DISCRIPTION OF TRUE VINE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY SCHOOL

True Vine Christian Academy School is a learning place. It is a place to experience oneself in relationship to God, to others, and to the environment through planned, guided activities. The School is a place of caring, a place where the individual is accepted and valued as a unique creation of God. It is a place of wonder that provides the opportunity to question, to explore, to succeed, to celebrate in God's world.

MISSION STATEMENT

True Vine Christian Academy School mission is to be obedient to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by providing Christ-centered educational programs for the purpose of evangelism, spiritual growth and global change by teaching Christian values to young people today so that they will influence the world tomorrow.

NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY

True Vine Christian Academy School admits children of any race, color, and national ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities offered to children at the school. It does not discriminate based on race, color, national, and/or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies and other school administered programs. The administration, however, reserves the right to dismiss or refuse admission to anyone unwilling to comply with the school's regulations or behavioral standards.

OUR PHILOSOPHY OF BELIEF

True Vine Christian Academy School philosophy of belief is based on Proverbs 22:6 that states: "Train up a child in the way that he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

SIX REASONS WHY PARENTS SHOULD PROVIDE THEIR CHILD WITH A CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

1.      All of a child's education should be Bible-centered and God-centered. "Parents, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). I'm saddened when Christian parents tell me of the frustration and stress their children experience in secular schools, but I also wonder if parents aren't doing exactly what Ephesians 6:4 says not to do: putting their children, day after day, in situations that "exasperate" them, that "provoke them to anger," or to sorrow or frustration. Training that is not "of the Lord" will do that: the contrast in the verse ("do not exasperate...instead bring them up in the training of the Lord") tells us we should expect "exasperated" children from secular education.

2. Education should be positive and truthful. Sometimes parents think that a secular environment will "strengthen" their children by forcing them to stand up for their own beliefs. But God's Word does not endorse that viewpoint. It does not say, "give a child twelve years of training in the way he should not go, and he will be made strong by it." Instead, God tells us, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it" (Proverbs 22:6). I know of no verse of Scripture that tells me that secular training will "strengthen" Christian children. It may callous them so they view sin as more "normal." It may harden them so they care more about the things of the world and less about God. It may desensitize them so they are more comfortable living in the midst of repeated sin against their Lord. But it will not strengthen them as Christian men and women: "Train a child in the way he should go."

3. Peer influence should be positive and Christ-like. Parents sometimes think it helps or strengthens their children to spend much time with children who have different moral standards and goals for life. But God's Word disagrees and reminds us that children will tend to become more and more like their frequent companions. "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffer harm" (Proverbs 13:20). "Do not be deceived, ? Bad company ruins good morals'" (I Corinthians 15:13). This year we've seen the results of good peer influence in our boys' lives. They've picked up from friends at our Christian Academy School a deeper concern for prayer, for purity of speech, for missions, for kindness of others, for respect for authority, etc. And in general they're happier! They love their school. Their education is the kind God wants it to be-and even very young children sense that, although they can't explain it.

4. Every teacher's pattern of life should be worthy of imitation. Children are great imitators. A teacher they like will have a tremendous impact not only on studies, but also on attitudes toward all aspects of life. Jesus knew that, for He said, "Every one when he is fully taught will be like his teacher" (Luke 6:40).

5. Only God-centered education gives true wisdom. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 111:10). "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 9:10). "In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). This is the reason our secular educational systems have strayed from the truth. Isn't it foolish to think we can get a true perspective on God's creation from a system that begins by excluding His words? Here is the issue: Do you really think the Bible works in the real world? Does it give crucial guidance in modern life? If not-if we quietly assume the Bible is mainly intended for use inside Sunday school classes-then secular education will be our natural choice. But if we do think the Bible guides us in all areas of life, then we'll give our children education that applies Scripture to every area of training for life.

6. Christian Academy School is the best hope for transforming society. Jesus tells us, "You are the salt of the earth...you are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:13,14). Society is to be influenced and guided by Christians! But why aren't we doing this more today? I think the largest reason is our meek acceptance of secular education all the way from kindergarten to the university Ph.D. School is where we learn to think. It's where we learn how to work and relate to others and influence the world. But if that whole process excludes God's own viewpoint in Scripture for 12 years, our Christian witness grows accustomed to being mute, and it remains uneducated, never growing beyond the "Sunday School" level. Our lamp is "put under a bushel," and salt loses its saltiness and is "no longer good for anything" (Matthew 5:13,15). Christian parents sometimes say they want their children to "be salt and light" in secular schools. But how much salt and light can untrained, silent Christians be? Must we not rather train our children in Christian Academy School Schools that they may become salty and brilliant lights to transform a society wandering in darkness? I suspect that the verses here may convince you (as they convinced me) that Scripture directs you to put your children in a Christian Academy School. I assure you, if you do so you will see God's blessing on your children and you're whole family. For all eternity, you will not regret making this decision.

STATEMENT OF FAITH

True Vine Christian Academy School subscribes to these statements of faith:

1. We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative, inerrant Word of God (2 Timothy 3:15; 2 Peter 1:21)

2. We believe there is only one God, eternally existent in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:1; Matthew 28:19; John 10:30).

3. We believe in the deity of Christ (John 10:33), His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:34; Luke 1:35), His sinless life (Hebrews 4:15; 7:26), His miracles (John 2:11), His vicarious and atoning death (1 Corinthians 15:3; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 2:9), His resurrection (John 11:25; 1 Corinthians 15:4), His ascension to the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19), and His personal return in power and glory (Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11).

4. We believe in the absolute necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit for salvation because of the exceeding sinfulness of human nature and that men are justified on the single ground of faith in the shed blood of Christ and that only by God's grace and through faith alone we are saved (John 3:16-19, 5:24; Romans 3:23, 5:8-9; Ephesians 2:9-10; Titus 3:5).

5. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost. They that are saved unto the resurrection of life, and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation (John 5:28-29).

6. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Galatians 3:26-28).

7. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life (Romans 8:13-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19-20; Ephesians 4:30, 5:18).

SCHOOL ADMISSION POLICY

Authorization for admission to True Vine Christian Academy School is made by both the Director of TVCA and Pastor of True Vine Christian Center Church, when each child is determined to be:

1. From three through five years of age and TOILET trained. Recently toilet-trained children must wear pull-ups.

2. Ready for the type of group experience that the school will offer.

3. Socially, emotionally, and physically mature.

4. Able to benefit from the program.

5. If the classes are filled when a parent calls, the parent may request an application for the waiting list to fill vacancies as they occur. As vacancies occur during the year, they will be filled from the waiting list.

NOTE: If, after a 6 month period, the classroom teacher determines that the child who is 3 yrs old or older is not completely toilet trained, the parent will be asked to remove their child from the school until toilet training is complete. The child's application will return to its original spot on the waiting list for enrollment at a later date.

GENERAL SCHOOL RULES

There will be NO:

-           glass containers

-          expensive jewelry or sunglasses

-           knives or "weapons" of any kind, including toy guns

-          electronic devices (ie. Ipod, gameboy, cellphones, cameras, etc.)

PROGRAM

We are staffed by qualified and experienced teachers who are dedicated to helping parents in training their children in a warm Christian environment. The school program includes experiences, which provide growth in the following areas:

1. Intellectual - by encouraging an enthusiasm for learning through discovery, exploration, creativity, and first-hand activities.

2. Physical - by providing experiences that develop large and small muscle coordination and motor skills.

3. Social - by encouraging sharing and consideration of others, participation in group activities and developing a feeling of security and belonging.

4. Spiritual - by daily Bible teaching, stories, and songs, and by exposure to the knowledge of our Creator and His Work through a daily Bible Time.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

1. Teach the Bible as the inspired word of God.

2. Build self-esteem in each child by teaching each child that God loves and cares for them.

3. Reach out to the child's family and share Christ's love for them.

4. Help make the child aware of the world around them.

5. Help the children to develop good manners.

6. Help the children learn how to share and care about others.

7. Provide a loving warm environment for all children that they may:

-           develop self-expression through music and crafts.

-          develop self-control.

-          develop interest and joy in learning.

-          develop responsibility and resourcefulness.

-           become comfortable in a group setting where they both learn to be quiet and listen to the teacher or participate in fun and noisy activities.

8. Some areas of learning:

language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (name and address)

 gross motor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (jump, bounce ball)

visual motor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(cut on lines, shapes)

visual perception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(design/matching)

auditory perception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (same, different)

auditory memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(shapes, sizes, color,

sequence)

VISITING THE CLASSROOM AND OBSERVING YOUR CHILD

-          We encourage and invite parents to view their child in the classroom setting by television monitor.

We prefer this is arranged ahead of time so we will not interrupt the flow of instruction for other students.

-          You may speak with the teacher concerning your child after class time.

-          Conferences may be requested for children that require special accommodations.

We do request that parents stop in the office and sign in first.  We must KNOW who is in the building at all times for security reasons. Please make your presence known whenever you are in the building.

SCHOOL ADJUSTMENT. It is normal for your child to have some fears and misgivings about being away from you. All children, like adults, need time to get used to new situations and people.

                                                          Expectations and Recommendations

1. Prepare them ahead of time by discussing these changes as far in advance as possible. Talk about some of the new people and new things your child will do.

a.        Discuss any concerns of your child.

b.       Present the new experience in POSITIVE TERMS!

2. The first day:

a.        It is natural for the child to be hesitant, especially if it is the first time the child has been separated from you.

b.       A cheerful goodbye kiss from you, a smile, and a reassuring word that you will be back after work is all that you need do. THEN LEAVE!

c.        Our caring staff will take it from there.

d.       PLEASE DO NOT SNEAK OUT when your child is not looking!

e.        Usually, the child settles down shortly after the parent leaves, and gets involved with the other children and the program that is geared to their age and interests.

f.        Feel free to CALL the School Office when you arrive at work and see how your child is doing. The chances are high that your child will be busy playing and you can relax and concentrate on your job.

3. Temporary problems may occur, depending on the child's age.

a.       Some children will "act-out" their feelings by:

-          clinging to you and refusing to let go.

-          having tantrums.

-          forgetting their toilet training.

-          not eating.

-          waking up at night or having bad dreams.

-          thumb sucking.

-          bedwetting

-          expressing desire to stay home.

SIGN IN/OUT PROCEDURES

PARENTS MUST SIGN-IN/OUT ALL THE TIME!!!

SIGN IN \RELEASE OF YOUR CHILD

For your child's protection, the following guidelines have been adopted:

ARRIVAL TIME                                                  SIGN IN AREA

6:00AM-8:00AM                                        LATCHKEY ROOM/AUDITORIUM

                                                         (ENTER THROUGH AUDITORIUM DOOR)

8:00-8:30AM                                              NO SIGN IN. CHILDREN GO

STRAIGHT TO CLASS                            

AFTER 8:30AM                                         FRONT OFFICE/SIGN IN

When your child is tardy, we request that parents stop in the office and

Sign them in first, THEN escort them to their classroom before leaving the building.

DEPARTURES                                                     SIGN OUT AREA

BEFORE 3:30PM                             FRONT OFFICE (MUST NOTIFY OFFICE OF EARLY DEPARTURES AHEAD OF TIME)

When picking up children before the school day is over (3:30pm), we do request that parents stop in the office and sign them out first.  

3:30PM-4:00PM                               NO SIGN OUT

4:00PM-6:00PM                               LATCHKEY AREA/AUDITORIUM                                                                                                                                (ENTER THROUGH AUDITORIUM DOOR)

* Students may only be picked up by authorized adults 18 years or older. It is the custodial parent's responsibility to keep the school informed of the legal status of guardianship of students.

True Vine Christian Academy School will:

·          Not accept the responsibility of deciding which parent has legal custody where there is no court document.

·          Accept the information given by the enrolling parent unless we are presented with a court document from the custodial parent that shows otherwise.

·          Not subvert the law or enter into a dispute between the parents of a child.

·          Students will only be released to authorize persons listed on the student's emergency card and/or application. The authorized person must be 18 years of age, must present picture identification and know student ID number.

·          No student is to be released without specific permission from a parent or guardian. We MUST have authorization in WRITING! If an emergency situation occurs, the parent/guardian must contact the School Office giving verbal authorization for release of the child to an alternate person. The parent/guardian will be asked to provide the name and description of the person authorized to pick up the student. Unless the school office personnel can identify the caller without question, the parent/guardian will be asked to give their Social Security number.

TVCAS DRESS CODE

The purpose of the dress code is to help instill orderliness, respect and a good self-image in our children. It is an intrinsic part of education since knowledge without discipline and self respect is empty. Our life goal should be to glorify God, even in dress (I Peter 3:3-4). We must be sold out to promote Jesus and not ourselves through sloppiness; nor should we cause undue attention to come to ourselves through immodesty or overemphasis of clothes, makeup or jewelry. The chart below illustrates the difference between the world's dress philosophy and the Christian's dress philosophy:

The code is in effect for all school functions or where students are representing the school in public.  Dark glasses or hats (ladies and gentlemen) are not to be worn in the buildings. Student possessions such as lunch pails, folders, etc. should not promote worldly or inappropriate sexual violent or negative themes, persons, or messages. Students/Parents are encouraged to clear all questionable items before they are brought to school. This will help us avoid many problems.

·         CLEAN UNIFORMS SHOULD BE WORN AT ALL TIMES.  SHIRTS MUST BE PURCHASED THROUGH THE TRUE VINE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY SCHOOL OFFICE.

·         Since children engage in play and a variety of art activities, your child's clothing may be soiled frequently. Although we will offer smocks, at times accidents do happen; therefore, you may bring an old t-shirt for art.

·         Plaid dresses are to be worn every Wednesday.

·         Your child may wear shorts, skirts, or slacks, dresses (must be the uniform).

·         A sweater or coat should be provided for a change in the weather.  Children cannot wear pullover hoodies!  The School is not responsible for replacing damaged clothing.

·         To the extent possible, children are expected to take care of their own bathroom needs, so their clothing should encourage independence. Simple clothing that is free from complicated fasteners is recommended.

·         Shoes are to be worn at all times, except for naptime. Thongs, open-toed and open-back shoes, CROCS, jellies, plastic shoes, and sandals are NOT permitted. For safety reasons, closed shoes and socks must be worn at school. Shoes with soft soles provide good traction.

·          Underwear or pull-ups must be worn at all times (bring and leave a month's supply of pull-ups). This rule applies to K3 students only!

·          All Pre-K students must bring a change of clothes marked with first and last name on it. A "Ziploc" bag with the child's name on it is convenient for storage. Please see that the clothes change as the seasons change. PLEASE PUT FIRST AND LAST NAMES ON COAT, SWEATERS, AND/OR EXTRA CLOTHES. Soiled clothes must be taken home and replaced with a fresh set the next day.

·         For safety reasons it is not recommended that girls wear earrings that have large hoops or dangle from the ear lobe for their protection during active play.

·         Boys may not wear earrings.

·         Boys may not have their hair braided

·         No child may wear a Tattoo

ABSENCES/ FEES

Because staff salaries and expenses continue even if your child is absent, full fees are to be paid. If your child is sick and will be absent for the day, dropped off late, or picked up early, please telephone the office by 9:00 a.m. A phone call letting us know will help the teachers and the administration office in planning for the day.

TARDIES

If your child will be late, please notify the office. A call must be received by 9:00 a.m.  Four tardies equal to one absence.  

SHOW AND TELL

Teachers will assign which day students in their classroom will be able to bring show and tell items. They should be interesting and educational. Please bring them in a closed bag with the child's name on it. Do not send fragile items, violent toys, weapons, or scary creatures.

TOYS

1. In order to prevent disappointment in children with a broken or lost toy, we prefer that they use the toys that we provide.

2. Please leave all toys at home with the exception of a soft toy for naptime. Please be sure to label it with your child's name.

PROPERTY RULES/LOST ARTICLES

1. True Vine Christian Academy School and/or True Vine Christian Center Church will not replace lost/stolen articles or make reimbursement for lost/stolen articles.

2. Students and their parents are responsible for damaged property, (personal, school or church) whether damage was willful or accidental. The teacher and/or the administrator will inform the parent of the incident. However, the Director will determine the cost.

3. In spite of all the care we take, clothing will occasionally get lost or taken home by another child. Please check to make sure that what is taken home indeed belongs to your child. If something is missing, please check the "Lost & Found". Lost and found items will be cleaned out periodically and donated to a charitable organization. In order to prevent missing articles, please label EVERYTHING!

FIRE DRILLS

1. Emergency drills are held periodically to acquaint your child with evacuation procedures. This may make quite an impression on your child the first time a fire drill is held, but your child will soon become accustomed to it and know just what to do.

2. The school is equipped with a fire alarm system and fire extinguishers. We train all our employees on procedures and practice regularly.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSURE OR DISMISSAL

An emergency could occur that would warrant an emergency school closure (outside of regular school hours) or dismissal (during regular School hours). Every effort will be made to notify parents by use of the telephone and/or the EMERGENCY BROADCAST SYSTEM (EBS) A news bulletin will be broadcast on the following media stations: television Channels: 2, 4, and 5. Students will be released to parents and/or adults listed on the emergency cards only!

REST TIME

A time for rest (during which each child K3-K5 will rest on a cot and/or mat) will be a part of each day from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Your child will need a blanket or large towel and a small pillow with his/her name on them. Please put pillows in a pillowcase that has his/her name on it, too. This will be left here all week and you are to take it home on Friday (Thursday for MDO children).

LUNCH

Since True Vine Christian Academy School does not offer a lunch program, children should bring their lunch. Please send all lunches in a container that preserves the food's warmth or coolness. A cold breakfast will be served between the hour of 7am and 8am. In the unfortunate event that a parent should forget to provide their child a lunch, cold lunch food will be available for a charge of $3.50 per lunch. Parents who desire a hot lunch for their child should prepare it at home.  Any meals that contain uncooked pasta please prepare at home and it will be reheated. 

It is our practice at True Vine Christian Academy School to encourage the children to eat the main portion of their lunch first in order to help establish healthy eating habits. If a child is not interested in the lunch, we cut the portion in half hoping that the smaller portion will be more appetizing. If this still does not encourage the child to try the main course, we try to have them at least take a "no thank you" bite, which is only one bite to try the item.

SNACKS

Snack time is in the afternoon (times vary according to teacher/class).  Parents, please pack a snack for your child, snacks are NOT provided for K5-8^th grade students unless they are participating in the latchkey ministry. 

FOOD ALLERGIES

If your child has any allergies, PLEASE bring this to the teacher's attention.  It will be recorded in your child's file.

BIRTHDAYS

If your child has a birthday during the school year, you may request the use of TVCA's facility.  If you bring any items other than cupcakes, then a 25.00 deposit will be required unless the parent is present and serves. Please notify your child's teacher and/or a school administrator in advance of the date.

DISCIPLINE

Romans 13:1-2, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

One of the primary goals of True Vine Christian Academy School is to help young children learn to live and grow in relationship with God and others. Skills such as sharing, taking turns, and cooperation with teachers and classmates are important for a successful educational future. We believe in discipline that is firm, yet loving. We offer appropriate choices to the children to help them develop in positive decision-making. The children will receive positive reinforcement for favorable behavior, as well as redirection for unfavorable behavior.

LIMITATIONS ARE CLEARLY DEFINED AND CONSISTENTLY MAINTAINED

·         Children may not hurt or endanger themselves.

·         Children may not hurt or endanger others.

·         Children may not destroy property.

·         Our objective relative to discipline is to help your child learn both self-control and expression of feelings in socially acceptable ways. Children will receive a warning for unfavorable behavior and/or be redirected to another activity. If the child chooses not to follow the rules of the school or the teachers' directions, the following disciplinary actions may be taken:

1. Time-Outs: Time-out is a time by themselves, away from the other children and the activity at that time. Time-outs last for approximately 3 - 12 minutes, depending on the age of the child.

This time-out is not a punishment, but rather a time when the child may calm down, remember what behavior the teacher is asking for, and decide for him/herself when he/she is ready to rejoin the group with appropriate behavior.

2. Sent to the Office: If attempts to handle discipline situations within the classroom are not effective, the child will be sent to the office to discuss the problem with the Branch Administrator.

3. Disciplinary Reports & Parent/Teacher Conferences For Older children:

If the behavioral problem is still taking place after the child has had three time-outs, a Disciplinary Report will go home requesting a parent/teacher conference. This will be a time to discuss what has been happening and how you, the parent, and the teacher can work together to resolve the problem. In all disciplinary actions you will receive a note or will be approached by the teacher to keep you informed of your child's learning. It is very important that we at True Vine Christian Academy School work with you, the parent, in order to maintain stability and security in your child's learning. We believe that many behavioral problems can be resolved with prayer and cooperation between parent and teacher. Continuation in school shall be determined by periodic reviews and parent conferences with the Head Master and the teaching staff. The best interests of the child and the School group, however, shall be the final determining factors in continued enrollment. Parents are encouraged to share their questions and concerns and seek the advice and counsel of the School staff.

SUSPENSION

In some situations, the Headmaster and Director may require a 1-3 day suspension at home before returning to School (Note: No tuition refunds are given for this time period.) After every reasonable effort has been made to discipline the child, and the child does not comply with our standards, the parent will be asked to withdraw the child from True Vine Christian Academy School.

The Director and Headmaster of True Vine Christian Academy School reserve the right to terminate any child from True Vine Christian Academy School for any reason.

FEES/TUITION

·         Registration Fee is $50.00 per child per school year. (Non-refundable)

·         School/Activity Fee is $100.00 per child per school year. (Non-refundable)

·         Tuition payments includes before/aftercare till 5:00pm

·         No credits for vacation, sick, or withdrawal will be given.

·         Fees are payable to True Vine Christian Center and place in the payment box upon arrival at each branch on the first day of each month.

·         Payments can also be mailed directly to 2241 Country Road, Shiloh, IL 62221. The entire month's fees are due at that time.

·         If payments are not received within 3 days of your billing date, then a late fee of $40.00 will be added to your invoice, and $5.00 for each additional day thereafter. (including weekends/holidays)

·         Payments can be made at the church office, if the school office is closed, in order to avoid the late fee.

·         If payment has not been received before the 15^th day of the month, your child will not be admitted until all unsettled accounts become current.

·         If there is a waiting list, failure to pay your monthly tuition automatically forfeits your child's place in that particular class.

·         A $40.00 fee will be added for the first two returned checks. Charges thereafter will be on cash basis only. If checks are returned past the payment due date, a late fee will apply as well.

·         ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE!

MILITARY FAMILIES ONLY

If you pay your child's tuition in full (preschool $2970.00 and grade school $2700.00) and you receive orders to relocate 70% of the tuition will be refunded (one month before the departure date). However, we must be able to verify the order.

BEFORE & AFTER CARE

School hours are 8:30-3:30pm. Any time before 8:30 am and after 3:30pm will be considered before and after school care. (Latchkey) There will be a $5.00 charge per day for students left after 5:00pm.

BOOKS/SCHOOL FEES

There will be book charges for the ABEKA School students. The fee should range from $50.00 to $300.00 per school year. A payment slip will be distributed occasionally. In addition, there is a School/ activity fee of $100.00 per student per year. This fee includes; test materials/scoring, textbook rentals, transportation etc.   Fees are non-refundable!

DROP IN

TVCAS does offer a drop-in service at an additional charge. However, if space is available and TVCAS is open on a regular school day there will be no extra charge for full time school students.

ILLNESS & MEDICAL CARE

The health and well being of your child is of primary importance to this program. No child who arrives noticeably ill, with a rash, or fever shall be admitted for that day. Please do not send your child to school if he or she has an illness of any nature. If the child has a contagious disease, please call the School Office (618-257-8783) so other parents may be notified.

Please check your child each morning BEFORE coming to School. If you suspect your child is ill, or if any one of the following symptoms is present, PLEASE DO NOT BRING your child to school.

·          Headache

·          Nausea, or has vomited within 24 hours

·          Listless, drowsy, unusually tearful

·          Runny nose with a green or yellow discharge

·          Frequent cough or cough that produces green or yellow sputum

·         Sore throat, red throat, enlarged tonsils, or difficulty swallowing

·          Diarrhea or gray/white stool

·          Fever within 24 hours. NEVER send your child to School if he/she has a temperature in the morning, even if you have given the child Tylenol or fever reducer. This only masks the condition temporarily.

·         Difficulty breathing or catching breathe

·          Red, inflamed eyes; yellow or green drainage from eyes; sores on eyelids

·          Unusual rash or spots on skin.

·          Unusual discharge from vagina, penis, or rectum

·          Unusually dark, tea-colored urine

·          Open, draining wounds

·          Head lice

Please keep your child home for 24 hours after these symptoms have disappeared. Frequently young children appear well in the morning, with symptoms reappearing in the afternoon or evening when the child is tired. If your child is still ill, he/she is susceptible to a new virus. It is also helpful to encourage your child to wash his/her hands frequently, especially when he/she is sick, as he/she can re-infect himself or others.

Thank you for your cooperation. The health of our School students depends on you!

IF YOUR CHILD(REN) BECOMES ILL WHILE AT SCHOOL

The parent (or other individual authorized on the Emergency Card) will be notified to pick the child up to take home.

The School has the responsibility for seeing that children with obvious symptoms of illness, including the common cold, do not infect others. In the event a child contracts a communicable disease and exposes the other children, notice of such exposure will be posted on the classroom door.

Parents, or authorized representative, MUST pick up the child within ONE (1) hour of notification. It is routine policy to require parents to pick up their child when their temperature reaches/exceeds 100, the child is vomiting, has diarrhea, and/or is unable to function normally at School.

Please report all contagious illnesses (e.g. chicken pox, strep throat.) to the School office. The School should know about anything-contagious going around.

The child must not return to school until:

·          Fever has been broken for 24 hours.

·          Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea has subsided for 24 hours.

·          24-hour period has passed since the start of a medication prescribed for a contagious illness.

·          The child is feeling well again and normal behavior has returned.

·          Family doctor has released child from his care.

If your child has a chronic illness, medical problem, and/or allergies, please provides the school with additional information as to the emergency medical protocol in case there is an incident (ie. Asthma attack, allergic reaction).

MEDICATIONS

Only medication, including "over the counter" medication that is prescribed or ordered by a physician can be administered at School. All medications must be in the original container and correctly prescribed for the indicated student only. All medications will be stored in a secure location and are NOT to be kept with the student (e.g. in lunch box, backpack, etc.) A Medication Release Form must be completed for each medication. Medication that will be administered longer than two weeks requires a physician's signature on the Medication Release Form.

INJURY

An Incident/Accident Report will be completed for each accident, which occurs at the School. The report will be made as soon as possible following the accident. The original report will be sent home with the parent and a copy will be retained in the child's file.

1. The School will give appropriate first aid to an injured child to include minor cuts and bruises.

2. A parent or guardian will be contacted, if it is the judgment of the School staff that immediate medical attention is necessary.

3. If it is further the judgment of the School staff that the injury is of an emergency nature, paramedics will be called to the School and the parents contacted.

4. Emergency Medical Care Form is REQUIRED at registration.

GENERAL CLEANLINESS

Children are encouraged and helped to keep themselves clean. Children are supervised in toileting and washing hands. They receive age-appropriate training in personal hygiene to include proper hand washing methods, time to wash hands, and proper toileting procedure. Electric hand dryers are in located each restroom.

INSURANCE

True Vine Christian Academy School is not liable for any injuries and/or accidents cause by children not following instruction from the staff of the academy or any illnesses that occur to your child because of common childhood maladies.

MEDIATION/ARBITRATION AGREEMENT

In the event of a dispute, the following applies to all parents, teachers, and students of TVCAS. The parties agree to make every effort to live at peace and to resolve disputes with each other in private or within the Christian community in conformity with the biblical injunctions of

I Corinthians 6:1-8, Matthew 5:23-34, and Matthew 18:15-20.

Therefore, the parties agree that any claim or dispute arising out of, or related to, this agreement or to any aspect of the school relationship, including statutory claims, shall be settled by biblically based mediation.

SCHOOL PICTURES

We will contract a local professional photographer to take pictures twice during the School year. Pictures are usually done in the fall and the spring. The purchase of pictures is optional.

FIELD TRIPS

Occasionally, in addition to our regular programs and activities, field trips and special activities will be planned. We encourage parents to go with the group when possible, to assist in keeping the group safely together. 

COMMUNICATIONS WITH PARENTS

Methods of communicating information, advice, suggestions, etc. between parents and staff are available in various forms. Daily reports are completed for each child and are located in the classroom, or sent home.   News of closure or special events will be posted in the main office, front bulletin board and classroom doors.  Notices, the sign in/out sheet in the latchkey area, and on the latchkey door will also leave notes and other forms of literature.