elementary school student life handbook

7/27/2019 Elementary School Student Life Handbook

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Student Life Handbook

Elementary School



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Campus Phone Numbers

Elementary School (MR) Ofce: Donna Branney (803) 807-4311

Elementary School (SAR) Ofce: Gwen Cornwell (803) 807-4351

School Receptionist: Tracey Ramos (803) 807-4000

Other Important Numbers

Admissions – Day Students: Kelly Adams (803) 807-4110

Campus Wear: Sally Settle (803) 807-4132

Events: Kelly Davis (803) 807-4144

FACTS and Tuition Payments: Susan Carpenter (803) 807-4129

Financial Aid: Sheri Burchill (803) 807-4103

Fundraising: Bonnie Spacek (803) 807-4114

Health Services: Michelle Harris (803) 807-4126

Lost and Found: Contact School Ofce

Marketing and Communications: Kyndra Bremer (803) 807-5510

RenWeb: Contact School Ofce

Ofce Hours

8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

School Hours

Monday: 9:20 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Tuesday – Friday: 8:20 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Ben Lippen has late start or all students every Monday. School begins one hour later and ends at the

regular time. This allows the aculty and staf time or proessional development.



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Table o Contents

Ben Lippen School Mission Statement 3

Welcome 4

Primary Expectations of a Ben Lippen Student 5

Spiritual Life Expectations 6

Discipline and Conduct 6

Interpersonal Relationships 7

Media Standards 7

Attendance 8

Technology Policy 9

Campus Wear 10

Lunch 11Care of Property 12

Security 12

Health Requirements and Services 12

CIU Campus 13

Academic Information 13

Conferences and Addressing Problems 16

Communication 16

Visitors and Guests 16

Volunteers 16School Closing 16

School Records 17

Field Trips 17

Withdrawal Procedures 17

Supplementary Education Program 17

Financial Policies and Procedures 17

Parties/Holiday Celebrations 18

Teacher Appreciation 19

Toys and Games 19Elementary School Student Life Handbook Commitment Form 20



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Ben Lippen School Mission StatementBen Lippen School seeks to gloriy God by assisting the amily and church in equipping studentsspiritually, academically, and socially under the Lordship o Jesus Christ.

Ben Lippen Elementary School Mission Statement -Early Childhood (Pre-K - Second grade)

It is the mission o the Ben Lippen primary division to instill within each student the love o learningand the spiritual, academic, physical, and social oundations needed or success during the intermedi-ate grades. The primary division also strives to develop the partnership with amilies that results in

eective parenting skills and school involvement that support the child’s growth and academic devel-opment.

Ben Lippen Elementary School Mission Statement -

Intermediate Department (Third – Fith grade) The intermediate department o Ben Lippen Elementary School creates a learning community o Christian scholars in which students come to know and ollow Christ and continue to develop a bibli-cal perspective. Students will acquire the knowledge, the understanding and the skills necessary orcritical thinking and or practical application in preparation or middle school and beyond.



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WelcomeIn the center o Ben Lippen’s organizational target is a genuine desire to train, encourage, and equipChristian scholars. God has assembled a wonderul group o dedicated parents, talented students, and

gited teachers at Ben Lippen. Together, we orm a community that, under the Lordship o Jesus Christ,prepares students or their uture.

We join together in Scriptural purity regarding the major issues o biblical teaching, all the while prac-

ticing understanding and harmony in important, but non-core areas. We collectively pray, work, andseek truth. We endeavor to equip students to see the world and all that is in it through the lens o HisWord, rather than seeking to only see the Christian components o this world. This philosophy enables

students to develop a truly biblical worldview.

May we all honor our Lord with our thoughts and deeds.

Sincerely,

Helen Boen

Elementary School Principal

Notice o Nondiscriminatory Policy

Ben Lippen School admits students o any race, color, sex, national and ethnic origin to all the rights,

privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It

does not discriminate on the basis o race, color, sex, national and ethnic origin in administration o its

educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship program, athletic or other school-administered

programs.



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Primary Expectations o a Ben Lippen School Student

Ben Lippen students RESPECT others, authority, sel, and property. Ben Lippen students are opento dierences in others (cultural, age, gender, religion, etc.) and purpose to interact with all types o people while taking care to communicate respectully (Philippians 2:3).

Ben Lippen students are personally RESPONSIBLE or their own behavior and learning, as well asexercising sel control over their actions and words. Ben Lippen students voluntarily ollow Ben Lippen

rules, willingly devote themselves to learning, and ulll their responsibilities without being asked orreminded regardless o whether they will be held accountable or their actions. Ben Lippen studentsrespond to both correction and consequence with a repentant attitude when correction is necessary(Titus 2:12; 2 Timothy 1:7).

Ben Lippen students demonstrate personal INTEGRITY by pursuing a wholeness o character,action, and thought, ltering personal choices through the lens o what is morally and justly right

in God’s eyes. Ben Lippen students do not lie, cheat, or steal, and they show moral integrity in theirrelationships with others including matters o sexual purity and propriety (Proverbs 22:1).

Ben Lippen students practice good STEWARDSHIP and are responsible to oversee, preserve, protect,and use wisely all resources God has provided them: God’s creation, the Ben Lippen campus andcommunity, their physical bodies, their nances, and their relationships with others(Colossians 3:23-24).

Ben Lippen students show COMPASSION and care in their relationships with others. They aresympathetic and empathetic in their response to the needs o others. Ben Lippen students treat othersas they wish to be treated and consider the needs o others beore they consider their own

(Ephesians 4:32; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14).



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Spiritual Lie Expectations

Ben Lippen School (BLS) does not replace the role the local church plays in the lie o its students andamilies. Instead, BLS hopes to come alongside its students and support their spiritual development.For that reason, we maintain the ollowing expectations:

Quiet Time

Developing the habit o meeting with God each day in Bible reading, meditation, and prayer can bethe most important thing one learns while at BLS (Psalm 1:2; James 4:8; Mark 1:35).

Church Attendance and the Sabbath Day

Regular attendance at a local church is expected o all BLS students. Participation in other activities

o the church is highly encouraged (Hebrews 10:25). Additionally, while BLS is a busy, hard-workingcommunity throughout the work week, it seeks to make the Sabbath day a special day in which wespend more time in quiet rest, worship, and service or our Lord (Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 20:8-11;Mark 2:27-28).

Chapel

Chapel is required or all students. Chapel is generally held once a week or the purpose o worshipand spiritual challenge.

Other

The biblical and philosophical goal o Ben Lippen School is to develop students into mature, Christlike

individuals who will be able to exhibit a Christlike lie. O necessity, this involves the school’s under-standing and belie o what qualities or characteristics exempliy a Christ-like lie. While enrolled atBen Lippen School, all students are expected to exhibit the qualities o a Christlike lie espoused andtaught by the school and to rerain rom certain activities or behavior. Thus, Ben Lippen School retains

the right to reuse enrollment to, or to expel any student who engages in sexual immorality, includingany student who proesses to be homosexual/bisexual or is a practicing homosexual/bisexual, as wellas any student who supports or otherwise promotes such practices (Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:27).

Discipline and Conduct

God commands children to obey their parents and those in authority (Colossians 3:20; Hebrews 13:17).By enrolling their children in the school, parents delegate aspects o their God-given authority or theirchildren to the teachers and administrators.

Matthew 18 Principle

When questions or problems arise, please make arrangements to speak rst with the teacher orresponsible party. Please rerain rom talking to other parents about a problem; it is divisive and not

uniying. I a problem persists, then make an appointment to speak to the principal, with the teacheror responsible party present.

Forms o Discipline

Classroom discipline is necessary to teach children respect or God and other people in authority, andto provide the best possible atmosphere or learning. Students are to be subject to the authority o allaculty and sta members and parent volunteer supervisors. Each class has a discipline system based

on class rules, consequences and positive rewards.

Discipline in Pre-K and Kindergarten is usually handled within the classroom. The teachers use a similarsystem to the one dened below, but it is “simpler” in scope.



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When minor problems arise, the teacher will provide the necessary discipline. For major oenses orcontinued minor oenses, the parents will be called. In-school suspension may be assigned as the situ-ation dictates. Parents will be provided notication and explanation o each oense leading to severediscipline by a note and/or a phone call.

Major oenses include, but are not limited to, the ollowing:• Blatant disrespect o authority

• Cheating• Inappropriate language• Lying• A minor oense which has become a habit

• Stealing• Uncontrollable behavior (physical-kicking, ghting, hitting; verbal-outbursts)• Willul destruction o school property

For major oenses, parents will be notied. Consequences may include loss o recess, ater schooldetention or a supervised in-school suspension at the cost o $50 a day, out-o-school suspension orexpulsion.

For the saety o all, school authorities, campus security, or local authorities have the right to searchthe possessions o any student on campus.

Interpersonal Relationships

Harassment Policy

We protect the right o every student to have an environment that respects human dignity. Harass-ment o students is contrary to Scripture, morally wrong, and illegal. We expressly orbid sexual harass-

ment (opposite sex or same sex) or any threatening and oensive conduct or expressions with respectto gender, race, color, national origin, disability, or age.

Harassment can include a pattern o remarks, gestures, jokes, physical contact, teasing, excessive at-

tention, bullying, picture, or written material that you nd personally threatening, derogatory, oen-sive, or unwanted. Sometimes individuals responsible or these actions may not know that they areoensive; you should tell them and your teacher.

Any student initiating or persisting in any orm o harassment – verbal, physical, or visual – is subject toimmediate discipline by the principal.

I you nd your environment hostile or oensive, i you believe you have been harassed by anotherstudent, or i you know someone who has, please promptly report this to your teacher. All reports willbe promptly and thoroughly reviewed and investigated in as condential manner as circumstances

permit, and the appropriate action will be taken. I you are dissatised with the investigation or actiontaken, you should bring the matter to the principal.

Media Standards

Media that is not consistent with Christian living is not to be brought onto campus. Faculty and

administrative discretion will be the guiding actor in determining the appropriateness o any mediaitem.



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Dancing

Modest dancing is allowed at some school unctions, such as the Junior-Senior (high school event) andis monitored by aculty and parent chaperones.

Movie Guidelines

PG-13 and R rated movies are not permitted on campus or at any BLS sponsored activity unless ap-proved by the administration. Ben Lippen students are not permitted to view movies rated NC-17 and

X.

Music Guidelines

• Personal listening devices are not acceptable during school hours accept in designated study

halls with proctor approval.• Music with inappropriate lyrics or themes is not welcome on campus or at school events at any

time.

Attendance

Absences

Absences will be excused under these conditions:• Illness

• Medical or dental appointments• Marriage in the immediate amily• Death in the immediate amily

• Family obligation (with prior approval rom the principal)

A written note should be sent to the school oce with the student on the rst day back ater anabsence stating the reason or the absence. Student absences will be considered unexcused until this

note is received rom the parents or absences are excused by the administration.

Whenever possible, medical, dental, and other appointments should be scheduled when school is notin session. Students must make up work missed as a result o absences. An unexcused absence results

in zeros or any class work missed unless the absence is approved by the principal prior to the absence.Students may not receive academic credit when there are more than 10 absences per semester notexcused by a physician or 17 absences in a year or any reason. In some cases, a student with excessive

absences may not be promoted to the next grade level.

Carpool Drop-Of and Pick-Up

Students are released to an adult in charge rom 8:00 a.m. - 8:17 a.m. (Monday, 9:00 a.m. – 9:17 a.m.).

All children should arrive by 8:17 a.m. (Monday, 9:17 a.m.) in order to be seated and ready to begin theday at 8:20 a.m. (Monday, 9:20 a.m.) sharp. Parents should never leave a child without making visualcontact with one o the BLS sta members. I you cannot see a teacher or sta member stationed at

the outside door, please park and bring your child to the oce.

Both hal-day and ull-day dismissals will be by a pick-up line. In order to keep the car pool line mov-ing, the teachers and sta need their ull attention directed toward the students. Please do not use

this time to coner with them. No student will be released to anyone other than his/her pre-arrangedcarrier (parent, car pool, sitter, etc.) without a note rom the parent and proper identication o thatperson (driver’s license, car description, etc). Your child must bring a note signed by his/her parentsimilar to this:

My child, (name, grade), will be picked up by (driver, relation). He/she will be driving a (makeand model o car). Signature and date.



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A phone call will suce only in an emergency. The saety o your child is a priority.

Early Dismissals

Early dismissal should always be done through the main oce. I a student must leave during school

hours, a note to the teacher will be required rom the parents prior to dismissal. Parents must sign theirchild out in the school oce and oce personnel will contact the classroom teachers. I a student re-turns to school the same day, the parent must sign him/her in at the oce upon return to school. Early

dismissals may be excused under these conditions:• Illness• Medical or dental appointments• Family emergency (illness/death within the immediate amily)

• Family trip (with prior approval rom the principal)

Extended Care Program

Ben Lippen Elementary School is pleased to oer morning and/or aternoon extended care or ourelementary school students. Extended Care registration orms are available through the elementarycampuses.

Morning Extended Care

An early drop-o, rom 7:15 to 8:00 a.m. is made available through the extended care program. Stu-dents may not enter their classrooms until 8 a.m. There is no ee or this service. Non-extended care

students may not be dropped of in the mornings until 8 a.m.

Delayed StartExtended care is provided without charge on Mondays rom 7:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Aternoon Extended Care The aternoon extended care will begin ater school at 3:10 p.m. and close at 5:45 p.m. There is a ee orthis service. Please Note: Aternoon extended care will not be ofered on early dismissal days.

Late Pick-UpStudents must be picked up within 10 minutes ater classes nish or the day. Parents must make con-tact with school personnel i they are going to be late picking up their child. Students who have not

been picked up by 3:10 p.m. will be escorted to Extended Care and hourly charges will be assessed.Parents must make contact with school personnel i they know that they are going to be late pickingup their child. I you have an emergency, please call the oce.

Lateness – School Begins at 8:20 a.m.

Excused lateness will be given or sickness and doctor or dental appointments. The parent will needto sign in and give a written explanation o why the student is late. The student will be given a pass

beore going to class. In cases where a parent assumes responsibility or the student’s lateness (anemergency, not just “running late”), the reason or the lateness should be noted in the student sign-

in notebook or a note must be presented on the same day in order to be listed as excused. Failure toprovide explanation will result in an unexcused lateness. Unexcused lateness and unexcused early

dismissals will result in disciplinary consequences.

Technology Policy

Technology is an integral part o our society and an important tool in education, the workplace, and

daily lie. As such, BLS embraces and utilizes technology in order to enhance the pursuit o the BLSmission and vision. At the same time, BLS recognizes the need to exercise caution and restraint whentechnology intereres with the primary expectations o a BLS student.



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Expectations o Student User

The student user o the BLS technology network is expected to regard use o computer network as aprivilege. The student user accepts all responsibility or the use o his or her account; and thereore, heor she must not allow others to use their individualized network access.

Expectations or Use through the Authorization o Supervising Faculty

Student users may occasionally be granted permission rom their supervising aculty member and the

director o IT to use the BLS technology network or non-educational activities. Permission must begranted on a per occurrence basis.

Legal Expectations Regarding Ben Lippen School’s Liability

Ben Lippen is legally responsible or the technology network. Because o this, it is expected that stu-dent users do not inringe on the copyrighted works o others. This includes plagiarism, le-sharing,le-swapping, and downloading copyrighted materials. Ben Lippen reserves the right to monitor the

network. The community o users should not expect privacy in their les stored on the technologynetwork. Should a problem arise, BLS will cooperate ully with local, state, and ederal ocials in allinvestigations related to any illegal activities conducted through the school technology network.

Consequences or Misuse

I misuse is suspected, student technology use will be suspended immediately, and student equip-ment can be conscated until clarication and resolution is reached by school personnel. Studentsmay be disciplined or misusing school-owned technology. They may also be disciplined or inappro-

priate actions stemming rom non-school owned technology use (example: demeaning statements onFacebook.com).

Cell Phones

As a rule, there is no need or an elementary student to have a cell phone at school. However, i a stu-dent does bring a cell phone, it must be turned o and out o sight during the school day.

Campus WearOur desire at Ben Lippen is to do everything in a way which is pleasing to the Lord and in a mannerwhich will honor Him and uphold His testimony. While recognizing that true Christianity is a matter o the heart and not the outward appearance, it is nonetheless true that our appearance is important.

To assist in creating an environment which promotes learning, students will choose their school cloth-ing rom the variety o campus wear styles available through Land’s End (www.LandsEnd.com).

All attire should be:

• Modest;• Neat;

• Demonstrate propriety (suitability to the occasion).

Ben Lippen requires campus wear or students in Pre-K through 12th grade.• Tops – All shirts, tops, and blouses must be purchased rom Lands’ End.

• Bottoms – All pants, shorts, and skirts must be purchased rom Lands’ End.• Jumpers/Dresses – All jumpers and dresses must be purchased rom Lands’ End.• Pre-K – Second Grade – Skirts/Shorts/Dresses/Jumpers need to be at least mid-thigh in length

and loose.

• Third – Fith Grade – Skirts/Shorts/Dresses/Jumpers are to be no shorter than three inchesabove the knee.



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• Outerwear - All outerwear worn in the classroom (i.e., jackets, hoodies, sweatshirts, sweaters)must be purchased rom Lands’ End and must have the school logo.

• P.E. – All P.E. attire will be purchased rom Lands’ End.• Socks/tights/leggings – see the description below

Additional items which do not have to be purchased rom Lands’ End:

• Belts – When a belt is appropriate, it should be black, brown or coordinated with the color o

the shirt being worn.• Socks /tights/leggings – Should be a solid color which coordinates with the color o shirt or

pants being worn by the student.• Heavy Coats – Outerwear not worn in the classroom, but is appropriate or wearing on cold

days between buildings, etc. does not have to have the school logo. These items may bepurchased rom any store. I, however, the coat will be worn in the classroom, it must be pur-chased rom Lands’ End and have the school logo.

• Shoes – Appropriate shoes that are clean and in good repair should be worn. Beach-style orbathroom fip-fops are not permitted.

• Tennis shoes must be worn or P.E. and recess. Please be reminded that our students are activelearners and both campuses have fights o steps to be maneuvered. To provide a sae envi-

ronment, it is strongly recommended that students not wear open-back shoes or shoes with

heels higher than one inch.• Acceptable tops must cover the shoulder completely and should not be too open under the

arm pit. Tank tops, muscle shirts, and spaghetti straps are not acceptable.

• Tops may not be longer than shorts or skirts and must cover the midri.• Belts are required or loose tting pants and shorts. “Sagging” is unacceptable.• Modern extremes in clothing and hair are to be avoided.

• Any clothing with questionable writing or pictures which contradict Christian standards orschool policies is not permitted. Clothing which advertises tobacco, the drug culture, liestylesor sentiments associated with social or spiritual rebellion, the occult or that which has sloganswith ungodly or unsavory double meanings is strictly orbidden. The school reserves the right

to decide what is considered inappropriate attire.

I a student comes to school wearing clothes which do not meet the dress code standard, he/she willbe required to call home and wait in the oce until a change o clothing arrives.

Friday Spirit Wear

Students are allowed (not required) to wear jeans on Friday with any shirt that has the Ben Lippen

logo. This can include sports, event and other shirts.

Hair Standard

All students are to keep their hair neat and well-groomed. Hair should not cover the eyes. Extreme hair

styles are not acceptable. Some examples would be hair with shaved portions, spikes and/or ponytailson boys. Boys’ hair should also not all below the collar or completely cover the ears.

Lunch

Students are to bring or purchase their own lunches. We request that students not bring carbonateddrinks to school. Please be sure to have ood cut and peeled i needed (oranges, eggs, etc.). We ask thatthere be no ood sharing during lunch unless it can be shared with the whole class. Please do not sendood to school that needs to be heated on the stove or in the microwave. We do not have the acilities

to heat your child’s lunch. The school does not provide spoons, orks, napkins, cups, straws, etc. orstudents who bring their lunch rom home. The lunch period is 25 minutes. Parents are welcome to



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enjoy lunch with their children. However, they should expect to ollow the same guidelines expectedo all students.

Student lunches can be purchased rom Schoolhouse Fare. To learn more about lunch menus and the

procedures or purchasing lunches, visit www.schoolhouseare.com.

Care o Property The Lord has entrusted the property o BLS to us and everyone is to be responsible or its care. Willul

damage to school property or to the property o another student will result in disciplinary action. Thecost o the damage due to willul acts will be charged to the student(s) at ault.

Students are asked to assist in caring or our property through accepting the challenge o good stew-ardship by:

• Walking on the sidewalks;• Bringing ood and drink only into designated areas;

• Reraining rom chewing gum in classrooms and areas o public use.

Security

Concealed weapons are not permitted on any o the Ben Lippen campuses unless carried by a proes-

sional law enorcement or CIU security ocer. The phone number or BLS security is (803) 513-3968.

Health Requirements and Services

It is mandatory that we receive a copy o the South Carolina Department o Health and Environmentalontrol Certicate o Immunization or each student on or beore the rst day o school. This orm is

available at your doctor’s oce or can be obtained rom the Health Department i you provide other

proo o immunization.

A physical is required or all new students, resident students, rising sixth and ninth graders, and stu-dents who participate in athletics. A vision and hearing screening should be a part o that physical. BLSaccepts records o a physical given on or ater April 1 prior to the start o school.

All students must be covered by health/accident insurance to attend BLS. You will be asked or arecord o your insurance company and policy number or given the option o purchasing insurancethrough the school.

Medication

A prescription medication authorization orm must be lled out by both the parent and the physicianin the ollowing cases only:

• I your physician has prescribed a medication (prescription or non-prescription) that will re-quire in-school administration or an indenite period o time.

• I your child has been prescribed a medication without a clearly marked prescription bottle.

A prescription medication authorization orm does not need to be lled out i medications are to begiven or a limited number o days (i.e., 10 or 12), as long as they are brought to the oce in a clearlymarked prescription bottle stating the correct dosage and times o administration accompanied by anote rom the parent.

http://www.schoolhousefare.com./

http://www.schoolhousefare.com./



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During school hours students are not allowed to have in their possession medication/drugs o anykind (prescription and/or non-prescription) except:

• Rescue inhalers or asthma; and/or• An EpiPen or allergic emergencies.

All medications (including over the counter medications) must be given to the school nurse or distri-bution. Inhalers and EpiPens must be cleared through the school nurse or a student to have them

in their possession. Services

The health services room is open to all Monticello Road day and boarding students during specic,

posted hours each day. The nurse is available or limited hours but remains available on campus atother times or emergencies and urgent needs. Please note that a completed, signed parental consentorm must be on le beore medications will be dispensed to a student.

CIU Campus

Students are not permitted to be on the campus, or to use the acilities, o Columbia International

University without BLS aculty supervision.

Academic Inormation

RenWeb

The Internet-based school management system used by Ben Lippen is Renaissance Web (RenWeb). Itmay be accessed through a link on the school website or directly at www.RenWeb.com. Parents and

students may access grades, lesson plans, homework assignments, attendance, and behavior reportsthrough RenWeb.

Academic Assessment

Ben Lippen School seeks to provide academic assessment and evaluation through multiple meth-ods and types with the goal to promote academic success in our students. While some uniormity isneeded, teachers are encouraged to exercise proessional judgment in developing their assessmentstandards.

Academic and Behavioral Probation Policy

Students on academic or behavioral probation will be evaluated at each nine-week interval. An

administrator may place students on probation i grade averages all below a C or i behavior is consis-tently unacceptable. At the end o the semester, probation may be lited or continued with or withoutrecommendation or tutoring, retention or reerral to other proessionals, or the student may be askedto withdraw rom the school.

Grading System

Ben Lippen uses letter grades on progress reports in academic subject areas, starting in the thirdgrade. Report cards or Pre-K and Kindergarten are evaluated by teacher observations and develop-

mental checklist. Report cards or rst and second grades are geared to developmental and academicprogress.

http://www.renweb.com/

http://www.renweb.com/



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Grades 2-5 Grade Scale

LETTER PENMANSHIP

A 93-100 E+ 99

B 85-92 E 94

C 77-84 G 90

D 76-70 S+ 85

F 69 or Below S 77

I Incomplete S- 75

N 70

U 60 or Below

I Incomplete

Grade 1-5 Enrichments

Excellent = E+ or EGood = GSatisactory = S+, S or S

NeedsImprovement = NUnsatisactory = U

Homework Assignments

Homework assignments are given or reinorcement o learning, projects, and remedial activity. Home-work acquaints parents with what the child is learning and aords them an opportunity to help their

child.

The only acceptable excuses or late homework are illness o the student on the previous evening oran emergency which prevented his/her studying. In such cases, a note rom the parent must be pro-

vided. At the beginning o the year, teachers are to communicate clearly the classroom policy regard-ing late assignments in accordance to the BLS Assessment Policy and grade level procedures.

Students should be given assignments that average 10 minutes or rst grade, 20 minutes or second

grade, 30 minutes or third grade, etc. This does not include work time or pre-announced projects orregular outside reading requirements. Homework will be given on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursdayevenings. Homework will not be given on Wednesday or Friday unless it is pre-assigned.

Honor Roll

The honor roll in the elementary school is only or grades 3-5. It is as ollows:• Principal’s List All A’s

• Honor List All A’s and B’s

Late Work

The purpose o late work penalties is to encourage aithulness and responsibility. Students are en-

couraged to turn in their work, even i it is late, to demonstrate their mastery o learned content. Thestandard late work penalty or students in third – th grades is a grade point reduction o up to tenpercent per day or three days, ater which time, completed work may not count or more than 69 per-

cent o the original grade or up to two weeks. Teachers are not permitted to accept late work duringthe nal week o each quarter without the principal’s approval.



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Make-Up Work

Two days will be given to students to make up the work or each day o excused absence. Please callthe school oce beore 11 a.m. i you want to pick up materials ater 3 p.m. Parents can check RenWebor their students’ daily assignments.

Parents who have prior knowledge o their child’s absence, due to long-term illness (more than twodays), may request make-up work by calling or sending a note to the school oce. The assignment will

be ready the ollowing day or pickup.

Physical Education

Physical Education is a vital component o the BLS curriculum. Students are expected to be active

participants during class. Attention should be given to appropriate campus wear or a P.E. class. P.E.uniorms must be purchased rom Lands’ End. Students are allowed to wear the P.E. uniorm all day i they would like. All students are expected to wear tennis shoes or recess and P.E.

Promotion Policies

• Student entering Pre-Kindergarten must be our years old on or beore September 1.• Students entering Kindergarten must be ve years old on or beore September 1.

• Students entering rst grade must be six years old on or beore September 1.

Students may be retained in kindergarten (Pre-K and Kindergarten) primarily or developmentalreasons. Although teachers evaluate students in several developmental areas, emphasis regarding

academic promotion is placed on the social/emotional maturation process, in addition to achievingknowledge and skills. As learners develop socially and emotionally, they become ready to learn aca-demically. In cases where students do not show sucient evidence o social/emotional development,

or i they lack sucient achievement in undamental skills, teachers encourage amilies to allow theirchildren to remain in kindergarten another year.

A student will be promoted to the next grade level upon satisactory completion o work required by

the curriculum.

I two major subjects are ailed, the student may be asked to repeat the grade upon the teacher’srecommendation and administrative approval.

Class placement will be determined by the administration in consultation with the aculty. Parentrequests or specic teachers are not encouraged.

Report Cards

Report cards are available online through RenWeb.

Standardized Tests

Students in grades 2-5 will take the TerraNova and the Otis Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT) each

spring.

Textbooks

Hardcover textbooks should be covered at all times. Please do not use tape or contact paper anywhereon the book cover. Books will be evaluated at the end o each year, and charges or damages will be

assessed i necessary.



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Conerences and Addressing Problems

Parents are always welcome to call or email a teacher when necessary. In act, many parents contributeto the school by graciously donating their time and talents on a regular basis. To assist teachers indevoting their ull attention to the students during regular classroom hours, we ask that parents who

would like to have a private conerence, contact the teacher in advance to make an appointment.

When questions or problems arise, in keeping with the principle outlined in Matthew 18, please

make arrangements to speak rst with the teacher or responsible party. Please rerain rom talking toother students, parents, or amilies about a problem; it can easily become divisive and destructive. I aproblem persists ater speaking to the responsible party, please make an appointment to speak withthe principal, with the teacher or responsible party present.

Communication

Regular orms o communication include the school website (www.BenLippen.com), RenWeb,monthly Headmaster Newsletter, and “Talon Times” (weekly email).

Visitors and Guests

BLS permits volunteers and visitors on campus with the ollowing guidelines:• Approved volunteers have completed the application procedure.

• All school volunteers and visitors are required to report to the oce upon arrival to receive anID sticker. The Ben Lippen security system, “Raptor,” issues an ID sticker ater completion o aninstant security check. A valid driver’s license is equired or the security check to be completed.

• Beore inviting or allowing anyone to be a guest to classes or lunch, students must get

permission rom the principal. Guests are expected to abide by the guidelines and regulationso the school while on campus.

• I amily members or riends are to eat in the dining room, arrangements should be made oneday in advance, i possible.

• Sometimes students will be asked to host a prospective student during the day. Students areasked to help orient these guests and accompany them through the daily routines o schoollie.

Volunteers

Volunteers must complete a volunteer application and interview as well as submit to a backgroundcheck beore they can be approved to serve the school in any capacity. Volunteer applications are

available in the school oce.

School ClosingIn case o inclement weather or emergency, listen to radio station WMHK (89.7 FM) or to televisionstations WLTX (channel 19), WIS (channel 10), or WOLO (channel 25) or inormation regarding school

closings.



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School Records

Change o Inormation

Please contact the school immediately upon any change in such matters as address, phone number,church membership, or a serious change in amily situations.

Student Records

The school maintains a complete record, including a cumulative academic record, or each student. All

materials in these les are treated as strictly condential and are available only according to the ol-lowing policy:

• Students who have withdrawn rom BLS will have their cumulative records sent directly to thenew school upon the school’s request, provided their BLS tuition is paid in ull;

• Administrative permission will be needed or parents wishing to “hand carry” a stamped sealedcopy o their child’s cumulative record.

Field Trips

All class trips will be planned with extreme care or the saety o your child. The students will be trans-ported by buses. On occasion, cars driven by volunteer parents who are approved drivers will be used.Parents are asked to sign a permission orm prior to each eld trip. Most o our eld trips will needsome parent chaperons. For saety reasons, siblings are not permitted to attend eld trips as the ull at-

tention o the chaperon is needed toward the students. Ben Lippen campus wear is required or mosteld trips.

Withdrawal Procedures

Student withdrawals are to be initiated through the principal’s oce and will be subject to the termsoutlined in the Ben Lippen School Education Agreement.

Supplementary Education Program

Private supplementary services are available through Academic and Educational Services, Inc. AES uti-lizes a therapy approach developed by National Institute or Learning Disabilities (NILD). This programis not covered by BLS tuition.

Financial Policies and Procedures

Payment Plans

Tuition payments are drated through FACTS. The payer must set up a FACTS account and choose oneo the ollowing payment options:

1. Annual Plan – ull payment due July 1. This plan will include a tuition deposit or the ollowingschool year or all PreK-11th grade students.

2. Semester Plan – 60% payment due July 1 and 40% payment due December 1. A tuition deposit

or the ollowing school year will be included in the December 1 payment.3. Ten-Month Plan – automatic drats beginning in July and ending in May or tuition, with the

month o February being reserved or the tuition deposit or the ollowing year. For 12th gradestudents, tuition will be drated each month rom July through April. There is an additional

payment plan ee to be on the 10-month plan.



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Delinquent Accounts

• Students with delinquent accounts will not be permitted to start classes.• Families who all into arrears and ail to clear the FACTS drat must make ull payment plus any

penalty ees assessed by the bank.

• Student records such as grade reports and ocial transcripts will not be released unless ac-count is current.

• Students whose accounts are more than 60 days past due are subject to suspension rom

school-sponsored activities, sports participation, and academic classes.• Access to RenWeb will be denied should an account become past due.• Students with an outstanding balance rom previous years may not re-activate or re-enroll

until the balance is paid in ull.

Financial Assistance

Families desiring to apply or nancial assistance may do so as part o the application or re-enrollment

process. Applications are accepted online through FACTS. (An application ee is assessed and payableto FACTS.) A link to FACTS is available on the Ben Lippen website. Families are encouraged to apply byFebruary 28 in order to have the greatest opportunity or assistance.

Financial aid is oered on the basis o demonstrated nancial need and is limited. The ollowing are

the conditions or nancial aid:• No amily will be awarded nancial assistance or need-based scholarships without applying

through FACTS.

• Should a student withdraw, the unused pro-rated portion o the nancial aid/scholarship willbe returned to the school and may be awarded to another amily.

• Families may not receive nancial assistance over and above the amount or which they have

qualied.• Only the parent(s) or legal guardian may apply or aid.

Late Fees

A $25 late ee will be assessed on tuition payments received 15 days past the due date.

Returned Checks (NSF)

A $25 service charge will be assessed or all returned checks and returned FACTS withdrawals. Ater

two NSF, only cash, cashiers check, or money orders will be accepted or all payments through theremainder o the school year.

Parties/Holiday Celebrations

Parties will be planned or the students throughout the year. While classroom parties are generally notan open invitation to all parents due to lack o classroom space, a ew parents may be asked to help inthe planning and preparation. There will be several special school socials and events planned or the

whole amily. We encourage amilies to attend these celebrations.

Ben Lippen Elementary does not celebrate Halloween. Parents are reminded that snacks, room deco-rations, and student clothing should not represent this holiday in any way. Harvest celebrations may

include pumpkins as an autumn ood. Jack-O-Lanterns may be used by the classroom teacher in orderto share a gospel message.

• Christmas and Easter activities should refect the biblical purpose and meaning.• We ask parents not to send balloons, as they present a hazard to young children.

• Invitations to home parties cannot be sent through the school unless the entire class is in-vited, or all o the girls, or all o the boys are invited.



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• All notes sent by the homeroom mothers/athers in regard to class activities should be ap-proved by the teacher or administration beore being sent home to parents or discussedwith students.

• Parents are invited to send a special snack (cupcakes, cookies, drink, etc.) or their child’s

birthday (or hal-birthday or summer birthdays).

Teacher AppreciationOver the years, parents have been very gracious and thoughtul in doing special things or our teach-

ers. We ask, however, that all special projects such as collection o money by the parents be clearedthrough the principal and reserved or occasions such as Teacher Appreciation Week (not or an indi-vidual teacher’s birthday). Individual git giving is still your prerogative. We want to be sensitive to all

parents when asking or donations o any kind, knowing that some amilies are on a very tight budget.

Toys and Games

Please do not bring toys, electronic devices or computerized games to school unless approved by the

teacher in advance or school purposes.

Please complete the Handbook Commitment Form.This orm must be signed and returned each year

to BLS beore the start o classes.

Please return the orm to the school oce.



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Elementary School Handbook Commitment Form

Parental Commitment

Please initial next to each statement indicating agreement, and sign where indicated.

As parent(s) or legal guardian(s) o a Ben Lippen School student, I (we):

Commit to participate in the Christian education o our son or daughter by regular attendance at alocal church and exempliy Christian principles o lie in our home.

Commit to support the principles contained in the Statement o Faith and Mission Statement o BLS.

Commit to support Ben Lippen School and Ben Lippen policies as set orth in the Ben Lippen Studen

Lie Handbook .

Commit to support Parent/Teacher Fellowship (PTF) by regular attendance at meetings.

Commit to communicate directly with BLS teachers and/or administrators in the event o confict ordisagreement beore involving other parties.

Approve the publication o pictures o our son/daughter taken during the year.

Approve establishing a Ben Lippen technology account, including email, or my student(s).

Father’s or Guardian’s Signature Father’s or Guardian’s Printed Name Date

Mother’s or Guardian’s Signature Mother’s or Guardian’s Printed Name Date

Student Commitment

Please initial next to each statement i you agree, and sign where indicated.

As a student at Ben Lippen School, I:

Commit to do my best in all my studies.

Commit to obey the biblical and community standards set orth in the Ben Lippen

Student Lie Handbook without complaint.

Commit to maintain a high standard in accordance with the social lie guidelines and entertainment

standards outlined in the Ben Lippen Student Lie Handbook .

Commit to appropriate technology usage in line with Ben Lippen’s technology policies.

Student’s Signature Student’s Printed Name Date

elementary school student life handbook

Documents