/4 Ad Fall Sports Program or Spring Playbill Athletic Family Pass for home games* Spotlight Advertisement (12 months) 2 NCS Polos/NCS T-shirts Outdoor Banner (4x5) Indoor Logo Signage Table at any 3 NCS Events**

2022 2023

DETAILS

Monday Folders - SOLD Customized with your logo, two pocket folders that our Elementary students will use as their Monday folders all year.

Football Magnet - SOLD A magnet with the NCS football schedule customized with your logo which will be available to all NCS families in the main office, back to school events, and all home football games.

Spirit Shirts (2 available) *NEW* Organization logo placed on a "Student Spirit" T-Shirt that will be given to all NCS Students K-12 and worn for athletic games and school events throughout the year.

Homecoming - SOLD Informational table at event Logo on Homecoming poster used for promotion of the event Logo on all emails promoting the event Logo on postcards sent to the neighborhood surrounding NCS regarding our fireworks and event Organization mentioned/thanked by emcee during the football game Organization mentioned/thanked on social media (Facebook & Instagram) Alumni Tent Informational table at event Logo on all emails promoting the event Organization mentioned/thanked by emcee during the football game Organization mentioned/thanked on social media (Facebook & Instagram) Sponsorship banner hung at Alumni Tent Taco Tailgate Organization logo on all emails about the event Organization mentioned/thanked by emcee during the football game Big Boys on Campus Logo on all emails promoting BBOC each month Organization mentioned/thanked on social media (Facebook & Instagram) Sponsorship banner hung each week of the event Auction - Title Organization acknowledged as the "Title Sponsor" of event in program Organization logo on all emails promoting the event Organization mentioned/thanked on social media (Facebook & Instagram) Organization logo included in post-event video Auction - Event Multiple Opportunities Available - contact Holli Barnes for details if interested Jogathon Logo on all emails promoting the event Organization mentioned/thanked on social media (Facebook & Instagram) NXNW Film Festival - Title Organization acknowledged as the "Title Sponsor" of event Informational table at event Organization logo on all emails promoting the event Organization mentioned/thanked on social media (Facebook & Instagram) NXNW Film Festival - Event Organization logo on all emails promoting the event Organization mentioned/thanked on social media (Facebook & Instagram)

Spring Musical - Title Full-page ad in Spring Playbill Informational table at event Organization logo on all emails about the event Organization mentioned/thanked on social media (Facebook & Instagram) Spring Musical - Event Organization logo on all emails about the event Organization will receive a quarter-page ad in the Spring Playbill Staff Appreciation Week (4 days) Organization mentioned/thanked on social media (Facebook & Instagram) Organization logo displayed in Staff Lounge Organization logo in daily email that goes out to all faculty & staff

Summer Stitching Organization logo on all emails about the event Organization mentioned/thanked on social media (Facebook & Instagram)

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Please review the Sponsorship Opportunities available.

To confirm your selection, contact Holli Barnes Hbarnes@ncsaz.org 602 978 5134 x 128

2022 2023

CARPOOL INFORMATION Northwest Christian School is delighted that our families have benefited from our community carpool program. Whether you are seeking to meet other NCS families in your neighborhood, or if you are looking for an occasional ride home or a regular pick-up and/or drop-off schedule, an NCS carpool might be just what you are looking for. There is no commitment for expressing interest in sharing a ride.

Click here to join the NCS Carpool Interest List.

A link to the list of carpool participants will be emailed to all registrants by August 16th.

Please contact Michelle Reddy, Director of Admissions, if you have any questions regarding carpools at NCS. MReddy@NCSaz.org

2022-2023 FINE ARTS OPPORTUNITIES

Fall Play (Grades 9-12) PARTICIPATION FEE: $125 DATES: August - October 2023 We are excited to announce the upcoming production of Noises Off. Watch for more information regarding ticket sales.

NXNW Film Festival (Grades 9-12) Make a short film of your own to be shown at the 8th annual NXNW High School Film Festival. Submission guidelines will be posted in the fall and the deadline for entries will be early January, 2023.

Spring Musical Auditions (Grades 9-12) PARTICIPATION FEE: $125 DATES: TBA Come out and audition for the 2023 Spring Musical! Audition dates are tentatively set for early December.

Performance dates are tentatively set for March 3-5, 2023. Watch for more information to follow.

NCS ANNUAL STUDENT TRIP OPPORTUNITIES ELEMENTARY 3rd and 4th Grade - San Diego Floating Lab Trip, March 2023 Description: The annual elementary excursion to San Diego has become a family favorite each Spring Break.

Centered around time aboard a half-day harbor excursion the Floating Lab allows students to see the wonders of God’s marine creations up close. The trip affords families discounted opportunities to visit a creation museum, Scripps Aquarium, and the San Diego Zoo. Costs are varied based upon the activities and events each family chooses. Additional information will become available to families in September.

5th Grade Camp, March 2023 Description: Traveling to a sleep-away camp in northern Arizona, the fifth graders will enjoy a time of fellowship and learning that is centered around a distinctively Christian science-based curriculum. Students will spend two nights at the camp. Though the final prices will be determined after some fundraising this fall, historically, the camp has been in the neighborhood of $150 per student.

MIDDLE SCHOOL 6th through 8th Grades - Serve the City Description: This is an amazing opportunity for all MS students to serve those in need in our local community!

Students spend 2 nights and 3 days together as we serve and partner with various ministries around town to help our fellow community members who are in need.

8th Grade - Kids Kingdom Orphanage in Imuris, Mexico Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 Description: This is a service opportunity for students to experience a culture that is different from ours. The goal of the trip is to help give NCS students a new perspective of service in hopes of fostering a love for serving the poor. With additional info to follow from 8th grade Bible, the cost of the trip varies but students will be involved in raising their support.

8th Grade - End-of-the-Year trip Description: It is a tradition for many years that 8th grade students end the school year with a trip to the ocean for lots of fun activities! This year, we are excited to announce that we will be heading to Florida for some snorkeling, kayaking, and much, much, more! Watch your email for more information.

HIGH SCHOOL 9th through 12th Grades - Kids Kingdom Orphanage in Imuris, Mexico, Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 Description: This is a service opportunity for students to experience a culture that is different from ours. The goal of the trip is to help give NCS students a new perspective of service in hopes of fostering a love for serving the poor. With additional info to follow, the cost of the trip varies but students will be involved in raising their support. Additional information regarding the orphanage can be found at: www.facebook.com/imuriskidskingdom

9th through 12th Grades - Choir Trip Description: The every-other-year HS choir trip is an incredible opportunity for high school students to experience major cities around the world. This year’s trip will include musical instruction and performances that speckle the itinerary promoting skill development and a greater appreciation of the arts. For more information, please email Julie Dennis at jdennis@ncsaz.org. Don’t miss out on this one in a lifetime experience!

NEW YEAR. NEW GEAR.

2022 2023

ORDER YOUR GEAR ONLINE ON THE NCS WEBSITE

01 Sep - home VS SNOWFLAKE *HOME OPENER* 09 Sep - @ Estrella foothills 23 Sep - home vs ST. MARY's *MIssion builders tailgate* 30 SEP - @ Canyon view 07 Oct - home vs coconino *TACO TAILGATE* 14 Oct - @ GREENWAY 21 Oct - home vs peoria *homecoming* 28 Oct - @ yuma catholic 04 NOV - home vs buckeye *SENIOR NIGHT* 10 Nov - @ Glendale HS 7:00PM KICK-OFF FOR ALL GAMES

SCHEDULE

2022 VARSITY FOOTBALL

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES! Northwest Christian School NCS Annual Events AND MORE! Sign Up to Volunteer here!

Holli Barnes Director of Marketing hbarnes@ncsaz.org 602-978-5134

Ways to Support NCS We are grateful for these partnerships!

Shop online at smile.amazon.com AmazonSmile donates to NCS at no cost to you!

Looking for an easy way to earn money toward your child's tuition? Check out raiseright.com or email lhaney@ncsaz.org

MOMS IN PRAYER

If you are NOT praying for your child, WHO IS?

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. Matt. 18:20

We are moms and grandmothers and parents coming together every week to connect and pray for our children and NCS, impacting them for Christ.

Starts August 2022 When: Wednesdays at 8:05 AM Where: NCS Campus: Check front office for specifics

NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN GENERAL SELFIE ID LINK https://high5.id/p/bJXVP You may use your ID number or name when using the link above.

How to find your Student ID number Grades 6-12 Students may follow the process to take their Selfie ID. If students are unable to get their picture completed by 7/24, GRADS Photography will be on site for registration day to take ID pictures as usual.

Grades K-5 Parents may follow the process to take their student’s Selfie ID. If they are unable to complete the process, ID cards without pictures will be delivered on the first day of classes for the students.

Accessing the Student ID Number There are two methods to access the student ID number.

Log in to the student portal or parent portal via ncsaz.myschoolapp.com or www.ncsaz.org.

After you log in to the parent portal, you will find your student profiles just under the NCS header.

The ID number is embedded within the web address of the student’s profile page. It is a 7-digit number that begins with 5.

Students in grades 10-12 have already logged in to their portal to complete their course requests. For other students, they can register with their student email address - lastname+first inital (or first two initials if they have a sibling with the same first initial) @ncsazstudents.org. (ex. testj@nsazstudents.org or testja@nsazstudents.org).

Parents can see their student’s email address by clicking on the student profile (the same method shown above).

If the student logs in to their profile, the ID is also located on the General Information section on the Profile screen.

• • • •

Click on the tiny triangle beside the student's name at the upper right of the screen Choose “Profile” from the drop-down menu General Information is located on the left side of the screen USER ID is the last option

ENJOY KINGDOM CULTURE CONVERSATIONS! Northwest Christian’s Top Ten Biblical Worldview Podcast on Apple Podcasts

Click here to enjoy Northwest Christian’s Crusaders Charge into Summer 2022 Reading campaign!

NCS Middle & High School Clubs There is a place for you in a Crusader Club! Below is just a sampling of the growing number of clubs that are available to Northwest Christian students. Each Monday, throughout the school year, check your email for dates, times, and details!

Crusader Fishing Co. Open to all secondary students, this new Club is looking forward to various types of fishing and competing in a number of open fishing tournaments. Grab your reel!

Wyldlife/YoungLife The mission of YoungLife and Wyldlife is to introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ. Unlike any other club program in the valley, the NCS chapter of these clubs see that within dynamic events!

The Umbrella Project This club pulls together different resources to support high school students during difficult times. Led by an alumni, the club focuses on helping the hurting in our community.

Crusader Archery For both amateurs and experts, Crusader Archery is meant to be both fun and competitive. Students will learn the basics and compete in tournaments.

Rogue Squadron Crusader Kitten Corps This is, hands-down, the lamest club on campus. CKC is a middle school club dedicated to hosting shockingly rude card game tournaments centered around the most successful card game in Kickstarter history. (MS)

Prayer Warriors Prayer Warriors brings together high school students with a passion for prayer and the needs of their peers.

The group offers weekly support and encouragement to others throughout the school. (HS)

NCS Law Club Led by an alumni attorney, law club learns the Biblical foundation for law and participates in Mock Trial competitions. (HS)

Off the Page Book Club Off the Page works through books of different genres and enjoys stimulating discussions as they savor complimentary lunches together. (MS and HS)

Fellowship of Christian Athletes High school coaches and athletes in pursuit of a deeper relationship with Christ come together once-a-month for fellowship and fun. (HS)

Rogue Squadron explores fantasy and speculative fiction within movies, books, and games through a lens of Christian worldview. (MS)

Students For Life The NCS chapter of Students for Life rallies pro-life middle and high school students in practical support of two local crisis nurse-

NCS Student Ambassadors The biggest club on campus works to meet the needs of campus visitors through hospitality and service. (HS)

Middle School Chess “Knights of the Square Table” is for beginners and experts! The club enjoys free food, fellowship, and competitive play as we prepare for tournaments.(MS)

Crusader e-Sports The game changes! e-Sports is now an official high school AIA sport. Join other varsity athletes as we take on other high schools around the state towards the first e-Sports state championship! (MS and HS)

NCS Adventure Cru Return of a legend! Adventure Cru leads high school students through amazing outdoor adventures across the state on a monthly basis. (MS and HS)

CRUSADER CAFE - ENTREE OFFERINGS

Monday – Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Steak and Rice Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Orange Chicken Asian Chicken Salad

Tuesday – Chick-fil-A 5 count Nuggets Sandwich Spicy Sandwich Chef Salad

Wednesday – Federico’s Cheese Quesadilla Bean & Cheese Burrito Chicken & Bean Burrito Chicken Taco Salad

Thursday – Barro's Pizza Small Slice of Pepperoni Pizza Large Slice of Pepperoni Pizza Italian Salad

Friday Corn Dog Cheeseburger Chicken Pot Pie Caesar Salad

These items are subject to change. A complete menu will be available on registration day.

CRUSADER CAFE - MY SCHOOLBUCKS Cashless Payment In order to serve lunches and snacks in the safest way possible for students and staff alike within the Crusader Cafe, we utilize a cashless payment option for all students and staff. MySchoolBucks.com will be used exclusively as the payment method. With apologies for the inconvenience, cash will not be accepted.

All elementary students will have an ID to present at the Cafe to purchase items. All students (including elementary) will have a barcode on their ID which will be scanned to allow servers access to your student's account to purchase their snacks/lunches. MySchoolBucks gives parents the convenience and flexibility of one account to securely pay for all their student's meals with a credit card, debit card or electronic check.

MySchoolBucks accepts Visa, Master Card, Discover, and American Express.

Below, we hope to answer questions you might have about signing your student(s) up for MySchoolBucks account. There are a few options available to load money onto your student's account : Pay As You Go: You may choose to load your child's account with any dollar amount up to $120.00 per student.

There is a $2.75 fee each time you load your students account, however that fee is per transaction only - not per student. For example, you have three children, you may load all three accounts at one time for only $2.49 total. The pay as you go option accepts credit or debit card and echeck.

Pay by Year Per Student: You may choose to pay a yearly membership fee of $12.95 per student which enables you to add funds up to $120.00 at any time. This would be ideal for households with one or two students. Available by e-check only.

Pay by Year Per Family: You may choose to pay a yearly membership fee of $26.95 for your "family" which enables you to add funds up to $120.00 at any time. This plan is ideal for families of three or more students. Available by e-check only.

To take advantage of the yearly membership plan when setting up your students account, "click" your name at the upper right corner on your screen, then "my user profile", then "update membership". You may also choose AutoPay when you are setting up your account by selecting "setup AutoPay" from the meal payment options page. During the setup process, you may set up payments to occur when the account balance falls below your specified amount or on a set schedule. For example, when the account balance reaches an amount of your choice or on a given schedule, such as, on the first of every month, $X amount is deposited into your student's account. After you have chosen your payment type and entered your settings, click "complete setup" to enable the settings. This convenient option lets you set it up once and lets MySchoolBucks handle the rest.

Three Easy Steps to Setting Up MySchoolBucks Account 1. Go to MySchoolBucks.com or download the app and click on "sign up today".

2. Create a user profile with your email address, establish a password and add your students.

3. Pay with your credit/debit card or Echeck.

Once you have created your account and selected your payment type, you're ready to go. Payments will show as "pending" on your meal account page until they post to your student's account at their school.

Meal funds are generally available for your student to use in 1-2 business days. At this time, you may also set up email reminders to add funds when your balance reaches a chosen amount.

MySchoolBucks also has a FREE Mobile app for both iPhone and Android at App Store or Play Store. You can quickly and securely add funds to your students account, using the same username and password you use on MySchoolBucks website.

If you have any questions, please contact Diane Shulda 602-978-5134 ex. 517 or dshulda@ncsaz.org

CRUSADER CAFE - ENTREE OFFERINGS

Monday – Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Steak and Rice Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Orange Chicken Asian Chicken Salad

Tuesday – Chick-fil-A 5 count Nuggets Sandwich Spicy Sandwich Chef Salad

Wednesday – Federico’s Cheese Quesadilla Bean & Cheese Burrito Chicken & Bean Burrito Chicken Taco Salad

Thursday – Barro's Pizza Small Slice of Pepperoni Pizza Large Slice of Pepperoni Pizza Italian Salad

Friday Corn Dog Cheeseburger Chicken Pot Pie Caesar Salad

These items are subject to change. A complete menu will be available on registration day.

NCS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

All School Early Education Elementary Middle School High School Online/Flex

NCS EARLY EDUCATION MINI CRUSADERS - PK

FROM THE EARLY EDUCATION OFFICE Hi NCS Early Ed Families!

Welcome to the Early Ed world at Northwest Christian School. We thank God for His presence at NCS as we teach God's Word and principles every day on campus. Thank you for joining us this year as we continue to provide a dedicated Christian education to your children. May our lessons learned last year serve us well this year as we enjoy a strong Christian education.

Extended Care Extended Care is available for all students aged 15 months through kindergarten from 7:30 a.m. to the start of class. At the end of the school day Extended Care is available for students 15 months through 5th grade until 5:30 p.m. There is no student supervision prior to 7:30 a.m. If you will need extended care for your children, please contact the Early Education Office to make these arrangements. Parents must fill out new paperwork each school year if Extended Care is desired. Paperwork must be filed with the Early Ed Office prior to a student's first day of Extended Care. All children Kindergarten through 5th grade must be either picked up from the classroom, from an ASAP class, taken to Extended Care or in an adult’s care. Secondary student’s may pick a student that is in K - 5th grade. Early Ed students may only be picked up by an adult listed on the blue card.

Dress Code Please remember when buying school clothes that our children, from the walkers to the Pre-K program will enjoy getting messy and dirty as they learn. We ask that all clothing not have logos contrary to our Christian testimony, that shoes have easy access with Velcro or slip on access unless the student can independently tie his/her own shoes. Footwear is limited to tennis/athletic style shoes, without a stacked heel, in order that our children play safely throughout the day. For details, be sure to refer to the dress code on the website. If your child has enjoyed a summer hairstyle or color, please plan to have the style/color conform to the NCS school dress code by the first day of school.

Emergency Forms The state of Arizona requires that a state required emergency contact blue card is filled out; the emergency form used for elementary is not sufficient for the Office of Child Care Licensure that oversees the Extended Care program. These blue cards will only be accepted by the Early Education Office to ensure appropriate compliance to all details. No child may attend Extended Care until the required blue card is received.

(CONTINUED) Meet the Students: August 3rd through 5th You will be invited to come on campus and meet your child's teacher in the classroom. This letter will arrive mid-summer and give you your child's teacher's name and a time for meeting. At this time, you may pick up the Early Education Handbook, information for ASAP (After School Advantage Program), or other school related activities that might interest you. The teacher will provide a complete supply list, parent volunteer form, and the updated school calendar. Families will be able to access online information via NCS Plus and Canvas during the school year through our school student information system. Our staff will facilitate parents in understanding how to access this electronic reporting forum during this time.

Important Dates in August

DATE

EVENT

TIME

PLACE

August 3rd through 5th

Meet the Students time for all Early Ed students

Time TBD by teacher: Check letter to be received mid-summer

Classrooms

August 8th or 9th

First day of school

8:30 a.m.

Classrooms

August 15th

Early Ed Back to School Night

Serving in Christian Education,

Dawna Underwood, Elementary Principal Northwest Christian School

5:00 p.m. Classroom Meetings 5:30 p.m. Classroom Meetings

Most classes will have two sessions in your child’s classroom.

Check with your child’s teacher to see if there is only one meeting.

BLACKBAUD STUDENT/PARENT PORTAL LOGIN INSTRUCTIONS To sign forms, access schedules, review school documents and announcements, and check posted grades, use the Blackbaud Student Portal or Blackbaud Parent Portal accessible from the BLACKBAUD LOGIN button at the top right of the school’s ncsaz.org website or directly at ncsaz.myschoolapp.com. This web-based portal allows users to easily toggle between their roles, if applicable (Student - Parent - Faculty - Alum) and to see the features relevant to that role.

August 1, 2022 Blackbaud ID login invitation

By September, Blackbaud is requiring all users to login with Blackbaud ID instead of the previous username and password. All current students are registered to sign in using their school Google email accounts for Blackbaud ID. New students will receive this information on Registration Day. Parents ● ● ●

Prior to August 1, please log in with your existing Blackbaud credentials that you used during the re-enrollment or application process.

Once logged in, click your name in the upper righthand corner and select Profile.

Under the Digital section, verify the primary email address listed. ○ This will be used as your Blackbaud ID and must be unique from other users, including your spouse or children.

If you need help resetting your password, click the link Forgot login or First time logging in? and the system will send a link to reset your password. You may also email HelpDesk@ncsaz.org for additional support.

Students ● ●

Enter your school email address for your username then click Next.

You will be routed to a different sign in page. Click the Sign in the Google button at the bottom. ○ If you need help resetting your password, contact HelpDesk@ncsaz.org and mention your first and last name and that you are requesting a password reset.

If you have any difficulty logging in, please contact 602-978-5134 ext. 519 or HelpDesk@ncsaz.org.

Please note: At this time, there is not an app for the Blackbaud Portal; however, a mobile browser should enable necessary features of the website.

STUDENT EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Student Educational Services Student Educational Services provides services to the students at NCS in a variety of capacities. It is our desire to provide a Christian education to students and to serve those students whose needs can be met within the classrooms on campus. While we fully recognize that we cannot meet every child’s needs, we do seek to provide services to those children who can function in a traditional classroom with some support.

The scope of SES has grown to meet the needs of students at every age and stage. Most of the time SES vendors work with families through direct pay from the family to the vendor. A few of the vendors work with us to provide consultative services for those times when a teacher needs more information as to how to help a child in class. Each vendor is professionally and educationally qualified to provide the services described. The vendors are able to work within our Statement of Faith, are fingerprinted and certified. The following provides a description of service provided through Student Educational Services.

Outside Services Southwest Human Development: NCS partners with SWHD to provide support for teachers in the early education program, Preschool and Mini Crusaders. SWHD provides a coach that works with the classroom teacher.

Teachers are provided suggestions to increase student engagement and success in the early education classroom. No students are worked with directly, the teacher is provided the support to better understand student needs. Parents are provided support through the education provided the teacher.

AzEIP: NCS works with Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP). This statewide interagency system of supports and services helps us with children through age 3 with identified developmental delays or disabilities and their families. AzEIP partners with community providers like NCS to support families.

Quality First: NCS is a Quality First school, partnering with First Things First to provide quality educational experiences for the early childhood program. QF provides coaches that work with teachers. This program has enhanced the educational experience at NCS while we maintain our Christian distinctive. QF provides direction for families with children that may need support in the early educational and formative years. For the Services mentioned above, contact our Preschool Assistant Director, Bree Tarbutton. btarbutton@ncsaz.org

SES Facilitators on the NCS Campus Professional Tutors: NCS has worked with several tutors to provide academic support for children in the K -12 program. Our tutors ascribe to our Statement of Faith and provide background checks or fingerprint clearance cards as they work on campus. A few of the programs like The Barton Reading Program and other programs help to support student achievement. Tutors work on a “pull out’’ basis with students, providing academic support for those needing individual assistance on an occasional basis as well as reading instruction through the Barton program. Contact Dawna Underwood for a list of Professional Tutoring Services we have worked with on campus. dunderwood@ncsaz.org Student Tutors: Our high school students involved with the National Honor Society often agree to provide tutoring services for our elementary students at a very reasonable rate. Please check with the elementary principal for a list of student tutors if you might be interested in services for your child. Contact our Guidance Services Director, Maggie Kipp, for more information. mkipp@ncsaz.org

(CONTINUED) DIBELS and PELI: NCS provides screening through DIBELS and PELI testing for students as we continue to provide excellence in reading education at NCS. These screenings provide information for teachers on growth in reading processes. Contact Don Moenich for more information. dmoenich@ncsaz.org.

Barton Tutoring: Barton Tutoring provides reading tutoring through the Barton Reading Program. This systematic and phonological approach to reading has a verifiable positive impact on students struggling to read in the first years of school. Parents may use the materials for their own child on campus, they can trade services with other parents for tutoring or parents can utilize a paid tutor. The program must be used on campus as it is a site licensed program and training in the program is available. Students will be pre and post tested at each level of Barton Tutoring prior to moving on to the next level. Contact our Librarian, Becky Roman, for more information. broman@ncsaz.org.

Outside Assessment Services School Districts: Washington Elementary School District (WESD), Glendale Union High School District (GUHSD), and Northwest Christian School (NCS) works directly with the districts surrounding it to provide academic testing as well as information on academic support from the Gifted Program to students with learning disabilities. Each district provides TAP meetings, follow-up testing when appropriate and consequent information on student needs. The relationships with the districts are positive. Districts only provide testing when parents request the information, NCS does not initiate these conversations. For more information contact the high school guidance counselor, Magge Kipp for the high school program with GUHSD. mkipp@ncsaz.org For the K – 8 program, please contact Melissa Burkert, the NCS liaison for testing services with WESD. Mburkett@ncsaz.org Academic Testing and Services: There are times when parents prefer to use direct pay or insurance to cover the cost of academic testing as the school and family work together to determine the scope of a child’s needs in school. NCS works with a number of off-site services that provide testing and information on student learning abilities. Contact Dawna Underwood for a list of providers. dunderwood@ncsaz.org.

Services Available at NCS or Near NCS Occupational Therapy: School based: NCS partners with Cornerstone Pediatric in both consultative services as well as school based services for children with identified needs. For questions about the process for involvement with school based OT at NCS please contact one of the principals. Contact Cornerstone Pediatric for more information. kirsty.chris.stclair@gmail.com Speech and Language: Building Blocks, Inc. provides speech and hearing assessments at NCS followed up with services on campus for those students with identified needs. The program is direct pay as the speech therapist works with students in the SES classroom during the school day. For questions about the process for involvement with speech, language and hearing with school based services at NCS please contact the elementary principal or assistant preschool director. Contact Building Blocks for more information. buildingblocksspeech@gmail.com Counseling: NCS works with a variety of counseling services on campus. For a list of services available at parent cost please contact Jim James, our Secondary Dean. jjames@ncsaz.org.

Vision Therapy: NCS works with Accent Eye Care to direct students with identified needs for vision therapy. This program provides screening and services for students who struggle with vision and tracking. Contact Accent Eye Care for more information. Dr. Aleta Gong 602-547-3255.

EXTENDED CARE INFORMATION Extended Care is designed for children currently registered at NCS who need additional care outside of the regular school day. This service is provided for students in preschool, 15 months, through fifth grade at NCS. Extended Care teachers are background checked and provide a safe and less structured environment for our before and after school program. This program is also a licensed program and meets all state requirements.

Extended Care is available from 7:30 a.m. until the start of school for the K and younger aged child and from the end of the school day until 5:30 p.m. for the 15 months to 5th grade aged child. While this program is available to all students, requests for Extended Care must be reserved so that the appropriate adult to student ratio is maintained. If a parent is signing their child up for Extended Care on a regular basis, the parent will be charged $6.00 an hour for scheduled hours; if a child is absent, the fee remains the same. With space availability, extended care may be used on a “drop in” or occasional basis at $6.50 an hour. All requests for occasional care must be pre-approved on a daily basis through the Preschool Office; this ensures that state mandated room ratios are maintained. There is a minimum daily charge of one hour whether the student is scheduled for a regular schedule or drop-in basis.

Each child in Extended Care must be signed out on the teacher’s clipboard. The computer system in the Preschool Office will automatically calculate your balances based on your sign-in/out times.

However, per state regulation, each parent must still physically sign in and out on the daily log sheets with a first initial and full last name. These are state requirements; with no sign out time, all students will be automatically clocked out at 5:30 p.m.

The state of Arizona requires that a state required emergency contact blue card is filled out; the emergency form used for elementary is not sufficient for the Office of Child Care Licensure that oversees the Extended Care program. These blue cards will only be accepted by the Early Education Office to ensure appropriate compliance to all details. No child may attend Extended Care until the required blue card is received.

If you have further questions about Extended Care please contact the Preschool Office. We will provide the application, blue card and answer any questions you may have about Extended Care.

Dawna Underwood 602-978-5134 dunderwood@ncsaz.org Bree Tarbutton 602-978-5134 btarbutton@ncsaz.org

FROM THE DESK OF INSTRUCTIONAL TECH COORDINATOR, ALLISON VAN LIEW Supporting instruction with technology is a priority at NCS that begins with our youngest Crusaders.

Beginning in kindergarten, teachers have access to classroom iPads for targeted practice that can be tailored per student. A few of the favorite programs students will use include Raz Kids, IXL Math, Tumblebooks, and Sora. All of these programs may also be accessed from home using the username and password provided by your student's teacher.

Every student is assigned a Google Workspace for Education account with settings tailored by age group. It is through this account that students, and subsequently parents, gain access to classroom resources with NCS Plus. For more information and to grant permission for your student(s) to utilize these tools, please review and sign the Instructional Technologies form in Blackbaud.

NCS Plus, the Canvas platform for Northwest Christian School's Phoenix campus, is a digital space for lesson resources, newsletters, and absent work. Each teacher may choose to employ these features as best supports their students, so please discuss his or her specific procedures, particularly regarding absences, when you meet.

We ask that parents access NCS Plus through their own Observer accounts instead of using their child's credentials.

1. Open ncsaz.instructure.com/login/canvas.

2. Signup for an account.

3. Review this Pairing Code FAQ from Canvas for tips about how to generate pairing codes. ○ Contact HelpDesk@ncsaz.org with questions.

4. Additional students can be added to an Observer’s account by inputting more pairing codes at a later step.

The Canvas Parent app is particularly useful and neatly organizes the courses assigned to each child.

In secondary, some teachers may opt to provide feedback through Canvas, which can trigger notifications to parents according to the settings selected in the Observer account.

Students can access NCS Plus using their @ncsazstudents.org account at ncsaz.instructure.com.

Parents and guardians can view NCS Plus at ncsaz.instructure.com/login/canvas. If you need assistance linking a student to an Observer account, please contact me at HelpDesk@ncsaz.org.

Have a great summer!

Allison Van Liew Instructional Technology Coordinator avanliew@ncsaz.org

NCS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

All School Early Education Elementary Middle School High School Online/Flex

NCS ELEMENTARY K-5TH GRADE

FROM THE DESK OF ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL, DAWNA UNDERWOOD Created On Purpose For a Purpose This is the phrase I use to describe our children in the Early Education and Elementary Programs at NCS. Our children, each one of them, are wanted, needed and here on purpose. Scripture tells me that each of them is created by God for good works which God prepared beforehand for them to do. Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” My prayer is that each child in our program will know the call of God in his/her life and the purpose for which He called them. We do this by teaching kids things they don’t know they need to know so they can do things they don’t know they will want to do.

We are truly excited to see the beginning of the 2022 - 2023 school year. I hope you’ve had time to spend with friends and family throughout the summer and are ready to be back. I am! I always say, I signed up for kids.

The best part of each day includes children. I am daily thankful to work at a Christian School where God’s purpose and presence are evident. We teach God’s Word and principles every day on campus. Thank you for joining us this year as we continue to provide Christian education to your family.

Emergency Forms Each year you will get a notification in Blackbaud to complete a Health Emergency Form, as well as an Emergency Contacts Form for each student in your home. To fill these out, click on the "forms to fill out" prompt at the top of your profile screen and complete them from there. If you do not see this prompt, you can click on "forms and files" in the drop down found on the top right corner of your screen. Please keep in mind, this must be completed before the first day of school. Your student is not permitted to start the school year without these updated forms on file.

Dress Code Please remember when buying school clothes, that shorts (including cargo shorts), slacks, shirts, skorts, capris, and jumpers are to be heavy cotton or twill fabric, uniform or “Docker” style in tan, navy or black.

Optional plaid skirts and jumpers are available from Dennis Uniform in school approved plaid. The button polo shirts must be one solid color and may include a logo not larger than a credit card as long as it is not contrary to our Christian testimony. Footwear is limited to tennis/athletic style shoes, without a stacked heel, in order that our children play safely throughout the day. For details, be sure to refer to the dress code on the website. If your child has enjoyed a summer hairstyle or color, please plan to have the style/color conform to the NCS school dress code by the first day of school. Kindergarten parents, please note that kindergarten students participate in the K – 5th grade dress code for NCS.

Extended Care Children 15 months - Kindergarten needing Extended Care prior to the beginning of the school day can sign up for Extended Care as early as 7:30 a.m. All 1st through 5th grade students may be on the playground to play, with supervision, as early as 7:30 a.m. Please remember, for your child's safety, that student supervision begins at 7:30 a.m. After school Extended Care is available from the end of the school day until 5:30 p.m. If you will need Extended Care for your children, please contact the Early Education Office to arrange for Extended Care. Paperwork must be filed with the Early Ed Office prior to a student’s first day of Extended Care. All children Kindergarten through 5th grade must be either picked up from the classroom, from an ASAP class, taken to Extended Care or in an adult’s care. Secondary student’s may pick a student that is in K - 5th grade. Early Ed students may only be picked up by an adult listed on the “Blue Card”. Elementary and Early Ed students who are wandering the campus at the end of the school day will be taken to the office and parents will be called.

(CONTINUED) Meet the Teacher Day – Thursday, August 4th You are invited to come on campus on Thursday, August 4th for Meet the Teacher Day for the Elementary Program. ● If your last name begins with A - L, please join us at 9:00. ● If your last name begins with M - Z, please join us at 10:00.

This event starts in the Don Sanderson Gymnasium where class rosters will be posted, you may also pick up the Elementary Handbook, information for the After School Advantage Program (ASAP) and other school related activities that might interest you. After you have been to the gym, you and your child will be able to meet your child’s teacher and visit the classroom. The teacher will have a complete supply list, parent volunteer form, and the updated school calendar. We look forward to seeing you!

Important Dates in August

August 4th

Meet the Teacher Time K – 5th students

9:00- 11:00 a.m.

Don Sanderson Gymnasium/Classrooms

August 4th

Kinder and 1st Parent Orientation This is for all parents in K and 1st

6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Student Classroom

August 8th

First Day of School:

8:00 a.m.

Classrooms

5:00 p.m.

AR info in the Library and Specials Teachers available to meet in the library.

Set up your Canvas Account as a Parent Observer

5:00 p.m.

3rd & 4th Grade Floating Lab Information Band Room

5:30 p.m.

5:30 - 6:40 5th Grade Camp Info Changes with your 5th grader Curriculum Information Band Room for all sessions

6:00 p.m.

Session One: Curriculum Night in the Classrooms: Grades 2nd – 4th

6:45 p.m.

Session Two: Curriculum Night in the Classrooms Grades 2nd – 4th *Repeat from 6:00 p.m time

Elementary Back to School Night for 2nd through 5th grades August 15th Kinder and First Grade Parents met the evening of August 4th

Serving in Christian Education,

Dawna Underwood, Elementary Principal Northwest Christian School

BLACKBAUD STUDENT/PARENT PORTAL LOGIN INSTRUCTIONS To sign forms, access schedules, review school documents and announcements, and check posted grades, use the Blackbaud Student Portal or Blackbaud Parent Portal accessible from the BLACKBAUD LOGIN button at the top right of the school’s ncsaz.org website or directly at ncsaz.myschoolapp.com. This web-based portal allows users to easily toggle between their roles, if applicable (Student - Parent - Faculty - Alum) and to see the features relevant to that role.

August 1, 2022 Blackbaud ID login invitation

By September, Blackbaud is requiring all users to login with Blackbaud ID instead of the previous username and password. All current students are registered to sign in using their school Google email accounts for Blackbaud ID. New students will receive this information on Registration Day. Parents ● ● ●

Prior to August 1, please log in with your existing Blackbaud credentials that you used during the re-enrollment or application process.

Once logged in, click your name in the upper righthand corner and select Profile.

Under the Digital section, verify the primary email address listed. ○ This will be used as your Blackbaud ID and must be unique from other users, including your spouse or children.

If you need help resetting your password, click the link Forgot login or First time logging in? and the system will send a link to reset your password. You may also email HelpDesk@ncsaz.org for additional support.

Students ● ●

Enter your school email address for your username then click Next.

You will be routed to a different sign in page. Click the Sign in the Google button at the bottom. ○ If you need help resetting your password, contact HelpDesk@ncsaz.org and mention your first and last name and that you are requesting a password reset.

If you have any difficulty logging in, please contact 602-978-5134 ext. 519 or HelpDesk@ncsaz.org.

Please note: At this time, there is not an app for the Blackbaud Portal; however, a mobile browser should enable necessary features of the website.

Join Us! The following events are an opportunity for both our new and existing families to connect and get "stitched" into the NCS family and meet others with children of the same age. Both parents and children are welcome to attend events and are responsible to arrange supervision as needed. If you plan to attend an event, please RSVP here!

EARLY EDUCATION 



Friday, June 10, Early Ed to early Elementary, Enchanted Island, 9:00am  This event is intended for younger students (Early Ed and early Elementary).

Water and snacks will be available. Wristbands will be $5 at the door. *When signing up, please only sign up for the # of students*.

Thursday, June 23, EE to Elementary, Uptown Jungle, 9:00am  Uptown Jungle for Early Ed to Elementary. Uptown Jungle at Cactus and 75th Ave. Water and snacks will be available.*When signing up, please only sign up for the # of students*.

Details and RSVP here!

ELEMENTARY 







Friday, June 3, Elementary, Paqua Park, 11:30am  This event is intended for elementary students 7 years of age and older. The cost will be $20. Paqua Park is located at Lake Pleasant Regional Park. Please read details when signing up!

Friday, June 10, Early Ed to early Elementary, Enchanted Island, 9:00am  This event is intended for younger students (Early Ed and early Elementary).

Water and snacks will be available. Wristbands will be $5 at the door. *When signing up, please only sign up for the # of students*.

Thursday, June 23, Early Ed to Elementary, Uptown Jungle, 9:00am  Uptown Jungle for Early Ed to Elementary. Uptown Jungle at Cactus and 75th Ave. Water and snacks will be available.*When signing up, please only sign up for the # of students*.

Thursday, July 14, Elementary, Peter Piper Pizza, 11:00am  Pizza and tokens will be available for purchase.*When signing up, please only sign up for the # of students*. Peter Piper Pizza on 75th Ave and Bell Road.

Details and RSVP here!

ELEMENTARY UNIFORM EXCHANGE

August 2022

Each year the Elementary Program at NCS provides a Uniform Exchange day during the Elementary Program with Meet the Teacher.

When: Thursday, August 4 th at Meet the Teacher: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the NCS gym.

What: Parents may bring their clean, used uniforms and drop them off at the Elementary Office anytime between June 1 and August 1 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Please designate they are for the “Uniform Exchange” and bring them in boxes or bags to place in the Elementary Office.

During “Meet the Teacher”, for the Elementary Program, parents may find clothing for their elementary students through the Uniform Exchange items which will be displayed in the gym.

Cost: There is no cost; this is a free service to our families. Any donations made for uniforms will be forwarded to our Missions Account for Service Learning on campus.

Leftover Clothing: Any clothing left after the Uniform Exchange will be donated to a local charity.

Volunteers: Amber Nash will head up this opportunity. Please consider joining her as volunteers help to put out the clothing in the gym during Meet the Teacher. Please contact the Elementary Office with questions, 602-978-5134.

NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN GENERAL SELFIE ID LINK https://high5.id/p/bJXVP You may use your ID number or name when using the link above.

How to find your Student ID number Grades 6-12 Students may follow the process to take their Selfie ID. If students are unable to get their picture completed by 7/24, GRADS Photography will be on site for registration day to take ID pictures as usual.

Grades K-5 Parents may follow the process to take their student’s Selfie ID. If they are unable to complete the process, ID cards without pictures will be delivered on the first day of classes for the students.

Accessing the Student ID Number There are two methods to access the student ID number.

Log in to the student portal or parent portal via ncsaz.myschoolapp.com or www.ncsaz.org.

After you log in to the parent portal, you will find your student profiles just under the NCS header.

The ID number is embedded within the web address of the student’s profile page. It is a 7-digit number that begins with 5.

Students in grades 10-12 have already logged in to their portal to complete their course requests. For other students, they can register with their student email address - lastname+first inital (or first two initials if they have a sibling with the same first initial) @ncsazstudents.org. (ex. testj@nsazstudents.org or testja@nsazstudents.org).

Parents can see their student’s email address by clicking on the student profile (the same method shown above).

If the student logs in to their profile, the ID is also located on the General Information section on the Profile screen.

• • • •

Click on the tiny triangle beside the student's name at the upper right of the screen Choose “Profile” from the drop-down menu General Information is located on the left side of the screen USER ID is the last option

KINDERGARTEN AND FIRST GRADE PARENT NIGHT 2022 Welcome to Kindergarten and First Grade!

Our teachers are excited to begin the new school year with your children! In preparation for the upcoming year, we ask that you plan to attend our Kindergarten and First Grade Information Night. This meeting is scheduled on the Thursday evening before school begins for teachers to share about the Kinder and First Grade entry points into school. The teachers will help you all begin the year with the information you will need for a strong and confident start to the school year.

On Monday, August 4th there are two separate meetings for you to attend. We are asking that you attend both events as you prepare for Kindergarten and First Grade at NCS. ● Meet the Teacher on August 4th is scheduled from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. This is intended for you and your child to attend. This is a “come and go” event between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. During this time your child can meet their teacher, enjoy the classroom and see friends that will be in their classroom. ● Kinder and First Grade Back to School Night is scheduled on August 4th from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. This evening is intended for parents only. It will help parents prepare their children for the first day of school. There are so many new things for our Kinder and First graders to know that we provide a time to educate parents about lunches, homework, curriculum and even where kids play and line up before the first day of school.

During the evening session on Thursday, August 4th at 6:00 p.m. your child’s teacher will cover important topics such as: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

How to help the first week be a special one for your child.

Classroom management and general expectations for your child in class.

Lunch ordering and what is available for lunch for your child.

Volunteering in the classroom.

Homework expectations and Math Fact Mastery.

Reading Rangers, RAZ Kids and IXL. Reading logs and grade level expectations.

Red Word lists for reading.

Curricular expectations for the year.

Please join us on Thursday, August 4th for both Meet the Teacher at 9:00 a.m. and Kindergarten and First Grade Back to School/Curriculum Night at 6:00 p.m. We look forward to talking with each of you. Parents of Second through Fifth grade students will have their Back to School/Curriculum Night on the evening of Monday, August 15 h from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

In His Service,

The Kindergarten Team

The First Grade Team

Mrs. Andrade

Mrs. Stone

Mrs. Getz

Ms. Ciero

Mrs. Hively

Mrs. Harris

Mrs. McClure

Mrs. Trueblood

2ND - 5TH GRADE BACK TO SCHOOL Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Grade Families!

As mentioned in the Welcome Back Letter, we are made on purpose, for a purpose. One of the goals in the Elementary Program is to provide a rigorous program of education to help the students at NCS become strong students in order that they enjoy the purpose for which God made them. During Back to School Night the teachers provide information on what is taught, classroom academic expectations, classroom management and things to look forward to throughout the year.

Please make Back to School Night a priority as you plan for the first weeks of school. During the evening session on Monday, August 4th your child’s teacher will cover important topics such as: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Projects and presentations expected during the year.

Classroom management and general expectations for your child in class.

Lunch ordering and what is available for lunch for your child.

How you can support the educational plans on campus each day.

Homework expectations and Math Fact Mastery.

Accelerated Reader and Math Online opportunities.

Curricular expectations for the year.

Please join us on Monday, August 15th Back to School/Curriculum Night.

The following will provide the times for events that will be covered that evening.

August 15th

5:00 p.m.

AR info in the Library and Specials Teachers available to meet in the library.

Set up your Canvas Account as a Parent Observer

5:00 p.m.

3rd & 4th Grade Floating Lab Information Band Room

5:30 p.m.

5:30 - 6:40 5th Grade Camp Info Changes with your 5th grader Curriculum Information Band Room for all sessions

6:00 p.m.

Session One: Curriculum Night in the Classrooms: Grades 2nd – 4th

6:45 p.m.

Session Two: Curriculum Night in the Classrooms Grades 2nd – 4th *Repeat from 6:00 p.m time

Elementary Back to School Night for Parents of 2nd through 5th grade Students Kinder and First Grade Parents met the evening of Meet the Teacher.

As always, we look forward to getting to know you better. Thank you for choosing NCS for your child’s education!

In His Service, The Elementary Team at NCS!

ALL SCHOOL BEFORE AND AFTER CARE Early Ed Extended Care is available at the Early Ed facility before school from 7:30 to 8:30 and after school from 3:00 to 5:30. This is a licensed program and requires the student to be registered before attending. There is a cost for Extended Care. Please contact the Early Education office for information.

Elementary Before School - The Elementary Library is open from 7:30 until school begins each day. This space allows students to study and take AR tests before school. The Elementary Playground is supervised for students from 7:30 to 8:00 each day. Parents may drop off students as early as 7:30 as the school day begins at 8:00.

After School - There are four options for students at the end of the school day. In the elementary program students are not allowed to wander the campus without a parent, secondary sibling or identified adult. Students that are alone are walked to the elementary office and parents are contacted. ● ●

●

●

Students are to be picked up from their classrooms by a parent, secondary sibling or identified adult no later than 3:15 each day.

Students are walked by an aide to a scheduled ASAP program on its scheduled day. Parents are expected to pick their children up at the end of the ASAP program. Students who are not picked up are walked to the elementary office and parents are contacted.

Students are walked to Extended Care by an aide. Extended Care is a licensed program. Parents are required to register their child for Extended Care before the child can attend the program. Extended Care is available from 3:00 to 5:30 and there is a cost for the program. Please contact the Early Education office for more information as that office administers the After School Extended Care program for 15 months of age – 5th grade students.

Students may utilize the Elementary Library from 3:00 to 4:00 each day. Elementary students must be accompanied by a parent, secondary sibling or identified adult while in the library after school. This time is dedicated for AR testing, tutoring, studying and research. The Elementary Library closes at 4:00 daily.

Secondary Before School - Secondary Students can utilize the Teen Space before school Monday through Friday from 7:00 to 7:45. The before school Teen Space is located in room 201 and is staffed by an NCS staff member. The Teen Space is available for studying, research, test make-up, tutoring and homework.

After School - Secondary Students can utilize the Teen Space after school Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 5:00. The after school Teen Space is located in room 120 and is staffed by an NCS staff member. The Teen Space is available for studying, research, test make-up, tutoring and homework.

Early Release All Sections - NCS works to provide space and care for our students before and after school during the typical school day. On Early Release Days space and care is provided in the morning as mentioned above. After school on an early release day, Extended Care may be provided for the Early Education program only, there is a cost for Extended Care. The ASAP program, Library and Teen Space are not available after school on Early Release Days.

EXTENDED CARE INFORMATION Extended Care is designed for children currently registered at NCS who need additional care outside of the regular school day. This service is provided for students in preschool, 15 months, through fifth grade at NCS. Extended Care teachers are background checked and provide a safe and less structured environment for our before and after school program. This program is also a licensed program and meets all state requirements.

Extended Care is available from 7:30 a.m. until the start of school for the K and younger aged child and from the end of the school day until 5:30 p.m. for the 15 months to 5th grade aged child. While this program is available to all students, requests for Extended Care must be reserved so that the appropriate adult to student ratio is maintained. If a parent is signing their child up for Extended Care on a regular basis, the parent will be charged $6.00 an hour for scheduled hours; if a child is absent, the fee remains the same. With space availability, extended care may be used on a “drop in” or occasional basis at $6.50 an hour. All requests for occasional care must be pre-approved on a daily basis through the Preschool Office; this ensures that state mandated room ratios are maintained. There is a minimum daily charge of one hour whether the student is scheduled for a regular schedule or drop-in basis.

Each child in Extended Care must be signed out on the teacher’s clipboard. The computer system in the Preschool Office will automatically calculate your balances based on your sign-in/out times.

However, per state regulation, each parent must still physically sign in and out on the daily log sheets with a first initial and full last name. These are state requirements; with no sign out time, all students will be automatically clocked out at 5:30 p.m.

The state of Arizona requires that a state required emergency contact blue card is filled out; the emergency form used for elementary is not sufficient for the Office of Child Care Licensure that oversees the Extended Care program. These blue cards will only be accepted by the Early Education Office to ensure appropriate compliance to all details. No child may attend Extended Care until the required blue card is received.

If you have further questions about Extended Care please contact the Preschool Office. We will provide the application, blue card and answer any questions you may have about Extended Care.

Dawna Underwood 602-978-5134 dunderwood@ncsaz.org Bree Tarbutton 602-978-5134 btarbutton@ncsaz.org

ASAP CLUBS – 2022 FALL SESSION Begin Week of September 12th thru Week of November 14th – 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Snazzy Snacks: Kids create kid-friendly recipes and enjoy eating what they create! Open to all Kindergarten to 5th grade students (Minimum 8) Thursdays – Fee: $155 Jr. Crusaders Cross Country: This running club is designed to help our students become stronger, faster, and smarter runners.

Open to all 2nd to 5th grade students (Maximum 30) Tuesdays – Fee: $100 Crusader Chess Club: Chess Emporium teaches a fun and exciting introduction to the game of chess. All grades are welcome in the chess club, which begins by teaching students how to play the game, chess openings, tactics, and endgames, while allowing students to practice with their friends. This class provides chess strategies and tournament play in this club experience. Students who sign-up for this class will find where they rank by earning a Chess rating number based on tournament play. Open to all Kindergarten to 8th grade students (Minimum 8) Wednesdays – Fee: $155 Let’s Play It – Amazing Athletes: Get into the game with our afterschool sports program! We make physical fitness fun through exciting warm-up games, calisthenics, popular team sports and cooperative activities. Learn about the value of exercise, teamwork and good sportsmanship. Open to all Kindergarten to 5th grade students (Minimum 8) Mondays – Fee $140 Young Rembrandts: Young Rembrandts will inspire your child’s love of art! Each week’s new lesson will teach students how to transform simple shapes into clever characters, develop color & pattern theory and create fanciful drawings that will stir adventure and creativity. There are over 6 years of different weekly lessons so students will NOT do the same project twice!

Open to all Kinder to 5th grade students (Minimum 6) Mondays – Fee $120 Robotics: Robotics is a club encouraging students to problem solve, build, and program. We break into teams, create, build, and try the abilities of our teams in what we call, "The Battle of the Bots,” to see who is the supreme technological champion. Robotics helps build teamwork and critical thinking skills. Open to all 4th & 5th grade students (Minimum 8) Thursdays – Fee: $110 Bricks 4 Kids / LEGO Building: In this fun, educational club, students will experience hands-on engineering fundamentals as they build motorized models using LEGO® Bricks. Curriculum introduces children to engineering, architecture, and scientific principles. Imagination and creativity soar during free-play building sessions at the end of each class. Open to all Kindergarten to 3rd grade students (Minimum 5) Mondays – Fee: $120 Chapel Cherubs: This club is a small group opportunity for those kids who love to praise the Lord through movement and music! Mrs. Barrett will enthusiastically and energetically lead this group of children to use the Holy Spirit's power and presence in singing praises to the Lord! Get ready - this is going to be a BLAST! Open to all Kindergarten through 5th grade students. Tuesdays - Fee $25

JUNIOR CRUSADERS SPORTS PROGRAM The Junior Crusaders Sports Program provides NCS students from Pre-K through 8th grade with a fantastic opportunity to pursue their passion of sports in a safe, competitive, fun, and Christ-centered environment. Students who sign up to be part of the Junior Crusaders Program will have the unique privilege and experience of representing their school as Crusaders in a competitive and fun athletic environment.

Our Junior Crusader teams will play under the umbrella of CCV STARS and NYS. Seasons start in September 2022 - Dates TBD

Additional information can be found on each program’s website: ccvstars.com & nysaz.com The Junior Crusaders Sports Program is an inclusive program. It welcomes and encourages all Kindergarten through 8th grade boys and girls from Northwest Christian, regardless of their ability and prior experience, to participate and enjoy the fun, community-building and great learning experiences that come from being involved in team sports.

Fall 2022 Sports Programs Sport CCV Flag Football (No. PHX Campus) northphoenix@ccvstars.com

CCV Soccer (No. PHX Campus) northphoenix@ccvstars.com

CCV Basketball (Peoria Campus only)

Grades Pre-K/K 1st/2nd 3rd/4th 5th/6th Pre-K/K 1st/2nd 3rd/4th 5/6/7 Pre-K/K 1st/2nd 3rd/4th 5th/6th 7th/8th

Gender

Co-ed

Boys & Girls Teams

Registration Online Registration: ccvstars.com Opens June 14th *Request NCS Online Registration: ccvstars.com Opens June 14th *Request NCS

Boys & Girls Teams

Online Registration: ccvstars.com Opens June 14th *Request NCS

Jr. Crusaders Cross Country

Grades 2nd - 5th

Co-ed

ASAP Clubs at signup.com Tuesdays starting September 20th for 8 weeks

NYS Volleyball

Grades 3rd/4th 5th/6th

Girls

www.nysaz.com Request NCS team Dates: Mid July

NATIONAL ELEMENTARY HONOR SOCIETY NCS is proud to continue with the work of the Northwest Christian Elementary School Chapter of the National Elementary Honor Society. This is an exciting program at NCS that offers students opportunities to pursue academic excellence and recognition of the development of strong Christian character through service.

The purpose of NEHS, a national organization dedicated to academic achievement and character development, is to recognize students for their outstanding academic achievement and demonstration of personal responsibility, to provide meaningful service to the school and community, and to develop essential leadership skills within the students of Northwest Christian Elementary School.

Eligibility ● Students must be enrolled in grades 4 or 5. ● Students must have been enrolled for at least one semester at NCS. ● Students must have a minimum of 90% grade in all subjects, including specials, based on a minimum of two semesters’ performance prior to candidacy. ● Students must have earned an ‘E’ in both conduct and work habits in all classes, based on a minimum of two semesters’ performance prior to candidacy. ● Students must have a track record of personal responsibility on campus.

Process Upon meeting the requirements of grade level, enrollment, and GPA standards, candidates will be notified and asked to complete a Candidate Form for further consideration for membership. The Faculty Council, anonymous faculty appointed by the principal, shall then review the Candidate Forms, Faculty Evaluation Forms, and other relevant information to determine membership. Membership is not to exceed twenty-five students for each school year.

If a student meets the eligibility requirements listed above, he/she will receive a Candidate Form in July. At that point, the form is to be completed and submitted on or prior to the specified due date on the form. In August candidates will receive notification of acceptance or non-acceptance as a member.

Members will be received into the NCS chapter of the NEHS at an annual Induction Ceremony held each fall. This will be a special time for NCS and invited guests to honor these highly excelling students.

Select elementary teachers will serve as the NCS Advisors to the NCS Chapter of the National Elementary Honor Society for 2022 – 2023.

NCS ANNUAL STUDENT TRIP OPPORTUNITIES ELEMENTARY 3rd and 4th Grade - San Diego Floating Lab Trip, March 2023 Description: The annual elementary excursion to San Diego has become a family favorite each Spring Break.

Centered around time aboard a half-day harbor excursion the Floating Lab allows students to see the wonders of God’s marine creations up close. The trip affords families discounted opportunities to visit a creation museum, Scripps Aquarium, and the San Diego Zoo. Costs are varied based upon the activities and events each family chooses. Additional information will become available to families in September.

5th Grade Camp, March 2023 Description: Traveling to a sleep-away camp in northern Arizona, the fifth graders will enjoy a time of fellowship and learning that is centered around a distinctively Christian science-based curriculum. Students will spend two nights at the camp. Though the final prices will be determined after some fundraising this fall, historically, the camp has been in the neighborhood of $150 per student.

MIDDLE SCHOOL 6th through 8th Grades - Serve the City Description: This is an amazing opportunity for all MS students to serve those in need in our local community!

Students spend 2 nights and 3 days together as we serve and partner with various ministries around town to help our fellow community members who are in need.

8th Grade - Kids Kingdom Orphanage in Imuris, Mexico Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 Description: This is a service opportunity for students to experience a culture that is different from ours. The goal of the trip is to help give NCS students a new perspective of service in hopes of fostering a love for serving the poor. With additional info to follow from 8th grade Bible, the cost of the trip varies but students will be involved in raising their support.

8th Grade - End-of-the-Year trip Description: It is a tradition for many years that 8th grade students end the school year with a trip to the ocean for lots of fun activities! This year, we are excited to announce that we will be heading to Florida for some snorkeling, kayaking, and much, much, more! Watch your email for more information.

HIGH SCHOOL 9th through 12th Grades - Kids Kingdom Orphanage in Imuris, Mexico, Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 Description: This is a service opportunity for students to experience a culture that is different from ours. The goal of the trip is to help give NCS students a new perspective of service in hopes of fostering a love for serving the poor. With additional info to follow, the cost of the trip varies but students will be involved in raising their support. Additional information regarding the orphanage can be found at: www.facebook.com/imuriskidskingdom

9th through 12th Grades - Choir Trip Description: The every-other-year HS choir trip is an incredible opportunity for high school students to experience major cities around the world. This year’s trip will include musical instruction and performances that speckle the itinerary promoting skill development and a greater appreciation of the arts. For more information, please email Julie Dennis at jdennis@ncsaz.org. Don’t miss out on this one in a lifetime experience!

ELEMENTARY SUMMER IDEAS FOR ACADEMIC PRACTICE Northwest Christian School: Elementary Program It is our goal that all students find academic success at NCS. For elementary students we have provided the necessary tools for academic readiness and success for the next school year online.

Research has shown that academic student engagement over the summer break can provide the skills needed for greater success the next school year. We encourage you to have fun with your kids this summer. On those days that you have some free time please consider using some of these academic activities to keep their skills sharp for the next school year.

Summer Success Boosters Go to our website www.ncsaz.org and navigate to the Elementary Program to access the Summer Success Boosters. These activities were created by our teachers for each incoming grade from kindergarten through fifth grade. On the website there is a tab for each grade level. Each grade level tab has resources to help sustain engagement over the summer and prepare for the upcoming school year. These activities provide families the tools needed to assist with the grade that their child will be entering in the fall. Academic content varies by grade level. Information for how to implement the various components is included in the introductory page at each grade level.

Spanish 3rd – 5th Grade You and your student are able to practice Spanish during the summer. Whether you have a rising third, fourth or fifth grader, we have created a website to simplify your child’s self-study. NCS students can review what they have already learned in cycle 1 or practice what they will be learning, cycle 2, in the upcoming year. You need only to visit www.quizlet.com and search for NCS Elem Spanish. Once at the site, students can work openly or create their own username and password. ● 3rd Grade – NCS Elem Spanish (cycle 1) ● 4th Grade – NCS Elem Spanish (cycle 2) ● 5th Grade – NCS Elem Spanish (cycle 3) *Apple users there is a free app for Quizlet.

IXL, VMath, RAZ Kids and Reading Rangers If your child participated in IXL in our kindergarten through second grade program this last school year, or VMath in our third through fifth grade program, you can continue to enjoy the opportunity to have your children practice their understanding of math concepts and practice math facts through the end of July. The login information that was used during the school year is available to students through July of this school year. If your child participated in RAZ Kids or Reading Rangers they may continue with their login information through the end of July to help practice reading.

Summer Reading Program for Students Entering 1st – 5th Grade The NCS Summer AR Reading Program will be available on campus from Tuesday, June 7th through Thursday, June 30th, 2022. Your children may read and then test on campus on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for the month of June to earn points and prizes for fun on campus in the next school year. These prizes include, but are not limited to, our school T-shirt and pizza lunches. Check out our NCS Elementary Summer AR Reading Program information on our website.

STUDENT EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Student Educational Services Student Educational Services provides services to the students at NCS in a variety of capacities. It is our desire to provide a Christian education to students and to serve those students whose needs can be met within the classrooms on campus. While we fully recognize that we cannot meet every child’s needs, we do seek to provide services to those children who can function in a traditional classroom with some support.

The scope of SES has grown to meet the needs of students at every age and stage. Most of the time SES vendors work with families through direct pay from the family to the vendor. A few of the vendors work with us to provide consultative services for those times when a teacher needs more information as to how to help a child in class. Each vendor is professionally and educationally qualified to provide the services described. The vendors are able to work within our Statement of Faith, are fingerprinted and certified. The following provides a description of service provided through Student Educational Services.

Outside Services Southwest Human Development: NCS partners with SWHD to provide support for teachers in the early education program, Preschool and Mini Crusaders. SWHD provides a coach that works with the classroom teacher.

Teachers are provided suggestions to increase student engagement and success in the early education classroom. No students are worked with directly, the teacher is provided the support to better understand student needs. Parents are provided support through the education provided the teacher.

AzEIP: NCS works with Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP). This statewide interagency system of supports and services helps us with children through age 3 with identified developmental delays or disabilities and their families. AzEIP partners with community providers like NCS to support families.

Quality First: NCS is a Quality First school, partnering with First Things First to provide quality educational experiences for the early childhood program. QF provides coaches that work with teachers. This program has enhanced the educational experience at NCS while we maintain our Christian distinctive. QF provides direction for families with children that may need support in the early educational and formative years. For the Services mentioned above, contact our Preschool Assistant Director, Bree Tarbutton. btarbutton@ncsaz.org

SES Facilitators on the NCS Campus Professional Tutors: NCS has worked with several tutors to provide academic support for children in the K -12 program. Our tutors ascribe to our Statement of Faith and provide background checks or fingerprint clearance cards as they work on campus. A few of the programs like The Barton Reading Program and other programs help to support student achievement. Tutors work on a “pull out’’ basis with students, providing academic support for those needing individual assistance on an occasional basis as well as reading instruction through the Barton program. Contact Dawna Underwood for a list of Professional Tutoring Services we have worked with on campus. dunderwood@ncsaz.org Student Tutors: Our high school students involved with the National Honor Society often agree to provide tutoring services for our elementary students at a very reasonable rate. Please check with the elementary principal for a list of student tutors if you might be interested in services for your child. Contact our Guidance Services Director, Maggie Kipp, for more information. mkipp@ncsaz.org

THE BARTON READING AND SPELLING SYSTEM TUTORING

Northwest Christian School has worked to identify a reading program that brings value to struggling readers on campus. NCS has identified, through reputation and practice, the Barton Reading and Spelling System to meet that need.

NCS has invested in 8 levels within the Barton program for supporting students in early reading systems. There is a campus administrator, Hillary Allion, who provides information on Barton tutors and the use of the materials and monitors who is currently getting tutoring through the Barton program. Barton tutors on the Northwest Christian School campus can be parents, high school students, grandparents, volunteers, teachers and/or aides. The program is scripted and allows for a pre-test and post-test at the end of each level. This testing helps to assure all students are progressing before moving to the next level within the Barton program.

There is no cost to a tutor to use the Barton materials. The materials are available to be used on campus by request of the campus administrator of the Barton program. Tutors may request payment by parents, agreed to before tutoring begins, or volunteer at the discretion of the tutor. Each tutor must be able to sign the Statement of Faith for NCS and have a fingerprint clearance card that is current or agree to a background check. All tutoring will occur in a public place on campus, like the picnic tables, or in a classroom with a camera. This allows for protection of the tutor and the student. Barton progress is best seen when the tutor meets with the student twice a week for 45 to 60 minutes each time.

The elementary principal may give approval for Barton tutoring to occur during the school day. No other tutoring will be allowed during the school day. The tutor and the classroom teacher will agree to meeting times. The tutor will be provided a place to work, either in the tutoring room in the NCS Early Ed building, in the library or at a table outside. After school, the tutor may be given space in a classroom with a camera or in one of the other rooms provided. Students tutored with the Barton Tutoring Program will typically need tutoring for a year or two to see the value and retention of the Barton Reading and Spelling System.

Often teachers or parents misunderstand who will benefit from Barton tutoring. The following provides information on who best will benefit from the Barton program and when the program is not a fit for students.

The Barton System was designed for students of any age who have, or are suspected of having reading issues mirroring the signs of dyslexia. Students with dyslexia struggle to easily and accurately decode words when reading, despite being taught phonics. They also are slow and inaccurate readers and often miss the oral reading fluency benchmarks, and have always struggled with spelling – especially when writing sentences, stories, and compositions.

The Barton System has been used successfully with children as young as 5 years of age who are in kindergarten. Yet nothing in the Barton System will offend a teenager or an adult. This is not a “teach yourself” system. A student must work with a tutor.

(CONTINUED) A Barton student must: ● ● ● ●

● ●

●

Be at least 5 years old and in kindergarten.

Speak and comprehend spoken English.

The program is not for children with a receptive or expressive language disorder.

The program is not intended to be an ESL program. ○ The program might work for a non-native English speaker who can speak and understand spoken English at a second grade level.

Have an IQ of 71, or higher.

Struggle with spelling when writing stories, and cannot easily sound out unknown words when reading. ○ If someone can already read accurately and rapidly, and spells well, but only has trouble with comprehension, then the Barton System would not be needed or appropriate.

Be able to pass the Barton Student Screening. ○ This screening is offered on campus by the campus administrator for Barton.

The process for enrolling a student in Barton Tutoring at NCS includes the following: ● ● ● ● ●

The teacher/parent will look at DIBELS scores. Is the student in the red and not improving with Progress Monitoring?

The teacher/principal will ask the parents for vision screening. We recommend seeing Dr. Gong for vision screening for tracking and muscle development in the eye.

The teacher/principal will ask the parents for recent Speech Screening to rule out articulation and language processing issues.

The teacher will then refer the parent to the Campus Administrator for the Barton Tutoring Program, Hillary Allion, for Barton Screening. In kindergarten students must know all letters.

Parents are asked to consider utilizing a high school student, family friend, grandparent or educational aide to tutor with the Barton after school tutoring.

Students who will benefit from the Barton Reading and Spelling System include: ● ● ● ●

Students who have reading difficulties that mirror signs of dyslexia.

Students who struggle to put sounds together.

Students who are failing in retaining sounds and spelling patterns.

Students who are not improving with DIBELS Progress Monitoring.

Students who are not likely to benefit from the Barton Reading and Spelling System include: ● ● ● ●

Students who are low readers and have not been Progress Monitored with DIBELS. Students who are naturally slower at grasping concepts or fluency.

Students who have attentional issues.

Students considered "bubble" kids in DIBELS who just need more exposure/practice. ○ Those students who need extra practice should not be pulled out during the school day. ○ Parents are asked to consider utilizing a high school student, family friend, grandparent or educational aide to tutor with after school tutoring.

(CONTINUED) DIBELS and PELI: NCS provides screening through DIBELS and PELI testing for students as we continue to provide excellence in reading education at NCS. These screenings provide information for teachers on growth in reading processes. Contact Don Moenich for more information. dmoenich@ncsaz.org.

Barton Tutoring: Barton Tutoring provides reading tutoring through the Barton Reading Program. This systematic and phonological approach to reading has a verifiable positive impact on students struggling to read in the first years of school. Parents may use the materials for their own child on campus, they can trade services with other parents for tutoring or parents can utilize a paid tutor. The program must be used on campus as it is a site licensed program and training in the program is available. Students will be pre and post tested at each level of Barton Tutoring prior to moving on to the next level. Contact our Librarian, Becky Roman, for more information. broman@ncsaz.org.

Outside Assessment Services School Districts: Washington Elementary School District (WESD), Glendale Union High School District (GUHSD), and Northwest Christian School (NCS) works directly with the districts surrounding it to provide academic testing as well as information on academic support from the Gifted Program to students with learning disabilities. Each district provides TAP meetings, follow-up testing when appropriate and consequent information on student needs. The relationships with the districts are positive. Districts only provide testing when parents request the information, NCS does not initiate these conversations. For more information contact the high school guidance counselor, Magge Kipp for the high school program with GUHSD. mkipp@ncsaz.org For the K – 8 program, please contact Melissa Burkert, the NCS liaison for testing services with WESD. Mburkett@ncsaz.org Academic Testing and Services: There are times when parents prefer to use direct pay or insurance to cover the cost of academic testing as the school and family work together to determine the scope of a child’s needs in school. NCS works with a number of off-site services that provide testing and information on student learning abilities. Contact Dawna Underwood for a list of providers. dunderwood@ncsaz.org.

Services Available at NCS or Near NCS Occupational Therapy: School based: NCS partners with Cornerstone Pediatric in both consultative services as well as school based services for children with identified needs. For questions about the process for involvement with school based OT at NCS please contact one of the principals. Contact Cornerstone Pediatric for more information. kirsty.chris.stclair@gmail.com Speech and Language: Building Blocks, Inc. provides speech and hearing assessments at NCS followed up with services on campus for those students with identified needs. The program is direct pay as the speech therapist works with students in the SES classroom during the school day. For questions about the process for involvement with speech, language and hearing with school based services at NCS please contact the elementary principal or assistant preschool director. Contact Building Blocks for more information. buildingblocksspeech@gmail.com Counseling: NCS works with a variety of counseling services on campus. For a list of services available at parent cost please contact Jim James, our Secondary Dean. jjames@ncsaz.org.

Vision Therapy: NCS works with Accent Eye Care to direct students with identified needs for vision therapy. This program provides screening and services for students who struggle with vision and tracking. Contact Accent Eye Care for more information. Dr. Aleta Gong 602-547-3255.

ELEMENTARY DRESS CODE (PARENT QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE) Please help us by checking your child’s appearance each morning before they leave for school.

Dress code K- 5th ● Shorts, slacks , & capris ○ Black, navy blue & tan only ○ Heavy cotton or twill fabric only ○ Shorts length - fingertips to the bend on the knees ○ Cargo shorts are permitted (not cargo pants) ○ No overalls or jeans ○ No brand restriction on cargo shorts ○ Leggings are not permitted ● Jumpers, skirts and skorts ○ Black, navy blue, & tan only ○ Cotton fabric only (no jersey or polo shirt fabric) ○ Approved Dennis uniform or Educational Outfitters plaids (there are only two) ○ Fingertip length ● Shirts ○ Button polo (no snaps, zippers, laces) ○ Polo shirts can be layered ○ Any one solid color ○ Logos smaller than a credit card ● Footwear ○ Tennis/athletic shoes only (no wheels) ○ Shoes are to be laced tightly and tied securely ● Hats ○ May be worn outside for protection from the sun. They may not be worn in the classroom or any other school building. Any logo needs to be smaller than a credit card. ● Hair ○ Needs to be the students’ natural color.

General: During “dress down” days students must comply with the basic dress code of covering necessities and length of shorts and skirts. No torn jeans may be worn during dress down days.

Please see the student handbook for more details

ELEMENTARY DROP OFF AND PICK UP As the Elementary Principal at NCS one of the recurring themes that emerges as I talk with parents is that of the school parking lot. We continue to work to live out our Christianity as we park, walk, wait and watch in the parking lot during each school day. If you walk in, please park in a designated spot. If you drop off or pick up, please use the Drop Off and Pick Up Lane. We ask that drivers do not utilize driving pathways for drop off and pick up. We also ask that NCS families respect church parking and curbs restricted for church use only.

As you enter the elementary area you will find two gates for children to enter the elementary area from the parking lot.

Children will enter from the safe walking area within the parking lot to enter the elementary school area. If you park and walk your children to class we ask that you use the sidewalk along the field area and walk together. If you use the drop off zone we ask that you use the designated zone and not create secondary drop off zones along the Cook Field or other areas that could impede traffic and keep people from being able to move easily into and out of the parking lot.

There is a pick up and drop off zone on the far east side of the south parking lot. Parents may choose to park and walk their children to class or they may choose to drive their children through the drop off zone on the east or west portion of the parking lot. ●

●

●

The drop off zone on the west is the same zone that has been in place on campus for the last few years. Parents can drop off students in this area, have them walk the sidewalk along the field to get safely to the elementary school area. We ask that parents drive from east to west through this area and to observe the 5 mile an hour speed limit to protect our kids.

The drop off zone on the east side of the south parking lot will have duty aides to help students get out of their cars and move safely to the elementary school area behind the fence. We ask that parents follow the drive along the south retaining wall to the fence on the east of the elementary campus to drop off their children. We ask that as you are in this area that you do not back up and that you observe the 5 mile an hour speed limit to protect our kids.

The pick-up zone at the end of the day is in the same area. For the end of day pickup we have partnered with PikMyKid. PikMyKid is an app that parents download on their phone. At the end of the day, when parents arrive on campus, the app is used to notify the school that the parent is on campus. The students will not be released from their class until the app is utilized. This keeps fewer kids in the waiting area and it also keeps our kids from getting overheated while they wait. Please review the PikMyKid flyer for more information about the program and how to download the app.

Parents have inquired about those children that are picked up from elementary classrooms. Students will be held in class for parents, secondary sibs or identified adults to come and pick up the children unless they are using the Pick Up Zone with the drive through area.

(CONTINUED) Those parents choosing to use the drive through pick up procedure will have their children waiting in the classroom until dismissed to the designated where they will meet with a duty aide. Parents will pick up their children and continue out the parking lot to 43rd Avenue. There is written information and a placard to put in your car window to alert the aides as to the family name for pick up. This will be available at Meet the Teacher prior to the first day of school.

We appreciate your willingness to work within the opportunities for drop off and pick up in the elementary parking lot and hope that this will provide safety and convenience for your family this year. Please feel free to drop by the office or give me a call if you have any questions.

Serving in Christian Education,

Dawna Underwood, Elementary Principal Northwest Christian School

2022 - 2023 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST Please note: Most of the supplies must fit in the desk or cubby, so please DO NOT buy anything in larger quantities or sizes than indicated. There will be some additional items needed in various classes that are not on this list. Teachers will give you a list of those items on "Meet the Teacher Day" or the 1st day of school.

KINDERGARTEN 1 - 24 Pack Crayola Colored Pencils

1 Box Sandwich size Zip-lock bags

2 - 10 Count Crayola Washable Markers (regular size)

1 Box 1 Gallon size Freezer Zip-lock bags

2 – 24 Pack Crayola Crayons

2 Rolls of Paper Towels

12 – Dixon Ticonderoga Sharpened Pencils

Last names A-J – Spoons

1 Dozen Glue Sticks (white, clear, no purple please)

Last names K-P – Forks

2 Clorox or Lysol Disinfecting Wipes

Last names Q-Z - Knives

1 Box of Tissues

Last names A-K - Large Paper Plates (not styrofoam)

1 Set of Headphones

Last names L-Z - Small Paper Plates (not styrofoam)

1 Pack of Black Expo Dry Erase Markers (fine tip)

No Backpacks

1 Expo Eraser An activity fee will be collected in August (Fee includes cooking & craft supplies and gifts). Optional: Supplies may be brought on “Meet the Teacher Day”. Kindergarten students do not use back-packs.

1ST GRADE 2 - 24 Pack Crayons

*1 - Set of 8 Washable Markers

1 - 12 Pack Colored Pencils

*1 Pack Expo Dry Erase Markers (black, fine tip)

Fiskar Scissors (for kids)

*1 Large Box of Tissues (250 Count)

1 - Primary Journal

*2 Container Disinfecting Wipes

Plastic Pencil Box (approx. 11 x 7 x 2)

*6 Glue Sticks

1 Set of Headphones (computer)

*3 Soft White Erasers

1 - 2 Pocket Folder

*12 - #2 Ticonderoga Brand Pencils (sharpened) *Replace as Needed

An activity fee will be collected in September. Optional: Supplies may be brought on “Meet the Teacher Day”.

2022 - 2023 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST 2ND GRADE 1 NIV Bible

1 Set of Earbuds or Headphones (computer)

2 Vinyl Folders w/Pockets (any solid color)

SHARED CLASSROOM SUPPLIES:

1 Composition Notebook

1 Pkg. of Lg. Black Expo Markers

1 Pack Crayons

24 Sharpened Pencils

1 Pack Colored Pencils

12 Glue Sticks

1 Pack Washable Markers

1 Container Disinfecting Wipes

2 Lg. White Erasers

BOYS: 1 Large Box of Tissues (250 count)

3X3 Post-It Notes

BOYS: 1 Roll Paper Towels

4 Pack Highlighters (assorted colors)

GIRLS: 1 Lg. Hand Sanitizer Pump Bottle

Large Plastic School Box (approx. 11 x 7 x 2)

GIRLS: 1 box of Zip-lock Bags (sandwich, quart, or gallon)

Small Fiskar Scissors with Sharp Point An activity fee will be collected in September. Please plan to replenish all supplies as needed. Please be sure to label all folders and notebooks with your name. Optional: Supplies may be brought on “Meet the Teacher Day”.

3RD GRADE 1 NIV Bible

4 Glue Sticks

1 Composition Notebook

Pointed Scissors

1 Plastic Folder with Bottom Pockets

1 Large Box of Tissues (250 count)

12 Mechanical Pencils (9mm lead)

Small School Box for Pencils, Crayons, Scissors, etc.

2 Red Pens

1 Container Disinfectant Wipes

1 Small Box Crayons

1 Bottle of Hand Sanitizer

12 Colored Pencils

1 Set of Earbuds or Headphones (computer)

1 Soft White Pencil Eraser

1 Pkg. of 4 Lg. Expo Markers (bold colors)

2 Yellow Highlighters (not markers)

Spanish - 1 Plastic Folder, any Color, 2 Pockets, 3 Brass Fasteners

1 Small Box of Thin Markers An activity fee will be collected in August – Optional: Supplies may be brought on “Meet the Teacher Day”.

Replace all supplies as needed. Please be sure to label all items with your name (except pencils, and tissues).

We may request more wipes, glue sticks, and tissues in January.

2022 - 2023 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST 4TH GRADE NIV Bible

2 Zipper Pouches (no pencil boxes)

2 Subject Spiral Notebook

Scissors (student size)

1 ½ inch 3 Ring Durable Clear View Binder (no zipper)

12 Glue Sticks

8 Inkjoy Colored Pens

Math Facts Flash Cards (+, - , x , ÷)

12 Colored Pencils

3X3 Post-It Notes

8 Crayola Thin Markers (washable)

20 Pack Sheet Protectors

#2 Pencils or Mechanical (.7mm lead)

WIDE-Ruled Notebook Paper

Small Sharpener with Holder for Shavings

1 Roll of Paper Towels

2 Non-Erasable Red Pens

1 Large Box of Tissues (250 count)

3 Plastic Folders with Bottom Pockets & Prongs (red, green, blue)

1 Container of Bleach Wipes (Clorox)

8 Pack Expo White Board Markers (black)

Spanish - 1 Plastic Folder, any Color, 2 Pockets, 3 Brass Fasteners

1 Set of Earbuds or Headphones (computer)

*BOYS: 1 Box Zip-lock Snack Size Bags

4 Thin Highlighters (different colors)

*GIRLS: 1 Box Zip-lock Sandwich Size Bag

A fee of $35 will be collected at the beginning of the year ($30 Activity Fee; $5 for Planner). Optional: Supplies may be brought on “Meet the Teacher Day”. Please be sure to label all items with your name (except paper towel and tissues). *Replace all supplies as needed.

2022 - 2023 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST 5TH GRADE NIV Bible

2 Plastic Folders with Bottom Pockets (any color)

1 ½ inch 3 Ring Durable Clear View Binder (no zipper)

24 Colored Pencils

8 Tab Avery Big Tab Pocket Insertable Plastic Dividers

*4 Glue Sticks

2 Pkgs. WIDE Ruled Notebook Paper

*10 White Board Markers

2 Composition Notebooks

*BOYS: 3X3 Post-It Notes

Flat-Hinged Clipboard

*GIRLS: 1.5X2 Post-it Notes

Pointed Scissors

*3 Containers of Disinfectant Cleaning Wipes

Soft White Pencil Eraser

*2 Large Boxes of Tissues (250 count)

Small School Box for Cubby Supplies

*48 #2 Pencils (regular or mechanical)

3 Inkjoy Colored Pens

*BOYS: 1 Roll Paper Towels

25 Page Protectors

*GIRLS: Bottle of Hand Sanitizer

1 Set of Earbuds or Headphones (computer)

Spanish - 1 Plastic Folder, any Color, 2 Pockets, 3 Brass Fasteners

2 Highlighters (different colors) An activity fee will be collected in August. *These items will be collected for class supply. Replace all supplies as needed.

FROM THE DESK OF INSTRUCTIONAL TECH COORDINATOR, ALLISON VAN LIEW Supporting instruction with technology is a priority at NCS that begins with our youngest Crusaders.

Beginning in kindergarten, teachers have access to classroom iPads for targeted practice that can be tailored per student. A few of the favorite programs students will use include Raz Kids, IXL Math, Tumblebooks, and Sora. All of these programs may also be accessed from home using the username and password provided by your student's teacher.

Every student is assigned a Google Workspace for Education account with settings tailored by age group. It is through this account that students, and subsequently parents, gain access to classroom resources with NCS Plus. For more information and to grant permission for your student(s) to utilize these tools, please review and sign the Instructional Technologies form in Blackbaud.

NCS Plus, the Canvas platform for Northwest Christian School's Phoenix campus, is a digital space for lesson resources, newsletters, and absent work. Each teacher may choose to employ these features as best supports their students, so please discuss his or her specific procedures, particularly regarding absences, when you meet.

We ask that parents access NCS Plus through their own Observer accounts instead of using their child's credentials.

1. Open ncsaz.instructure.com/login/canvas.

2. Signup for an account.

3. Review this Pairing Code FAQ from Canvas for tips about how to generate pairing codes. ○ Contact HelpDesk@ncsaz.org with questions.

4. Additional students can be added to an Observer’s account by inputting more pairing codes at a later step.

The Canvas Parent app is particularly useful and neatly organizes the courses assigned to each child.

In secondary, some teachers may opt to provide feedback through Canvas, which can trigger notifications to parents according to the settings selected in the Observer account.

Students can access NCS Plus using their @ncsazstudents.org account at ncsaz.instructure.com.

Parents and guardians can view NCS Plus at ncsaz.instructure.com/login/canvas. If you need assistance linking a student to an Observer account, please contact me at HelpDesk@ncsaz.org.

Have a great summer!

Allison Van Liew Instructional Technology Coordinator avanliew@ncsaz.org

Dear Parents: Welcome to Northwest Christian School where we believe each child is created on purpose and for a purpose.

Scripture declares in Ephesians 2:10, “10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” We believe God has a plan for each child and we value the partnership with families in the education of their children with a commitment to Christian education for the elementary child. The faculty and staff are dedicated to providing a quality Bible based educational program.

We seek to work with families, and as such, communication with families is something that is an important part of this partnership. Parents are always welcome to contact the principal or an appropriate staff member if any questions develop during the school year. The faculty and staff appreciate the feedback from families as the ideas and comments that are shared improve the development of NCS. It is our desire to see our families informed and aware of the policies and procedures that guide the processes at NCS. Please make yourself familiar with the information provided in this handbook. The growth of the elementary school has necessitated the need for these various policies to ensure all aspects of the school are conducted in an orderly fashion.

Finally, we urge you to pray with us for Northwest Christian School as we will never take the privilege of a Christian education for granted. NCS continues to grow and to move forward as God allows. It is vital that all who are a part of the school be sensitive to the perfect will of God. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5, 6 Geoff Brown - Superintendent Dawna Underwood – Elementary Principal

NCS MISSION STATEMENT The purpose of Northwest Christian School is to provide a Bible-based program of education, which enables students to develop a Christian worldview.

NCS STATEMENT OF PURPOSE The purpose of Northwest Christian School is to provide a program of education which upholds a standard of scholastic excellence, furnishes instruction in biblically based Christian faith which enables students to develop a Christian worldview, and prepares the students to fulfill their God-ordained role in the home, the church, their country and the world. The responsibility for teaching children is given to parents, assisted by the local church.

NCS exists to assist the parents in this responsibility.

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

1

NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL HISTORY In 1980, as the Christian School movement accelerated, a group of concerned parents approached Northwest Community Church with a vision; to begin a school that would demand excellence in academics, would integrate Christian truth into the curriculum, and would complement the values parents desired in their homes.

NCS is now the largest Christian school in Arizona and the Rocky Mountain Region. Nearly 1600 students attend NCS from preschool through 12th grade. NCS earned Exemplary Accreditation through ACSI in the last accreditation visit with recognition for our strong academics, well-recognized athletic program, the stellar fine arts program and a community that is accredited by Cognia as well as the Association of Christian Schools International. The Phoenix Campus, Online Program and Frameworks opportunities within NCS each represent the strength of a Christian education, regardless of the format in which it is received. If you are not familiar with the options available for your child’s education, please reach out to the Director of Admissions for more information.

God’s Word is the number one priority for teaching as a committed, Christ-honoring faculty teach all content areas with biblical integration. Throughout the day teachers infuse the truth of Scripture into their daily lesson plans. From its inception NCS has sought to help students develop their God-given abilities in order to discover how they can serve Him in whatever capacity God chooses to use them.

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

2

NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL DOCTRINAL STATEMENT ● We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, infallible and supernaturally inspired, so that it is inerrant in the original manuscripts and preserved by God in its verbal, plenary inspiration, so that it is a divinely authoritative standard for every age and every life. This doctrinal statement does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs as that we believe that the Bible serves as the sole and final authority concerning all matters pertaining to truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind. ●

We believe that the Godhead exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and that these three are one God.

●

We believe in God as absolute and sole creator of the universe, and that creation was by divine decree, not through evolutionary process. We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. We believe that human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions including pre-born babies, the aged, or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. (Ps. 139)

●

We believe that God, by His sovereign choice and out of love for men, sent Christ into the world to save sinners.

●

We believe that Jesus Christ in the flesh was both God and man; He was born of a virgin, and He lived a sinless life, in which He taught and did mighty works with signs and wonders exactly as revealed in the four Gospels; He was crucified, died as a penalty for our sin and was raised from the dead bodily on the third day. Later, He ascended to the Father's right hand where He is Head of the Church and intercedes for believers, and from where He is coming again personally, bodily, visibly to the earth to set up His millennial kingdom.

●

We believe that since in His death, by His shed blood, the Lord Jesus Christ made a perfect atonement for sin, redeeming us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. Men are saved and justified on the simple and single ground of the shed blood.

●

We believe that such salvation, with its forgiveness of sins, imparts a new nature and hope of eternal life and is entirely apart from good works, baptism, church membership or man's effort, and is a pure grace.

●

We believe that a true believer is eternally secure; he cannot lose his salvation, but that sin may interrupt the joy of his fellowship with God and bring the loving discipline of his Heavenly Father.

●

We believe that all who receive Christ become joint-heirs with Christ, and at death, their spirits depart to be with Christ in conscious blessedness, and at the rapture, their bodies will be raised to the likeness of the body of His glory and dwell forever in His divine presence. Northwest Christian School Doctrinal Statement (last revision: December 17, 2015)

●

We believe that it is the goal of every Christian to grow in spiritual maturity through obedience to the Word of God and the indwelling Holy Spirit.

●

We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person, is God and possesses all the divine attributes. He indwells all believers, baptizes and seals all believers at the moment of their salvation and fills them in response to confession of sin and yieldedness.

●

We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. (Gen. 1:26-27) We believe that rejection of one's biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

3

●

We believe that the term "marriage" has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. (Gen. 2:18-25.) We believe that the institution of marriage is established in scripture as an ordinance that points the world to the relationship, which God desires for His church. (Eph. 5:25-27, Rev. 19:7-9, Rev. 21:2-9, Isa. 54:5)

●

We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other. (1 Cor. 6:18; 7:2-5; Heb. 13:4) We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.

●

We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God. (Matt. 15:18-20; 1 Cor. 6:9-10)

●

We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of Northwest Christian School as an extension of the Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the community, it is imperative that all parents and guardians of enrolled students at Northwest Christian School and all persons that are employed by or volunteer with Northwest Christian School in any capacity, agree to and abide by all points put forward within this doctrinal statement. (Matt. 5:16; Phil. 2:14-16; 1Thes. 5:22)

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

4

NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY AGREEMENT 1. We understand the Bible teaches us that, as parents, we are responsible for the education of our children, and it is our desire that Northwest Christian School assist us in this responsibility. We agree to support the school faculty and staff as they assist us in educating our child.

2. We invest authority in the school to discipline our child when necessary. We further agree that we will cooperate and discipline our child in the home as needed (Proverbs 13:24). We will also read the school discipline policy that is in the student handbook.

3. We pledge our fullest cooperation to keep doctrinal controversy and denominationalism out of the school at all times.

4. We understand that the parents are the natural leaders of their families. Children will follow if parents give strong Christ-honoring leadership. We are committed to work hand in hand with NCS in order “to train up our child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6).

5. We understand that the school exists to support the values of the Christian home. Our home is committed to upholding strong biblical standards of lifestyle, including commitment to and involvement with a local church.

6. We understand that our failure to report psychiatric counseling, any prescribed program of medication, or involvement with juvenile authorities during the past three years may be cause for immediate dismissal.

7. We agree to support the school with our prayers and with a positive attitude. Complaints or negative comments will be shared only with the teacher, administrator, or person involved, and not with our child or other people, following the Matthew 18 principle.

8. We understand that the school reserves the right to dismiss any student who does not: a. Respect and observe spiritual and/or behavioral standards. b. Cooperate with our educational goals. c. Conform to the dress and hair code policy.

9. We understand that if at any time the school determines, in its sole discretion that our actions do not support the ministry, or reflect a lack of cooperation and commitment to the home and school working together, the school has the right to request withdrawal of the student.

10. We understand the school retains the right to refuse admission to or to remove from enrollment any student whose custodial parent is in cohabitation or a same-sex relationship.

11. We give permission for our child to go on field trips arranged by the teacher and approved by the administration. The educational trips will be properly supervised, and our family insurance program will cover our child. We will not hold the school, administration, or faculty responsible in case of accident. Notification will be given to us prior to each field trip.

12. We understand that in the event our child damages school property, assessments will be made to cover these damages, including breakage of windows and abuse of other personal property.

13. We understand that tuition will be divided into eleven monthly payments. The first payment is due August 1, and on the first day of each of the following ten months. The last payment is due on June 1. Any payment received after the seventh day of the month will be considered late, and our account will be assessed a $25 late charge.

When an account becomes more than 60 days past due, the student will not be allowed to attend class until the account is brought current.

14. We understand that graduating seniors must make their final tuition payment before participating in graduation ceremonies.

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

5

NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL EXPECTED STUDENT OUTCOMES Northwest Christian School is devoted to an educational program, which upholds high standards of scholastic and behavioral excellence and furnishes instruction in Bible-based Christian faith. Our greatest honor is to enable students to develop a Biblical worldview and prepare them to fulfill their God-ordained roles.

We seek to have each student develop in the following areas.

Personal Relationship with Christ. ● Understand and embrace the message of salvation, believing in Jesus Christ for their salvation. ● Demonstrate spiritual discernment in all areas of their life. ● Discover their unique gifting and purpose in the Lord. ● Understand and practice spiritual disciplines such as daily Bible reading, prayer, and local church involvement.

Biblical Worldview ● Prioritize the mission of God through taking part in regular opportunities to serve and love His people. ● Develop and defend a Biblical Worldview. ● Recognize their identity and responsibilities as image-bearers of God, created uniquely in His image. ● Integrate God’s Word in everyday life, through academic, social and athletic opportunities.

Academic Preparedness ● Be effective and responsible in utilizing digital technology to enhance learning. ● Develop analytical and critical thinking skills in academics and in life. ● Demonstrate the academic competence that is required for the next level of academic pursuit. ● Communicates effectively through various forms including written, verbal, interpersonal, and listening skills.

Leadership Focus ● Demonstrate integrity through daily lifestyle choices. ● Use gifts and resources to impact the kingdom of God. ● Understand and embrace the diverse roles that Christians have as responsible citizens. ● Impact others through servant leadership.

Lifelong Learner ● Participate as well-rounded individuals involved in various aspects of student life. ● Develop an appreciation of learning. ● Pursue next stages of learning including academic, professional, trade, vocational, public service, military or ministry-based. ● Develop an understanding of how the actions of today affect the outcomes of tomorrow.

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

6

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION Northwest Christian School admits students of any race, color, or national origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to NCS students. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, or national origin in the administration of educational policies, admission procedures, scholarship awards, athletic or any other school-administered programs. We do, however, reserve the right to deny admission to any individual who cannot benefit from enrollment based on past academic achievement, disqualifying disability, or whose personal lifestyle is not in harmony with the stated mission statement and purpose of Northwest Christian School.

ADMISSION POLICY Admission to the school is obtained by both a written application and a personal interview with a school administrator. Report cards, school records, a pastor’s reference form, and prior standardized test scores will be used to determine eligibility for admission. In order for a student to be considered for admission, at least one parent must offer testimony to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and be actively attending a Bible-believing church with their student. If there is a question about a student’s eligibility for admission to the school, the application may be forwarded to the Admission Review Committee for a final decision. We do, however, reserve the right to deny admission to any individual who cannot benefit from enrollment based on past academic achievement, disqualifying disability, or whose personal lifestyle is not in harmony with the stated mission statement and purpose of Northwest Christian School. NCS is a community of learners and disciples of Christ. Attending Northwest Christian School is a privilege that includes certain responsibilities. School policies include moral and biblical requirements, as well as practical requirements needed for efficient functioning in a community.

Re-Enrollment Students are enrolled for one academic year at a time. The faculty reviews students at the end of each year.

Students will be invited to return if they are succeeding academically, growing in social and emotional maturity and if the student and parents continue to be supportive of the procedures and spiritual mission of the school. A family must have all accounts current in order to begin the following school year. The school board reserves the right not to re-enroll a student for the following year if, on the recommendation of the faculty, the board believes the student to have educational or behavioral needs apart from the mission of the school.

Re-Enrollment/Retention Students who fail two or more core subjects (Bible, Language Arts, Reading, Social Studies, Math, or Science) may be required to repeat the grade to remain at NCS or to complete a class in an online summer program. This determination is made at the principal’s discretion.

Withdrawal When a student withdraws, the tuition will be figured on a per diem basis. Verbal withdrawals will not be accepted.

A written form must be completed and signed by the administrator, teachers, bookkeeper, and parent or guardian before the withdrawal is processed. Records will be processed once this procedure is followed. All fees must be paid in full prior to withdrawal.

STUDENT RECORDS AND FILES Student records are kept on file at NCS and must be requested in writing. Student records may be requested through the school registrar. Please allow 72 hours to process the request.

Student Files Student files are provided privacy as required by FERPA. Teachers, administrators and parents solely have access to student files.

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

7

STUDENT EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Student Educational Services exists to meet student needs and to educate parents and faculty about how to meet student needs. Students are served independently through SES. All independent student services through SES are met through direct payment by parents to the vendor working with the school.

Student Educational Services utilizes vendors who align with the NCS Statement of Faith to provide services to students at an additional cost to parents. These vendors are not employees of Northwest Christian School but work cooperatively with the school to address student needs. Needs addressed include tutoring, work with reading deficiencies including dyslexia, speech and language services, occupational therapy, vision therapy and limited coaching with a licensed counselor. These services are contracted between parent and the vendor. NCS retains no financial nor liability responsibility for the services received.

All new student applications are reviewed to determine whether student needs may or can be met with NCS. SES vendors may help to provide the support needed for student academic success. Applications for admission that include an IEP will be reviewed by the Admissions Review Committee prior to acceptance. While not all needs can be met, many can be addressed to provide success for students in the elementary program. This program may provide individualized educational assistance for individual students and group learning labs for those students who struggle in specific content areas.

Students who have been identified by parents or teachers to need academic support with the identified vendor may receive resource support in one-on-one sessions or in group learning labs. The fee structure for any of these services are set by each vendor and reflects the number of students served and the amount of time invested weekly. Students utilizing SES services agree to enrollment per semester. Parents pay fees directly to the vendor.

SCHOOL VISITORS Any person other than current students, staff, faculty, administration, or board member are considered visitors on campus and must come directly to the office to check-in before going on campus between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. A visitor’s pass will be issued from the office for each guest. Shadowing students must be pre-approved through the school administration prior to the date of shadowing.

Parents who visit the campus for lunch with their child are required to get a visitor badge from the office and sit with their child in a designated lunch area. Parents are asked not to play directly with students on the playground but may be allowed to observe their children during the recess and/or lunch play times. Parents who choose to visit on a regular basis may be asked to participate in volunteer training in order to observe the protocols required of all volunteers on campus.

Students who desire to shadow on campus must get approval with the director of admissions or the elementary principal. The purpose of shadowing is to determine whether a family might be interested in having their child attend NCS as a future student. Pre-approval requires making an appointment with the director of admissions or the elementary principal prior to the day of shadowing on campus. Shadowing students are required to be dressed according to our student guidelines. Visiting students may visit at lunchtime after they have been checked in at the office, per principal approval, but may not go into classrooms without approval.

SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS People who volunteer on campus in a non-paid position must register as a volunteer and complete volunteer training with NCS. In some instances, this will require a background check. Applications to volunteer and volunteer training information is available on the NCS website or through the Director of Human Resources. No person will be allowed to volunteer on campus or for designated field trips or excursions until the volunteer application and subsequent training has been completed.

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

8

BLACKBAUD PARENT PORTAL AND REPORT CARDS The Blackbaud Parent Portal or Blackbaud Student Portal is the method NCS utilizes to improve communication between teachers and families and consequently improve the understanding of their child’s academic performance.

The goal is to provide parents with regular information about their child’s academic progress in the following manner. Grades are updated on Blackbaud weekly for parent and student review. Conferences are held in fall and spring, generally in October and March. Report cards are issued at the end of each semester. Parents and students must register with Blackbaud to access this communication tool. Information about Blackbaud will be available during the Meet the Teacher event before the beginning of the school year or during Back to School Night. Please contact the office for more information about Blackbaud if you have further questions.

ACADEMIC POLICIES Northwest Christian School is committed to helping students develop skills and habits to promote lifelong learning.

This process is best achieved through the completion of schoolwork that is independently completed in the various content areas. Students are considered successful when the student learns the content, practices the content and applies the content academically. There are times that students need support in the learning process. This support may come through classroom teaching, parent or tutor support, videos or podcasts that more thoroughly explain the content.

Cheating Cheating is defined as giving or receiving any information on an assignment, quiz, or examination or taking someone else’s work and making it your own. This includes and is not limited to looking up answers during a quiz or test, looking up answers on class work or homework, or discussing answers with other students without the direction of the teacher. Cheating will result in a 0 on the assignment and immediate notification of the parent and principal.

Plagiarism Plagiarism is defined as taking credit for work that is not yours. Plagiarism includes but is not limited to copying work from another source and pasting it in your own work, having another person write or do any assignment that has been assigned to you, and posting quotes without properly citing the source. Any plagiarism will result in a 0 on the assignment and immediate notification of the parent and principal.

Late Work Elementary Students are provided content in academic subject through direct instruction in class. Assignments are to be completed each week and turned into the teacher in class on the designated due date. Classwork turned in late will typically be afforded a 10% dedication in points the following day and given no credit on the second day after it was due. All assigned classwork must be submitted to the teacher, even if it is late and whether or not it is given credit, as the learning of content resulting in grades is reflective of a student’s achievement, not simply of the grades earned. If an assignment earns less than 73% for a grade, a student may redo and make up the work to earn a 75% for a grade in order to provide the opportunity to master the content. No other “redos’ will be considered to raise grades.

Exceptions When there are extenuating circumstances the student/family must contact the facilitator or area principal to discuss the circumstances to determine how each situation might be handled.

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

9

GRADES AND ACADEMIC PRACTICES Letter

Percent

E/A

90-100

G/B

80-89

S/C

70-79

N/D

60-69

U/F

00-59

Formative V Summative Assessment Formative Assessment When During Learning Examples ● Teacher Observations ● Team Project ● Journals ● Exit Passes ● Homework ● Quizzes Goal

Summative Assessment After Learning ● Unit Test ● State or National Tests ● Final Projects ● Research Papers

Improvement of instruction and growth in learning.

Evaluation of student learning/progress.

Elementary Grade Formative Summative Kindergarten 60% 40% 1st and 2nd* 60% 40% 3rd through 5th* 60% 40% *Bible/Science/Social Studies – 100%; Math Formative 45%/Sum 35%/Fact Mastery 20% NCS PLUS NCS operates an on the ground school for the NCS Elementary Education program. The following explains how NCS Plus might serve the NCS Elementary School as a tool for absentee work or during a time of state required Shelter at Home.

If a child is absent, NCS Plus will serve to provide the content covered in class. The student may collect the information, print what is needed and turn in the material when he/she returns to class. At times, NCS Plus may serve as a tool for collecting some of the work missed while out of class. The teacher will make the determination of how work missed in class will be returned to the teacher.

During a state mandated Shelter at Home, NCS Plus provides students the opportunity to continue learning at home with their class and teacher via Live Meetings and a content platform called Canvas. The student stays in the same class with the same teacher during this mitigated time of learning.

NCS Plus: Absences Students may collect classwork while out of school during an illness or family and school approved absence. NCS Plus will provide the opportunity for the student to continue learning and allow the student to stay current with classroom content through the Canvas platform. All student absences are “counted” when students are not in class at NCS. Teachers will provide Bible, Math and ELA/Reading classroom content via the Canvas platform, and students can access the content from Canvas to do the work at home and return completed work to the teacher upon return to class. Students and parents are reminded that the class may have additional content given in class while the Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

10

student is absent. This content will need to be completed once the student returns to class. There is not a reduction in tuition during the time that students participate in NCS Plus either through a Stay at Home mandate or due to absences.

NCS Plus: Class Sections Information provided for the Elementary Program provides the following: ● Teachers will provide lesson assignments for students daily. ● Teachers will be available by email throughout the day to provide clarification and answer questions of parents/students each day. ● Students can share completed work with the teacher. ● There is no reduction in tuition during the time that students participate in NCS Plus. The teachers and aides are providing a program of education for the student.

NCS Plus: State Required Option In recent history, there have been times that the school operated within directives from the Governor of the State of Arizona. If the Governor of the State of Arizona would ask NCS to close school for a period of time, the school will provide contact with NCS students through the Canvas School Platform each day. While it will not be possible for a teacher to keep up with students all day long, it will be possible to provide content work and assessments for NCS Elementary students through Canvas.

The following is a summary of what might be provided to our students on a daily basis.

Daily Expectations include the following: ● All subjects will include Biblical Integration. ● Teachers will call each student once a week. ● Teachers will publish lessons each week in each content area. ● Daily activities provided with two daily meeting opportunities through Live Meetings. ● Live Meetings in the AM and PM. ● Grades will be taken in content areas for both Formative and Summative Assessments. ● Teachers will adhere to the Late Work Policy for work returned. ● Students may be loaned devices for working at home if they are available.

PARENT AND TEACHER CONFERENCES One of the opportunities teachers enjoy each year is the chance to sit down with families to discuss student progress. Teachers are available to speak with parents throughout the school year, however, the formal parent and teacher conference time provides a time for discussion of student growth and achievement. While it may be necessary, at times, to provide separate conferences for parents of some students, we do prefer the practice of one conference per child during formal parent and teacher conference times. When both parents are not available to attend conferences or when there are separate conferences scheduled, parents are expected to communicate with one another all information shared during these conferences. There are times that support staff and/or an administrative team member may attend conferences and meetings with parents and teachers.

COMMUNICATION NCS works to provide strong communication with families. Communication may come through face-to-face conversations, through communication sent home in hard copy form within backpacks, or through text messaging and emails. Parents are asked to share this information with one another as the best interest of their child is maintained, including the social, emotional and academic needs of their children.

In those instances, where parents do not agree with one another regarding academic growth and decisions pertaining to those situations, the school is not a forum where respective differences will be resolved. Instead, the school expects parents to achieve consensus through processes separate and away from the school.

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

11

Parent University and Coffee with the Principals Parents are invited to Parent University and Coffee with the Principals throughout the year. Coffee with the Principals provides parents the opportunity to look at data, ask questions and see how the school is doing within every component of the program, diapers to dual enrollment. Parent University is a time to come together and cover topics that affect our students and children. Past topics have included internet safety, intimidation and harassment, discipline guidelines and training our children to be selfless.

ACCOMMODATIONS, MODIFICATIONS AND TESTING Accommodations At NCS, we see accommodations as those activities that require a student to do what everyone else is doing in a slightly different way. Accommodations can be offered at any grade level and do not require administrative approval, although it is always wise to keep the administrator aware of student needs. Accommodations do not need to be noted on a student’s report card.

Modifications At NCS, we see modifications as a slight change in the expected student workload. Modifications can only be offered at the elementary level if the student has had academic testing provided which indicates a need for the modification and if the area administrator has approved the modification. Modifications may not be provided in the middle school and high school area. Modifications must be noted on the student’s report card.

Academic Testing and Work Modification After 2nd grade, school policy and practice dictates that schoolwork for a student can only be modified upon the specific and qualified recommendation of an educational psychologist. A parent may request testing for their child from a licensed educational psychologist or work with the local school district to request such testing. When such paperwork is presented to the school, it is understood that parents have communicated the need/desire for testing with one another. When a parent requests such testing from a school district, it should be understood that neither the district nor the school are under any obligation to pursue all parents for consent.

If students are found to have a Specific Learning Disability, SLD, the principal and teacher will meet with the district and parent(s) of the child to determine whether the student’s needs can be met at NCS. When it has been determined that NCS may be able to meet those needs, the student’s work, within the identified area, may be modified. Modification of work in the secondary program may not be possible in some academic areas. Parents are asked to communicate to one another all information regarding testing and outcomes.

ACADEMIC PROBATION AND BEHAVIOR PROBATION Northwest Christian School is dedicated to the spiritual and academic growth of every student. Academic or Behavior Probation is a tool that the school uses to collaborate with our families to ensure student academic or behavioral success and to better motivate our students to be all that God has called them to be.

Students are placed on Academic or Behavior Probation in one of several scenarios. A student might be placed in probation: ● Upon acceptance of the student to NCS when there has been concern about academics/behavior and/or social maturity and readiness for school from the prior school or teacher. ● At the conclusion of a semester when one or more of the following occurs: student receives 3 or more D’s or 2 or more F’s for their classes for that semester or multiple infractions for behavior. ● There has been a pattern of behavior or academic growth inconsistent with the mission of the school.

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

12

For a student to successfully complete a probationary contract the following must occur: ● Student and parents agree to abide by all school policies and requirements outlined in the handbook. ● Student and parents recognize the necessity of working with a teacher to find academic competency in core subjects and to complete missing assignments both of which resulting in grades to rise above an overall 70%. ● Student and parents understand there may be a need for outside tutoring in order to fill possible gaps in learning and increase the potential for future success in core academic subjects. ● Student will take responsibility for learning. Parents in the elementary program may have to provide support and accountability. In the upper elementary program, students will take more responsibility with academic planners. These will be checked daily for assignments and corresponding due dates. ● Student will maintain good class attendance for the school year. Tardiness to class will not be accepted and may warrant a meeting with the principal to ensure the student and parents understand the importance of the expectations outlined within this agreement. ● Student will work to maintain a strong behavior pattern, allowing for growth and maturity in areas of conflict, compliance to school protocols and rules and respect for authority on campus.

Students will be on academic or behavior probation for a semester. At the end of the semester, the NCS administration will review all academic or behavior progress to determine whether the student will remain on the contract. The possibility of future enrollment at NCS will be discussed and determined at the end of the school year depending on the academic or behavior growth shown during the probationary period. The purpose of the contract is to help the student achieve academic and behavioral success, 70% or above for grade reporting, no major infractions for behavior and ultimately be prepared for the next stage of their academic and school career. With each instance of probation, the parents and student agree to work alongside the NCS administration to assist the child to grow personally and academically to be successful at their grade level. The administration will not continue enrollment for students placed on both an academic and behavioral contract at the same time. No student will be placed on academic or behavior probation for consecutive years.

FINANCIAL MATTERS Tuition Payment Policy: Tuition is due on the first of each month from August to June. A $25 late fee will be charged to accounts not paid by the 7th. Those paying the total tuition fee prior to the first day of school will receive a 3% reduction in tuition.

Students whose accounts are 60 days past due may be suspended from school until arrangements are made with the office to bring the account up to date. A $20 insufficient fund charge will be added for all insufficient fund checks.

Payments can be mailed to NCS or hand delivered by an adult to the Administrative Office drop box. We recommend that students not be given the responsibility for delivering tuition payments.

If a student withdraws, remaining tuition will be computed on a per diem basis. Verbal withdrawals will not be accepted. A withdrawal form must be completed and signed by the administrator, bookkeeper, and parent or guardian before the withdrawal is processed.

REFUND POLICY Due to the fact that expenses continue whether or not every child is present every day, no tuition refunds can be made in the case of absence for illness or any other reason. As long as NCS holds a place for a child, tuition charges continue. When a child withdraws from school, a pro-rated refund for tuition may be made.

In the case of school closure, by state mandate or school determination, there will be no change in tuition payments or policies.

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

13

SCHOOL HOURS School hours for the elementary school are from 7:55 AM to 3:00 PM. No supervision for elementary students is provided on the campus until 7:30 AM each day and no supervision is provided to students at the end of the day unless the student is enrolled in an ASAP Class or Extended Care. The library is available for students, with their parents or supervising adult, after school for reading, studying or taking AR tests until 4:00 PM most days.

Arrival Procedures The elementary school program does not provide formal supervision until 7:30 AM. Students dropped off before 7:30 AM are not provided supervision nor support. The formal drop-off time runs from 7:30 AM to 7:55 AM when students go to class for the school day. The Elementary Library will be open at 7:30 AM and students may sit in the Elementary Library to study until 7:55 AM. Students may be dropped off in the drive-thru lane starting at 7:30 AM. Parents are asked to use the formal drive through lane as the only area for drop off. All other parking lot areas are designated for driving or parking to walk children into the school. Elementary parents are asked to use the south parking lot associated with the school for drop off and pick up. Parents may also escort students to the playground or classroom from the parking lot.

Elementary students and siblings should not walk through the parking lot alone nor be found in the parking lot unattended or left in cars unattended.

Dismissal Procedures At the end of the day, elementary teachers work to know where children are going and who is picking them up. The elementary teacher will keep an informal record of where the student is heading at the end of each school day. This applies to all elementary children through fifth grade. Elementary children will only be released to custodial parents/guardians/authorized individuals/secondary siblings. If a teacher gets permission via email, text or phone call from a parent/guardian for release of his or her child to someone other than the custodial parent/guardian/authorized individual, the teacher will verify identity through a driver’s license.

If a student has not been picked up by 3:15 PM, the student will be taken to the office until a parent/guardian is reached. The office will connect with a custodial parents/guardians individual through a phone call to verify where the child is to be taken, including Extended Care or an ASAP Class, and to identify who will be picking up the child.

If children are using the Extended Care program through NCS and are going home with someone other than the custodial parents/guardians/authorized individuals, the name must be on the required Blue Card provided by the parent/guardian at the start of the school year stating who is picking the child up, with permission from the custodial parent/guardian. Extended Care is a licensed program requiring all names of people picking up children to be on the Blue Card provided by state licensing.

End of the Day Pickup: 3:00 PM - 3:15 PM NCS offers four options for parents for end of the day pickup.

1. K-5 students may be picked-up in the south parking lot’s drive-thru lane starting at 3:00 PM. Parents must notify the classroom teacher that the student/s will be picked up in the pickup lane. The student/s will wait with the duty personnel until the parent/guardian/authorized person comes through the line. If parents/guardians identify a new person to pick up the child, the classroom teacher will provide a printed email with the information and the duty personnel will verify the identity with a driver’s license. If children are not picked up by 3:15 PM they will be taken to the office and parents/guardians will be notified. a. NCS utilizes an app called PikMyKid to help notify teachers when the parent is in the pickup lane at the end of the day. Students are released from class once teachers are notified that the parent/guardian/identified adult is in the lane. Please contact the Elementary Office for more information on the PikMyKid app.

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

14

2. K-5 students may be dismissed from their classroom. Parents/guardians/authorized individuals/secondary siblings will walk to the classroom for pickup. If children are not picked up by 3:15 PM they will be taken to the office and parents/guardians will be notified. Students may be released from classrooms to siblings in sixth grade or older. These siblings assume responsibility for the care of their siblings and must remain with these siblings until parents/guardians/authorized individuals pick them up. Parents are asked to pick up children released to secondary siblings on the elementary, or south, parking lot by 3:15 PM each day. If children are not picked up by 3:15 PM they will be taken to the office by an after school aide and parents/guardians/authorized individuals will be notified.

3. K – 5 students who are going to Extended Care will be released via an aide to the fenced basketball courts to the south of the classrooms. A teacher’s aide and student aide will meet the students, take attendance, and walk them to Extended Care for check-in. Students must be enrolled in Extended Care prior to attendance in this state licensed program. There is an hourly charge for Extended Care until 5:30 PM. There is a $1.00 per minute charge for children in Extended Care after 5:30 PM. 4. K – 5 students who are going to ASAP classes will be released to an elementary aide who will walk them to the ASAP classes for check-in. The ASAP teacher will provide an escorted time to walk to the bathrooms prior to the start of class. If children are not picked up by parents/guardians/authorized individuals from their ASAP class by 4:30 PM they will be taken to the office and parents/guardians will be notified.

Identified students will be walked by the ASAP vendor to Extended Care when parents have given direction to go to Extended Care at the end of the session.

Elementary students are not to be picked up in the north parking lot nor are they to walk to cars or parents/guardians/authorized individuals in the north parking lot. The school has provided safe passage for pick-up in the south lot through the pick-up lane or for pick up directly from classrooms. At the end of the school day, elementary students should not be found walking in the parking lot unattended nor left to play in play areas unattended.

Children are not to be left in cars unattended. Students who have been released to custodial parents/guardians/authorized individuals/secondary siblings become the sole responsibility of this person and are assumed to be in their care.

Students who are not picked up by 3:15 PM from classrooms or the pickup lane will be taken to the office and parents/guardian/authorized individual will be called. Students will be held in the office until the parent/guardian/authorized person arrives for pick up. When there is a persistent issue with tardiness parents will be contacted regarding plans for Extended Care for the future. There will be a charge for any use of Extended Care.

The Elementary Library is open until 4:00 PM and is available for elementary students and parents/guardians/authorized individuals/secondary siblings together, to study or take AR tests until 4:00 PM. Students may not be left unattended in the library.

Parking Lot Procedures NCS is a commuter campus. As such, parents often drop their children off from the parking lot. If students walk to the campus from the parking lot, parents must park in a designated spot. If parents drop off or pick up, please use the Drop Off and Pick Up Lane. NCS asks that drivers do not utilize driving pathways for drop off and pick up and that NCS families respect church parking and curbs restricted for church use only.

In the south lot, there are two gates for children to enter the elementary area from the parking lot. Children will enter from the safe walking area within the parking lot to enter the elementary school area. If parents park and walk children to class the school asks that they use the sidewalk along the Cook Field area and walk together. If parents use the drop off zone the school asks that parents use the designated zone and not create secondary drop off zones along the Cook Field or other areas that could impede traffic and keep people from being able to move easily into and out of the parking lot.

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

15

There is a pick up and drop off zone on the far east side of the south parking lot. Parents may choose to park and walk their children to class or they may choose to drive their children through the drop off zone on the east or west portion of the parking lot. ●

●

●

The drop off zone on the west is the same zone that has been in place on campus for the last few years.

Parents can drop off students in this area, have them walk the sidewalk along the field to get safely to the elementary school area. The school asks that parents drive from east to west through this area and to observe the 5 mile an hour speed limit to protect our kids.

The drop off zone on the east side of the south parking lot will have duty aides to help students get out of their cars and move safely to the elementary school area behind the fence. The school asks that parents follow the drive along the south retaining wall to the fence on the east of the elementary campus to drop off their children. NCS requests that drivers do not back up and that they observe the 5 mile an hour speed limit to protect the children.

The pick-up zone at the end of the day is in the same area. For the end of day pickup NCS has partnered with PikMyKid. PikMyKid is an app that parents download on their phone. At the end of the day, when parents arrive on campus, the app is used to notify the school that the parent is on campus. The students will not be released from their class until the app is utilized. This keeps fewer kids in the waiting area and it also keeps our kids from getting overheated while they wait. Please review the PikMyKid flyer for more information about the program and how to download the app.

OFFICE The school office is open from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM on regular school days. Students should go into the office only to take care of stated business. As the office telephone is a business phone, students will be permitted to use it only in emergencies. Each teacher does have a phone in the classroom and students may be permitted to use the classroom phone with teacher permission. Office hours during breaks and the summer may vary.

ATTENDANCE Punctual and regular attendance at school is a shared responsibility between the student and his/her parent or guardian. A direct relationship exists between regular school attendance and academic success. Students should miss school only when necessary because much of the classroom activity cannot be replaced by worksheets; the benefit of instruction, discussion, and participation is lost when a student is not in class. Regular attendance is the key to much of the success a student may gain from his/her school program.

If a child is ill, the parent is to call the absentee line (602-978-6953) to report the absence. Homework may be obtained through the Canvas Platform called NCS Plus as most assignments are posted for parental review the week prior to the week the child is in school. Homework for students that are absent will be accessed through NCS Plus but turned in to the classroom teacher. There are times when work completed on NCS Plus will not comprise all of the work completed in class and the student may come back to class with some additional work to complete. The student should return to school with work completed, but in extenuating circumstances may have one day to make up work for each school day missed due to illness or death in the family. Students receiving an “Incomplete” on a report card will have 2 weeks from end of the semester to complete the absentee work in order to receive a grade other than a zero. Homework for students missing school for trips may be accessed through NCS Plus in Canvas and is to be returned on the day the student is back from the trip.

NCS works to develop positive life habits in our students as they view school as an important responsibility in their life. Absence from school is always detrimental to the academic progress of any student. Class discussions and teaching times really cannot be approximated through the completion of a worksheet or through a reading assignment. In addition, make-up tests are difficult to schedule as students have missed significant learning opportunities in class.

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

16

12-Day Absence Policy Northwest Christian School is committed to the philosophy that in order for quality education to occur, regular student attendance is necessary and required. In accordance with school philosophy, the administration has determined that a student who accumulates more than twelve (12) absences within a semester may have to meet with the administrator to determine academic readiness for the next grade. The student may be required to repeat the grade if academic readiness is not evident. Exceptions will be made only in cases of family death or when the student has verification of a chronic/acute illness documented by a physician. This verification must be turned in to the office upon the student’s return to school. Parents/Guardians are asked to notify the office when they first learn of the possibility of an extended illness. Schoolwork can be obtained through NCS Pus when a student has been absent. ● ● ●

Ninth absence Twelfth absence/semester Eighteenth absence

(5% of the school year) (15% of the semester) (10% of the school year)

Automatic letter sent home Parent meeting/attendance contract Parent meeting/attendance contract

Pre-Arranged Absences Parents/Guardians are discouraged from taking students out of school for vacation or for non-school sponsored events. Every effort should be made to schedule vacations to coincide with school vacations. However, if the absence is unavoidable, the following procedure must be followed: ● ● ●

●

The student must bring a note to the office indicating when he/she will be absent or the parent/guardian must call the office to notify of the pre-arranged absence.

The student will secure assignments from NCS Plus via the Canvas platform.

Students assume full responsibility for all missed classes and assignments. Days missed will be recorded as excused absences counting toward the 12-day absence policy. All assignments provided the student through NCS Plus for the pre-arranged absence are due on the day he/she returns to class.

The time and place of any make-up sessions and testing shall be established at the initiative of the student and at the convenience of the teacher. Assignments not completed on time will not be awarded credit, or given a zero.

NCS does not encourage absences for medical and dental appointments, etc. during the school day and prefers parents/guardians to make such appointments before or after school and/or on weekends. A note from a parent/guardian with the student’s name, the date, and reason for dismissal must be brought to the office before school starts the day of the appointment. All students leaving school must be signed out by a parent/guardian in the office and signed-in upon returning.

Extended Absence and Schoolwork If a student is out of school for an extended absence, the parent/guardian and student is encouraged to use NCS Plus via the Canvas platform to obtain and complete the missing assignments.

Student Absence Authorization The purpose of this authorization is to provide documentation for students involved in activities such as traveling sports and/or other chosen obligations that lead to extended absences. This form is available through the elementary office and must be filled out and signed by parent/guardian and the administration.

1.

2.

3.

The student is allowed, per the NCS Elementary Student Handbook, to miss up to 12 days of school per semester. After 12 days, there is the possibility that the student will not be promoted.

Days missed include full days of school and half days of school. The school will not combine half-day absences to miss a whole day. Each absence will be recorded and is not considered “excused” but the absence has been authorized.

If there are more than 12 days of school missed in a semester, there must be prior approval for an absence for the activity listed.

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

17

4.

5.

6.

7.

When a student misses school, the schoolwork must be made up and turned in to the teacher on the following day of school. In other words, if a student is out for an event on Monday the schoolwork must be turned in on Tuesday. Student will not be given leniency for late work other than sickness, and sickness absences count toward the total number of absences for the year.

It is the responsibility of the family to follow up with the teacher to make sure all homework is given and then turned in.

If a student’s grades begin to falter, the teacher, parent/guardian, and principal will meet to determine whether the authorization for missing school can be continued.

This authorization will need to be updated at the beginning of each school semester.

The purpose of this authorization is to provide documentation for students involved in activities such as traveling sports and/or other chosen obligations that lead to extended absences. This form is available through the elementary office and must be filled out and signed by parent/guardian and the administration.

Illness If a student becomes ill during a school day, the student is to request permission from a teacher to report to the health office. A student may not go home unless a school official has contacted his/her parent/guardian and, in the elementary program, is picked up by his/her parent/guardian/identified adult.

Make-Up Work If a student is absent the day before a long-term project is due, it is still due on the original assigned date.

Long-term assignments must be turned in on the day they are due. Students must make arrangements to have projects delivered to school if they are absent. If a situation calls for an exception to this policy, the parent must contact the teacher before the long-term project is due.

Illness, doctor appointments, and a death in the family are reasons to miss school. Keeping the school informed of the reason for your child's absences will help eliminate any misconceptions. We would appreciate that children not be taken out of school for unnecessary trips. Missing school creates a hardship for your child and it has an impact on academic skills and the student’s grades. We can give a student the missed assignments, but we cannot make up all they have missed in the way of instruction, review, activities, and practice.

Tardies The school handbook indicates that students with excessive tardies will be notified. Excessive tardies throughout the school year may jeopardize the re-enrollment option of the student for the following school year. Once students reach secondary, after 3 tardies they may possibly have to serve a detention.

NCS encourages parents/guardians and students to develop positive life habits and view timeliness to school as an important responsibility in life. Tardies are always detrimental to the academic progress of any student. Class discussions and teaching times that occur at the beginning of the day really cannot be approximated through the completion of a worksheet or assignment.

School begins at 8:00 AM and students may arrive at school as early as 7:30 AM. They may play on the playground until the whistle is blown. The whistle is blown for students to line up at 7:55 AM. Students are counted tardy if they are not at their desks in the classroom at 8:00 AM. Parents are asked to help to get children on campus by 7:55 AM or earlier. It is important for the home and school to work together to eliminate tardiness.

Students in grades 4 and 5 that have been tardy more than 5 times in a semester will be asked to serve an in school detention from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM on a predetermined day in the elementary office. Students with in-school detention will be asked to sit quietly and will be released to the parent/guardian at the end of the detention.

Parents/guardians can give the principal a call if there are questions.

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

18

LEAVING CAMPUS If a student must leave school before the end of the day, a note to that effect must be brought from home and given to the child’s teacher. The parent of an elementary child must check the student out in the main office. Any time a student skips class or leaves the school grounds without a written pass from the office, he/she will be considered truant and subject to disciplinary action.

BIRTHDAY TREATS Parents may talk with their child’s teacher if they want to bring birthday treats for the entire class. Teachers/grade levels have various options for celebrating birthdays. While a birthday is a very special event, teachers have been asked to protect instructional time in the classroom by limiting these celebrations to just a few minutes within the school day. Birthday/party invitations are not to be handed out at school or during the school day unless the entire class is invited to the party or event.

LUNCH TIME No student will be permitted to leave the school grounds for lunch unless he/she is signed out in the office by a parent/guardian or parent/guardian approved adult prior to getting the student from the classroom. If someone other than the parent is taking the student off campus, we must have a note from the parent or guardian. Any time a student skips class or leaves the school grounds without a written pass from the office, he/she will be considered truant and subject to disciplinary action at the discretion of the principal.

NCS does ask that parents pack nutritious lunches that provide hydration and appropriate fruits, vegetables and protein. Students are not to have anything other than water in their desk water bottles. Students may have juice or simple drinks for lunch. We prefer students not have soda or high calorie drinks with their lunch.

The Lunch Room uses the MySchoolBucks app (MyschoolBucks.com) for parents to place money in the students’ account to purchase lunch. Those students that purchase lunches may choose their lunch option and order in the morning in the classroom. Adequate time is given for students to eat their lunch and supervision provides for students to enjoy the lunchtime with peers. Students are not allowed to take lunch items to the playground to eat.

There is a table in the lunch area set aside for students with food allergies. Parents should let the classroom teacher know if their child needs to sit at this table due to food allergies. Peers may join at this lunch table if the teacher or aide pre approves their lunch.

Parents who visit the campus for lunch with their child are required to get a visitor badge from the office and sit with their child in a designated lunch area. Parents who choose to visit on a regular basis may be asked to participate in volunteer training in order to observe the protocols required of all volunteers on campus.

PLAYGROUND AND RECESS INFORMATION State and Federal guidelines require that students get 60 minutes of unstructured physical activity each day. Each child must participate in recess and lunch playtime unless the weather will not permit the student to go outdoors.

Teachers will not keep students in for more than 5 minutes for behavior or work infractions at any recess or lunchtime. Students may not bring toys, cards or things that will keep them sitting during their recess or lunchtime.

There are many opportunities for students to run, play games and develop social relationships with their peers on the playgrounds and fields.

Outdoor guidelines for temperature play and eating are as follows: Eat outside and play outside. ● Up to 104: Eat outside and have a “cool” room available for kids to go to during recess. ● 105 – 109: Eat inside and stay inside. ● 110 +: Sun Safety NCS is aware of the potentially harmful effects of overexposure to ultraviolet radiation. To help prevent the development of skin cancer, students shall receive instruction, encouragement, and environmental support to avoid Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

19

overexposure to the sun when they are outdoors. Students will be allowed, and are strongly encouraged, when UV Index ratings are 3 and above to wear sun safe clothing including hats, wear sunscreen and seek shade where possible.

NCS ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL DAY ASAP: After School Advantage Program The ASAP After School Advantage Program is designed for the elementary student. The ASAP sessions provide opportunities for students to stay after school and do something they love. Parents may sign their children up for ASAP beginning the first week of August. Classes will begin the second or third week of each semester. Classes vary each year and each semester. In the past NCS has offered Christian Warriors with martial arts, art and drama classes, chess and STEM classes, homework and sports classes as well as dance and foreign language classes. Each vendor signs the Statement of Faith and has a background check or fingerprint clearance card. Classes are held on campus after school from 3:15 PM to 4:30 PM. The classes vary from day to day and the parent pays for the cost for the class. Check in the front office for classes each semester, this is a great way for children to develop their talents and make new friends.

Junior Crusaders The Junior Crusaders Sports Program provides NCS students from Pre-K - 6th grade with an opportunity to pursue their passion of sports in a fun and Christ‐centered environment. Students will have the unique privilege and experience of playing on a team with their fellow classmates. NCS partners with CCV STARS and NYS to serve our students throughout the school year. The goal is to help players to develop skills, learn teamwork, and to persevere in the challenges that sports provide. Additionally, the Junior Crusader Cross Country Team participates in training and races each semester. Each of these activities are available for sign up through the elementary office.

CHAPEL Chapel services are held once a week for all elementary grades to worship and learn together. Chapel may be simulcast for the NCS Online students. Chapel is a special time for students and faculty to worship the Lord, fellowship together around His Word, and experience what ministries in our city, state and around the world are doing. Chapel programs are varied and include pastors, missionaries, teachers, students, musicians, and other guest speakers. Occasionally, there will be a film, musical presentation, or a play. Parents are encouraged to attend Chapel at any time. Chapel is typically held on Wednesday mornings at 8:15 AM in the Don Sanderson gymnasium. If there is a change in schedule the Week at a Glance and/or class newsletter will have this information.

LIBRARY Books may be checked out for a one-week period. Fines for overdue books are charged on a per day fee per book.

These fees may be paid to the school librarian. Students may accrue fees for damaged or lost books.

Elementary Library Book Adoption Selection and Review Policy Books adopted by the NCS Elementary Library will: ● Uphold the mission of Northwest Christian School. ● Adhere to a biblical worldview. ● Create life-long learners and support learning strategies and higher level thinking skills.

The Librarian will: ● Select materials as teacher resources to support curriculum including books of various genres, social-emotional learning, book series, non-fiction books, biographies, and books with appropriate growth mindset teaching. ● Select books with Recommendations and Reviews from “What’s New in Children’s Literature”. ● Read online reviews, pre-read/screen books for language or content that would not be appropriate for elementary students.

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

20

INTERNET POLICY The majority of computers on the NCS campus are connected to the campus network. The campus network is, in turn, connected to an Internet by way of a “White List” filter, thereby providing safe Internet access to elementary students at the school. This list contains more than 1000 specific websites plus all .gov, .edu, and .mil websites. The goal in providing these services is to promote educational excellence by facilitating research, resource sharing, innovation, and communication. Elementary students may have a tablet for reading and will be provided a school email address, with parent permission. These students will not be connected to the NCS internet.

A full copy of NCS Internet Policy is available in the school office.

TECHNOLOGY ON CAMPUS Supporting instruction with technology is a priority at NCS that begins with our youngest Crusaders. Beginning in kindergarten, teachers have access to classroom iPads for targeted practice that can be tailored per student. A few of the favorite programs students will use include Raz Kids, IXL Math, Tumblebooks, and Sora. All of these programs may also be accessed from home using the username and password provided by your student's teacher. Every student is assigned a Google Workspace for Education account with settings tailored by age group. It is through this account that students, and subsequently parents, gain access to classroom resources with NCS Plus. For more information and to grant permission for a student(s) to utilize these tools, please review and sign the Instructional Technologies form in Blackbaud.

NCS Plus, the Canvas platform for Northwest Christian School's Phoenix campus, is a digital space for lesson resources, newsletters, and absent work. Each teacher may choose to employ these features as best supports their students, so please discuss the specific procedures, particularly regarding absences, with the teacher.

NCS requires that parents access NCS Plus through their own Observer accounts instead of using their child's credentials. Each child’s teacher will have information regarding the creation of an Observer account.

The Canvas Parent app is particularly useful and neatly organizes the courses assigned to each child. In secondary, some teachers may opt to provide feedback through Canvas, which can trigger notifications to parents according to the settings selected in the Observer account.

Students can access NCS Plus using their @ncsazstudents.org account at ncsaz.instructure.com. Parents and guardians can view NCS Plus at ncsaz.instructure.com/login/canvas. If a parent needs assistance linking a student to an Observer account, please contact the Help Desk at HelpDesk@ncsaz.org.

CLOSED CAMPUS NCS is a “closed” campus. This means that no student may leave the campus during the school day without permission from the office. This also means that adult visitors to the campus must state their purpose for coming, and pick up a visitor pass at the office. NCS asks that parents/guardians check in at the office each time they plan to visit during the school day whether it be to drop off a lunch, stay for lunch or help in the classroom. It is not necessary to check into the office at the end of the school day, after 3:15 PM, if the parents/guardian happens to be on campus. The front office gates will be locked at 8:05 AM each morning and opened at 2:45 PM each afternoon.

During the regular school day, the gates are locked and all visitors will have to enter through the front office for a visitor badge.

SERVICE ANIMALS There are no animals allowed on the school campus, except service dogs, or unless pre authorized by a school teacher/administrator. It is imperative for the safety of everyone that posted policies and rules are followed without exception.

DRESS CODE

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (I Timothy 4:12) Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

21

We believe God’s Word has a practical application to the dress and grooming of students. It is appropriate to ask students to dress modestly and appropriately. Extreme fads and styles in clothing and jewelry that are contrary to our Christian testimony are inappropriate. The NCS dress code is most effective when parents support this philosophy. The dress code has been established by considering various factors such as comfort, safety, modesty, appropriateness and ease of enforcement.

Enforcing the dress code is not the sole responsibility of the school. We expect parents to cooperate with the school in monitoring their child’s daily attire to assure compliance with the NCS dress code.

Friday NCS School Shirt Days On Fridays, students may wear any NCS shirt with the required NCS apparel for shorts, skirts and pants. The NCS shirt may be the school theme shirt, an ASAP shirt or club shirt or any NCS logo wear. Jeans/denim may be only worn on specified days during the year.

School Earned Dress Down Days Dress down days such as PJ day or wear your favorite T-Shirt day will be typically scheduled for Fridays.

Denim/Jean Days When students are allowed to wear denim/jeans (blue or black), the apparel is to reflect the school dress code.

Attire must fit modestly, not too tight and not too loose, without rips or holes, appropriate length in skirts and shorts with any décor not being contrary to our Christian testimony.

K-5th grade Shirts are limited to polo shirts (short or long sleeves). Students are to wear uniform or “Docker” style shorts, slacks, skirts, skorts, capris, or jumpers made from heavy cotton twill or corduroy in black, solid navy or tan (khaki) colors. Please be aware that not all the clothing in the uniform section or department meet our dress code requirements. ● Polo shirts are to be one solid color of your choice. If it has a logo, it must be no larger than a credit card.

The logo should not be contrary to our Christian testimony. Shirts have a button placket (no snaps, zippers, laces, etc.), a collar, with long or short sleeves. Shirts must be long enough to fully cover the stomach when arms are raised. Shirts may be visibly layered under a standard polo shirt. ● Pants, shorts, or capris must be of a dress pant twill/cotton or corduroy material. Pants may not be made solely of spandex, Lycra, nylon, rayon or other material that have a tendency to cling to the body. No leggings are permissible for primary pants; however, they may be worn under skirts. Any type of jean or blue jeans are not allowed during the normal school day, nor are pants made of denim or blue jean material. Pants must be of a navy blue, black, khaki tan color only. For girls’, capri pants are acceptable.

Cargo pants or overalls are not acceptable. No jeans are allowed for regular school dress days. Shorts are to be longer than the fingertips and no longer than the bend of the knee. Cargo shorts are acceptable. ● Jumpers, skirts, or skorts are to be longer than the fingertips. Skirts may be straight or pleated. Girls are encouraged to wear shorts under jumpers and skirts for modesty. Only polo shirt type dresses following the solid color style, as in the polo shirt description, are allowed. Plaid skirts and jumpers may be worn if they are the NCS approved apparel purchased from Dennis Uniform. Skirts are to be made of heavy twill or corduroy ● Footwear is limited to tennis/athletic style shoes as students do not dress out for PE until they are in the secondary program. There are to be no inset wheels in any shoes worn on campus. Shoes with laces must be laced tightly and tied securely. Slip on shoes, like Vans and Toms, must stay fast on the child’s feet when walking. It is preferred that students wear socks with their shoes.

General ● Fit and Style: All clothing must be neat, clean, modest, and fit appropriately. Oversized or too-tight garments are not allowed.

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

22

● Outerwear: All outerwear (including sweaters, sweatshirts, windbreakers, jackets, etc.) worn in the classroom must be one solid color or NCS apparel and worn over an approved uniform shirt. Coats and jackets are not restricted to one solid color, but cannot be worn in the classroom. If there is a design, logo, picture, or word, it must be appropriate for a Christian school. ● Undergarments: All children must wear appropriate undergarments as a hygiene necessity. ● Hats/Caps: Hats/caps may be worn outside for protection from the sun. Hats/caps/hoods may not be worn in the classroom or any other school building. Hats are not restricted to one solid color. If there is a design, logo, picture, or word, it must be appropriate for a Christian school. ● Makeup: As our kids grow up they look forward to each “rite of passage” in school. We ask that our children not wear “makeup” or face glitter in the elementary program. When our elementary students are worried about checking makeup and reapplying it during the day it becomes a distraction to the classroom.

Please save this rite of passage for middle school. ● Jewelry: Jewelry should be kept to a minimum for boys and girls. Necklaces should be simple. Watches may not be used to contact parents or access the internet during the school day. Earrings for our girls should not “hang” but be solid posts. Boys are not to wear earring to school. ● Hair: Hair for both girls and boys is to be kept neat, clean and the natural color. Extreme styles are to be avoided. Hair for boys must be shorter than collars and cut so their eyebrows and at least part of their ears are visible. Hair for girls must allow for the student to see without hair being in the eyes. ● Free Dress: During free dress days, students must comply with the basic dress code of covering necessities and length of shorts and skirts. No torn jeans may be worn during dress down days. Appropriate and modest attire is expected at all times. ● The school administration reserves the right to make modifications of the dress code for special occasions such as jog-a-thon, field trips, spirit days, or other fun/reward situations. ● Any attire not described in this policy is not allowed.

Dress Code Violation Policy Parents have the responsibility to send their children to school dressed and groomed appropriately. Parents of students in violation of dress code will be notified, and the student will not go out to recess until the violation is corrected.

Students unsure of the appropriateness of any clothing should receive administrative approval before wearing it.

Questions on dress code will be clarified by the administration as they arise. Issues related to dress code matters, including modesty and/or judgment calls are at the discretion of the faculty and administration.

MEDICAL INFORMATION Northwest Christian follows all state mandated immunization recommendations. Reports of compliance are submitted annually to the Department of Health Services. Students not in compliance with requirements will not be allowed to attend class until records are complete. If, for personal or medical reasons, your family chooses not to immunize, a state mandated form must be filled out and filed in the Health Office for inclusion with your child’s permanent school records.

An immunization record is kept for each student. In order to keep the record current, parents/guardians are asked to give an updated copy of the immunizations to the Health Office if the child receives a vaccine. If the child contracts a communicable disease, parents/guardians are asked to contact the health office so that NCS may notify other families with children who were exposed. If the child has any physical limitations due to chronic illness or other cause, parents are asked to discuss this with the child’s teacher and specials teachers and the Health Office.

Head Injuries If a student hits his/her head, there will be an assessment done by the Health Office. The following will occur:

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

23

● ● ● ●

Parents will be contacted via email or by phone. Parents will be called and emailed if there is any signs or symptoms of head injury. Parents will be emailed if there is no change.

When in doubt the teacher/aide/health office personnel will sit the child out from play when there is an injury or perceived injury.

If, after medical evaluation, the Health Office deems emergency hospital treatment necessary, they will contact 911 for all medical transportation needs and then contact the responsible party.

If, after medical evaluation, emergency hospital treatment is deemed unnecessary, the Health Office will observe and the student may be sent back to class.

Illness and Injury at School If the student becomes ill or is injured at school, the parent/guardian will be notified. It is important that parents/guardians notify the school of any change of telephone number (home, business, and cell phone) so that contact may be made immediately in case of emergency.

Illness and Injury Away From School: Parents are asked to please use caution when sending their children back to school after they have been sick. If the student threw up during the night, parents are asked to keep them home for another day. In addition, students should remain home until they have been fever free (less than 100.0) for 24 hours.

Administering of Medication The State Department of Health Services does not allow the school to administer over-the-counter medications to students unless the parent gives written permission. All medications (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, cough drops, etc…) need to be sent from home in the original container accompanied with a signed medication form (available in the office or online). The school must have one form for each student and each medication with the dosage and time of day it is to be given. The school may administer it to the child acting as your agent. DO NOT ASK US BY PHONE TO ADMINISTER ANY MEDICATION TO YOUR CHILD. PERMISSION MUST BE GIVEN IN WRITING. The same procedure must be followed for administering prescription medication. The original prescription container must be sent along with the NCS form indicating parent approval for administration of the medication at school. The State Department does not allow NCS to administer any prescription without the child’s name on the container along with current date, dosage, time to be administered, and the doctor’s name.

The Health Office will not administer natural products such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, essential oils, probiotics, etc. to students during the school day. These items may not be sent in a student’s lunch box for the student to administer on their own. If a natural product needs to be administered during school hours, the parent/guardian will need to come to the school’s health office to administer the remedy to the student. Otherwise, the remedy can be given before or after school at home. Although herbal remedies are considered “natural”, they can cause side effects, and may interact with other drugs being taken for other conditions.

NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL INFECTIOUS DISEASE POLICY Arizona State Law requires that any communicable disease be reported immediately. The mission of Arizona Department of Health services is “To promote, protect, and improve the health and wellness of individuals and communities in Arizona.” NCS will use the “Communicable Disease Resource Guide” as a reference when consulting with a child that has a potential infectious disease. It is important to NCS that NCS informs all of its families of any exposure, as quickly as possible. Children showing symptoms during the day of the following: rash, sore throat, diarrhea, inflammation, vomiting, fever, etc. will be immediately isolated from other students by being sent to the Health Office. Parents/guardians will be notified at once and are required to make necessary arrangements for prompt pick-up of the child. NCS will ensure confidentiality of any personal health related information obtained in relation to the child and/or their family. All children will be monitored carefully to assure that immunizations are completed and up to date. Arizona Administrative Code requires an administrator of a school to report communicable diseases to the local health department.

Northwest Christian School abides by state guidelines regarding the readmission of a student who has contracted a communicable disease. If indicated, the student’s temperature is taken – if 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, a Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

24

parent/guardian will be contacted to pick up or arrange for their child to be picked up from school. If a parent/guardian cannot be reached, an approved emergency contact person will be contacted. A child must be afebrile (fever-free) for twenty-four (24) hours before he/she can return to school. Sick children should never be sent to school. If your child is running a fever of 100° Fahrenheit or higher, do not send him/her to school.

Parents/Guardians may contact the Health Office with any questions, 602-978-5134 x523.

Head Lice Protocol Students with suspected cases of lice or nits will be referred to the Health Office for assessment. Students found with live lice will be excluded from school until they have been treated. The Health Office will readmit them after an assessment. Parents are encouraged to nit-pick/comb for 2 weeks following infestation. If nits are found with no live lice, parents will be notified and will be asked to pick up the student to treat and remove the nits. Information regarding treatment will be in the Health Office for parents. Confidentiality of that student will be maintained if diagnosed with head lice.

Concussion Management and Academics Specific protocols for students/athletes to return to school after a concussion is essential. Although students appear well physically after a concussion, the extent of symptoms and deficits experienced by the student can be significant.

A concussion is defined by a brain injury that changes the way the brain normally functions. It can be caused by a bump, jolt, or blow to the head causing the brain to move rapidly back and forth. Concussion may seem to be an invisible injury but can affect the student in many ways including physically, cognitively, emotionally, and sleep disturbances.

Northwest Christian has implemented a pre-concussion baseline testing on all high school athletes. The high school athletic trainer and the school nurse coordinate this.

An approved, licensed healthcare professional defined by Arizona state law who has experience in managing concussions should evaluate any student with a concussion. They will determine when it is safe to return to school as well as recommended appropriate levels of cognitive and physical activity throughout their recovery process.

Providing appropriate support for a student’s academic success after a concussion requires a collaborative approach.

The team would include the athletic trainer, school nurse, principal, dean of students for the secondary student, and parents.

The academic management of a student with a concussion will be on a case-by-case basis. This could include shortened or missed school days, no PE or sports, delayed tests and homework, increased test time, and decreased use of computers and iPads. Prolonged school absences will require a signed chronic illness form that can be obtained from the office.

FOOD ALLERGY MANAGEMENT Parents are asked to notify the Health Office and the child’s teacher if the student has a food allergy. An Emergency Health Care Plan is required to be filled out and signed by the doctor if the child has been prescribed an Epi-pen.

Medication forms for the Epi-pen and Benadryl must be signed and in the Health Office.

NCS cannot guarantee that the student will not be exposed to the particular food allergen. The school will endeavor to eliminate any snacks if possible in the classrooms that contain the allergen. The parents in the classroom will be notified of the food allergen.

A table in the cafeteria can be designated where peanuts or other specific food allergens are not permitted. A list of students with food allergies will be compiled in the Health Office, to be given to the administration, cafeteria workers, and the appropriate teachers.

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

25

STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE Like all schools, Northwest Christian School does not carry accident insurance to cover students. Though the school is fully insured, the expectation is that families maintain their own coverage. NCS does offer its families the opportunity to obtain student accident insurance through a third-party company that is wholly separate from the school. The plans are available to all students in preschool through twelfth grade. More information on these plans is available in the school office. Through this third-party provider, families can choose between multiple tiers of coverage. These policies cover only accidental injuries; they do not pay for illnesses.

SCHOOL USE OF STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHS The re-enrollment form signed each year by the parents’ gives permission for the school to use photographs of children in promotional and advertising material including the website. This permission is for group photographs and includes athletic team pictures. In all cases the students will be pictured, but not identified by name.

There may be occasions where an individual student is pictured and identified by name due to significant accomplishment. In each instance, permission will be obtained from the parent prior to publication or inclusion on the NCS website. Publication permission may be restricted by contacting the school administration.

Parents are asked to not post pictures of NCS students on their social media pages without the express permission of the parents of each student. With the increased use of social media, some parents have requested that their child’s picture not be posted on social media sites. While parents may take pictures of their own children involved in school activities and post on social media sites, these pictures and posts must not include other students without the express permission of the other students. The school may impose discipline on students for social media posts, including private posts. Any inappropriate posts, including threats, bullying, sexual content, or offensive and un-Christ like language or comments will result in discipline, including up to expulsion or disenrollment. Large group photos of events may be allowed, but specific photos of individual students are discouraged.

SALES ON CAMPUS Children are often given the opportunity to sell items with participation in various clubs or other organizations.

Within the Early Ed and Elementary program at NCS there must be administrative approval prior to the sale of any items, including formal organizations such as Girl Scouts and informal sales from our young entrepreneurs. Students or sponsors of clubs wishing to sell items must meet with the area principal for formal approval.

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT All electronic equipment (video, audio, and/or games), scooters, and skateboards are not permitted at school at any time. Students who choose to bring any such item to school will have it taken away and returned only to their parent. These items are also prohibited during travel for any school function. The school does not assume responsibility for lost or stolen cell phones.

NCS recognizes that some parents may disagree on grounds and appropriateness of any search of a student’s desk or possessions, and may view any such search as objectionable. NCS deeply respects those views and certainly appreciates societal debate on the balancing of privacy of the individual against the protections of the campus from potential danger – which given the spiritual and unique mission of NCS, goes beyond weapons and contraband and includes offensive and inappropriate material. NCS also respects the fact that individual tastes and opinions will vary and that some may disagree with NCS as to what constitutes “offensive” and inappropriate material”. While respecting those differences, NCS must necessarily reserve to itself sole discretion as to what is acceptable for its campus.

With the increased use of social media, some parents have requested that their child’s picture not be posted on social media sites. While parents may take pictures of their own children involved in school activities and post on social media sites, these pictures and posts must not include other students. The school may impose discipline on Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

26

students for social media posts, including private posts. Any inappropriate posts, including threats, bullying, sexual content, or offensive and un-Christ like language or comments will result in discipline, including up to expulsion or disenrollment.

Voice or Video Recording Members of the NCS community should not video or voice record anyone employed by NCS at any time without prior written consent.

Student Cell Phones No elementary student’s cell phone shall be out and used before school, during the day or after school. If teachers or aides see a cell phone out and in use, the phone will be brought to the Elementary Principal’s Office where the parent is able to retrieve it. After school, students must be with parents/guardians/identified adults before a cell phone may be brought out for personal use.

DISCIPLINE PHILOSOPHY Discipline and its application at NCS are grounded in Scripture--see particularly Proverbs 12:1, 13:18, 22:15; Ephesians 5:1-4; Hebrews 12; I Corinthians 13 and Revelation 3:19.

NCS believes that the full meaning and intent of discipline should be not only to correct behavior, but also to build up, encourage and train an individual in concepts as well as behavior that is pleasing to God. God admonishes in His Word that reproof and correction are to be administered in love and with a measure of grace and compassion.

Discipline must never be administered vindictively, in anger, devoid of forgiveness nor should it be a personal attack towards an individual. Discipline is ordained of God for the building of character and the training of behavior.

GENERAL CONDUCT STANDARDS It is the goal of NCS to help students develop a consistent Christian character and a lifestyle that honors Christ. To produce an environment in which the development of this goal is possible, all students are expected to demonstrate the following general attitudes and behavior: ● ● ● ● ●

Respect and obedience to all school staff and parent volunteer workers Reverence to the Bible and the American and Christian flags Proper care of all school and church property Cleanliness in work, actions, speech and dress Orderly, courteous conduct in the classrooms, chapel, lunchroom, playground and restrooms. Specific standards for conduct in the classroom, in chapel, on the playground, etc., will be clearly explained to the students by the teachers.

DANGEROUS OBJECTS OR WEAPONS: No student may have possession of and unlawful use of weapons, dangerous objects, or explosive devices. The possession, carrying, display and/or use of dangerous weapons in a school building, on school grounds, or at a school function is a violation of school regulations and public law.

ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES: No student may have possession of any alcohol or illegal drug on campus. The possession, carrying, display or use of such substances is a violation of school regulations and public law.

PROACTIVE DISCIPLINE Discipline at NCS has these objectives:

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

27

To teach children to honor God in word and deed.

To develop and maintain the optimum environment for learning.

To correct behavior which is disruptive or destructive to the learning environment.

To train students in behavior patterns that will be helpful to them individually and to the school community in supporting and achieving the commonly held goals of spiritual, intellectual, physical and social development. ● To remove, as a last resort, recalcitrant students so that the learning environment may be maintained.

God has given parents the responsibility for the discipline of their children. NCS parents have conferred this authority on teachers and administrators during the school day and in school activities. Teachers and administrators are responsible to God for the lives placed under their care (James 3:1). They have the authority from the parents to administer discipline within the limits and guidelines of the discipline policy. It shall further be the responsibility of teachers and administrators to work with parents in the matter of discipline, informing them promptly of disciplinary action taken, and making themselves available to the parents and students involved for discussion and counsel of discipline situations. The ideal objective of this involvement is to foster understanding, to challenge parents and students alike, to promote supportive behavior, to enlist student cooperation, and to build a like-minded attitude. ● ● ● ●

Teachers are responsible for the behavior of the children in their classrooms. NCS teachers use proactive discipline techniques and set the standard for acceptable behavior. Every student is given an opportunity to correct unacceptable behavior. If the student does not respond to the teacher’s discipline, parents will be contacted and the student may be sent to the Principal’s Office.

CORRECTIVE DISCIPLINE The type and severity of the disciplinary response shall be related to the seriousness of the offense and to the student’s age and previous discipline record. The principal shall clearly explain the reason for the discipline to the student. Repentance will be encouraged and the opportunity for expressing this resolve shall be provided.

Forgiveness after prayerful and wise consideration is the goal (John 8:10-11). A disciplinary experience is satisfactorily concluded after the consequences have been fulfilled and when there is genuine repentance and forgiveness. The administration reserves the right to provide an avenue of grace should circumstance warrant in all discipline situations. Sufficient record keeping will be maintained so that unusual or repetitive disciplinary problems can be identified and productive parent/teacher/administrator discussion can ensue. The principal administers all suspensions and probations.

The Discipline Policy applies to students while they are on campus, in NCS operated vehicles, or at recognized school functions.

Northwest Christian School is committed to maintaining an academic environment in which all individuals treat each other with dignity and respect and which is free from all forms of intimidation, exploitation, and harassment, including sexual harassment. The school is prepared to take action to prevent and correct any violation of this policy. Anyone who violates this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including suspension or expulsion.

HARASSMENT Northwest Christian School is committed to maintaining an academic environment in which all individuals treat each other with dignity and respect and which is free from all forms of intimidation, exploitation, and harassment, including sexual harassment. The school is prepared to take action to prevent and correct any violations of this policy. Anyone who violates this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination or expulsion. The policy prohibits Employee-Student Harassment, Student-Student Harassment, and Student-Employee Harassment. If you are aware of any type of harassment between students, between staff, or between student and staff, please report the incident to your student’s principal. Full copies of the policy are in the office.

COMPLAINTS Every parent, teacher and student should follow the complaint procedure. This should be taught as early as possible during the school year. When parents, teachers and students understand the plan God has given us for settling strife, the school and home will run smoother.

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

28

Complaint Procedure 1. Pray about it. Ask God to help you make your complaint in such a way that it will result in the betterment of the school and thus to the glory and growth of His Kingdom. Read and think about such passages as Ephesians 4:1-2 and Colossians 3:12-13.

2. Express it promptly. Keeping it to yourself can cause ill feelings and friction that would decrease our effectiveness as a Christian. Jesus said that we cannot properly worship or serve God if there is a disagreement between yourself and someone else (Matthew 5:23-24). So get it out of your system.

3. Tell it to the right person. Complaints against specific individuals should be expressed first to the individual in question and may need to be expressed to the administrator if you cannot work it out between yourselves or if you feel they should know about it.

4. Express it clearly. Make sure the person you are expressing your complaint to, knows the details of the situation and exactly what you are complaining about and why. Misunderstandings of complaints could lead to further problems and needless hard feelings.

5. Do not broadcast it. Express your complaint only to the person who should hear it. Unneeded worry, harm and hard feelings result when problems and dissatisfactions are expressed to persons other than those directly involved with the problem and an impression of disharmony is presented. Help us avoid parking lot gossip.

Parental/Guardian Partnership NCS believes that teamwork with parents is both biblical and essential. Should a serious problem arise with a student, the school will endeavor to communicate clearly the concerns to the parents and try to reach resolution. If the situation becomes one of blame shifting, denial, or defensiveness on the part of student and parent/guardian, it will not be possible to work together for the good of the student.

Students must be allowed to accept responsibility for wrong actions. While there is agreement of the strategic power of influence, each individual student must accept personal responsibility for his or her own actions.

Zero-Tolerance Policy of Northwest Christian School The desire for students to grow in their walk with Jesus Christ through loving discipline is the fundamental aim of the disciplinary policies at NCS. It is the belief of NCS that certain violations of school rules and objectives warrant discipline of a more rigorous consequence. Such violations include, but are not limited to, noncompliance to the Zero-Tolerance Policy adopted by Northwest Christian School. This policy is in effect twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and three hundred and sixty-five days a year. This policy officially commences upon the student’s admission to NCS. NCS HAS A ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY FOR THE FOLLOWING OFFENSES 1. Possession, use, sale or distribution of alcohol or drugs or acting as an accessory. Abuse or misuse of prescription or over-the-counter medications.

2. Possession or use of explosives, firearms, or any other dangerous weapons on or off school grounds in an illegal manner.

3. Immoral or illicit sexual behavior, including, but not limited to, any sexual activity. In addition, requesting, sending, receiving, or distributing inappropriate pictures.

4. Any illegal activity Any offense of the zero-tolerance policy will result in the immediate removal of the student-at-fault from school.

Once the administration has determined that a Zero-Tolerance infraction has occurred, the student-at-fault will immediately be issued a minimum two (2) week out-of-school suspension. During the interim period, the administration will issue a recommendation of expulsion to the School Board, in accordance with the stated policy.

The administration will present to the School Board the facts of the occurrence(s) including the means by which the infraction was brought to the attention of the administration, the demonstrated willingness of the parents to work

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

29

with the NCS administration, the observable attitude of the student-at-fault, and the overall disciplinary record of the student-at-fault. The School Board will then ultimately determine the final decision regarding expulsion.

Future Enrollment Status of an Expelled Student In the event that a student is expelled from NCS, the opportunity for future enrollment may or may not be afforded.

If the School Board determines that an expelled student may be considered for future enrollment at Northwest Christian School, a directive will be given to the administration to develop a timeline and a Restoration Plan that must be agreed upon by all parties involved. This restorative plan is much more than simply a protocol leading to future enrollment, but rather it is to establish measurable and observable standards and mechanisms that will be used to determine if a sincere life-style transformation has been achieved in the life of the student. The purpose of the Restoration Plan is to work with families who uphold and demonstrate goals for their children that are common to the goals of Northwest Christian School. Recognizing that young people make mistakes, we aspire to toil hand-in-hand with families who desperately desire for their children to follow Jesus Christ wholeheartedly. It is with such families that NCS has committed to endure hardship with, as NCS seeks to assist in directing a child back to the loving and forgiving arms of Jesus. Without apology or regret, Northwest Christian School has no intention or sincere interest in devoting the compulsory time and resources toward restoration without the acquiescence and collaboration of the family. Otherwise, any such restorative plan must be considered counterproductive, degenerative, and ultimately destined to failure.

Disciplinary Probation After evaluation and consultation with administration, faculty, and parents, circumstances may warrant that a student be placed on disciplinary probation. This status may be achieved by, but not limited to, excessive discipline violations or the demonstrating of an attitude deemed outside the expectations of NCS. Any student receiving two (2) suspensions resulting from discipline consequences and/or major violations will be placed on disciplinary probation. The administration reserves the right to extend probationary status at any time to any student that warrants such, regardless of the student’s position in the discipline system.

A student who is placed on disciplinary probation at any time during the school year is disqualified from taking part in all extracurricular activities, including athletic involvement, music programs, talent shows, plays, competitions, meets, fairs, festivals, etc., for the nine week probationary period.

Probation will be for a minimum nine-week period, but may extend longer at the discretion of the administration.

Any student on probation who receives two (2) suspensions for any reason will be dismissed from school. However, the administration reserves the right to recommend expulsion to the School Board for a student on probationary status at any time, should behavior warrant.

At the end of the nine-week period there will be an evaluation meeting at which time the administration will determine if the student is to remain on probation, to be recommended for removal from school, or released from probationary status.

Grounds for Dismissal It is not the desire of Northwest Christian School to ever have to ask a student to leave. However, difficult times may come. The following are grounds for possible dismissal. At NCS, we believe that attitude is as important as visible actions.

Attitudes Reflecting “Flaunting of Sin” As mandated by the School Board, students may be asked to leave if they continue to flaunt and/or glamorize sin or choices that would reflect a non-Christian lifestyle. If a student’s attitude towards a personal sin remains repentant and serious about change, the administration may allow the student to remain in school and to work toward change.

If the student’s attitude begins to transmit an undercurrent of glamorizing sin, or set a continuing non-Christian tenor, he or she may be asked to leave the school. This type of wrong attitude and conduct may include possible “bragging” about sinful conduct that may or may not be true.

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

30

Attitudes that Create Negative Tenor for Other Students Proverbs speaks repeatedly about the power of a person’s influence in others’ lives. Each student has to make their own choices and no student can force others into wrong attitudes or actions. Yet occasionally one or two individuals can create a negative atmosphere and tenor, which continues to pull others down into wrong attitudes or conduct.

While NCS requests that all students acknowledge faith in Christ, it is realistic to admit that there are students who have not made a personal commitment to following Christ. At NCS, attitudes are as important as actions; therefore, students will not be allowed to create a negative tenor for the rest of the individuals within the school.

Attitudes that Continue to “Dampen” Spiritual Growth in Others This would include any kind of mocking of the things of God, or the creation of “peer pressure” that would make spiritual growth difficult for others. This includes students as well as parents in the involvement of creating a spiritual atmosphere on campus that is positive and Christ honoring.

Verbal and Physical Altercations to Fellow Students and/or Teachers An altercation can be physical, verbal, emotional, & cyber (which includes email, cell phone, any social media platform, etc.). Any gesture that is expressed through written language, verbally, and/or physically that degrades a person is considered inappropriate. This includes, but is not limited to a person’s race, religion, color, gender, disability, national origin, or any other unique characteristic. This behavior will be considered inappropriate whether it takes place on or off school property, at any school function, or in a school vehicle. It is crucial that NCS be a safe place, even emotionally. Consequently, this behavior from or toward students or staff will not be tolerated and may be grounds for dismissal.

Failure of Cooperation From Parents NCS believes that teamwork with parents is both biblical and essential. Should a serious problem arise with a student, the school will endeavor to communicate clearly the concerns to the parents and try to reach resolution. If the attitude becomes one of blame shifting, denial, or defensiveness on the part of student and parent, it will not be possible to work together for the good of the student.

Students must be allowed to accept responsibility for wrong actions. While there is agreement of the strategic power of influence, each individual student must accept personal responsibility for his or her own actions.

It is the conviction of NCS that in order to achieve success in the lives of the students, school administration, staff, parents, and students must work together within the objectives and purpose of Northwest.

Harassment Northwest Christian School is committed to maintaining an academic environment in which all individuals treat each other with dignity and respect and which is free from all forms of intimidation, exploitation, and harassment, including sexual harassment. The school is prepared to take action to prevent and correct any violations of this policy. Anyone who violates this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination or expulsion. The policy prohibits Employee-Student Harassment, Student-Student Harassment, and Student-Employee Harassment.

Full copies of the policy are available in the school office.

COOPERATION WITH ARIZONA LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES Northwest Christian School (NCS) will fully cooperate with any and all Arizona Law Enforcement Agencies and/or the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) regarding any investigation relating to NCS. If the law enforcement agency or DCS requires an interview with any NCS Student, then the NCS Administration shall immediately notify the student’s parent or legal guardian prior to the interview and allow reasonable sufficient time for the parent or legal guardian to be present for the interview, except when directed by law enforcement or DCS not to do so, as allowed in certain instances under Arizona State Law. Further, during the student interview, one or more representatives of the NCS Administration shall be present except when directed by law enforcement or DCS not to do so.

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

31

REVISION POLICY Northwest Christian School reserves the right to change any policy or procedure in the Elementary Handbook at any time when, at the discretion of the School Board and Administration, it deems the change to be in the best interest of the school.

Northwest Christian School Elementary Handbook Revised 2022-2023

32

NCS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

All School Early Education Elementary Middle School High School Online/Flex

NCS MIDDLE SCHOOL 6TH-8TH GRADE

FROM THE DESKS OF SECONDARY PRINCIPALS, SAMANTHA MASZTON & JEFF PARSONS

Dear NCS Family, The new school year is just around the corner! In this packet you will find some helpful information to make the start of the school year a success. Please don’t hesitate to call or email the office with questions.

Wednesday, August 3rd, will kick off the new school year with Secondary Registration Day. Please attend during the time set aside for your child. MS and HS are combined to support families with students in both areas.

Time

Secondary Registration Group

8:00-9:00

Last name beginning with A, B, or C

9:00-10:00

Last name beginning with D, E, F, or G

10:00-11:00

Last name beginning with H, I, J, or K

11:00-12:00

Teacher Lunch Break

12:00-1:00

Last name beginning with L, M, or N

1:00-2:00

Last name beginning with O, P, Q, R, or S

2:00-3:00

Last name beginning with T, U, V, W, X, Y, or Z

When you enter the Don Sanderson Gymnasium on Registration Day, you will get a list of stations offered and their location. Some of the stations offered that day are listed below: Lunch Menu

Club Offerings

Bell Schedule

Health Office

PE Uniforms to purchase

Driver Registration Forms (HS)

Volunteer Sign-Up Table

Senior Lunch Release Forms (HS)

Student Schedule

High School Camp Rooming

Registration Fees: This year, fees will not be paid on Registration Day, but we will be assessing a flat fee to your student’s Blackbaud Tuition Management Account, which can be paid with a debit or credit card.

Middle School Includes

High School Includes

Planner Locker Activity Fee Technology Fee TOTAL: $120

Camp Locker Curriculum Fee Technology Fee TOTAL $220

FROM THE DESKS OF SECONDARY PRINCIPALS, SAMANTHA MASZTON & JEFF PARSONS Optional Items to be purchased on Registration Day (cash or check only) MS: PE Uniform $20 - required for students taking PE HS: Parking Permit $60 - required to park on campus MS and HS: 2022-2023 NCS Theme T-shirt If you are unable to attend Registration Day on August 3rd, please feel free to contact Tammy Collins in the school office at tmcollins@ncsaz.org or 602-978-5134 to make an appointment prior to the first day of school on August 8th.

Health Office and Emergency Form Last spring, you received a notification in Blackbaud to complete a Health Emergency Form for each one of your students. If you have not yet completed this year’s Health Emergency Form, please keep in mind that this must be completed prior to the first day of school. Your student is not permitted to start the school year without an updated Health Emergency Form on file. If you have any questions please email the School Nurse, Anna Johnson, at anjohnson@ncsaz.org. If your child takes medication during the school day, please plan to stop at the Health Office on Registration Day to ensure that all applicable forms are on file if your child takes daily medication.

Important Dates in August Date

Time

Event

Location

August 3rd

See Above

Secondary Registration Day

Don Sanderson Gymnasium

August 4th

12:00 - 12:45 PM

New Student Welcome Party

Grades 6-2: MS Hallway Grades 9-12: Don Sanderson Gymnasium

August 8th

7:45 AM

First Day of School

Report to First Hour

August 16th

5:30 PM

Secondary Back-to-School Night

More details to come

September 6th

During School Hours

Secondary Picture Day - Watch for more details in the Week-at-a-Glance

Don Sanderson Gymnasium

We are looking forward to another great year at Northwest Christian School!

Sincerely, Samantha Maszton Middle School Principal/Assistant Superintendent Jeff Parsons High School Principal

NCS SECONDARY 6-12TH GRADE CALENDAR 2022/23 *Dates subject to change. Please check the Week-at-a-Glance for updated information.

August 3 4 8 10-12 16 26

MS/HS Registration Day New Student Welcome Party 12:00-12:45 First Day of School - ALL Grades High School Camp MS/HS “Back to School Night”

4

NO SCHOOL - Labor Day Picture Day 6-11th Teacher In-Service - No School College Readiness Night

Teacher In-Service - No School NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Jr. Day HS/MS Elective Fair/ MS Musical

February 16 17 20 24 25

NXNW Film Festival Teacher In-Service - No School NO SCHOOL - Presidents’ Day HS King Crusader HS Sadie Hawkins

HS Day of Service

HS Day of Service

9

Early Dismissal 11:00 am ALL

Early Dismissal 11:00 am - ALL GRADES

10 13-17 29- April 3 31

HS Choir Concert

MS/HS 11:00 Dismissal Fall Break- No School Homecoming

Spring Musical Parent Teacher Conf. 3:30-5:00 NJHS Induction

11:00 am Dismissal Spring Break- No School HS Choir Trip/Band Trip Teacher In-Service - No School

Homecoming Dance 6th Grade Day HS Fall Play

November 4

Teacher In-Service - No School

9

Veterans Day Chapel

10 11

Picture Retakes

19

MS Drama Performance

Veterans Day - No School

23

MS Impact Day/ 11:00 Dismissal - Thanksgiving Break

24-25

NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break

December 2 HS Christmas Activity 7 ALL School Christmas Chapel 13-15 High School Finals - Full Days (no early release) 13 HS Band/Choir Concert 15 MS Band/Choir Concert 22 MS Amazing Race/ HS Finals 11:00 am Dismissal ALL

19- Jan 2

Future Freshman Night/6th Grade Orientation

March 2-4 6-7 7 8

MS Choir Coffeehouse Parent Teacher Conferences 3:30-5:00 Parent Teacher Conferences 3:30-5:00

5 6 7 10-14 21 22 28 29-30

School Resumes

Teacher In-Service - No School

September 5 6 16 19 October 3

January 3 12 13 16 21

Christmas Break- No School

April 1-3 7

NO SCHOOL - Good Friday

10

NO SCHOOL - Easter Monday

14 18 20-23 28

MS Drama Production

May 9 11 15-19 15 16 23-25 25 26 26

HS Choir Trip/Band Trip

HS PreAct9/PreAct/ACT MS Band/Choir Trip Teacher In-Service - No School/ Junior/Senior Prom

HS Honors and Awards Night MS/HS Band Concert Senior Finals HS Choir Concert MS Choir Concert High School Finals - Full Days (no early release) 8th Grade Promotion Last Day of School/ HS Finals 11:00 am Dismissal ALL Senior Graduation

BLACKBAUD STUDENT/PARENT PORTAL LOGIN INSTRUCTIONS To sign forms, access schedules, review school documents and announcements, and check posted grades, use the Blackbaud Student Portal or Blackbaud Parent Portal accessible from the BLACKBAUD LOGIN button at the top right of the school’s ncsaz.org website or directly at ncsaz.myschoolapp.com. This web-based portal allows users to easily toggle between their roles, if applicable (Student - Parent - Faculty - Alum) and to see the features relevant to that role.

August 1, 2022 Blackbaud ID login invitation

By September, Blackbaud is requiring all users to login with Blackbaud ID instead of the previous username and password. All current students are registered to sign in using their school Google email accounts for Blackbaud ID. New students will receive this information on Registration Day. Parents ● ● ●

Prior to August 1, please log in with your existing Blackbaud credentials that you used during the re-enrollment or application process.

Once logged in, click your name in the upper righthand corner and select Profile.

Under the Digital section, verify the primary email address listed. ○ This will be used as your Blackbaud ID and must be unique from other users, including your spouse or children.

If you need help resetting your password, click the link Forgot login or First time logging in? and the system will send a link to reset your password. You may also email HelpDesk@ncsaz.org for additional support.

Students ● ●

Enter your school email address for your username then click Next.

You will be routed to a different sign in page. Click the Sign in the Google button at the bottom. ○ If you need help resetting your password, contact HelpDesk@ncsaz.org and mention your first and last name and that you are requesting a password reset.

If you have any difficulty logging in, please contact 602-978-5134 ext. 519 or HelpDesk@ncsaz.org.

Please note: At this time, there is not an app for the Blackbaud Portal; however, a mobile browser should enable necessary features of the website.

MIDDLE SCHOOL  

 

Friday, June 3, Adventure Cru H2WHOA, 7:00pm  Join the Adventure Cru for a fantastic time of sliding at Lake Pleasant on the Worlds Largest floating water slide! The cost for this event will be $20 dollars.

Tuesday, June 21, Rocks and Arrows with Adventure Cru, 10:00am  Secondary students will head to Geck Rock gym for some climbing, enjoy a lunch at Culver's and cap the day off with time on the archery range at Arizona Archery Club. Please bring $$ for lunch, but climbing and archery will be covered.

Thursday, June 30, Adventure Cru to serve at St. Marys, 7:00am  Secondary students can join Mr. G on his birthday and serve the vulnerable at St. Marys food bank. We will enjoy lunch afterwards.

Wednesday, July 27, 40th Annual WildBurro Adventure Cru Hike, 8:00am  Well, maybe the 3rd or 4th annual, but fun none the less. Join us for a great hike, some swimming in the lake and lunch as well. Lunch will be covered for all who attend.

Details and RSVP here!

NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN GENERAL SELFIE ID LINK https://high5.id/p/bJXVP You may use your ID number or name when using the link above.

How to find your Student ID number Grades 6-12 Students may follow the process to take their Selfie ID. If students are unable to get their picture completed by 7/24, GRADS Photography will be on site for registration day to take ID pictures as usual.

Grades K-5 Parents may follow the process to take their student’s Selfie ID. If they are unable to complete the process, ID cards without pictures will be delivered on the first day of classes for the students.

Accessing the Student ID Number There are two methods to access the student ID number.

Log in to the student portal or parent portal via ncsaz.myschoolapp.com or www.ncsaz.org.

After you log in to the parent portal, you will find your student profiles just under the NCS header.

The ID number is embedded within the web address of the student’s profile page. It is a 7-digit number that begins with 5.

Students in grades 10-12 have already logged in to their portal to complete their course requests. For other students, they can register with their student email address - lastname+first inital (or first two initials if they have a sibling with the same first initial) @ncsazstudents.org. (ex. testj@nsazstudents.org or testja@nsazstudents.org).

Parents can see their student’s email address by clicking on the student profile (the same method shown above).

If the student logs in to their profile, the ID is also located on the General Information section on the Profile screen.

• • • •

Click on the tiny triangle beside the student's name at the upper right of the screen Choose “Profile” from the drop-down menu General Information is located on the left side of the screen USER ID is the last option

ALL SCHOOL BEFORE AND AFTER CARE Early Ed Extended Care is available at the Early Ed facility before school from 7:30 to 8:30 and after school from 3:00 to 5:30. This is a licensed program and requires the student to be registered before attending. There is a cost for Extended Care. Please contact the Early Education office for information.

Elementary Before School - The Elementary Library is open from 7:30 until school begins each day. This space allows students to study and take AR tests before school. The Elementary Playground is supervised for students from 7:30 to 8:00 each day. Parents may drop off students as early as 7:30 as the school day begins at 8:00.

After School - There are four options for students at the end of the school day. In the elementary program students are not allowed to wander the campus without a parent, secondary sibling or identified adult. Students that are alone are walked to the elementary office and parents are contacted. ● ●

●

●

Students are to be picked up from their classrooms by a parent, secondary sibling or identified adult no later than 3:15 each day.

Students are walked by an aide to a scheduled ASAP program on its scheduled day. Parents are expected to pick their children up at the end of the ASAP program. Students who are not picked up are walked to the elementary office and parents are contacted.

Students are walked to Extended Care by an aide. Extended Care is a licensed program. Parents are required to register their child for Extended Care before the child can attend the program. Extended Care is available from 3:00 to 5:30 and there is a cost for the program. Please contact the Early Education office for more information as that office administers the After School Extended Care program for 15 months of age – 5th grade students.

Students may utilize the Elementary Library from 3:00 to 4:00 each day. Elementary students must be accompanied by a parent, secondary sibling or identified adult while in the library after school. This time is dedicated for AR testing, tutoring, studying and research. The Elementary Library closes at 4:00 daily.

Secondary Before School - Secondary Students can utilize the Teen Space before school Monday through Friday from 7:00 to 7:45. The before school Teen Space is located in room 201 and is staffed by an NCS staff member. The Teen Space is available for studying, research, test make-up, tutoring and homework.

After School - Secondary Students can utilize the Teen Space after school Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 5:00. The after school Teen Space is located in room 120 and is staffed by an NCS staff member. The Teen Space is available for studying, research, test make-up, tutoring and homework.

Early Release All Sections - NCS works to provide space and care for our students before and after school during the typical school day. On Early Release Days space and care is provided in the morning as mentioned above. After school on an early release day, Extended Care may be provided for the Early Education program only, there is a cost for Extended Care. The ASAP program, Library and Teen Space are not available after school on Early Release Days.

AAA CLUB INFORMATION

Northwest Christian School AAA Clubs – 2022 Fall Session (Beginning Week of Sept. 12, 2022)

Crusader Chess Club: Chess Emporium teaches a fun and exciting introduction to the game of chess. All grades are welcome in the chess club, which begins by teaching students how to play the game, chess openings, tactics, and end games, while allowing students to practice with their friends. This class provides chess strategies and tournament play in this club experience. Students who sign-up for this class will find where they rank by earning a Chess rating number based on tournament play.

Open to all 6th to 8th grade students (Minimum 8) Wednesdays for 10 weeks beginning 9/14/22 Participation Fee: $190 Astronomy & Rocketry Club: Astronomy & Rocketry Club participants will assemble their own model rocket, launch it following strict safety protocols. Students will also learn about the Solar System and our sun by viewing through telescopes.

Open to all 6thto 8th Grade students (Maximum of 12 students) Tuesdays for 3 weeks (9/13 to 9/27) Participation Fee: $90 Discovering Drones: Discovering Drones will provide our students with the opportunity to fly a variety of drones - performing maneuvers and skill-based flying. Students will also have the opportunity to purchase their favorite drone at the end of the session (for an additional fee).

Open to all 6thto 8th Grade students (Maximum of 8 students) Mondays for 3 weeks (9/12 to 9/26) Participation Fee: $40

AAA CLUB INFORMATION

Amateur Radio Club (NCARC): This club will help students learn the necessary skills for obtaining FCC amateur radio license. Students will learn about the radio arts through a multitude of science, technology, and math-related fields directly and indirectly related to amateur radio.

Students may also participate in the Northwest Christian Amateur Radio Club (NCARC).

Students will also be able to study for and (hopefully) pass the FCC Amateur Radio License (no fee charged).

Open to all 6th to 8th Grade students Wednesdays for 8 weeks Participation Fee: $80

Middle School Impact Groups

Here at Northwest Christian School, we are blessed to be a part of a community where students are living in Christian homes, involved in the local church, and attending a Christian school. However, we know that students within the age range of 10-15 years old are forming their own opinions about faith and what they believe.

As a way of partnering with our families, each middle school student is part of an Impact Group. These groups are composed of a teacher and a small group of kids of the same-gender and same grade level with the simple goal of building meaningful relationships.

Every Wednesday following Chapel, Impact Groups are dismissed to head to their chosen destination on campus. Here teachers have an opportunity to follow-up on Chapel with discussion questions and get to know their group of kids outside of the classroom setting. This may look like Just Dance, Extreme Pictionary, Minute to Win It Games, or Relays but all of it intentionally serves a much deeper purpose. It’s a time for our kids to see us cheering them on, excited that they are “ours” and on our team . . . a time to build meaningful relationships.

We are privileged to develop relationships with students, build community and walk them through this stage of life as they enter into a deeper relationship with Christ.

National Junior Honor Society

National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is more than just an honor roll. Each Honor Society chapter establishes rules for membership that are based upon a student's outstanding performance in the areas of: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character (plus citizenship for NJHS). These criteria for selection form the foundation upon which the organization and its activities are built. The advisors for our chapter are Mrs. Coughlin and Mrs. Shepherd. If you are new to NCS and have been inducted into NJHS in your previous school, please bring your certificate to be accepted into NCS NJHS. Inductions for NJHS are held in March.

Scholarship Students who have made Principal’s Honor Roll, as determined by the local school's Faculty Council, meet the scholarship requirement for membership. These students are then eligible for consideration on the basis of service, leadership, and character (and citizenship for NJHS).

Service This quality is defined through the voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation and with a positive, courteous, and enthusiastic spirit.

Leadership Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, promoters of school activities, idea-contributors, dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others.

Character The student of good character upholds principles of morality and ethics, is cooperative, demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability, shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others, and generally maintains a good and clean lifestyle.

Citizenship The student who demonstrates citizenship understands the importance of civic involvement, has a high regard for freedom, justice, and equal opportunity, and demonstrates mature participation and responsibility through involvement with such activities as scouting, community organizations, and school clubs.

National Junior Honor Society

Eligibility For NJHS, students in the second semester of the sixth grade, or in grades 7 through 9 in a school with both an official charter of the National Junior Honor Society and an up-to-date affiliation with the NJHS national office are eligible for consideration for membership in NJHS. Students must have completed the equivalent of one semester of enrollment.

Middle School Athletic Offerings

Northwest Christian Middle School offers the following sports programs as extra-curricular activities for middle school students.

Fall Sports: -Girls Volleyball (6th, 7th, and 8th) -Co Ed Soccer (7th and 8th) -Boys Tackle Football (7th and 8th) -Girls Cheer (7th and 8th) Winter Sports: -Girls Competitive Cheer (7th and 8th) -Girls Softball (7th and 8th) -Girls Cross Country (6th, 7th, and 8th) -Boys Cross Country (6th, 7th, and 8th) -Boys Baseball (7th and 8th) Spring Sports: -Boys Basketball (6th, 7th, and 8th) -Girls Basketball (6th, 7th, and 8th) -Co Ed Golf (7th and 8th) -Girls Cheer (7th and 8th) Sports Fee: The Middle School sports fee is $75.00 per sport per season with the exception of football which is $125.00.

Try-Outs: Football begins the first week of school. Try-outs for other fall sports begin the second week of school. Please check the Week-at-a-Glance for further details.

Eligibility: Grades are taken from gradebooks every week after the first four weeks of the start of the semester to determine the athlete’s eligibility. If the athlete is earning a “F” in any course, they are deemed ineligible, and he or she will not be permitted to play in games for one week. The grades will be reevaluated by the athletic department or principal at the beginning of every week. The athlete may still participate in practice.

NCS ANNUAL STUDENT TRIP OPPORTUNITIES ELEMENTARY 3rd and 4th Grade - San Diego Floating Lab Trip, March 2023 Description: The annual elementary excursion to San Diego has become a family favorite each Spring Break.

Centered around time aboard a half-day harbor excursion the Floating Lab allows students to see the wonders of God’s marine creations up close. The trip affords families discounted opportunities to visit a creation museum, Scripps Aquarium, and the San Diego Zoo. Costs are varied based upon the activities and events each family chooses. Additional information will become available to families in September.

5th Grade Camp, March 2023 Description: Traveling to a sleep-away camp in northern Arizona, the fifth graders will enjoy a time of fellowship and learning that is centered around a distinctively Christian science-based curriculum. Students will spend two nights at the camp. Though the final prices will be determined after some fundraising this fall, historically, the camp has been in the neighborhood of $150 per student.

MIDDLE SCHOOL 6th through 8th Grades - Serve the City Description: This is an amazing opportunity for all MS students to serve those in need in our local community!

Students spend 2 nights and 3 days together as we serve and partner with various ministries around town to help our fellow community members who are in need.

8th Grade - Kids Kingdom Orphanage in Imuris, Mexico Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 Description: This is a service opportunity for students to experience a culture that is different from ours. The goal of the trip is to help give NCS students a new perspective of service in hopes of fostering a love for serving the poor. With additional info to follow from 8th grade Bible, the cost of the trip varies but students will be involved in raising their support.

8th Grade - End-of-the-Year trip Description: It is a tradition for many years that 8th grade students end the school year with a trip to the ocean for lots of fun activities! This year, we are excited to announce that we will be heading to Florida for some snorkeling, kayaking, and much, much, more! Watch your email for more information.

HIGH SCHOOL 9th through 12th Grades - Kids Kingdom Orphanage in Imuris, Mexico, Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 Description: This is a service opportunity for students to experience a culture that is different from ours. The goal of the trip is to help give NCS students a new perspective of service in hopes of fostering a love for serving the poor. With additional info to follow, the cost of the trip varies but students will be involved in raising their support. Additional information regarding the orphanage can be found at: www.facebook.com/imuriskidskingdom

9th through 12th Grades - Choir Trip Description: The every-other-year HS choir trip is an incredible opportunity for high school students to experience major cities around the world. This year’s trip will include musical instruction and performances that speckle the itinerary promoting skill development and a greater appreciation of the arts. For more information, please email Julie Dennis at jdennis@ncsaz.org. Don’t miss out on this one in a lifetime experience!

Middle School Locker Procedures

Purpose of Lockers The purpose of having student lockers is to provide storage for students during the day. The lockers are to be used to store student items that are school related. No items that may interfere with the school program may be stored in the lockers.

This includes any potentially hazardous or illegal materials.

Locks All students will receive a lock to use for the year but will be expected to return the lock on the last day of school. The lock, including the combination, will be retained by the school so that locker inspections can be done throughout the year.

Any other lock will be removed by the school administration. Students should not give their combination to another classmate and the student must keep the locker locked at all times. No student is to be in another’s locker for any reason.

Inspection Students must keep their locker clean and orderly taking any edible items out on a daily basis. The school administration has the right to inspect any locker without prior notice given to the student. Regular locker inspections will be done throughout the year to ensure proper maintenance.

Decoration of Lockers Students may personalize the inside of his or her locker with temporary embellishments. No decorations will be permitted on the outside of the lockers. Students may personalize the inside by using magnets to decorate using school appropriate materials that are not contrary to our school’s mission. No tape, stickers, or permanent markings may be placed on or in the lockers.

Visit to Lockers Students will be permitted to visit their locker between classes. No student will be permitted to leave class to retrieve items from their locker. In the event that items are left in the locker, the policies that apply to late work will also apply in this scenario.

Hallway No items may be stored on the hallway floor or ground of the locker cages without prior approval from the principal. The hallway must be kept clean at all times and all items are to be stored in the student’s locker. Oversized athletic totes can be stored neatly in the designated place at the north end of the hallway or in the appropriate locker room.

Use of Backpack No backpacks will be permitted to be carried throughout the day into the classrooms. The backpack must be left in the locker.

Middle School Bell Schedule

Regular Day Schedule Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday PERIOD 1/A 2/B BREAK 3/C 4/D LUNCH 5/F 6/G 7/H

PERIOD BEGINS 7:50 8:50 9:40 9:55 10:50 11:45 12:20 1:15 2:10

PERIOD ENDS 8:45 9:40 9:55 10:45 11:40 12:15 1:10 2:05 3:00

LENGTH 55 50 15 50 50 31 50 50 50

MS Chapel Schedule Wednesday PERIOD 1/A 2/B Break 3/C 4/D Chapel MS Lunch 5/F 6/G 7/H

PERIOD BEGINS 7:50 8:41 9:23 9:38 10:24 11:11 12:06 12:46 1:32 2:18

PERIOD ENDS 8:37 9:23 9:23 10:20 11:06 12:01 12:41 1:28 2:14 3:00

LENGTH 47 42 10 42 42 50 35 42 42 42

Half Day Schedule PERIOD 1/A 2/B 3/C 4/D 5/F 6/G 7/H

PERIOD BEGINS 7:50 8:22 8:49 9:16 9:43 10:10 10:37

PERIOD ENDS 8:17 8:44 9:11 9:38 10:05 10:32 11:00

LENGTH 27 22 22 22 22 22 23

Secondary Dress Code Requirements

Shirts – All Students All students are required to wear a solid color or striped polo shirt. Non-offensive logos are acceptable as long as the size of the logo does not exceed the size of a credit card. Any brand of solid color or striped polo is acceptable. In addition, any NCS/NC polo is also acceptable (i.e striped golf polo is acceptable). Shirts must be long enough so that if a student’s arms are raised straight above their head, no beltline may be showing. Polo shirts may be purchased from any store as long as the requirements above are met. Students may layer shirts under the required polo. Students may wear a sweater or sweatshirt over their polo for warmth; however, no shirt is to be worn over the polo unless it is for warmth.

Pants – All Students Pants must be of a dress pant, twill/cotton or corduroy material. Pants may not be made of spandex, lycra, nylon, rayon or other material that have a tendency to cling to the body. No jeggings are permissible. Jeans are not allowed, nor are pants made of denim or blue jean material. Pants must be of a navy blue, gray, black, khaki green, khaki tan or brown color only.

Capri pants or cargo shorts/pants are acceptable. Overalls are not acceptable.

Shorts – All Students Shorts may be worn throughout the school year. Shorts must extend past the fingertips when the student’s arms are fully extended at their side. Shorts must be loose-fitting and of a dress pant, twill/cotton, or corduroy material. Shorts may not be made of denim, spandex, lycra, nylon, rayon, mesh, flannel, velour, or terry-cloth. Shorts must be of a navy blue, gray, black, khaki green, khaki tan or brown color only. Furthermore, shorts must be of a solid and non-extreme color; white is considered an extreme color and is not allowed.

Skirts – Girls Skirts may be worn by girls. The skirt must be “uniform style”. All skirts must extend past the fingertips when the student’s arms are fully extended at their side. Skirts must be of a navy blue, gray, black, khaki green, khaki tan or brown color. Skirts may be purchased from Dennis Uniforms. These skirts may be navy, blue, khaki tan, or Dennis Uniform approved plaid in color and must meet appropriate length and fit criteria. The only plaids permitted are the two from Dennis. No other plaids are permitted.

On Campus Out-of-Dress Day Guidelines -No tank tops -Shorts/Skirt length must be a minimum of a 4 inch inseam -No yoga pants/leggings -No holes in jeans, shorts, or skirts *Modesty is the general rule

Secondary Dress Code Requirements

Spirit Week Dress Day Guidelines -No tank tops -Shorts/Skirt length must be a minimum of a 4 inch inseam -Yoga pants/leggings may be worn with shorts over top -No holes above the fingertips in jeans, shorts, or skirts -Face paint and temporary hair color may be worn during this week if it goes with the dress theme (we encourage you to apply at home) -No type of weapon (Real or Fake) is allowed *Modesty is the general rule Dress code issues related to modesty and/or judgment calls are at the discretion of the faculty and administration. Modesty is the priority.

Middle School Supply List

Below, you will find a MS Supply List. These are items that each student in grades 6-8 will need for the first day of school. Included in the list are items that each MS student will use to build two binders on the first day of school that will serve as an organizational system for all of their classes. One binder will be used for the first half of the day and the other for the second half of the day. This is a complete list of supplies. No additional supplies will be needed.

6th - 8th Grade Supplies o NCS Planner - given at Registration Day o 2 - 1.5 inch binders o 10 page dividers - Avery Plastic Two-Pocket Insertable 5 Tab Index Dividers AVE11906 o 8.5 x 11 college ruled filler paper with three hole punch o 2 - 3-hole pencil pouches to be clipped inside the binders o 1 composition notebook -for language arts o 1 pack 200 count of 3 x 5 notecards o Pens o Pencils (refill lead if mechanical) o Colored pencils o Pink Pearl Eraser o 1 pack red pens/pencils for grading o 2 highlighters o 1 scissors o 4 Whiteboard markers o 4 glue sticks o Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS Scientific Calculator (If your student is in a high school math, please see the calculator requirement below) o Bible NASB or ESV o 1 box tissues - to be taken to first hour on the first day of school o 1 pack of surface wipes - to be taken to first hour on the first day of school Additional Supplies 6th Grade o 2 Spiral notebooks- 70 sheets -for science and social studies o 2 pocket folder for science o 1 Composition notebook for SS- 100 sheets o 1 Composition book w/grid paper for math o Inexpensive pair of earbuds 7th Grade o 1 Composition book for Math o 1 Spiral notebook- 70 sheets - for science o 2 pocket folder for science o 3x3 sticky notes for English 8th Grade o Graph Paper o 3x3 sticky notes for English

Middle School Supply List

Choir/Art Students o Boys Choir Blue 2 pocket plastic folder, Girls Choir Red 2 pocket plastic folder, and Advanced Choir Purple 2 pocket plastic folder o Worship Arts 1 inch binder o 9x12 Sketchbook for Art 8th Grade only Band Students ● 1 inch black 3 ring binder ● 1 pack dividers ● Kleenex for the band room please!

Algebra and Geometry Students ● All middle school students in geometry will need a TI-84 graphing calculator

Middle School Binder Organization System

*Students need to come to school on the first day with their binder organized.

The middle school teachers are committed to assisting students in organizing their work.

This will help them to get the most out of their academic experience. Part of this is a uniform binder organizational system that we have designed for every middle school child.

Please have your child’s binders organized for the first day of school in the following manner.

1. Each child should have 2 - 1.5 inch view binders or 1 - 4 inch binder 2. Each binder should contain 5 page dividers with pockets and notebook in the back.

3. Using your child’s class schedule attained at Registration Day, please label the tabs for the classes that your child will have before lunch. Your child will have the first four classes on his or her schedule before lunch. Please keep in mind that their classes will likely change for next semester.

4. In the second binder, please do the same with your child’s afternoon classes which are the last three classes of the day.

5. The last pocket divider in each binder needs to be labeled “Keep at Home”.

6. In each binder, please place a pencil pouch with the following items: pens (including a red one for grading), pencils, a whiteboard marker, and a highlighter. The items found on the supply list that are not in the binder should be kept in the student’s locker and taken to class at the teacher’s request.

7. 6th GRADE ONLY - Please include the additional spiral notebook in the Language Arts section of your binder.

8. 8th GRADE ONLY - Please include the graph paper in the math section of your binder.

The composition notebook should be taken to Bible with your child on the first day of school.

9. Each student should take their planner to every class.

10.

Students should take their Bible with them to Bible class.

Middle School Late Work Policy

Students are expected to appear in class, on time, and prepared. Assignments are due on the day and hour in which the student has the class. If the work is submitted after class, then the work will be considered late.

Formative Assignments/Daily Work 1 day late = 20% off 2 days late = no credit Summative Assignments/Projects or Tests 1 day late = 20% off 2 days late = 50% off 3 days late = no credit Each student will be given two “oops passes” per class per semester. This will allow the student to turn in a formative assignment one day late for full credit with no penalty. The passes may be used on formative assignments only. Students may not use another student’s pass.

Students who are scheduled to be absent from classes due to athletics or field trips are required to turn in any work due on the determined day/time prior to their departure.

Additionally, these students must take all quizzes or tests that are due that day, or make arrangements with their teacher to take them on the next school day. It is also the responsibility of the student to obtain all assignments that will be given on that day and due the next day in class.

When a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to make up for missed work. If work is incomplete due to an excused absence, a student will have the number of days plus one to make up assignments.

If a student is absent the day before a long-term project is due, it is still due on the original assigned date by the end of the school day. Long-term assignments are to be turned in the day they are due. Students must make arrangements to have projects delivered to school. Students who are scheduled to be absent from classes due to athletics or field trips are required to turn in any work due on the determined day/time prior to their departure. If a situation calls for an exception to this policy, the student must contact the teacher before the long-term project is due.

Middle School Locker Procedures

Purpose of Lockers The purpose of having student lockers is to provide storage for students during the day. The lockers are to be used to store student items that are school related. No items that may interfere with the school program may be stored in the lockers.

This includes any potentially hazardous or illegal materials.

Fee A fee of $20.00 be collected for each locker. Half of the money will go towards the regular maintenance of the locker and the other $10.00 will serve as an annual deposit that is refundable pending the student passes the periodic locker inspections. The $10.00 deposit will be rolled to the following year upon reenrollment. The student will receive a lock to use for the year but will be expected to return the lock on the last day of school. The lock, including the combination, will be retained by the school so that locker inspections can be done throughout the year.

Locks The school will provide a lock for each student upon the receipt of the $20.00 fee. The school owned lock must be the one that the student uses on his or her locker. Any other lock will be removed by the school administration. Students should not give their combination to another classmate and the student must keep the locker locked at all times. No student is to be in another’s locker for any reason. The school-issued lock must be returned at the end of the year undamaged in order for the student to get his or her deposit back.

Inspection Students must keep their locker clean and orderly taking any edible items out on a daily basis. The school administration has the right to inspect any locker without prior notice given to the student. Regular locker inspections will be done throughout the year to ensure proper maintenance.

Decoration of Lockers Students may personalize the inside of his or her locker with temporary embellishments. No decorations will be permitted on the outside of the lockers. Students may personalize the inside by using magnets to decorate using school appropriate materials that are not contrary to our school’s mission. No tape, stickers, or permanent markings may be placed on or in the lockers.

Visit to Lockers Students will be permitted to visit their locker between classes. No student will be permitted to leave class to retrieve items from their locker. In the event that items are left in the locker, the policies that apply to late work will also apply in this scenario.

Hallway No items may be stored on the hallway floor or ground of the locker cages without prior approval from the principal. The hallway must be kept clean at all times and all items are to be stored in the student’s locker. Oversized athletic totes can be stored neatly in the designated place at the north end of the hallway or in the appropriate locker room.

Use of Backpack – Middle School Only

Middle School Locker Procedures

No backpacks will be permitted to be carried throughout the day into the classrooms. The backpack must be left in the locker.

iPAD ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY The policies, procedures, and information within this document apply to all NCS-owned iPads deployed by NCS.

Parents & Students will receive a notification in our Student Information System, Blackbaud, to electronically sign the iPad Acceptable Use Form. Please keep in mind that this must be signed prior to the issuance of an iPad. Annual Technology Fee paid within Registration Day Fee. Students who violate this Acceptable Use Policy may be subject to: disciplinary action, confiscation, or removal of content. Devices and passcodes must be surrendered immediately upon request by any NCS staff member.

Unauthorized use of technology during class time will result in a minor.

User Responsibilities ● Charge it. Start each day at 100%. ● Keep the case on and without decorations. Issued case protects the screen and device. Don’t remove it. Do not add stickers or decorations to the case. ● Handle with care. Don’t spin or drop, put heavy objects, food, or drinks on top, or subject to extreme cold or heat - like inside your car. ● Be responsible. Obtain permission before taking video or pictures of others, including teachers.

Use your iPad as a tool during class and for entertainment when permitted. ● Don’t lose it. Know where your iPad is located and contact HelpDesk@ncsaz.org if it is misplaced. ● Don’t lend it. You should be the only user of your iPad. ● Back it up. Follow iPad Setup Instructions to backup your work in Google Drive and iCloud.

Data may be lost at any moment. ○ Malfunctions or technical issues are not acceptable excuses for failing to complete school work. NCS is not responsible for work that is lost or corrupted on the iPad. ● Troubleshoot. You will need to establish any internet connections off campus. Be resourceful and ask for help when needed.

Division Specific Policies Middle School ● iPad may not be used during break, lunch, or school events, such as chapel and Impact Groups. ● Do not change the Home Screen or Lock Screen images.

High School ● Home Screen and Lock Screen images may be customized, but must be appropriate, not distracting, and in accordance with the mission of the school.

Loaner iPads In the event that a student forgets iPad or brings it to class uncharged, a loaner iPad may be borrowed for the day. Loaners should be returned at the end of the day or within the morning of the following day.

A technology minor will be recorded for each instance of a borrowed iPad, except when authorized by the technology team. Please review the Student Handbook for additional information regarding consequences for minors.

iPAD ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY Lost, Damaged, or Stolen If your iPad is damaged, misplaced, or stolen, SoS or HelpDesk@ncsaz.org should be contacted as soon as possible. The tech team has several tools to help locate missing iPads. iPad maintenance and repairs are authorized solely by the technology team. Do not attempt to repair the iPad or take it to be repaired by an outside agency.

The following fee structure applies to any school-owned iPad that is either lost, damaged, or stolen: 1. Damaged iPads, student will pay ● $50 (1st time minor damage - screen not compromised) ● $100 (1st time major damage) ● $300 (2nd and subsequent times) 2. Lost or stolen iPads, student will pay ● $300 If a plan for payment has not been established within a week the Principal and Finance Office will be contacted.

NCS iPad Network and Internet Policy Prohibited Uses All prohibited uses may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. ● Accessing Inappropriate Materials – Users are not allowed to send, access, upload, download or distribute offensive, threatening, pornographic, obscene, disruptive, defamatory, abusive, profane, gang-related, racially offensive, illegal, or sexually explicit materials. ● Inappropriate Activities – Use of the school’s internet/e­mail accounts for financial or commercial gain or for any illegal activity. iPad cannot be used as a hotspot or internet connection for non school uses. ● Misuse of iPads – Use of the camera to take inappropriate, illicit or sexually explicit photographs or videos, or to embarrass anyone in any way. Any use of a camera in restrooms or changing rooms, regardless of intent, is prohibited. Taking pictures of other people without the permission of those in the photograph and/or posting of images/videos in a public forum, without permission from those recorded, is prohibited. Use of the microphone to record without consent from a teacher is prohibited. Any user caught trying to gain access to another user’s accounts, files, or data will be subject to disciplinary action. Any attempt to modify or destroy hardware/case, software, or data will be subject to disciplinary action.

Parent/Guardian and Student Usage Agreement (Sign Electronically via Blackbaud prior to Registration Day) We have read the Northwest Christian School iPad Acceptable Use Policy and have discussed the expectations. We understand and support the student’s responsibility for abiding by each policy. We understand that access is being provided to the students for educational purposes and activity may be monitored. However, we also understand that it is impossible for the school to filter out all offensive and controversial materials. We will not hold NCS (or any of its employees, administrators, or officers) responsible for materials students may acquire or come in contact with while on the Internet. We agree to the replacement costs as outlined in the lost, damaged, or stolen section of the iPad Acceptable Use Policy. We agree that the iPad will be returned in good condition with its original case when collected by NCS.

FROM THE DESK OF INSTRUCTIONAL TECH COORDINATOR, ALLISON VAN LIEW There are 3 topics I want to highlight that are particularly relevant to all secondary families.

#1 NCS Plus NCS Plus is a tool for teachers and students to organize digital aspects of class. This may include links to textbooks, video assignments, auto-graded practice assignments, and much more. If you miss class, check NCS Plus! Teachers likely have posted an assignment to keep you up-to-date.

Student Expectations for Canvas (aka NCS Plus): 1. Login to NCS Plus at ncsaz.instructure.com using your Google account information. Whenever possible, use the website as it tends to be more reliable than the Canvas Student app, although both are available on your iPad. 2. The Dashboard has a card for each class, which you can drag and drop to match your schedule. On the right side of the website or the bottom of the app, you will find a To-Do List. ● Careful! The To-Do List is not a complete representation of classwork. Use it only as a reference for turning in assignments.

3. To start, click into a class and select Modules. The current week should appear at the top with any information about Bell Work, the lesson, practice, and assessments. Read every item carefully as each teacher formats his or her NCS Plus classes differently. a. If an Assignment lists the submission type as “a file upload”, pdf is the most reliable option. b. Double check that every submission goes through and is marked successful before you close Canvas. c. Classwork may be submitted online through Canvas, through external websites, or in-class on paper. Check the instructions! #2 1-to-1 iPad Program Starting this year, every secondary student, 6th-12th grade, will be assigned a school-managed device for the duration of the school year. At NCS, we have selected Apple iPads as the best device for students on our campus and developed infrastructure to support them including Apple TV in classrooms to project teacher and student work, management programs for tech support, and subscriptions to complement learning.

Students are assigned an iPad in August and utilize that iPad in accordance with the Acceptable Use Policy until the last day of school.

These devices are strategically tailored to support instruction and as such are subject to filtered internet and device restrictions like the inability to screenshot, erase all content, AirDrop, or access native apps like Messages, GameCenter, and FaceTime. Middle school iPads specifically may not be used outside class time and will have an assigned wallpaper image that may not be changed.

Managed Apple IDs provide an enormous 200 GB of iCloud storage and cannot be used for purchasing. Please note that Family Sharing will not work with Managed Apple ID’s, but Screentime can still be implemented.

To support students with iPad and NCS Plus issues, NCS has hired a full time Mobile Device Manager, Mr. Ryan Moore, who will be available at a new Solution Station (SoS) in the office building. Students may visit SoS from 7:45am-3:15pm for help with accounts, apps, and assignment submissions or to borrow a loaner iPad. Students and parents can also email HelpDesk@ncsaz.org to request help or to report a damaged or lost device.

#3 Parental Involvement We strongly encourage parents to engage with their child regarding their digital presence. This includes both social and academic forms of communication. To support school-based technology use, there are three opportunities you may consider. ● Blackbaud for forms, grades, and school resources, including the student handbook ● Canvas Parent for assignment instructions and work samples ● Screentime or Jamf Parent for additional family-issued iPad restrictions Observer accounts for Canvas can be linked with multiple students’ NCS Plus classes and provide a convenient way to view assignment instructions, class resources, and student work samples. To create an account, 1. Open ncsaz.instructure.com/login/canvas.

2. Signup for an account.

3. Review this Pairing Code FAQ from Canvas for tips about how to generate pairing codes. ○ Contact HelpDesk@ncsaz.org with questions.

4. Additional students can be added to an Observer’s account by inputting additional pairing codes at a later step.

The Canvas Parent app is particularly useful and neatly organizes the courses assigned to each child.

In secondary, some teachers may opt to provide feedback through Canvas, which can trigger notifications to parents according to the settings selected in the Observer account.

More information will be provided at Registration Day regarding Screentime and Jamf Parent.

There are two technology-related forms that must be signed through Blackbaud. The iPad Acceptable Use Policy, which outlines expectations for use and the fee structure regarding damage, must be signed by the student and a parent. The Instructional Technologies form, which permits access to a Google account and others that may be assigned for class use, must be signed by a parent only.

Please reach out if you have any questions.

Have a great summer!

Allison Van Liew Instructional Technology Coordinator avanliew@ncsaz.org

NCS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

All School Early Education Elementary Middle School High School Online/Flex

NCS

HIGH SCHOOL 9TH-12TH GRADE

FROM THE DESKS OF SECONDARY PRINCIPALS, SAMANTHA MASZTON & JEFF PARSONS

Dear NCS Family, The new school year is just around the corner! In this packet you will find some helpful information to make the start of the school year a success. Please don’t hesitate to call or email the office with questions.

Wednesday, August 3rd, will kick off the new school year with Secondary Registration Day. Please attend during the time set aside for your child. MS and HS are combined to support families with students in both areas.

Time

Secondary Registration Group

8:00-9:00

Last name beginning with A, B, or C

9:00-10:00

Last name beginning with D, E, F, or G

10:00-11:00

Last name beginning with H, I, J, or K

11:00-12:00

Teacher Lunch Break

12:00-1:00

Last name beginning with L, M, or N

1:00-2:00

Last name beginning with O, P, Q, R, or S

2:00-3:00

Last name beginning with T, U, V, W, X, Y, or Z

When you enter the Don Sanderson Gymnasium on Registration Day, you will get a list of stations offered and their location. Some of the stations offered that day are listed below: Lunch Menu

Club Offerings

Bell Schedule

Health Office

PE Uniforms to purchase

Driver Registration Forms (HS)

Volunteer Sign-Up Table

Senior Lunch Release Forms (HS)

Student Schedule

High School Camp Rooming

Registration Fees: This year, fees will not be paid on Registration Day, but we will be assessing a flat fee to your student’s Blackbaud Tuition Management Account, which can be paid with a debit or credit card.

Middle School Includes

High School Includes

Planner Locker Activity Fee Technology Fee TOTAL: $120

Camp Locker Curriculum Fee Technology Fee TOTAL $220

FROM THE DESKS OF SECONDARY PRINCIPALS, SAMANTHA MASZTON & JEFF PARSONS Optional Items to be purchased on Registration Day (cash or check only) MS: PE Uniform $20 - required for students taking PE HS: Parking Permit $60 - required to park on campus MS and HS: 2022-2023 NCS Theme T-shirt If you are unable to attend Registration Day on August 3rd, please feel free to contact Tammy Collins in the school office at tmcollins@ncsaz.org or 602-978-5134 to make an appointment prior to the first day of school on August 8th.

Health Office and Emergency Form Last spring, you received a notification in Blackbaud to complete a Health Emergency Form for each one of your students. If you have not yet completed this year’s Health Emergency Form, please keep in mind that this must be completed prior to the first day of school. Your student is not permitted to start the school year without an updated Health Emergency Form on file. If you have any questions please email the School Nurse, Anna Johnson, at anjohnson@ncsaz.org. If your child takes medication during the school day, please plan to stop at the Health Office on Registration Day to ensure that all applicable forms are on file if your child takes daily medication.

Important Dates in August Date

Time

Event

Location

August 3rd

See Above

Secondary Registration Day

Don Sanderson Gymnasium

August 4th

12:00 - 12:45 PM

New Student Welcome Party

Grades 6-2: MS Hallway Grades 9-12: Don Sanderson Gymnasium

August 8th

7:45 AM

First Day of School

Report to First Hour

August 16th

5:30 PM

Secondary Back-to-School Night

More details to come

September 6th

During School Hours

Secondary Picture Day - Watch for more details in the Week-at-a-Glance

Don Sanderson Gymnasium

We are looking forward to another great year at Northwest Christian School!

Sincerely, Samantha Maszton Middle School Principal/Assistant Superintendent Jeff Parsons High School Principal

NCS SECONDARY 6-12TH GRADE CALENDAR 2022/23 *Dates subject to change. Please check the Week-at-a-Glance for updated information.

August 3 4 8 10-12 16 26

MS/HS Registration Day New Student Welcome Party 12:00-12:45 First Day of School - ALL Grades High School Camp MS/HS “Back to School Night”

4

NO SCHOOL - Labor Day Picture Day 6-11th Teacher In-Service - No School College Readiness Night

NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Jr. Day HS/MS Elective Fair/ MS Musical

February 16 17 20 24 25

NXNW Film Festival Teacher In-Service - No School NO SCHOOL - Presidents’ Day HS King Crusader HS Sadie Hawkins

HS Day of Service

HS Day of Service

9

Early Dismissal 11:00 am ALL

Early Dismissal 11:00 am - ALL GRADES

10 13-17 29- April 3 31

HS Choir Concert

MS/HS 11:00 Dismissal Fall Break- No School Homecoming

Spring Musical Parent Teacher Conf. 3:30-5:00 NJHS Induction

11:00 am Dismissal Spring Break- No School HS Choir Trip/Band Trip Teacher In-Service - No School

Homecoming Dance 6th Grade Day HS Fall Play

November 4

Teacher In-Service - No School

9

Veterans Day Chapel

10 11

Picture Retakes

19

MS Drama Performance

Veterans Day - No School

23

MS Impact Day/ 11:00 Dismissal - Thanksgiving Break

24-25

NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break

December HS Christmas Activity 2 ALL School Christmas Chapel 7 High School Finals - Full Days (no early release) 13-15 HS Band/Choir Concert 13 MS Band/Choir Concert 15 MS Amazing Race/ HS Finals 22 11:00 am Dismissal ALL

19- Jan 2

Teacher In-Service - No School

March 2-4 6-7 7 8

MS Choir Coffeehouse Parent Teacher Conferences 3:30-5:00 Parent Teacher Conferences 3:30-5:00

5 6 7 10-14 21 22 28 29-30

School Resumes Future Freshman Night/6th Grade Orientation

Teacher In-Service - No School

September 5 6 16 19 October 3

January 3 12 13 16 21

Christmas Break- No School

April 1-3 7

NO SCHOOL - Good Friday

10

NO SCHOOL - Easter Monday

14 18 20-23 28

MS Drama Production

May 9 11 15-19 15 16 23-25 25 26 26

HS Choir Trip/Band Trip

HS PreAct9/PreAct/ACT MS Band/Choir Trip Teacher In-Service - No School/ Junior/Senior Prom

HS Honors and Awards Night MS/HS Band Concert Senior Finals HS Choir Concert MS Choir Concert High School Finals - Full Days (no early release) 8th Grade Promotion Last Day of School/ HS Finals 11:00 am Dismissal ALL Senior Graduation

BLACKBAUD STUDENT/PARENT PORTAL LOGIN INSTRUCTIONS To sign forms, access schedules, review school documents and announcements, and check posted grades, use the Blackbaud Student Portal or Blackbaud Parent Portal accessible from the BLACKBAUD LOGIN button at the top right of the school’s ncsaz.org website or directly at ncsaz.myschoolapp.com. This web-based portal allows users to easily toggle between their roles, if applicable (Student - Parent - Faculty - Alum) and to see the features relevant to that role.

August 1, 2022 Blackbaud ID login invitation

By September, Blackbaud is requiring all users to login with Blackbaud ID instead of the previous username and password. All current students are registered to sign in using their school Google email accounts for Blackbaud ID. New students will receive this information on Registration Day. Parents ● ● ●

Prior to August 1, please log in with your existing Blackbaud credentials that you used during the re-enrollment or application process.

Once logged in, click your name in the upper righthand corner and select Profile.

Under the Digital section, verify the primary email address listed. ○ This will be used as your Blackbaud ID and must be unique from other users, including your spouse or children.

If you need help resetting your password, click the link Forgot login or First time logging in? and the system will send a link to reset your password. You may also email HelpDesk@ncsaz.org for additional support.

Students ● ●

Enter your school email address for your username then click Next.

You will be routed to a different sign in page. Click the Sign in the Google button at the bottom. ○ If you need help resetting your password, contact HelpDesk@ncsaz.org and mention your first and last name and that you are requesting a password reset.

If you have any difficulty logging in, please contact 602-978-5134 ext. 519 or HelpDesk@ncsaz.org.

Please note: At this time, there is not an app for the Blackbaud Portal; however, a mobile browser should enable necessary features of the website.

HIGH SCHOOL            

Friday, June 3, Adventure Cru H2WHOA, 7:00pm Join the Adventure Cru for a fantastic time of sliding at Lake Pleasant on the Worlds Largest floating water slide! The cost for this event will be $20 dollars.

Tuesday, June 21, Rocks and Arrows with Adventure Cru, 10:00am Secondary students will head to Geck Rock gym for some climbing, enjoy a lunch at Culver's and cap the day off with time on the archery range at Arizona Archery Club.

Please bring $$ for lunch, but climbing and archery will be covered.

Thursday, June 30, Adventure Cru to serve at St. Marys, 7:00am Secondary students can join Mr. G on his birthday and serve the vulnerable at St. Marys food bank. We will enjoy lunch afterwards.

Wednesday, July 27, 40th Annual WildBurro Adventure Cru Hike, 8:00am Well, maybe the 3rd or 4th annual, but fun none the less. Join us for a great hike, some swimming in the lake and lunch as well. Lunch will be covered for all who attend.

Tuesday, August 2, New High School Boys: Fishing Boating, 5:00pm New High School boys to NCS are welcome to join us on the lake for some fish fishing as well as magnet fishing.

Tuesday, August 2, New High School Girls Dinner at Sauce, 5:00pm New High School girls to NCS are invited to join us at Sauce at Norterra for dinner.

This will be a great time to meet some other new faces, as well as some current NCS high school girls. See you there!

Details and RSVP here!

NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN GENERAL SELFIE ID LINK https://high5.id/p/bJXVP You may use your ID number or name when using the link above.

How to find your Student ID number Grades 6-12 Students may follow the process to take their Selfie ID. If students are unable to get their picture completed by 7/24, GRADS Photography will be on site for registration day to take ID pictures as usual.

Grades K-5 Parents may follow the process to take their student’s Selfie ID. If they are unable to complete the process, ID cards without pictures will be delivered on the first day of classes for the students.

Accessing the Student ID Number There are two methods to access the student ID number.

Log in to the student portal or parent portal via ncsaz.myschoolapp.com or www.ncsaz.org.

After you log in to the parent portal, you will find your student profiles just under the NCS header.

The ID number is embedded within the web address of the student’s profile page. It is a 7-digit number that begins with 5.

Students in grades 10-12 have already logged in to their portal to complete their course requests. For other students, they can register with their student email address - lastname+first inital (or first two initials if they have a sibling with the same first initial) @ncsazstudents.org. (ex. testj@nsazstudents.org or testja@nsazstudents.org).

Parents can see their student’s email address by clicking on the student profile (the same method shown above).

If the student logs in to their profile, the ID is also located on the General Information section on the Profile screen.

• • • •

Click on the tiny triangle beside the student's name at the upper right of the screen Choose “Profile” from the drop-down menu General Information is located on the left side of the screen USER ID is the last option

HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC OFFERINGS Northwest Christian High School offers the following sports programs as extra-curricular activities for high school students.

Annual Spiritual Emphasis Theme Fall Sports: ● Girls Volleyball – F, JV, Varsity ● Girls Cheer – JV, Varsity ● Boys Football – JV, Varsity Winter Sports: ● Girls Cheer – JV, Varsity ● Girls Soccer – JV, Varsity ● Girls Basketball – F, JV, Varsity ● Boys Basketball – F, JV, Varsity ● Boys Soccer – JV, Varsity ● Boys Wrestling – JV, Varsity Spring Sports: ● Girls Track – Varsity Only ● Boys Track – Varsity Only ● Golf – Varsity Only ● Girls Softball – JV, Varsity ● Girls Tennis – JV, Varsity ● Girls Sand Volleyball - Varsity ● Boys Baseball – JV, Varsity ● Boys Volleyball- JV, Varsity Eligibility: Grades are taken from gradebooks every week after the first four weeks of the start of the semester to determine the athlete’s eligibility. If the athlete is earning a “F” in any course, they are deemed ineligible, and he or she will not be permitted to play in games for one week. The grades will be reevaluated by the athletic department or principal at the beginning of every week. The athlete may still participate in practice.

HS COMMUNITY GROUPS A key component in providing Northwest Christian high school students the opportunity to develop a biblical worldview is experiencing biblical community. One of the primary values of the early church was their dedication to fellowship, or “living life together” (Acts 2:42). We believe that sustained life change happens most effectively within the context of intentional relationships- to grow spiritually, one must be connected relationally. One area of campus life that offers a place for students to connect and grow with one another is Community Groups.

Community Groups provide an environment where high school students can develop personal, intentional relationships within a core community. Groups are composed of students within the same grade and gender (a typical group size is 5-8 students). Freshmen and Sophomore groups are guided by Juniors and Seniors who have been trained and mentored in small group leadership; Junior and Senior groups are led by Northwest Christian faculty and staff. Groups meet every Wednesday after chapel to discuss and apply biblical truth, pray together, and encourage one another. Opportunities also exist throughout the school year for groups to serve together in the community as well as enjoy friendly competition and activities with other groups.

Learning to invest in biblical relationships is an integral part of a high school student’s spiritual development- we believe Community Groups provide an outlet for students to connect relationally as they grow spiritually in following Jesus.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY The National Honor Society (NHS) is an organization for high schoolers that promotes leadership, service, character, and scholarship. There are over one million students participating in NHS activities today, in all 50 states and territories of the United States.

The National Honor Society started in 1921 by an association of principals. It was the first honor society created across the country. At almost 100 years old, the NHS is one of the most well-known educational and leadership groups.

The purpose of the National Honor Society is to elevate students’ and schools’ academics, leadership, and community engagement. NHS benefits students, communities, and colleges.

Colleges have a way of seeing the academic and service commitment of an applicant through his or her Membership.

Scholarship Per NCS guidelines, at a minimum, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.65 Service This involves voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without Compensation.

Leadership Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, and idea contributors.

Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for Others.

Character The student of good character is cooperative; demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability; shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others; and generally maintains a clean disciplinary record.

For more information, please see the NHS Advisor.

NCS ANNUAL STUDENT TRIP OPPORTUNITIES ELEMENTARY 3rd and 4th Grade - San Diego Floating Lab Trip, March 2023 Description: The annual elementary excursion to San Diego has become a family favorite each Spring Break.

Centered around time aboard a half-day harbor excursion the Floating Lab allows students to see the wonders of God’s marine creations up close. The trip affords families discounted opportunities to visit a creation museum, Scripps Aquarium, and the San Diego Zoo. Costs are varied based upon the activities and events each family chooses. Additional information will become available to families in September.

5th Grade Camp, March 2023 Description: Traveling to a sleep-away camp in northern Arizona, the fifth graders will enjoy a time of fellowship and learning that is centered around a distinctively Christian science-based curriculum. Students will spend two nights at the camp. Though the final prices will be determined after some fundraising this fall, historically, the camp has been in the neighborhood of $150 per student.

MIDDLE SCHOOL 6th through 8th Grades - Serve the City Description: This is an amazing opportunity for all MS students to serve those in need in our local community!

Students spend 2 nights and 3 days together as we serve and partner with various ministries around town to help our fellow community members who are in need.

8th Grade - Kids Kingdom Orphanage in Imuris, Mexico Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 Description: This is a service opportunity for students to experience a culture that is different from ours. The goal of the trip is to help give NCS students a new perspective of service in hopes of fostering a love for serving the poor. With additional info to follow from 8th grade Bible, the cost of the trip varies but students will be involved in raising their support.

8th Grade - End-of-the-Year trip Description: It is a tradition for many years that 8th grade students end the school year with a trip to the ocean for lots of fun activities! This year, we are excited to announce that we will be heading to Florida for some snorkeling, kayaking, and much, much, more! Watch your email for more information.

HIGH SCHOOL 9th through 12th Grades - Kids Kingdom Orphanage in Imuris, Mexico, Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 Description: This is a service opportunity for students to experience a culture that is different from ours. The goal of the trip is to help give NCS students a new perspective of service in hopes of fostering a love for serving the poor. With additional info to follow, the cost of the trip varies but students will be involved in raising their support. Additional information regarding the orphanage can be found at: www.facebook.com/imuriskidskingdom

9th through 12th Grades - Choir Trip Description: The every-other-year HS choir trip is an incredible opportunity for high school students to experience major cities around the world. This year’s trip will include musical instruction and performances that speckle the itinerary promoting skill development and a greater appreciation of the arts. For more information, please email Julie Dennis at jdennis@ncsaz.org. Don’t miss out on this one in a lifetime experience!

HIGH SCHOOL SUPPLY LISTS 9TH GRADE SUPPLIES ⬤

Bible (Physical ESV)

⬤

4 packages loose leaf paper (wide or college ruled)

⬤

one package of colorful Expo markers

⬤

3 composition notebooks

⬤

A journal

⬤

Earbuds

⬤

Highlighters

⬤

3 packages lined index cards (3x5)

⬤

Pens and Pencils

⬤

Colored pencils

⬤

Clear Sheet Sleeves (at least 10)

⬤

one package of thin markers

⬤

1 package of 3 x 3 post it note (100 sheet pad)

⬤

Several one inch binders w/dividers (5)

⬤

Several large 3 inch binders w/dividers (5)

⬤

Several one subject spiral notebooks (Five Star brand preferred)

⬤

Hard copy (paper) academic planner of your choice

⬤

TI-84 Calculator (required)

⬤

Graph paper

10TH GRADE SUPPLIES ⬤

1- large 3 ring binder

⬤

College ruled notebook paper

⬤

Pens (black or blue and red)

⬤

Pencils

⬤

Colored Pencils

⬤

Highlighters (3 different colors)

⬤

White-out

⬤

Erasers

⬤

3 packages index cards (3x5)

⬤

TI-84 Calculator (required)

⬤

Graph Paper

HIGH SCHOOL SUPPLY LISTS 11TH GRADE SUPPLIES ⬤

Pencils

⬤

College ruled notebook paper

⬤

Pens (black or blue and red)

⬤

Black Ultra Fine Point Sharpie pen or gel pen

⬤

Colored Pencils (Crayola preferred. 12 colors)

⬤

Highlighter (2 colors)

⬤

White-out

⬤

Erasers

⬤

5 tabbed dividers

⬤

Sticky Notes (1”x1”)

⬤

Ear Phones/Ear Buds

⬤

Correction Tape

⬤

3- 1” three ring binders

⬤

Clear Sheet Sleeves (at least 10)

⬤

TI-84 Calculator (required)

⬤

Graph Paper

12TH GRADE SUPPLIES ⬤

College ruled notebook paper

⬤

Pens (black/blue AND colored)

⬤

Pencils

⬤

Highlighters (3 colors)

⬤

3- 1 ½” three ring binders

⬤

100- 3x5 index cards

⬤

Clear Sheet Sleeves (at least 30)

⬤

Tab Dividers (3 sets of 5 tab)

⬤

TI-84 Calculator (Required)

⬤

Graph Paper

EarBuds Bluetooth Keyboard (Optional)

HIGH SCHOOL LATE WORK POLICY Students are expected to appear in class, on time, and prepared. Assignments are due on the day and hour in which the student has the class. If the work is submitted after class, then the work will be considered lat HS Daily Work/Homework No late work accepted HS Short Term Assignments/Labs (2-5 days) 1 Day late = 50 % off 2 Days late = no credit HS Long Term Projects/Assignments (6 or more days) No late work accepted Each student will be given a minimum of two “oops passes” per class per semester.

This will allow the student to turn in a formative assignment one day late for full credit with no penalty. The passes may be used on formative assignments only. Students may not use another student’s pass.

Students who are scheduled to be absent from classes due to athletics or field trips are required to turn in any work due on the determined day/time prior to their departure.

Additionally, these students must take all quizzes or tests that are due that day, or make arrangements with their teacher to take them on the next school day. It is also the responsibility of the student to obtain all assignments that will be given on that day and due the next day in class.

When a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to make-up for missed work. If work is incomplete due to an excuse.

If a student is absent the day before a long-term project is due, it is still due on the original assigned date by the end of the school day. Long-term assignments are to be turned in the day they are due. Students must make arrangements to have projects delivered to school. Students who are scheduled to be absent from classes due to athletics or field trips are required to turn in any work due on the determined day/time prior to their departure. If a situation calls for an exception to this policy, the student must contact the teacher before the long-term project is due.

Secondary Dress Code Requirements

Shirts – All Students All students are required to wear a solid color or striped polo shirt. Non-offensive logos are acceptable as long as the size of the logo does not exceed the size of a credit card. Any brand of solid color or striped polo is acceptable. In addition, any NCS/NC polo is also acceptable (i.e striped golf polo is acceptable). Shirts must be long enough so that if a student’s arms are raised straight above their head, no beltline may be showing. Polo shirts may be purchased from any store as long as the requirements above are met. Students may layer shirts under the required polo. Students may wear a sweater or sweatshirt over their polo for warmth; however, no shirt is to be worn over the polo unless it is for warmth.

Pants – All Students Pants must be of a dress pant, twill/cotton or corduroy material. Pants may not be made of spandex, lycra, nylon, rayon or other material that have a tendency to cling to the body. No jeggings are permissible. Jeans are not allowed, nor are pants made of denim or blue jean material. Pants must be of a navy blue, gray, black, khaki green, khaki tan or brown color only.

Capri pants or cargo shorts/pants are acceptable. Overalls are not acceptable.

Shorts – All Students Shorts may be worn throughout the school year. Shorts must extend past the fingertips when the student’s arms are fully extended at their side. Shorts must be loose-fitting and of a dress pant, twill/cotton, or corduroy material. Shorts may not be made of denim, spandex, lycra, nylon, rayon, mesh, flannel, velour, or terry-cloth. Shorts must be of a navy blue, gray, black, khaki green, khaki tan or brown color only. Furthermore, shorts must be of a solid and non-extreme color; white is considered an extreme color and is not allowed.

Skirts – Girls Skirts may be worn by girls. The skirt must be “uniform style”. All skirts must extend past the fingertips when the student’s arms are fully extended at their side. Skirts must be of a navy blue, gray, black, khaki green, khaki tan or brown color. Skirts may be purchased from Dennis Uniforms. These skirts may be navy, blue, khaki tan, or Dennis Uniform approved plaid in color and must meet appropriate length and fit criteria. The only plaids permitted are the two from Dennis. No other plaids are permitted.

On Campus Out-of-Dress Day Guidelines -No tank tops -Shorts/Skirt length must be a minimum of a 4 inch inseam -No yoga pants/leggings -No holes in jeans, shorts, or skirts *Modesty is the general rule

Secondary Dress Code Requirements

Spirit Week Dress Day Guidelines -No tank tops -Shorts/Skirt length must be a minimum of a 4 inch inseam -Yoga pants/leggings may be worn with shorts over top -No holes above the fingertips in jeans, shorts, or skirts -Face paint and temporary hair color may be worn during this week if it goes with the dress theme (we encourage you to apply at home) -No type of weapon (Real or Fake) is allowed *Modesty is the general rule Dress code issues related to modesty and/or judgment calls are at the discretion of the faculty and administration. Modesty is the priority.

STUDENT PARKING Student Parking Fee: $60.00 Those students who drive to school must follow the following regulations: 1. Students must park in designated areas.

2. Students are not to enter cars during the school day without office approval.

3. Each student driver is to register their driver’s license number, car description, and license plate number with the school office at the beginning of the school year or when they begin to drive.

Students will be issued a parking permit, which must be displayed in their front windshield.

4. Students are to observe a speed limit of 5 mph while on school properties, operate vehicles in a safe manner at all times, and obey all parking lot procedures and traffic flow.

Violations of the above regulations may result in the following: ● First offense - Warning ● Second offense- Saturday school ● Third offense- Loss of driving privileges for the remainder of that semester Personal vehicles and contents are the responsibility of the owner.

NCS is not responsible for any lost or stolen vehicles or contents of vehicles.

ALL SCHOOL BEFORE AND AFTER CARE Early Ed Extended Care is available at the Early Ed facility before school from 7:30 to 8:30 and after school from 3:00 to 5:30. This is a licensed program and requires the student to be registered before attending. There is a cost for Extended Care. Please contact the Early Education office for information.

Elementary Before School - The Elementary Library is open from 7:30 until school begins each day. This space allows students to study and take AR tests before school. The Elementary Playground is supervised for students from 7:30 to 8:00 each day. Parents may drop off students as early as 7:30 as the school day begins at 8:00.

After School - There are four options for students at the end of the school day. In the elementary program students are not allowed to wander the campus without a parent, secondary sibling or identified adult. Students that are alone are walked to the elementary office and parents are contacted. ● ●

●

●

Students are to be picked up from their classrooms by a parent, secondary sibling or identified adult no later than 3:15 each day.

Students are walked by an aide to a scheduled ASAP program on its scheduled day. Parents are expected to pick their children up at the end of the ASAP program. Students who are not picked up are walked to the elementary office and parents are contacted.

Students are walked to Extended Care by an aide. Extended Care is a licensed program. Parents are required to register their child for Extended Care before the child can attend the program. Extended Care is available from 3:00 to 5:30 and there is a cost for the program. Please contact the Early Education office for more information as that office administers the After School Extended Care program for 15 months of age – 5th grade students.

Students may utilize the Elementary Library from 3:00 to 4:00 each day. Elementary students must be accompanied by a parent, secondary sibling or identified adult while in the library after school. This time is dedicated for AR testing, tutoring, studying and research. The Elementary Library closes at 4:00 daily.

Secondary Before School - Secondary Students can utilize the Teen Space before school Monday through Friday from 7:00 to 7:45. The before school Teen Space is located in room 201 and is staffed by an NCS staff member. The Teen Space is available for studying, research, test make-up, tutoring and homework.

After School - Secondary Students can utilize the Teen Space after school Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 5:00. The after school Teen Space is located in room 120 and is staffed by an NCS staff member. The Teen Space is available for studying, research, test make-up, tutoring and homework.

Early Release All Sections - NCS works to provide space and care for our students before and after school during the typical school day. On Early Release Days space and care is provided in the morning as mentioned above. After school on an early release day, Extended Care may be provided for the Early Education program only, there is a cost for Extended Care. The ASAP program, Library and Teen Space are not available after school on Early Release Days.

iPAD ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY The policies, procedures, and information within this document apply to all NCS-owned iPads deployed by NCS.

Parents & Students will receive a notification in our Student Information System, Blackbaud, to electronically sign the iPad Acceptable Use Form. Please keep in mind that this must be signed prior to the issuance of an iPad. Annual Technology Fee paid within Registration Day Fee. Students who violate this Acceptable Use Policy may be subject to: disciplinary action, confiscation, or removal of content. Devices and passcodes must be surrendered immediately upon request by any NCS staff member.

Unauthorized use of technology during class time will result in a minor.

User Responsibilities ● Charge it. Start each day at 100%. ● Keep the case on and without decorations. Issued case protects the screen and device. Don’t remove it. Do not add stickers or decorations to the case. ● Handle with care. Don’t spin or drop, put heavy objects, food, or drinks on top, or subject to extreme cold or heat - like inside your car. ● Be responsible. Obtain permission before taking video or pictures of others, including teachers.

Use your iPad as a tool during class and for entertainment when permitted. ● Don’t lose it. Know where your iPad is located and contact HelpDesk@ncsaz.org if it is misplaced. ● Don’t lend it. You should be the only user of your iPad. ● Back it up. Follow iPad Setup Instructions to backup your work in Google Drive and iCloud.

Data may be lost at any moment. ○ Malfunctions or technical issues are not acceptable excuses for failing to complete school work. NCS is not responsible for work that is lost or corrupted on the iPad. ● Troubleshoot. You will need to establish any internet connections off campus. Be resourceful and ask for help when needed.

Division Specific Policies Middle School ● iPad may not be used during break, lunch, or school events, such as chapel and Impact Groups. ● Do not change the Home Screen or Lock Screen images.

High School ● Home Screen and Lock Screen images may be customized, but must be appropriate, not distracting, and in accordance with the mission of the school.

Loaner iPads In the event that a student forgets iPad or brings it to class uncharged, a loaner iPad may be borrowed for the day. Loaners should be returned at the end of the day or within the morning of the following day.

A technology minor will be recorded for each instance of a borrowed iPad, except when authorized by the technology team. Please review the Student Handbook for additional information regarding consequences for minors.

iPAD ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY Lost, Damaged, or Stolen If your iPad is damaged, misplaced, or stolen, SoS or HelpDesk@ncsaz.org should be contacted as soon as possible. The tech team has several tools to help locate missing iPads. iPad maintenance and repairs are authorized solely by the technology team. Do not attempt to repair the iPad or take it to be repaired by an outside agency.

The following fee structure applies to any school-owned iPad that is either lost, damaged, or stolen: 1. Damaged iPads, student will pay ● $50 (1st time minor damage - screen not compromised) ● $100 (1st time major damage) ● $300 (2nd and subsequent times) 2. Lost or stolen iPads, student will pay ● $300 If a plan for payment has not been established within a week the Principal and Finance Office will be contacted.

NCS iPad Network and Internet Policy Prohibited Uses All prohibited uses may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. ● Accessing Inappropriate Materials – Users are not allowed to send, access, upload, download or distribute offensive, threatening, pornographic, obscene, disruptive, defamatory, abusive, profane, gang-related, racially offensive, illegal, or sexually explicit materials. ● Inappropriate Activities – Use of the school’s internet/e­mail accounts for financial or commercial gain or for any illegal activity. iPad cannot be used as a hotspot or internet connection for non school uses. ● Misuse of iPads – Use of the camera to take inappropriate, illicit or sexually explicit photographs or videos, or to embarrass anyone in any way. Any use of a camera in restrooms or changing rooms, regardless of intent, is prohibited. Taking pictures of other people without the permission of those in the photograph and/or posting of images/videos in a public forum, without permission from those recorded, is prohibited. Use of the microphone to record without consent from a teacher is prohibited. Any user caught trying to gain access to another user’s accounts, files, or data will be subject to disciplinary action. Any attempt to modify or destroy hardware/case, software, or data will be subject to disciplinary action.

Parent/Guardian and Student Usage Agreement (Sign Electronically via Blackbaud prior to Registration Day) We have read the Northwest Christian School iPad Acceptable Use Policy and have discussed the expectations. We understand and support the student’s responsibility for abiding by each policy. We understand that access is being provided to the students for educational purposes and activity may be monitored. However, we also understand that it is impossible for the school to filter out all offensive and controversial materials. We will not hold NCS (or any of its employees, administrators, or officers) responsible for materials students may acquire or come in contact with while on the Internet. We agree to the replacement costs as outlined in the lost, damaged, or stolen section of the iPad Acceptable Use Policy. We agree that the iPad will be returned in good condition with its original case when collected by NCS.

FROM THE DESK OF INSTRUCTIONAL TECH COORDINATOR, ALLISON VAN LIEW There are 3 topics I want to highlight that are particularly relevant to all secondary families.

#1 NCS Plus NCS Plus is a tool for teachers and students to organize digital aspects of class. This may include links to textbooks, video assignments, auto-graded practice assignments, and much more. If you miss class, check NCS Plus! Teachers likely have posted an assignment to keep you up-to-date.

Student Expectations for Canvas (aka NCS Plus): 1. Login to NCS Plus at ncsaz.instructure.com using your Google account information. Whenever possible, use the website as it tends to be more reliable than the Canvas Student app, although both are available on your iPad. 2. The Dashboard has a card for each class, which you can drag and drop to match your schedule. On the right side of the website or the bottom of the app, you will find a To-Do List. ● Careful! The To-Do List is not a complete representation of classwork. Use it only as a reference for turning in assignments.

3. To start, click into a class and select Modules. The current week should appear at the top with any information about Bell Work, the lesson, practice, and assessments. Read every item carefully as each teacher formats his or her NCS Plus classes differently. a. If an Assignment lists the submission type as “a file upload”, pdf is the most reliable option. b. Double check that every submission goes through and is marked successful before you close Canvas. c. Classwork may be submitted online through Canvas, through external websites, or in-class on paper. Check the instructions! #2 1-to-1 iPad Program Starting this year, every secondary student, 6th-12th grade, will be assigned a school-managed device for the duration of the school year. At NCS, we have selected Apple iPads as the best device for students on our campus and developed infrastructure to support them including Apple TV in classrooms to project teacher and student work, management programs for tech support, and subscriptions to complement learning.

Students are assigned an iPad in August and utilize that iPad in accordance with the Acceptable Use Policy until the last day of school.

These devices are strategically tailored to support instruction and as such are subject to filtered internet and device restrictions like the inability to screenshot, erase all content, AirDrop, or access native apps like Messages, GameCenter, and FaceTime. Middle school iPads specifically may not be used outside class time and will have an assigned wallpaper image that may not be changed.

Managed Apple IDs provide an enormous 200 GB of iCloud storage and cannot be used for purchasing. Please note that Family Sharing will not work with Managed Apple ID’s, but Screentime can still be implemented.

To support students with iPad and NCS Plus issues, NCS has hired a full time Mobile Device Manager, Mr. Ryan Moore, who will be available at a new Solution Station (SoS) in the office building. Students may visit SoS from 7:45am-3:15pm for help with accounts, apps, and assignment submissions or to borrow a loaner iPad. Students and parents can also email HelpDesk@ncsaz.org to request help or to report a damaged or lost device.

#3 Parental Involvement We strongly encourage parents to engage with their child regarding their digital presence. This includes both social and academic forms of communication. To support school-based technology use, there are three opportunities you may consider. ● Blackbaud for forms, grades, and school resources, including the student handbook ● Canvas Parent for assignment instructions and work samples ● Screentime or Jamf Parent for additional family-issued iPad restrictions Observer accounts for Canvas can be linked with multiple students’ NCS Plus classes and provide a convenient way to view assignment instructions, class resources, and student work samples. To create an account, 1. Open ncsaz.instructure.com/login/canvas.

2. Signup for an account.

3. Review this Pairing Code FAQ from Canvas for tips about how to generate pairing codes. ○ Contact HelpDesk@ncsaz.org with questions.

4. Additional students can be added to an Observer’s account by inputting additional pairing codes at a later step.

The Canvas Parent app is particularly useful and neatly organizes the courses assigned to each child.

In secondary, some teachers may opt to provide feedback through Canvas, which can trigger notifications to parents according to the settings selected in the Observer account.

More information will be provided at Registration Day regarding Screentime and Jamf Parent.

There are two technology-related forms that must be signed through Blackbaud. The iPad Acceptable Use Policy, which outlines expectations for use and the fee structure regarding damage, must be signed by the student and a parent. The Instructional Technologies form, which permits access to a Google account and others that may be assigned for class use, must be signed by a parent only.

Please reach out if you have any questions.

Have a great summer!

Allison Van Liew Instructional Technology Coordinator avanliew@ncsaz.org

NCS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

All School Early Education Elementary Middle School High School Online/Flex

NCS

ONLINE & FLEX

NCS ONLINE LETTER TO FAMILIES

Dear NCS Online Family, The new school year is just around the corner! In this packet you will find some helpful information to make the start of the school year a success. Please don’t hesitate to call or email the office with questions.

NCS Online Orientation Wednesday, August 3rd, will kick off the new school year with NCS Online Orientation. The orientation will be given via our learning management system, Canvas. You will be able to complete the orientation at your convenience. We ask that every student completes the orientation with their learning coach prior to starting the first day of school.

The NCS Online Orientation will include the following sessions: ● How To Navigate the Canvas LMS ● How To Access and Navigate Your Courses ● How To Access Online Course materials ● How To Be Successful As an Online Student ● How To Get Help When Needed ● Meet Your Facilitators ● And More!

Please watch for more information coming out about the orientation. Additionally, more information will be coming out about accessing your NCS Google account, Canvas, and textbooks.

Important Dates in August Date

Event

Location

August 3rd-14th

NCS Online Orientation

Canvas LMS

August 15th

First Day of School

Canvas LMS

We are looking forward to another great year at Northwest Christian School!

Sincerely, Samantha Maszton Middle School Principal/Assistant Superintendent Dawna Underwood Elementary Principle Jessica Gake Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Online Learning

NCS Online Calendar 2022-2023 AUGUST

JANUARY

15

3 12

School Begins

SEPTEMBER 5

Labor Day NCS Offices Closed

16

School Resumes How to Afford a Christian Education Workshop Martin Luther King, Jr. Day NCS Offices Closed

OCTOBER

FEBRUARY

1 5

13 20

NCS Homecoming How to Afford a Christian Education Workshop 6-7 Online Parent / Facilitator Conferences 10-14 Fall Break No School

NOVEMBER Veteran’s Day Observance NCS Offices Closed 24-25 Thanksgiving Vacation No School

Online Re-enrollment & Deposit Due Presidents’ Day NCS Offices Closed

MARCH 9-10 Online Parent / Facilitator Conferences 13-17 Spring Break No School

11

APRIL 7 10

DECEMBER 19

Christmas Break Begins First Semester Ends

Good Friday No School Easter Monday No School

MAY 3-5 26

Standardized Testing Last Day of School

BLACKBAUD STUDENT/PARENT PORTAL LOGIN INSTRUCTIONS To sign forms, access schedules, review school documents and announcements, and check posted grades, use the Blackbaud Student Portal or Blackbaud Parent Portal accessible from the BLACKBAUD LOGIN button at the top right of the school’s ncsaz.org website or directly at ncsaz.myschoolapp.com. This web-based portal allows users to easily toggle between their roles, if applicable (Student - Parent - Faculty - Alum) and to see the features relevant to that role.

August 1, 2022 Blackbaud ID login invitation

By September, Blackbaud is requiring all users to login with Blackbaud ID instead of the previous username and password. All current students are registered to sign in using their school Google email accounts for Blackbaud ID. New students will receive this information on Registration Day. Parents ● ● ●

Prior to August 1, please log in with your existing Blackbaud credentials that you used during the re-enrollment or application process.

Once logged in, click your name in the upper righthand corner and select Profile.

Under the Digital section, verify the primary email address listed. ○ This will be used as your Blackbaud ID and must be unique from other users, including your spouse or children.

If you need help resetting your password, click the link Forgot login or First time logging in? and the system will send a link to reset your password. You may also email HelpDesk@ncsaz.org for additional support.

Students ● ●

Enter your school email address for your username then click Next.

You will be routed to a different sign in page. Click the Sign in the Google button at the bottom. ○ If you need help resetting your password, contact HelpDesk@ncsaz.org and mention your first and last name and that you are requesting a password reset.

If you have any difficulty logging in, please contact 602-978-5134 ext. 519 or HelpDesk@ncsaz.org.

Please note: At this time, there is not an app for the Blackbaud Portal; however, a mobile browser should enable necessary features of the website.

Join Us! The following events are an opportunity for both our new and existing families to connect and get "stitched" into the NCS family and meet others with children of the same age. Both parents and children are welcome to attend events and are responsible to arrange supervision as needed. If you plan to attend an event, please RSVP here!

EARLY EDUCATION 



Friday, June 10, Early Ed to early Elementary, Enchanted Island, 9:00am  This event is intended for younger students (Early Ed and early Elementary).

Water and snacks will be available. Wristbands will be $5 at the door. *When signing up, please only sign up for the # of students*.

Thursday, June 23, EE to Elementary, Uptown Jungle, 9:00am  Uptown Jungle for Early Ed to Elementary. Uptown Jungle at Cactus and 75th Ave. Water and snacks will be available.*When signing up, please only sign up for the # of students*.

Details and RSVP here!

ELEMENTARY 







Friday, June 3, Elementary, Paqua Park, 11:30am  This event is intended for elementary students 7 years of age and older. The cost will be $20. Paqua Park is located at Lake Pleasant Regional Park. Please read details when signing up!

Friday, June 10, Early Ed to early Elementary, Enchanted Island, 9:00am  This event is intended for younger students (Early Ed and early Elementary).

Water and snacks will be available. Wristbands will be $5 at the door. *When signing up, please only sign up for the # of students*.

Thursday, June 23, Early Ed to Elementary, Uptown Jungle, 9:00am  Uptown Jungle for Early Ed to Elementary. Uptown Jungle at Cactus and 75th Ave. Water and snacks will be available.*When signing up, please only sign up for the # of students*.

Thursday, July 14, Elementary, Peter Piper Pizza, 11:00am  Pizza and tokens will be available for purchase.*When signing up, please only sign up for the # of students*. Peter Piper Pizza on 75th Ave and Bell Road.

Details and RSVP here!

MIDDLE SCHOOL  

 

Friday, June 3, Adventure Cru H2WHOA, 7:00pm  Join the Adventure Cru for a fantastic time of sliding at Lake Pleasant on the Worlds Largest floating water slide! The cost for this event will be $20 dollars.

Tuesday, June 21, Rocks and Arrows with Adventure Cru, 10:00am  Secondary students will head to Geck Rock gym for some climbing, enjoy a lunch at Culver's and cap the day off with time on the archery range at Arizona Archery Club. Please bring $$ for lunch, but climbing and archery will be covered.

Thursday, June 30, Adventure Cru to serve at St. Marys, 7:00am  Secondary students can join Mr. G on his birthday and serve the vulnerable at St. Marys food bank. We will enjoy lunch afterwards.

Wednesday, July 27, 40th Annual WildBurro Adventure Cru Hike, 8:00am  Well, maybe the 3rd or 4th annual, but fun none the less. Join us for a great hike, some swimming in the lake and lunch as well. Lunch will be covered for all who attend.

Details and RSVP here!

Suggested Daily Schedule K-5th Grade Time

Subject

8:00 - 8:15

Daily Devotion

8:15 - 9:15

ELA Vocabulary/Reading

9:15 - 9:45

ELA Spelling/Foundational Skills

9:45 - 10:00

Recess/Break

10:00 - 11:00

ELA Grammar/Writing

11:00 - 11:30

Bible

11:30 - 12:30

Lunch

(5 Min. Stretch or Brain Break)

(5 Min. Stretch or Brain Break)

12:30-1:30

Math (5 Min. Stretch or Brain Break)

1:30 - 1:45

Recess/Break

1:45 - 3:00

Social Studies / Science

**Time frames may need to be altered due to the varying lengths of daily lessons. **Please note that ELA will be the largest portion of your day as it encompasses many different subcategories (reading, vocabulary, grammar, writing, spelling, and other foundational skills).

Suggested Daily Schedule 6-8th Grade Having a routine and daily schedule is very important for student success. We highly recommend having a daily schedule that you follow to keep you organized and on track with your school work. This is a sample schedule that you can use or adjust as needed.

Time

Subject

8:00 - 8:50

Bible

8:50 - 9:40

Math

9:40 - 9:50

Break

9:50 - 10:40

ELA

10:40 - 11:30

Elective 1

11:30 - 12:00

Lunch

12:00 - 12:50

Social Studies

12:50 - 1:40

Science

1:40 - 2:30

Elective 2

Time frames may need to be altered due to the varying lengths of daily lessons.

NATIONAL ELEMENTARY HONOR SOCIETY NCS is proud to continue with the work of the Northwest Christian Elementary School Chapter of the National Elementary Honor Society. This is an exciting program at NCS that offers students opportunities to pursue academic excellence and recognition of the development of strong Christian character through service.

The purpose of NEHS, a national organization dedicated to academic achievement and character development, is to recognize students for their outstanding academic achievement and demonstration of personal responsibility, to provide meaningful service to the school and community, and to develop essential leadership skills within the students of Northwest Christian Elementary School.

Eligibility ● Students must be enrolled in grades 4 or 5. ● Students must have been enrolled for at least one semester at NCS. ● Students must have a minimum of 90% grade in all subjects, including specials, based on a minimum of two semesters’ performance prior to candidacy. ● Students must have earned an ‘E’ in both conduct and work habits in all classes, based on a minimum of two semesters’ performance prior to candidacy. ● Students must have a track record of personal responsibility on campus.

Process Upon meeting the requirements of grade level, enrollment, and GPA standards, candidates will be notified and asked to complete a Candidate Form for further consideration for membership. The Faculty Council, anonymous faculty appointed by the principal, shall then review the Candidate Forms, Faculty Evaluation Forms, and other relevant information to determine membership. Membership is not to exceed twenty-five students for each school year.

If a student meets the eligibility requirements listed above, he/she will receive a Candidate Form in July. At that point, the form is to be completed and submitted on or prior to the specified due date on the form. In August candidates will receive notification of acceptance or non-acceptance as a member.

Members will be received into the NCS chapter of the NEHS at an annual Induction Ceremony held each fall. This will be a special time for NCS and invited guests to honor these highly excelling students.

Select elementary teachers will serve as the NCS Advisors to the NCS Chapter of the National Elementary Honor Society for 2022 – 2023.

National Junior Honor Society

National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is more than just an honor roll. Each Honor Society chapter establishes rules for membership that are based upon a student's outstanding performance in the areas of: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character (plus citizenship for NJHS). These criteria for selection form the foundation upon which the organization and its activities are built. The advisors for our chapter are Mrs. Coughlin and Mrs. Shepherd. If you are new to NCS and have been inducted into NJHS in your previous school, please bring your certificate to be accepted into NCS NJHS. Inductions for NJHS are held in March.

Scholarship Students who have made Principal’s Honor Roll, as determined by the local school's Faculty Council, meet the scholarship requirement for membership. These students are then eligible for consideration on the basis of service, leadership, and character (and citizenship for NJHS).

Service This quality is defined through the voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation and with a positive, courteous, and enthusiastic spirit.

Leadership Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, promoters of school activities, idea-contributors, dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others.

Character The student of good character upholds principles of morality and ethics, is cooperative, demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability, shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others, and generally maintains a good and clean lifestyle.

Citizenship The student who demonstrates citizenship understands the importance of civic involvement, has a high regard for freedom, justice, and equal opportunity, and demonstrates mature participation and responsibility through involvement with such activities as scouting, community organizations, and school clubs.

National Junior Honor Society

Eligibility For NJHS, students in the second semester of the sixth grade, or in grades 7 through 9 in a school with both an official charter of the National Junior Honor Society and an up-to-date affiliation with the NJHS national office are eligible for consideration for membership in NJHS. Students must have completed the equivalent of one semester of enrollment.

NCS Flex - Middle School Athletic Offerings

Northwest Christian Middle School Flex offers the following sports programs as extra-curricular activities for middle school students.

Fall Sports: -Girls Soccer -Boys Soccer -Flag Football -Girls Basketball -Boys Basketball Spring Sports: -Girls Soccer -Boys Soccer -Flag Football -Girls Basketball -Boys Basketball Sports Fee: The NCS Middle School Flex sports fee is included in your Flex tuition. Just enter NCSFLEX for the coupon code when registering.

Try-Outs: There are no try-outs for these teams.

Registration Dates: Registration for the fall opens on June 14th and closes on July 14th.

Registration for the spring opens on November 15th and closes on December 15th.

Eligibility: Grades are taken from gradebooks every week after the first four weeks of the start of the semester to determine the athlete’s eligibility. If the athlete is earning a “F” in any course, they are deemed ineligible, and he or she will not be permitted to play in games for one week. The grades will be reevaluated by the athletic department or principal at the beginning of every week. The athlete may still participate in practice.

AAA CLUB INFORMATION

Northwest Christian School AAA Clubs – 2022 Fall Session (Beginning Week of Sept. 12, 2022)

Crusader Chess Club: Chess Emporium teaches a fun and exciting introduction to the game of chess. All grades are welcome in the chess club, which begins by teaching students how to play the game, chess openings, tactics, and end games, while allowing students to practice with their friends. This class provides chess strategies and tournament play in this club experience. Students who sign-up for this class will find where they rank by earning a Chess rating number based on tournament play.

Open to all 6th to 8th grade students (Minimum 8) Wednesdays for 10 weeks beginning 9/14/22 Participation Fee: $190 Astronomy & Rocketry Club: Astronomy & Rocketry Club participants will assemble their own model rocket, launch it following strict safety protocols. Students will also learn about the Solar System and our sun by viewing through telescopes.

Open to all 6thto 8th Grade students (Maximum of 12 students) Tuesdays for 3 weeks (9/13 to 9/27) Participation Fee: $90 Discovering Drones: Discovering Drones will provide our students with the opportunity to fly a variety of drones - performing maneuvers and skill-based flying. Students will also have the opportunity to purchase their favorite drone at the end of the session (for an additional fee).

Open to all 6thto 8th Grade students (Maximum of 8 students) Mondays for 3 weeks (9/12 to 9/26) Participation Fee: $40

AAA CLUB INFORMATION

Amateur Radio Club (NCARC): This club will help students learn the necessary skills for obtaining FCC amateur radio license. Students will learn about the radio arts through a multitude of science, technology, and math-related fields directly and indirectly related to amateur radio.

Students may also participate in the Northwest Christian Amateur Radio Club (NCARC).

Students will also be able to study for and (hopefully) pass the FCC Amateur Radio License (no fee charged).

Open to all 6th to 8th Grade students Wednesdays for 8 weeks Participation Fee: $80

Middle School Impact Groups

Here at Northwest Christian School, we are blessed to be a part of a community where students are living in Christian homes, involved in the local church, and attending a Christian school. However, we know that students within the age range of 10-15 years old are forming their own opinions about faith and what they believe.

As a way of partnering with our families, each middle school student is part of an Impact Group. These groups are composed of a teacher and a small group of kids of the same-gender and same grade level with the simple goal of building meaningful relationships.

Every Wednesday following Chapel, Impact Groups are dismissed to head to their chosen destination on campus. Here teachers have an opportunity to follow-up on Chapel with discussion questions and get to know their group of kids outside of the classroom setting. This may look like Just Dance, Extreme Pictionary, Minute to Win It Games, or Relays but all of it intentionally serves a much deeper purpose. It’s a time for our kids to see us cheering them on, excited that they are “ours” and on our team . . . a time to build meaningful relationships.

We are privileged to develop relationships with students, build community and walk them through this stage of life as they enter into a deeper relationship with Christ.

NCS ANNUAL STUDENT TRIP OPPORTUNITIES ELEMENTARY 3rd and 4th Grade - San Diego Floating Lab Trip, March 2023 Description: The annual elementary excursion to San Diego has become a family favorite each Spring Break.

Centered around time aboard a half-day harbor excursion the Floating Lab allows students to see the wonders of God’s marine creations up close. The trip affords families discounted opportunities to visit a creation museum, Scripps Aquarium, and the San Diego Zoo. Costs are varied based upon the activities and events each family chooses. Additional information will become available to families in September.

5th Grade Camp, March 2023 Description: Traveling to a sleep-away camp in northern Arizona, the fifth graders will enjoy a time of fellowship and learning that is centered around a distinctively Christian science-based curriculum. Students will spend two nights at the camp. Though the final prices will be determined after some fundraising this fall, historically, the camp has been in the neighborhood of $150 per student.

MIDDLE SCHOOL 6th through 8th Grades - Serve the City Description: This is an amazing opportunity for all MS students to serve those in need in our local community!

Students spend 2 nights and 3 days together as we serve and partner with various ministries around town to help our fellow community members who are in need.

8th Grade - Kids Kingdom Orphanage in Imuris, Mexico Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 Description: This is a service opportunity for students to experience a culture that is different from ours. The goal of the trip is to help give NCS students a new perspective of service in hopes of fostering a love for serving the poor. With additional info to follow from 8th grade Bible, the cost of the trip varies but students will be involved in raising their support.

8th Grade - End-of-the-Year trip Description: It is a tradition for many years that 8th grade students end the school year with a trip to the ocean for lots of fun activities! This year, we are excited to announce that we will be heading to Florida for some snorkeling, kayaking, and much, much, more! Watch your email for more information.

HIGH SCHOOL 9th through 12th Grades - Kids Kingdom Orphanage in Imuris, Mexico, Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 Description: This is a service opportunity for students to experience a culture that is different from ours. The goal of the trip is to help give NCS students a new perspective of service in hopes of fostering a love for serving the poor. With additional info to follow, the cost of the trip varies but students will be involved in raising their support. Additional information regarding the orphanage can be found at: www.facebook.com/imuriskidskingdom

9th through 12th Grades - Choir Trip Description: The every-other-year HS choir trip is an incredible opportunity for high school students to experience major cities around the world. This year’s trip will include musical instruction and performances that speckle the itinerary promoting skill development and a greater appreciation of the arts. For more information, please email Julie Dennis at jdennis@ncsaz.org. Don’t miss out on this one in a lifetime experience!

ELEMENTARY SUMMER IDEAS FOR ACADEMIC PRACTICE Northwest Christian School: Elementary Program It is our goal that all students find academic success at NCS. For elementary students we have provided the necessary tools for academic readiness and success for the next school year online.

Research has shown that academic student engagement over the summer break can provide the skills needed for greater success the next school year. We encourage you to have fun with your kids this summer. On those days that you have some free time please consider using some of these academic activities to keep their skills sharp for the next school year.

Summer Success Boosters Go to our website www.ncsaz.org and navigate to the Elementary Program to access the Summer Success Boosters. These activities were created by our teachers for each incoming grade from kindergarten through fifth grade. On the website there is a tab for each grade level. Each grade level tab has resources to help sustain engagement over the summer and prepare for the upcoming school year. These activities provide families the tools needed to assist with the grade that their child will be entering in the fall. Academic content varies by grade level. Information for how to implement the various components is included in the introductory page at each grade level.

Spanish 3rd – 5th Grade You and your student are able to practice Spanish during the summer. Whether you have a rising third, fourth or fifth grader, we have created a website to simplify your child’s self-study. NCS students can review what they have already learned in cycle 1 or practice what they will be learning, cycle 2, in the upcoming year. You need only to visit www.quizlet.com and search for NCS Elem Spanish. Once at the site, students can work openly or create their own username and password. ● 3rd Grade – NCS Elem Spanish (cycle 1) ● 4th Grade – NCS Elem Spanish (cycle 2) ● 5th Grade – NCS Elem Spanish (cycle 3) *Apple users there is a free app for Quizlet.

IXL, VMath, RAZ Kids and Reading Rangers If your child participated in IXL in our kindergarten through second grade program this last school year, or VMath in our third through fifth grade program, you can continue to enjoy the opportunity to have your children practice their understanding of math concepts and practice math facts through the end of July. The login information that was used during the school year is available to students through July of this school year. If your child participated in RAZ Kids or Reading Rangers they may continue with their login information through the end of July to help practice reading.

Summer Reading Program for Students Entering 1st – 5th Grade The NCS Summer AR Reading Program will be available on campus from Tuesday, June 7th through Thursday, June 30th, 2022. Your children may read and then test on campus on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for the month of June to earn points and prizes for fun on campus in the next school year. These prizes include, but are not limited to, our school T-shirt and pizza lunches. Check out our NCS Elementary Summer AR Reading Program information on our website.

NCS Online Supply List K-5th Grade Supplies ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

●

Computer - see Minimum Technology Requirements document Inexpensive pair of earbuds 5 Spiral journals or composition notebooks Pencils Pink Pearl Eraser Crayons, colored pencils, or markers Glue sticks Index Cards White Board Dry Erase Markers Bible NASB or ESV Optional Dictionary/Thesaurus (primary or intermediate) Ruler with inches and centimeters Math manipulatives ○ Playing Cards ○ Dice ○ Counters ○ Unifix Cubes ○ Base Ten Blocks ○ Fraction Pie Pieces (intermediate) Science lab supplies - varies by quarter, common household items)

6th - 8th Grade Supplies ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Computer - see Minimum Technology Requirements document Inexpensive pair of earbuds NCS Planner (provided) 1.5 inch binder 7 Plastic Two-Pocket Insertable Index Dividers 8.5 x 11 college ruled filler paper with three hole punch 2 composition notebooks - for language arts and social studies 1 graph paper composition notebook - for math 1 pack 200 count of 3 x 5 notecards Pens Pencils (refill lead if mechanical) Colored pencils Pink Pearl Eraser 1 pack red pens/pencils for grading 2 highlighters 1 scissors 4 glue sticks Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS Scientific Calculator (All middle school students in Algebra or Geometry will need a TI-84 graphing calculator Bible NASB or ESV Science lab supplies - varies by quarter, common household items.

3x3 sticky notes for English

Middle School Binder Organization System

The Middle School teachers and facilitators are committed to assisting students in organizing their work. This will help them to get the most out of their academic experience. Part of this is a uniform binder organizational system that we have designed for every middle school child. Please have your child’s binder organized for the first day of school in the following manner.

1. Each child should have two 1.5-inch view binders or one 4-inch binder 2. After creating a schedule for your child’s school day, please add dividers and label the tabs of the dividers accordingly: a. 2 binders: the first 4 classes in the first binder and the last 3 classes in the second binder. b. 1 binder: all 7 classes 3. The last pocket divider in each binder should be labeled “Keep”.

4. In each binder, please place a pencil pouch with the following items: pens (including a red one for grading), pencils, a whiteboard marker, and a highlighter. The items found on the supply list that are not in the binder should be kept in the student’s study area and used when appropriate.

5. Each student should keep their NCS planner with their binder(s) and use it for each class.

Northwest Christian School Online Late Work Policy NCS K-5 Online Within the Online Program students are provided content for two weeks at a time to provide flexibility to families if they choose to work ahead. A weekly schedule is provided by the Facilitator to help students progress through the course at an appropriate rate. We recommend that students complete assignments daily, but parents may choose to turn in assignments to the facilitator by the weekly due date in the learning management system. Math assignments may be required to be turned in daily in order for the facilitator to provide feedback and ensure that students are making adequate progress. Work turned in after the due date may result in a 10% deduction in points the following day and given no credit on the second day after it was due. All work must be submitted, whether or not it is given credit, as the learning of content resulting in grades is reflective of a student’s achievement, not simply of the grades earned. If an assignment earns less than 73% for a grade, a student may redo and make up the work to earn up to a 75% for a grade in order to provide the opportunity to master the content. If an assignment is redone it must be submitted within a week of the original due date. No work may be given credit for a redo after that date. No other “redos’ will be considered to raise grades.

Exceptions When there are extenuating circumstances the student/family must contact the facilitator or area principal to discuss the circumstances to determine how each situation might be handled.

NCS 6-8 Online Students are expected to complete all lessons and assignments within the assigned schedule. If the work is submitted after the posted due date, then the work will be considered late.

Formative Assignments/Daily Work 1 day late = 20% off 2 days late = no credit

Summative Assignments/Projects or Tests 1 day late = 20% off 2 days late = 50% off 3 days late = no credit Each student will be given two “oops passes” per class per semester. This will allow the student to turn in a formative assignment one day late for full credit with no penalty. The passes may be used on formative assignments only. Students may not use another student’s pass.

Exceptions When there are extenuating circumstances the student/family must contact the facilitator or area principal to discuss the circumstances to determine how each situation might be handled.

Frameworks In Frameworks courses, a weekly schedule is provided to help students pace themselves and progress through the content at an appropriate rate. Assignments are due each week as displayed in the learning management system.

Discussion Board Questions and Responses No Late work will be accepted

Weekly Assignments 1 Day late = 50 % off 2 Days late = no credit

Exceptions When there are extenuating circumstances the student must contact the facilitator to discuss the circumstances to determine how each situation might be handled.

NCS Online Minimum Technology Requirements NCS Online students should have a designated workspace and regular access to a desktop or laptop computer that meets the following minimum requirements:

Computer For best performance, you should access the learning management system and other digital tools with a computer that supports the most recent browser versions. It is recommended to use a computer five years old or newer. ● PC with Windows 10 ● Mac with OS 10.14 or later ● Chromebook*

System Requirements ● ● ●

250 GB Hard Drive 4 GB RAM Updated Anti-virus program

Web Browsers It is recommended to use the current or first previous major release of one of the following web browsers. Javascript must be enabled in order for Canvas to run. ● Chrome ● Firefox ● Edge ● Safari on Mac

Internet It is recommended to have a minimum Internet speed of 512kbps.

Additional Recommended Technology ● ● ● ● ● ●

Printer - recommend for printing worksheets, resources, and learning coach scripts Scanner - either a scanner app on a mobile device or a physical scanner Headphones Webcam Microphone Second monitor or device to view any digital textbooks

*A chromebook will work for NCS Online and Frameworks, but please research whether a chromebook will be right for your student and family before purchasing one. Chromebooks are web-based only and do not have the capability to download and use non web-based applications.

Google & Instructional Technologies Google Workspace for Education Google Workspace for Education will allow access to Gmail, Google Drive, Google Apps, and Google Calendar. It is designed especially for schools with productivity and safety in mind. These accounts are managed by Northwest Christian School staff and NCS reserves the right to view these accounts without prior notice. Only authorized staff will have access to student accounts. As the parent of a student at Northwest Christian School, you are entitled to access to your child’s account.

Some of the key benefits of Google Workspace for Education are: 1. Increase in communication and collaboration between students and teachers.

2. Storage of student work will be on the Internet and will be accessible from anywhere in the world.

3. No software needed – students will be able to work on projects from home just as they would at school with no extra software needed, Google provides a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation software, and more!

4. A student’s Google account also provides simplified access to Canvas learning management system and Blackbaud student information system with one username and password.

Additional Services In addition to utilizing Google's Core services (Drive, Docs, Slides, and Sheets), students may also interact with additional Google services (YouTube, Maps) as well as other education related platforms.

In collaboration with the Technology and Curriculum Directors, teachers may select new platforms to use with their students. These products have been assessed for curricular alignment and age-appropriateness. These services may store and share student data for instructional purposes, such as recording grades to a teacher's account.

For more information regarding instructional technologies, including privacy policies and age-enforced restrictions, contact Allison Van Liew at avanliew@ncsaz.org.*

*This document is for information purposes only. Parental permission will be given via a fillable version of this form in Blackbaud.

NCS

BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS