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Presbyterian Weekday School

Parent Handbook 2020-2021

We plant the seed...

God makes it grow!

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Welcome to Presbyterian Weekday School (PWS)

Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers,

The process of choosing a preschool for your child can be exciting as well as challenging. We invite you to learn more about our programs, staff and learning community. You are welcome to make an appointment to come for a tour to see first-hand our outstanding facility and the professionals in our classrooms. PWS is committed to offering children a safe and nurturing environment that promotes spiritual, physical, social, emotional and cognitive development. It is our belief that children play to learn and learn to play and that through their play, children learn about themselves, others and their physical world PWS is a place where young children explore learn, grow and have FUN! Hands-on, experiential learning is at the core of our program. We provide our children with activities that are both developmentally appropriate and stimulating. Our Enrichment Program includes our STEAM lab, yoga and Kindermusik programs. Our nurturing teachers set the stage for learning and interaction by guiding learning experiences each day. This allows children to discover for themselves, while we support their efforts with praise and encouragement. Building a strong foundation based on these principles and our Creative Curriculum Teaching Strategies, we prepare our children to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow It is through our approach that we aim to inspire and instill a passion for learning that teaches children "how'' to think, rather than "what" to think. We also teach our children about kindness and honesty through an awareness of our sacred connection to our God. We are nationally accredited by the National Accreditation Commission and the Association for Early Learning Leaders. Early Learning Leader's goal is to strengthen the knowledge, skills and abilities of early care directors, teachers, emerging leaders and other early learning professionals to ensure quality child care programs for young children. The standards set forth by these commissions require precise attention and documentation. At PWS, we recognize and value the uniqueness of each child. We celebrate them and the progress they make each day. We know how important this decision is for you. It would be our pleasure to assist you through the process. If you have already chosen Presbyterian Weekday School as your child’s preschool, we welcome you and appreciate your trust in our commitment to help your children learn and grow, while keeping them healthy, happy, safe and secure. Warmly, Amy Lowrimore PWS Interim Director

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Table of Contents

Mission Statement and Philosophy .......................................................................... 4

Play-based Learning Philosophy .................................................................................. 4

Monthly Nursery Rhymes ........................................................................................ 5

Bible Verses ............................................................................................................. 5

Theme Song ............................................................................................................ 5

Registration ............................................................................................................. 6

Tuition ...................................................................................................................... 7

From Our PTO .............................................................................................................. 8

Parental Commitment .............................................................................................. 8

Position on Discipline ............................................................................................. .8

Policies & Procedures ......................................................................................... .9

Inclement Weather Protocol........................................................................................... 10

What Not to Bring to School. ................................................................................... 11

The First Day of School. ......................................................................................... 11

Clothing .............................................................................................................. 12

Health Information .................................................................................................... 12

Communicable Diseases ................................................................................... 13

Immunization Policy ........................................................................................... 14, 15

Medication Policy ............................................................................................... 16

Snack Time ......................................................................................................... 16

Birthday Celebrations ................................................................................................... 17

Emergency Policies ....................................................................................................... 17

Arrival & Pick-up Procedures .............................................................................. 18-20

Version 4.0 2019 – 2020

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Presbyterian Weekday School Mission Statement We offer an informal educational program which allows children to make choices, initiate their

own learning, and engage in supervised activities based on individual needs through play - in

a developmentally-appropriate and nurturing, Christian environment in which academic, social,

physical, and spiritual development may be enhanced.

This facility prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, or national origin.

PWS Spiritual and Educational Philosophy Nurturing the Spirit: We plant the seed, God makes it grow!

What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe,

as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it

grow. --1 Corinthians 3:5-6

Though God may use may others to assist in the process, God must receive all credit and glory for

our growth. In the same manner, God uses each of us to assist in the growth of others. We can

teach truth with our words and demonstrate truth with our lives, but we can never cause someone

to accept the truth or even grow to a deeper understanding. Our instructions are to plant the seed

of His Word and water with discipleship, prayer, and encouragement at every opportunity. As we

plant and water the seed, it's normal to want to see growth. We may desire to see blooms

overnight, but God is growing a mighty shade tree with deep roots and wide branches that will not

break in the wind, and this kind of growth takes time. We must patiently continue to plant seeds

and trust God to accomplish His work.

Play-Based Learning Philosophy High quality early childhood programs teach children to think creatively so they may succeed in a

complex and ever-changing world. Purposeful play is developmentally appropriate and a significant

element of any early childhood program. Play is essential in a child’s intellectual, social, emotional

and physical development. Play is a way of learning for children. During a typical preschool day

there will be structured and unstructured periods, enabling children to learn at their own rate.

Values that support learning through play include:

• Children are viewed as thinkers, reflecting about their world

• Purposeful play is when children learn through the process of their efforts

• Children gain knowledge by building on a path of ever-increasing knowledge

• Children are encouraged to make choices and practice individual decision-making

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School Colors

Green represents growth and development. White represents the purity of childhood.

Monthly Nursery Rhymes September "Mary Had a Little Lamb"

October "Little Miss Muffet"

November "This Little Piggy"

December "Little Jack Horner"

January "Baa Baa Black Sheep"

February "The Cat and the Fiddle"

March "Little Bo Peep"

April "Humpty Dumpty"

May "Hickory Dickory Dock"

September Love one another. John 13:34 October Trust in the Lord and do good. Psalm 37:30 November Give thanks to him, bless his name. Psalm 100:4 December God loved us and sent his Son 1 John 4:10 January You are Jesus' friend. John 15:14

February A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17 March Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Proverbs 3:5 April I am with you always. Matthew 28:20 May God cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Bible Verses

PWS Theme Song Every morning seems to say:

'There's something special on the way, And God sends love to you.'

Thank you, God, for this new day; Thank you for my work and play;

Thank you for the nighttime, too; Thank you, God, for all you do.

Amen

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Registration To register your child, return a completed Enrollment Application form, Inclusion Policy form,

Parent Agreement and Release form and read carefully the Policy Form. With the submission of

these forms, include the appropriate *registration fee and the first month’s (September) tuition to

PWS. Applications are considered in the order received. Enrollment will continue until classes are

at capacity.

Registration begins the first Monday in February. Preference is given in the following order:

• Presbyterian Weekday School (PWS) and Mothers’ Morning Out (MMO) children currently

enrolled

• Siblings of currently enrolled in PWS and First Presbyterian Church members not currently

enrolled.

The second week in February, registration is open to the children from families in the community.

Presbyterian Weekday School maintains waiting lists for all classes. There is no cost to have your

child's name on a program waiting list.

Students will be assigned to classes based on to the parents’ requests, age of child, and

consideration of the balance of gender. Please note that classes offered are subject to change

based on enrollment numbers at registration.

A wait list will be created for each class that is filled. Names are placed on the wait list in the order

they are received. Parents will be contacted immediately when a seat in a class is available.

*Registration Fee – Non-Refundable

First Presbyterian Church members are charged a non-refundable registration fee of $70. Non-

members are charged a non-refundable registration fee of $75.

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Tuition Tuition is an annual fee broken down into nine payments September through May. Families may

pre-pay tuition for several months or pay in full if desired. Each monthly payment is due the first

day of the month. If tuition is not paid by the 15th of the month, a $25 late fee will be assessed

unless you have made special payment arrangements with the Director. The first month’s payment

(for September) is required to reserve a seat in a classroom. Families will have until May 1, 2019 to

pay September’s tuition. The second payment is due October 1st and so on through the school

year; the last payment is due May 1st.

PWS offers a 10 percent discount for each second or additional child's tuition. Children of First

Presbyterian Church members receive a 10 percent discount for all children and pay a discounted

registration fee of $70.

If a child is withdrawn during the school year, a written three-week withdrawal notice is required.

Withdrawal notices must be submitted in writing to the director. Families are obligated to pay tuition

until the written notice is given and the three-week time period has expired. If your child attends

class one day in any month, tuition must be paid for the entire month.

Since PWS is self-sustaining, tuition funds keep our teachers paid, purchase supplies and provide

learning materials for our students. Tuition payment is required even if the following should occur:

• The child is absent for illness for an extended time.

• The child should need to stay at home to complete potty training in classes where potty

training is a requirement at enrollment.

• The child goes on an extended vacation with a family.

Teachers must be paid throughout the year even if students are absent or on holiday. If a family

becomes two months behind in payment and they have not made suitable payment arrangements

with the Director, the student may not return to PWS until tuition has been paid. If a family has an

outstanding debt to PWS from the previous school year, the child may not attend in the Fall until

the debt has been paid or other financial arrangements have been made.

Late Fees or Fines Bounced check - $25 per check

Late tuition payment - $25 past the 15th

of the month.

Late pick-up fine: Two’s Class – $5.00 for every 10

minutes past 12:00; Three’s and Fours Classes -

$5.00 for every 10 minutes past 12:15;

Kindergarten - $5.00 for every 10 minutes past

12:45.

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Parental Commitment Parents can provide valuable assistance to the child and teacher by:

• Making sure the child comes to school well rested;

• Helping the child look forward to school as a place for happy experiences;

• Having the child arrive on time and picking up the child promptly

• Providing a rich background of experiences.

Parents should take children to playgrounds, parks, a fire station, a zoo, an aquarium and to the

library. Make-believe play is encouraged. Parents should tell children stories and read to them

daily. Toys need to be constructive. Including children in family games and conversations will

enhance language acquisition.

Position on Discipline Research indicates that positive and effective alternatives are available to maintain discipline while

punishments ineffective in teaching new behaviors. In our classrooms, we use various techniques

to guide each child in using appropriate behavior while encouraging him or her to manage his or

her own behavior. We make a conscious effort to prevent potential conflicts by:

• Providing a variety of materials and choices to appeal to the wide range of needs and

interests of the children.

• Maintaining a consistent daily routine.

• Establishing clear, concise rules that remind children of what they may do as opposed to

what they may not do.

• Providing adult modeling of appropriate behaviors and expectations.

• Arranging the classroom to promote a good traffic flow and to provide areas that encourage

both small group and individual play.

• Utilizing redirection when necessary.

When conflict does occur, the teachers will intervene, separate the children involved, and help

them to understand, through both verbal and non-verbal strategies, why the behavior was not

acceptable. When possible, the appropriate behaviors will be demonstrated by the teachers.

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Policies and Procedures General School Rules 1. We use walking feet - for the safety of all children. 2. We use gentle hands with our friends and toys. 3. We use listening ears and keep our hands and feet to ourselves when others are talking.

Important General Guidelines and Regulations 1. Please read your PWS handbook. The handbook is subject to change each year.

2. Safety is our first concern. Order ensures the safety of our students.

3. When bad weather occurs, and there is the threat of hazardous conditions, we observe Gaston

County School's cancellation policies. (Please see the Inclement Weather Protocol on the next

page.)

4. Health Certificates and current immunization records are required by law and must be received

before the first day of school. PWS also requires the Emergency Response Plan and the

Individual Care Plan to know the special instructions needed to keep children safe and well.

5. It is important for your child to arrive on time and to be picked up promptly.

6. While on campus, never leave your car engine running while you are not behind the wheel.

7. The PWS staff must be notified every time your child is to leave school with anyone other than

their designated ride. Make sure your substitute caregiver knows our regulations and is

prepared to show a photo ID to the child's teacher.

8. Please do not ask the teachers to discuss your child's behavior when the child is present. You

may call the teachers on the telephone or make an appointment to discuss situations.

9. Parents may not use emergency exit doors to enter or exit classrooms during school arrival or

dismissal.

10. Please do not park along sidewalks or in areas not marked for parking. This is a First

Presbyterian Church policy as well as PWS policy.

11. Burtonwood Drive may get congested at arrival or pick up. There are three church exits onto

Garrison Boulevard that may get you out of the parking lot faster and safer.

12. Please do not speed through the parking lot if you are late at drop-off or pick-up. There are

speed bumps that will damage your car at high speeds and people coming and going on foot

and in other vehicles that will be put at risk.

13. Because we are located in a church, there will be church events, such as funerals, that may

pose a problem with parking. It does not happen often, but when it does, we will try to give as

much notice as possible. The most important role we can fill is that of prayerful supporters of

the grieving.

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Inclement Weather Protocol Before sending out any weather-related announcement, information is gleaned from the National

Weather Center, local weather reports, First Presbyterian Church administration and the director

and overseer of the church property. In addition, experienced staff members are consulted for their

perspective. We look at schools such as Gaston Day, Gaston Christian and other local preschools

to ensure we are making the wisest decision possible. All decisions are made after thoughtful

consideration and at the discretion of the PWS Director.

Even though our written policy defers to the observance of Gaston County Schools decisions on

closing schools, there are aspects of our school functions that do not align with the school system.

Since we do not run buses or have issues with whether there is heat in the building, we can take

advantage of that and hold school when there is no safety risk. The education and care of our

students’ minds, bodies and spirits are at the forefront of our decision-making.

We are committed to making decisions that do not place PWS families or staff in danger. Any time

there is the threat of hazardous travel, our school will be closed. Of course, if First Presbyterian

Church decides to close its doors because of the weather, we, too, will be closed.

We recognize that there are inconveniences in not having school. Parents have to find alternative

child care and that can be troublesome. PWS does not have snow make-up days build into our

school calendar, in part, because we do not have the number of teacher workdays Gaston County

Schools provides.

The PWS inclement weather protocol is as follows:

• If GCS delays school for one hour, we will begin our day at 9:30. We will do our best to give

you quick and safe access to the classrooms. We will allow some extra time for the doors to be

unlocked to keep you from having to go through reception to get in.

• If there is a two-hour delay, PWS will be closed.

• If GCS calls off school because the temperatures prevent the school buses from starting, we

will have school.

• If there is substantial snow or ice and Gaston County Schools is closed, PWS will be closed.

• If there is black ice and GCS calls off school, PWS will be closed.

• If the First Presbyterian Church decides to close its doors because of the weather, PWS will be

closed.

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All decisions will be made for the safety of the entire PWS learning community. Look for

announcements on our Facebook page, by text or email through our Remind app.

We will try our best to reschedule any events that might be cancelled due to inclement weather.

We ask for your patience and understanding as we study each situation and determine the best

action to take for the health and safety of our children, their families and our staff.

What Not to Bring to School • Money, unless requested for a special purpose.

• Candy, chewing gum, cookies, etc.

• Toys, unless requested for a special day in class; do not place a toy in a child’s PWS bag and

send it to school. The teacher may send it back home with you. Let your child know that

bringing a toy to school, even if they cannot play with it, is breaking one of our “rules.” The

child should part with that item at hoe or in the car before coming into to school.

• Necklaces, bracelets, or rings - they are easily lost.

• Replicas of weapons (no guns, swords, etc.)

The First Day of School • All children need a change of clothing to be stored at school in case of accident (shirt,

long/short pants, underpants, and socks in plastic bag with child's name on it.)

• Put your child’s name on all personal items (sweater, coats, boots, books, or other items

brought to school.)

• Some classes request that students bring a bath towel, labeled with their names, to be used

as a mat for resting. The towel may not be larger than 40 inches long. Please no beach

towels, no bath sheets, no bedrolls, no blankets or quilts and no pillows.

• Kindergarten children need a standard book bag without wheels.

• Phase-in days, at the beginning of the school year, are designed to acclimate the younger

students to a new environment. Please be patient during these initial days. This entry into

school allows children to adjust to school routines. The start of the school year has been

carefully planned for the benefit of your child.

• It may be difficult to leave your little ones on the first few days of school. This first transition

from you to their teacher is critical and our teachers are experienced in handling this

separation. Leaving right after drop-off instead of lingering outside the classroom sends a

message to your child that you trust they will be safe and secure in the care of our staff.

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Clothing • Because children at school are playing actively and using such materials as clay, paint, water,

and sand, it is advisable that they be dressed comfortably in clothes that do not hamper their

participation in regular activities. Easy-on, easy-off clothing is necessary for successful

restroom breaks and diaper changes.

• In cold weather, it is advisable for children to wear slacks because it is our practice to enjoy

outdoor play every day except in very cold or rainy weather. Our students will not be allowed to

play outside if the temperature drops below 32 degrees.

• Please write your child's name on all coats, sweaters, raincoats, and gloves. If spare clothes go

home, return a set of extra clothes the next school day.

• Laced or Velcro tennis shoes with rubber soles are recommended at all times. Shoes must

have a closed toe. Slick-soled shoes, clogs (crocks,) cowboy boots, flip-flops and sandals are

dangerous for children in active play and are not allowed.

Health Information A healthy environment is an important factor at school. Children are happier and are more open to

learning when they feel alert, well-rested, and energetic. Much of the success of the health of

school age children depends on parents' cooperation in not sending a child to school who shows

signs of illness or who has been exposed to an infectious disease.

We request that parents keep a child home any day when she or he:

• Shows symptoms of a fresh cold, including green or yellow discharge from nose or eyes

• Has an unidentified rash

• Has not been fever free for 24 hours without medication

• Has thrown up or had diarrhea within the last 24 hours

• Has sore or discharging eyes or ears

• Is in the incubation period of a contagious disease

• Has head lice or nits

• Shows the slightest deviation from the usual behavior or appetite

• Is unable to participate in the school day's schedule including outside play

Only first-aid treatment of a minor nature is administered at school. Parents will be informed of

such treatment.

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Please report to the teachers immediately when your child has contracted a communicable disease

such as measles, chicken pox, conjunctivitis, infectious diarrhea, impetigo, strep throat, pinworms,

head lice, etc. in order that other parents may be informed of their child's exposure. A

communication will be sent to parents through the Remind app, text or email. Through such

cooperation, we hope to protect the other children in the school and younger siblings. Children with

communicable diseases will be excluded from participation in the program until they meet the

requirements for readmission or have their doctor's written permission to return. Children who

become ill at school will be comforted in the office sick room and their families will promptly be

called for pick up. For special situations, consult your child's teacher and/or director.

All children are required to turn in a health certificate completed by the child's doctor. The

doctor's check-up of the child should have been completed not more than two months before the

opening of school. Health forms are due before the first day of school, or, for children who register

later in the school year, within the first 4 weeks of school attendance.

Children will be asked not to attend school until a current health certificate is turned in.

Communicable Diseases To prevent widespread flu in the school, we recommend that your child stay home from school if

experiencing flu or cold symptoms. To decide whether or not to send your child to school, please

consider the following guidelines:

Consider keeping your child at home for an extra day of rest and observation if he or she has any

of the following symptoms:

• Very stuffy or runny nose and/or cough

• Mild sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep)

• Headache

• Mild stomach ache

Definitely keep your child at home for treatment and observation if he or she has any of these

symptoms:

• Fever (greater than 100 degrees by mount and your child may return to school only after his or

her temperature has been consistently below 100 degrees, by mouth, for a minimum of 24

hours)

• Vomiting (even once)

• Diarrhea

• Chills

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• General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches

• Frequent congested (wet) or croupy cough

• Lots of nasal congestion with frequent blowing of nose

To help prevent the flu and other colds, teach your children good hygiene habits:

• Wash hands frequently

• Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth

• Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a paper tissue, throw it away and

then wash hands

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Colds are the most contagious during the first 48 hours. A child who has a fever should remain at

home until "fever free" for a minimum of 24 hours. A child who has started antibiotics needs to be

on the medication for 48 hours before considered non-contagious and able to return to school.

Often when a child awakens with vague complaints (the way colds and flu begin) it is wise to

observe your child at home for an hour or two before deciding whether or not to bring to school.

Your child should be physically able to participate in all school activities on return to school.

Keeping a sick child at home will minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the classroom.

Immunization Policy Presbyterian Weekday School and the First Presbyterian Church in Gastonia have established

new immunization policies for all children who attend any of the programs on our campus. This

includes, PWS, MMO and the Afterschool program.

“Children in the U.S. still get vaccine-preventable diseases. In fact, we have seen resurgences of

measles and whooping cough (pertussis) over the past few years. Since 2010, there have been

between 10,000 and 50,000 cases of whooping cough each year in the United States and about 10

to 20 babies, many of which were too young to be fully vaccinated, died each year. While some

babies are too young to be protected by vaccination, others may not be able to receive certain

vaccinations due to severe allergies, weakened immune systems from conditions like leukemia, or

other reasons. To help keep them safe, it is important that you and your children who are able to

get vaccinated are fully immunized. This not only protects your family, but also helps prevent the

spread of these diseases to your friends and loved ones.”

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Beginning with registration for the 2019 – 2020 school year, the only exemption for immunizations

that will be accepted is a medical exemption. That exemption requires a physician to provide

documentation that a “true medical contraindication/precaution” exists to a specific immunization.

A contraindication is a condition in a recipient that increases the risk for a serious adverse

reaction. A vaccine will not be administered when a contraindication is present. A precaution is a

condition in a recipient that might increase the risk for a serious adverse reaction or that might

compromise the ability of the vaccine to produce immunity. Under normal conditions, vaccinations

should be deferred when a precaution is present.

Several children’s clinics and doctor’s offices have posted their 100% support of immunizations to

the extent that patients are advised to find another health care provider if they are not willing to

have their child/children vaccinated. This notification supports our belief in this effort to keep our

children healthy, safe and happy.

All children in North Carolina must be vaccinated against certain diseases. Immunization records

are checked when a child enters any early childhood program. Here is the chart of those

vaccinations and the age they should be administered:

By This Age: Children Need These Shots: 3 months 1 Hep B 5 months 2 Hep B 2 Polio 7 months 3 DTaP 2 Hep B 2-3 Hib 2 Polio 3 PCV 12 months 3 DTaP 2 Hep B 2-3 Hib 2 Polio 3 PCV 16 months 3 DTaP 2 Hep B 3-4 Hib 1 MMR 2 Polio 4 PCV 19 months 4 DTaP 3 Hep B 3-4 Hib 1 MMR 3 Polio 4 PCV 1 Var 4 years or older (in child care only) 4 DTaP 3 Hep B 3-4 Hib 1 MMR 3 Polio 4 PCV 1 Var 4 years and older (and in kindergarten) 5 DTaP 3 Hep B 3-4 Hib 2 MMR 4 Polio 4 PCV 2 Var

Medical Exemption Statement forms are available in the school office for the use of your child’s

physician in declaring contradictions or precautions. There will be no exceptions or waivers for any

other reason for exemptions but medical. This applies to any students that are currently enrolled in

any children’s programs at First Presbyterian Church, Gastonia.

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Medication Policy Our teachers are not permitted to administer any type of medication, including non--prescription

medicines, to a child unless the medication is to be used in an emergency, such as an Epi-Pen.

PWS Staff members are trained to administer epinephrine in case of an emergency allergic

reaction. This is made possible with instructions provided by parents or a physician on an Individual

Care Plan form. All PWS staff are trained in First Aid and CPR. Any emergency medication sent to

school must be in its original dated container, labeled with the child's name, the name of the

medication, dosage instructions, and physician's name. Parents need to administer necessary

medications or desired products such as sunscreen and mosquito repellent before the child is

brought to school each day.

Snack Time Snack time is a learning experience, emphasizing good manners, good nutrition, and social

conversation by observing appropriate models and having opportunities to practice. Drinking water

(a much-needed health habit encouraged by pediatricians) is stressed. We encourage drinking

water by allowing children to pour their own water into cups at snack time.

Parents are asked to provide nutritious snacks for their child 's class on a rotating basis. The room

parent and teaching staff will coordinate and schedule the family snack assignments. Teachers

always welcome special snacks sent by parents; however, please check with your teachers to be

sure something special hasn't been planned for the day you want to send a treat. Food that comes

from home for sharing among the children must be either whole fruits or vegetables or

commercially prepared packaged foods in factory-sealed containers with a label of ingredients

included on the box/bag.

Staff does not offer children younger than four years these foods: hot dogs, whole or

sliced into rounds; whole grapes; nuts; popcorn; raw peas and hard pretzels, spoonfuls of peanut

butter, or chunks of raw carrots or meat larger than can be swallowed whole.

Children with food allergies are provided an acceptable snack. The school keeps a variety of

snacks on hand every day such as crackers, vanilla wafers, animal crackers, graham crackers and

gold fish. Daily snack menus are posted on each classroom bulletin board. Menus are offered to

share the food items children have eaten for snack and to aid to the snack volunteers. The menus

will help insure a variety of snack items will be shared.

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Birthday Celebrations Your child's teacher will contact you several weeks before your child's birthday to schedule a day

when you would like to celebrate your child's special day. It is important for all birthday parties at

school to be simple and similar with a donut or cookie and special napkins. Please avoid large

cupcakes with heavy icing. No homemade treats allowed. Only factory-sealed food items may be

served.

• Please do not provide special gift bags.

• Parents are asked not to attend the birthday recognition. Seeing the birthday mommy

frequently causes children to want to go home early with their parents.

• If children are invited to parties outside the school, do not bring invitations to be distributed at

school unless all children in the class are included.

Emergency Policies

Medical Emergency Plan

In the event of a medical emergency, PWS staff will contact 911 and the doctor when necessary,

and then call the parent or emergency contact person, and then file an Incident Report Form.

Suspected Abuse

All suspected cases of child abuse will be reported to the Director. Documentation of unexplained

or continual marks found on children should be maintained in case a report needs to be made. Any

time a staff member suspects a child has been abused, they may call the Department of Social

Services without worry of any repercussions.

Accidents and Injuries All accidents or injuries will be documented on an Incident Report Form with one copy going to the

parents, one copy placed in the child's file and one copy to the Director.

Fire Drills and Evacuation Procedures

Fire drills will be conducted regularly. One teacher will lead children out of the building via the

nearest designated exit, and the second teacher will follow the children out. Children and teachers

will stay together in a group in the assigned grassy areas. Teachers must take the emergency bag

with children's emergency numbers. Teachers will take roll a head count when safely outside the

building. Teachers will lead children inside the building after an all-clear signal is given.

Weather Drills and Evacuation Procedures

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Weather drills will be conducted on a regular basis. The Director will notify the classrooms.

Teachers will lead children to their designated location, the youth hallway. Children will sit on the

floor against the wall. Teachers take the emergency bag with children's emergency numbers.

Teachers are to take roll and a head count when safely at the designated location. Teachers will

lead children to their classrooms the building after an all-clear signal is given.

Evacuation of Building

If the school is not safe to re-enter after evacuation, all children should be taken to the PAD

building on the east side of our campus. Families will be contacted to pick up their children by

telephone.

Arrival & Pick-Up Procedures

Preschool Arrival Procedures

Enter the campus from Burtonwood Drive or Garrison Boulevard. Burtonwood Drive can get

congested at pick-up time We suggest you leave the church campus using one of the three

Garrison Boulevard exits. Parking is available in both the east and west parking lots.

• Never park on the curb. Please park only in lined parking spaces. Please do not use the

handicap parking spaces unless you have the authorization to do so.

• Preschool program families may enter through either the east or west Children's Building

entrances. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. and are locked at 8:45 a.m. Please note that the west

entrance is not handicapped- or stroller-accessible.

• Children in the preschool program are required to arrive and depart their classrooms with an

adult. Adults walking children to class must make certain children are safely by their sides in

the parking lots and in the school hallways. An adult is required to sign in preschool-aged

children at the classroom door. Please speak to the classroom teacher to ensure they are

aware of the child's arrival.

• Those who arrive after 8:45 a.m. are to enter the school through the front door of the church

facing Garrison Boulevard., sign in at the reception desk upstairs, and sign in your child at his

or her classroom.

• The emergency doors to each classroom may not be used to deliver children to the classroom. Teachers are instructed not to open these doors for this purpose.

• Never leave a child in an empty classroom. Your child's class may be attending music, PE, or

chapel in another area of the building. A class schedule is posted outside of each classroom for

your convenience in locating your child's class.

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• Please make every effort to bring your child to school on time. A child who consistently arrives

late will have a more difficult time adjusting to school. It is frequently difficult for children to

adjust when they come to school after class has already begun. When arriving late, speak

directly to your child's teacher to make certain that she knows your child has arrived. Please do

not allow your child to enter the building by himself or herself after 8:45 a.m.

Preschool Pick-up Procedures

• Enter the parking lot by using Burtonwood Drive and exit the parking lot by one of the three

Garrison Boulevard exits to help with congestion and safety in our parking lots.

• Enter the school through either the east or west Children's Building entrances for preschool

program classes. Doors open at 11:45 a.m. on the Two’s hall.

• Children in the two-year-old program are picked up in their classrooms at 11:45 a.m.

• Children in the threes, fours, and pre-K programs are picked up at their child's classroom door

at 12:00 p.m. Adult caregivers should wait in the PWS lobby if they arrive early. Once outside

the classroom door, parents should wait for the children to be released one at a time. Adult

caregivers must sign their child out.

• If you stop to visit in the hallways, please make sure your child is by your side and not running

or playing in the hallways. This is confusing and makes it difficult and unsafe for others who are

walking though the hallways. Please be mindful that we have young toddlers who are walking

through the hallways on unsteady feet. It is important that we help children respect and abide

by school rules. Please do not allow children to re-enter classrooms after they have been

picked up from their classroom. Please do not allow your child to run ahead to the exit doors;

always walk with your child in the hallways and parking lot areas.

• Late pick up: When picking up your child in the afternoon, if you are later than 12:00 p.m. for 2-

year-old students, 12:15 p.m. for 3s and 4s, or 12:45 p.m. for kindergartners, there is a $5 charge

for each ten-minute increment you are overdue. Please give your child's teacher or the director

the late payment at the time you are late. If you are unable to pay on the day you are late, please

make payment on the following school day. All unpaid late fees are attached to your account. An

adult must pick up children promptly at time of dismissal. It is stressful to children when their

rides are late.

• When entering the parking lot from Burtonwood Drive, be mindful that Burtonwood Drive can get

congested at pick-up time We suggest you leave the church campus using one of the three

Garrison Boulevard exits.

• No child will be released to persons other than a parent or authorized adult without a

written note. If someone other than parents or an authorized adult is picking up children,

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we will require a photo ID and a written note each time someone other than the routine

person/s picks up your child.

Kindergarten Arrival Procedures

• Enter the parking lot by way of Burtonwood Drive and drive to your left around the parking lot to

the upper Columbarium area. Kindergarten students enter through the upper Columbarium

doors. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. Kindergarten families are asked to be prompt. Please drop

off your kindergartener first if you have younger PWS students. We offer a morning car drop-off

area at the Columbarium entrance for kindergarten students only - preschool students may not

use this drop-off. Please place your car in park and allow your child to exit the vehicle on the

right side of your vehicle. If you need to get out of the vehicle to assist your child, please turn

your vehicle off before you exit the car. A guide will be standing at the Columbarium doors to

greet your child. Only one set of doors will be opened in the morning so that we may see each

child who enters the building to help us account for each child in attendance. Families may

walk their kindergarten students to class entering though the Columbarium doors

• Later arrivals after 8:40 a.m. must enter the building through the front door of the church

facing Garrison Boulevard. Sign in at the reception desk upstairs and walk your child to class.

• Never leave a child in an empty classroom. You child's class may be attending music, PE, or

chapel in another area of the building. Please make every effort to bring your child to school on

time.

Kindergarten Pick-up Procedures

• Please park your car in the lower Columbarium parking area. Never park on the curb. Please

park only in lined parking spaces. The kindergarten class will dismiss at 12:30 p.m. At

dismissal, the classroom teacher will open the Columbarium doors and release each child to

the adults. Adults must walk up to the doorway. For their safety, children will not be released

unless an adult walks all the way up to the Columbarium doorway. Have your child tell their

teacher goodbye before they exit. Please share this information with all those who will be

dropping off or picking up your child. We cannot permit children to run to you.

• Late Pick Up: A late fee will be charged after 12:45 p.m. Five dollars is charged for each ten-

minute increment you are overdue. Please give your child's teacher or the director the late

payment at the time you are late. If you are unable to pay on the day you are late, please make

payment on the following school day. All unpaid late fees are noted on your account. The

object of our late pick up policy is not to collect money but to discourage late pickups.

• The Columbarium niche area is not to be entered during arrival or dismissal. The Columbarium

is a place of reverence.

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Thank you for your support and prayers!!

PRESBYTERIAN WEEKDAY SCHOOL

A Mission of Ministry of First Presbyterian Church

1621 East Garrison Boulevard Gastonia, North Carolina 28054

704.864.2651, ext. 111; 704.864.5956 (fax)

pws@fpcgastonia.org