Stonecreek Academy is a ministry of the Stonecreek Christian Church located in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. As a requirement of enrollment and participation, families are mandated to register a Private School Affidavit with the State of California each October 1st, following the State timeline of every school year. The link can be accessed through https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ps/psainstructions.asp . Staff can assist in this filing process at any time.
Educational Philosophy
Our educational philosophy is built upon a biblical worldview, growing in spiritual character development led by the Holy Spirit, researched- based curriculum, and developing students’ critical thinking skills.
Absences
A parent must call to report a student absent. For your convenience, the parent may phone the 24-hour Call-in-Sick Line at (949) 393-1975. For safety reasons, we confirm each absence every day. It helps our office staff when parents call in an absence for their child.
Late arriving students should always come to the office with a parent to sign in and get a tardy slip or a tardy excuse before going to class. Early leaving students should always wait for their parent to sign them out at the office before leaving campus at any time during the school day.
Student Behavior
At Stonecreek Academy our staff provides a comprehensive, balanced, Biblical program, which promotes high scholastic achievement and Christian worldview for all students. Emphasis is placed on student-centered learning activities that allow students to apply skills in Biblical study, English language arts, social science, science and mathematics to real-life scenarios. Our teachers incorporate Biblical education, problem-solving opportunities and higher level thinking skills into lessons across the curriculum.
Our academy is proud of its students and their behavior. High standards are set both academically and behaviorally. Students and teachers follow clear standards of behavior through a school-wide discipline/behavior plan. The following plan is designed to create a positive, purposeful learning environment that encourages all students to behave in such a manner that they will be a credit to God, themselves, their parents, and Stonecreek Academy.
Pledges
Each morning to begin our day, students at Stonecreek Academy ready their minds for learning and devoting themselves to God. We welcome all family members to our morning convocation.
Pledge to the American Flag: I pledge allegiance to the flag or the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands on, One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
General Policy
The staff has high expectations for student behavior. The teachers know what specific behaviors they need each student to engage in to provide an appropriate learning atmosphere. Students are informed about these behaviors. Disruptive behavior is not tolerated for any reason. Not all the rules are listed in this guide; however, the rules parents can best help to reinforce are included. Parents are encouraged to go over these rules with their children. Most of the rules are a matter of common sense, safety and courtesy. Typical behaviors expected from students include:
Teachers also reinforce appropriate behavior through praise and other forms of positive recognition in the classroom. Recognition for good behavior and citizenship is given on a regular basis.
How to be Successful
All students are encouraged to adopt the following characteristics on how to be successful. Our motto for our students is to have JOY:
Students should use good common sense at all times. They should respect themselves and be proud of themselves and their accomplishments. They should strive for their personal best in whatever they do.
We want to help students be successful and we want to communicate effectively with parents regarding their child’s progress. We, the parents, teachers, administrators and community members are a team with a common goal. By working together we will watch our students become productive and successful members of society with a Christ-like heart and Christian worldview.
All students are expected to comply with the following behavioral expectations.
Educational Philosophy
Our educational philosophy is built upon a biblical worldview, growing in spiritual character development led by the Holy Spirit, researched- based curriculum, and developing students’ critical thinking skills.
- Biblical Worldview: Our students will stand firm in their faith as they are taught apologetics within the curriculum, in Bible study, daily convocations, and in weekly chapel messages. They will understand and know how to defend their beliefs with confidence, discernment and grace.
- Spiritual Character Development: Our students will learn that “the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23. This instruction is Holy Spirit led and reinforced for students to live during and outside of school. We pair that underlying truth with Positive Behavior Intervention Systems to teach students scholarly behaviors at school through the acronym JOY (Jesus, Others and You).
- Research - Driven Instruction: All of our teachers receive staff development and training in curriculum that is extensively researched to meet both biblical and academic standards that prepare students for God’s calling upon them.
- Critical Thinking: God has gifted each of us with the power to think for ourselves. We will challenge our children to think critically from a biblical and Christian worldview. “Train up a child in the way he should go and wen he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
Absences
A parent must call to report a student absent. For your convenience, the parent may phone the 24-hour Call-in-Sick Line at (949) 393-1975. For safety reasons, we confirm each absence every day. It helps our office staff when parents call in an absence for their child.
Late arriving students should always come to the office with a parent to sign in and get a tardy slip or a tardy excuse before going to class. Early leaving students should always wait for their parent to sign them out at the office before leaving campus at any time during the school day.
Student Behavior
At Stonecreek Academy our staff provides a comprehensive, balanced, Biblical program, which promotes high scholastic achievement and Christian worldview for all students. Emphasis is placed on student-centered learning activities that allow students to apply skills in Biblical study, English language arts, social science, science and mathematics to real-life scenarios. Our teachers incorporate Biblical education, problem-solving opportunities and higher level thinking skills into lessons across the curriculum.
Our academy is proud of its students and their behavior. High standards are set both academically and behaviorally. Students and teachers follow clear standards of behavior through a school-wide discipline/behavior plan. The following plan is designed to create a positive, purposeful learning environment that encourages all students to behave in such a manner that they will be a credit to God, themselves, their parents, and Stonecreek Academy.
Pledges
Each morning to begin our day, students at Stonecreek Academy ready their minds for learning and devoting themselves to God. We welcome all family members to our morning convocation.
Pledge to the American Flag: I pledge allegiance to the flag or the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands on, One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
General Policy
The staff has high expectations for student behavior. The teachers know what specific behaviors they need each student to engage in to provide an appropriate learning atmosphere. Students are informed about these behaviors. Disruptive behavior is not tolerated for any reason. Not all the rules are listed in this guide; however, the rules parents can best help to reinforce are included. Parents are encouraged to go over these rules with their children. Most of the rules are a matter of common sense, safety and courtesy. Typical behaviors expected from students include:
- Respectful and appropriate language
- Respect toward adults and peers
- Proper use of classroom, lunchroom, theater room and restroom facilities
- Obedience to the directions of teachers and supervisor
- Avoidance of behaviors harmful to other individuals or property
- Preparation of school work and completion of assignments.
Teachers also reinforce appropriate behavior through praise and other forms of positive recognition in the classroom. Recognition for good behavior and citizenship is given on a regular basis.
How to be Successful
All students are encouraged to adopt the following characteristics on how to be successful. Our motto for our students is to have JOY:
- Jesus - centered thinking (How do my actions show my heart for Jesus toward others?)
- Others – treating others as I want to be treated
- You – doing your personal best in all environments
Students should use good common sense at all times. They should respect themselves and be proud of themselves and their accomplishments. They should strive for their personal best in whatever they do.
We want to help students be successful and we want to communicate effectively with parents regarding their child’s progress. We, the parents, teachers, administrators and community members are a team with a common goal. By working together we will watch our students become productive and successful members of society with a Christ-like heart and Christian worldview.
All students are expected to comply with the following behavioral expectations.
- Students will be at school and class on time.
- Students should arrive no more than 15 minutes prior to the opening of school and wait for their teacher in the theater room.
- Students will be responsible for their own behavior.
- Students will be polite and respectful of others.
- Students will not interfere with anyone’s game or activity.
- Students will not exclude others from games.
- Students will follow teacher/supervisor directions the first time.
- Students will be respectful of adults at all times.
- Students will be neat and orderly in the lunch area.
- Students will keep their hands/feet to themselves.
- Students will use appropriate language at school
- Students will not hit, tease, bully or fight with any other student
2022-23 Parent handbook
30161-B Avenida de las Banderas
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 393-1975
Office Hours: 7:45 – 3:00 P.M.
Executive Pastor: John Beeman
Pastor of Education: Jill Brennan
Letter from Head of Academy
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to Stonecreek Academy! We are delighted to start the 2022-2023 school year with all of our new students and families. After experiencing significant changes during the past few years, we approach this school year embracing those changes with great enthusiasm and anticipation! The entire staff is very excited to work with you and your child(ren) to build positive traditions that will benefit our community of learners far into the future to the glory of God.
We are committed to providing our students with the best possible biblically based education in a safe, secure and nurturing environment so that each child can achieve at his or her maximum potential for the kingdom of God. We recognize that every child is unique and has his or her own special talents and strengths. The staff look forward to developing those strengths while we challenge each child to do his or her best through a Christian world view.
Please review the information in this handbook with your child and keep it handy for the school year. Again, we welcome you to our academy and we look forward to working with you during the school year.
Grace and Peace,
Jill Brennan
Head of Academy and Education Pastor
Welcome to Stonecreek Academy! We are delighted to start the 2022-2023 school year with all of our new students and families. After experiencing significant changes during the past few years, we approach this school year embracing those changes with great enthusiasm and anticipation! The entire staff is very excited to work with you and your child(ren) to build positive traditions that will benefit our community of learners far into the future to the glory of God.
We are committed to providing our students with the best possible biblically based education in a safe, secure and nurturing environment so that each child can achieve at his or her maximum potential for the kingdom of God. We recognize that every child is unique and has his or her own special talents and strengths. The staff look forward to developing those strengths while we challenge each child to do his or her best through a Christian world view.
Please review the information in this handbook with your child and keep it handy for the school year. Again, we welcome you to our academy and we look forward to working with you during the school year.
Grace and Peace,
Jill Brennan
Head of Academy and Education Pastor
Statement of Faith
The Holy Bible
We believe in the fully authoritative, verbal inspiration of the accepted canon of the Scriptures as originally given and that they are infallibly and uniquely authoritative and free from error of any sort in the matters with which they deal, including scientific and historical as well as moral and theological.
2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20 -21; 1 Corinthians 2:13
The Trinity
We believe in the eternal Godhead who has revealed Himself as one God existing in three persons: God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; distinguishable but indivisible. These are co-equal and co-eternal and the Creator of all things.
Isaiah 9:6, Genesis 1:26, Matthew 3:16- 17, Luke 1:35, II Corinthians 13:14, Hebrews 3:7-11, John 5:7
Creation and Fall
We believe in the full historicity and clarity of the Biblical record of primeval history, including the literal existence of Adam and Eve as the progenitors of all people, the literal fall and resultant divine curse on the creation, the worldwide cataclysmic deluge, and the origin of nations and languages at the tower of Babel.
Genesis 1 – 11
Virgin Birth
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, was buried, was resurrected, ascended into heaven and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father.
Matthew 1:18, 21 & 23;-25, Luke 1:27-35, Isaiah 7:14
Salvation
We believe in salvation and the remission of sins through the cross. We are saved by grace through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, His death, burial and resurrection. Salvation is a gift from God, not a result of our good works or of any human efforts.
Ephesians 2:8-9. Titus 3:5, Galatians 2:16, 3:8, Romans 10:9-10, Acts 16:31, Hebrews 9:22
Water Baptism
We believe in the necessity of water baptism, by immersion in the name of the Eternal Godhead in order to fulfill the command of Christ. Following faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the new convert is commanded by the Word of God to be baptized in water in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, 8:12, 36-38, 10:47-48, Romans 6:4, Matthew 3:13 – 17
Ministry of the Holy Spirit
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, who lives within and guides Christians so they area enabled to live godly lives.
John 14: 15-26, John 16: 5-16, Ephesians 1:13-14
Marriage and Family
We believe God’s design for sexual intimacy is to be expressed only within the context of marriage. God instituted marriage exclusively between one biological man and one biological woman as the foundation of the family and the basic structure of human society.
Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19: 5-6, Mark 10:6-9, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9
The Imminent Return of the Lord Jesus Christ
We believe in the personal imminent return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Acts 1:11, 1 Thess. 4:13-18
We believe in the fully authoritative, verbal inspiration of the accepted canon of the Scriptures as originally given and that they are infallibly and uniquely authoritative and free from error of any sort in the matters with which they deal, including scientific and historical as well as moral and theological.
2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20 -21; 1 Corinthians 2:13
The Trinity
We believe in the eternal Godhead who has revealed Himself as one God existing in three persons: God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; distinguishable but indivisible. These are co-equal and co-eternal and the Creator of all things.
Isaiah 9:6, Genesis 1:26, Matthew 3:16- 17, Luke 1:35, II Corinthians 13:14, Hebrews 3:7-11, John 5:7
Creation and Fall
We believe in the full historicity and clarity of the Biblical record of primeval history, including the literal existence of Adam and Eve as the progenitors of all people, the literal fall and resultant divine curse on the creation, the worldwide cataclysmic deluge, and the origin of nations and languages at the tower of Babel.
Genesis 1 – 11
Virgin Birth
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, was buried, was resurrected, ascended into heaven and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father.
Matthew 1:18, 21 & 23;-25, Luke 1:27-35, Isaiah 7:14
Salvation
We believe in salvation and the remission of sins through the cross. We are saved by grace through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, His death, burial and resurrection. Salvation is a gift from God, not a result of our good works or of any human efforts.
Ephesians 2:8-9. Titus 3:5, Galatians 2:16, 3:8, Romans 10:9-10, Acts 16:31, Hebrews 9:22
Water Baptism
We believe in the necessity of water baptism, by immersion in the name of the Eternal Godhead in order to fulfill the command of Christ. Following faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the new convert is commanded by the Word of God to be baptized in water in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, 8:12, 36-38, 10:47-48, Romans 6:4, Matthew 3:13 – 17
Ministry of the Holy Spirit
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, who lives within and guides Christians so they area enabled to live godly lives.
John 14: 15-26, John 16: 5-16, Ephesians 1:13-14
Marriage and Family
We believe God’s design for sexual intimacy is to be expressed only within the context of marriage. God instituted marriage exclusively between one biological man and one biological woman as the foundation of the family and the basic structure of human society.
Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19: 5-6, Mark 10:6-9, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9
The Imminent Return of the Lord Jesus Christ
We believe in the personal imminent return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Acts 1:11, 1 Thess. 4:13-18
Daily Schedules
Schedule for Transitional Kindergarten - Grade 8
8:30 a.m. – 1:30 pm Monday – Friday
FRIDAY FOLDERS
Every Friday, academy information and class work will be sent home with each child in a Friday Folder. Parents should look over everything in the folder, and return the empty folder to school with their child on Monday.
8:30 a.m. – 1:30 pm Monday – Friday
FRIDAY FOLDERS
Every Friday, academy information and class work will be sent home with each child in a Friday Folder. Parents should look over everything in the folder, and return the empty folder to school with their child on Monday.
Homeschool Hybrid
General Information
VIOLATION OF CLASSROOM RULES
For those students unable to follow classroom or school-wide rules, the following progressive discipline consequences shall be enforced by supervisors, teachers, and administrators:
*Teachers may refer students to the Head of Academy at any time, based on the seriousness of the violation.
VIOLATION OF THEATER ROOM RULES
1st Offense: Warning and reminder of appropriate behavior.
2nd Offense: Incident Report with teacher designated consequence will be sent home for parent signature and student may lose school privileges.
3rd Offense: Referral to Head of Academy via incident report – parent contact. Loss of academy privileges or being asked to leave the academy.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
The following infractions are of a serious nature and require an immediate major incident report, conference with administrator, parent contact, and assignment of appropriate consequences or being asked to leave the academy:
1. Overt defiance/disrespect
2. Physical aggression/fighting
3. Inappropriate language/gestures
4. Theft/cheating/lying
5. Vandalism/property damage
GENERAL MOTOR LAB/ THEATER ROOM RULES
ATTENDANCE
Please schedule appointments after school hours for your child in order to limit absences as much as possible. If it is necessary for your child to miss school for an extended period of time (5 days or more), please let the office know in advance so that the absence can be documented.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER
Inform the office of any changes in address or telephone number immediately. This information is vital in case of an emergency at school that involves the student.
WITHDRAWAL FROM ACADEMY
Should a child transfer or withdraw from Stonecreek Academy, please notify the office and return all supplies belonging to the academy. Stonecreek Academy will be happy to forward all cumulative file records to a new school when the student’s account is in current status, including all fees and tuition paid to date.
RE-ADMISSION
Readmission of an expelled student will be considered upon parent request to the Head of Academy. The Stonecreek Academy administration will have absolute determination for re-admittance to the Academy.
PERSONAL PROPERTY AND ELECTRONICS
If a student has a cellular phone it must remain turned off during school hours. They are to be used in essential or emergency situations only. If abused at school, the privilege to use them will be taken away. Electronic devices, toys, games, collectibles, etc. are not to be brought to school unless authorized by the classroom teacher, or other staff. Stonecreek Academy and Stonecreek Christian Church are on responsible for lost or stolen personal items of any kind.
CLASS INTERRUPTIONS
Teachers organize their day to make the fullest possible use of instructional time. Please do not make unscheduled visits to classrooms as this takes the teacher’s attention away from students. If your child forgot his or her homework or lunch please bring it to the office and we will see that your child receives it. Remember it is your child’s responsibility to bring these items to school each day as needed. If you must get a phone message to your child about changes in after school arrangement, call before 1:00 p.m. Last minute phone messages may not get to your child in time unless it is a true family emergency!!
COMMUNICATIONS
We encourage you to subscribe to Stonecreek Academy’s App on the App store through Google Play, iTunes, or Amazon. This will enable you to receive timely information regarding school news, events and programs via email. Teachers will receive assignments with feedback weekly and placed in Friday folders for parent review. This will constitute home/school communication regarding student progress. Please keep work samples as evidence of your child’s progress.
REPORTING PROGESS AND GRADES
Stonecreek Academy will issue report cards for all students on a quarterly basis in October, December, March and June. Please see the Stonecreek Academy calendar for specific dates.
DRESS CODE
Stonecreek Academy believes that appropriate dress and grooming contribute to a productive learning environment. Students have the right to make individual choices from a wide range of clothing and grooming styles, but they must not present a health or safety hazard or a distraction, which would interfere with the educational process. Any attire which reflects gang affiliation, intended or unintended, is prohibited. Clothing that displays inappropriate messages including, but not limited to, alcohol or tobacco products, obscene symbols, signs, slogans or words degrading anyone may not be worn. Closed toed shoes must be worn at all times for student safety.
Students may not wear any clothing/apparel which is disruptive, including but not limited to: baggy or sagging pants, bare midriffs, halter tops, backless shirts, spaghetti straps, short shorts, makeup, tight or revealing clothing or clothing which allows underwear to be exposed. No movie, video game or TV characters may be displayed on clothing. Hair color must be a natural color. Foot apparel must be worn at all times and all shoes must have a back strap for safety reasons.
Hats may not be worn to school except when special permission is granted by the administration or teacher for dress up days and/or other specified school events. If you would like your child to wear a hat for protection from the sun or any other health related issue, please contact the head of academy.
Girls may wear earrings that are one per ear; no hoops are dangles will be allowed for safety reasons.
Dress code violations: Our clothing and dress help demonstrate that we are all valuable children of God who are ready, able and willing to learn. Students who come to school out of dress code will be issued a minor incident report for communication with parents and will be asked to leave campus to obtain clothing that adheres to the dress code policy listed above. If a third incident report is issued to a student, a parent conference will be scheduled with the Head of Academy to discuss the situation.
PARKING LOT AND DROP OFF/ PICK-UP PROCEDURES
As we share the parking lot with many businesses open during our school hours, it is critical that all parents follow the drop off and pick up procedures for our school to ensure the safety of students. Please read the following carefully and follow the directions of the teachers and staff on duty at all times.
Parking Lot(s)
Drop-off/Pick-up
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support in following the procedures outlined above. The small inconvenience of walking a little farther or taking an extra minute is well worth the safety of all our children. There is NO appointment or obligation that is so important that it justifies endangering children. The few extra minutes you take, could prevent a child from being severely injured or even losing a life.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
During the school year if your home or work telephone numbers, address or any other information should change, please let the office know as soon as possible. Informing your child’s teacher is important, but informing the office is paramount. We use the phone numbers to contact you, especially in cases of emergency. It is very important to inform us immediately should your contact information change for any reason. You must also note two other people to whom we may release your child. Please make sure that contact information for these people is up-to-date. When picking your child up during the school day, please be prepared to show identification
CHANGES IN ENROLLMENT
Change has been constant in this world the past several years. As our community changes, students will show up at our doorstep throughout the school year. These students will be placed in existing classes. However, from time to time, changing enrollment will necessitate the regrouping of classes to maintain class balance and student-teacher ratios. This is part and parcel of a changing school. We have set up routines and systems to make any possible class regrouping as smooth a process as possible. All parents should understand that any child at Stonecreek Academy could be considered for a class regrouping should changing enrollment make this necessary
HEALTH SERVICES
Students who feel ill or injure themselves during class time should notify their teachers. Teachers will send students to the office with a pass. If a problem occurs during any other time, students should notify a staff member. Students on regular medication must leave their prescription with the office and take the needed doses under office supervision. A permission slip signed by the parent and doctor must be on file in the office for ANY medication to be dispensed. Medical problems should be indicated on the student’s Emergency Card.
We have very limited support in the office. If you send your child to school with a cough, or a “slight fever,” with an injury from the night before, or with a rash, please expect to be called to pick up your child. We require all students who have a fever over 99.4, diarrhea, or vomiting to stay home for 24 hours after the situation has resolved. In case of injuries, serious accidents or sudden illnesses, parents will be notified immediately. Current and up-to-date information must be included in your child’s emergency card on file in the office.
Our school office staff cannot:
-Treat skin disease, rash, insect bites, etc.
-Treat old wounds, cuts or remove splinters, etc.
-Treat conjunctivitis (pink eye)
-Administer any form of medication, cough drops, sunscreen, etc. without an Emergency Medicine Authorization Form
-Diagnose illness
LUNCHES
Students are to eat in the designated eating areas. No food or drink is allowed in any other area. The exception is a water bottle with clear and plain water in the classroom.
HOMEWORK
Homework is assigned daily. How much homework should your child have? A rule of thumb is to multiply your child’s grade level by 10 minutes and add 10 minutes. K4 and K5 students should have 10 minutes of work nightly. Therefore, a third grader would have 40 minutes of homework on average, excluding 30 minutes a night of reading. Of course, this is an average and a very rough guide. If your child’s homework is excessive, contact his or her teachers for solutions.
HOMEWORK REQUESTS
Students absent 1-4 days should use their classroom buddy to get homework assignments, or email their teacher. A student absent 5 or more consecutive days may request homework through the office. We find that students find it very stressful to catch up on work missed due to absence. For this reason, regular attendance at school is very important.
ILLNESS OR ACCIDENTS
We want your child to attend school well enough to engage fully in the instructional program. In cold and flu season, it is very important that children who are sick stay home to get well. Any child with a temperature of 99.6 or above will be sent home from school immediately and parents will be requested to pick him or her up. Likewise, please do not send your child to school if he or she has a temperature of 99.6 or above. Children need to be “fever free” for at least 24 hours before returning to school from illness. Please instruct your child to inform a teacher or supervisor should they feel ill. In emergency situations, 911 will be called. For this reason, it is very important to let the school know if you change address or phone numbers. Our office staff is not trained to diagnose illness or injury.
LOST AND “NOT FOUND”
Please label all of your child’s personal items with their first and last names! All items not claimed are given to a charity at the end of each reporting period.
MEDICATION
If your child needs to take prescription medication, please be sure to pick up the appropriate forms in the office. You and your doctor will need to complete these forms. We cannot administer ANY medication without them. All medication needs to be kept in the nurse’s office.
PUNCTUALITY
We expect our students to arrive at school on time every day. Students who are late miss instruction and disrupt classroom learning upon their entry to class. Students who are tardy should report to the office for a tardy slip. The last fifteen minutes of the day are essential in class as students get final directions about homework. Please avoid picking up your child during this time.
RELEASING STUDENTS TO ADULTS
Parents must sign out their child in the front office. Children will only be released to parents or adults listed on the Student Emergency Card in the office. If special pick up arrangements are made for your child, please notify the office in writing in advance. Any pertinent custody information should be brought to the attention of the office manager or principal right away. Please be prepared to show an identification to retrieve your child. Please let anyone on your emergency card know this will be asked, also.
SAFETY
We want to make sure that your child is safe at school. A Safety Committee has been formed to review all aspects of student safety, including safety drills and practices, campus supervision, and school-wide discipline. We have a closed campus. Visitors must check into the office before visiting classrooms or any other part of the school. People are not permitted to loiter in front of the school building or in any area of the school campus during school hours. Parents who are picking up their children, are asked to wait outside until the students are escorted out at the end of the day. Please see the Head of Academy to volunteer for the campus safety patrol.
START OF SCHOOL
School begins at 8:00 a.m. All students should be in line by 8:00 a.m. Students who are not in line at 8:00 a.m. are considered tardy. Make it a habit to be on time – leave home 5 minutes earlier!
VISITORS
Student/ child visitors are not allowed on campus. Any adult visitor (including class volunteers) must report to the office upon arriving on campus, sign in and wear a visitor badge during the entirety of their visit. Please understand that this is for student safety. Staff and parents will question any visitor on campus without a badge and ask that he or she report to the school office.
VOLUNTEER POLICY
All volunteers will be run through the California “Megan’s Law” database. Fingerprints are only necessary for volunteers who will be working with students in unsupervised settings or on the safety patrol.
POLICY ON DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION AND BULLYING
Every student is entitled to a safe school environment free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying.
Acts of discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying should be brought to the attention of the Head of Academy. If there is sufficient corroborating information, an investigation will be initiated. Complaints will be considered confidential. However, it may be necessary to disclose certain information in order to effectively investigate. Students who violate the Academy’s policies on discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying may be subject to discipline, including expulsion.
FAMILY COMMITMENTS
Stonecreek Academy, a ministry of Stonecreek Christian Church, is a community of followers of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We ask families to partner with us by following the guidelines listed below to pursue and God and strengthen our relationship with Him by the power of the Holy Spirit.
-Commitment to support the Mission and Vision of Stonecreek Academy
-Agreement with the Statement of Faith
-Agreement with the Parent and Student Handbook
-Parental engagement in their student’s academic, spiritual and behavior growth
-Filing the Private School Affidavit
-Pay Academy tuition and fees on time
-Participate in Home / Academy communication with teachers and pastors
For those students unable to follow classroom or school-wide rules, the following progressive discipline consequences shall be enforced by supervisors, teachers, and administrators:
1st Offense: Warning, possible loss of classroom privileges.
2nd Offense: Classroom teacher designated consequence/loss of privileges, or note home.
3rd Offense: Parent contact by classroom teacher.
4th Offense: Referral to Head of Academy via incident report. Loss of academy privileges or being asked to leave the academy.
*Teachers may refer students to the Head of Academy at any time, based on the seriousness of the violation.
VIOLATION OF THEATER ROOM RULES
1st Offense: Warning and reminder of appropriate behavior.
2nd Offense: Incident Report with teacher designated consequence will be sent home for parent signature and student may lose school privileges.
3rd Offense: Referral to Head of Academy via incident report – parent contact. Loss of academy privileges or being asked to leave the academy.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
The following infractions are of a serious nature and require an immediate major incident report, conference with administrator, parent contact, and assignment of appropriate consequences or being asked to leave the academy:
1. Overt defiance/disrespect
2. Physical aggression/fighting
3. Inappropriate language/gestures
4. Theft/cheating/lying
5. Vandalism/property damage
GENERAL MOTOR LAB/ THEATER ROOM RULES
- Students will respect adults and follow directions the first time they are given.
- Students will respect each other.
- Students will not tease, hit, bully, harass, or fight with any other student.
- Students will use equipment safely and properly.
- Students will not kick any ball except in designated areas and use only kick balls.
- Students will obey all equipment rules
- Students will keep hands and feet to themselves.
- Students will wait their turn in line for equipment.
- Students will get off equipment as soon as they have had their turn.
- Students will not bring balls or toys from home unless approved by staff.
- Students will play in the appropriate areas (according to schedule). Students will not play in the restrooms, parking lot or slopes, or in classroom/lunch/sidewalk areas.
- tudents will use the restroom and get drinks during recess
- Students may leave the motor lab/ theater room to visit the office only with a pass from the supervisor.
ATTENDANCE
Please schedule appointments after school hours for your child in order to limit absences as much as possible. If it is necessary for your child to miss school for an extended period of time (5 days or more), please let the office know in advance so that the absence can be documented.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER
Inform the office of any changes in address or telephone number immediately. This information is vital in case of an emergency at school that involves the student.
WITHDRAWAL FROM ACADEMY
Should a child transfer or withdraw from Stonecreek Academy, please notify the office and return all supplies belonging to the academy. Stonecreek Academy will be happy to forward all cumulative file records to a new school when the student’s account is in current status, including all fees and tuition paid to date.
RE-ADMISSION
Readmission of an expelled student will be considered upon parent request to the Head of Academy. The Stonecreek Academy administration will have absolute determination for re-admittance to the Academy.
PERSONAL PROPERTY AND ELECTRONICS
If a student has a cellular phone it must remain turned off during school hours. They are to be used in essential or emergency situations only. If abused at school, the privilege to use them will be taken away. Electronic devices, toys, games, collectibles, etc. are not to be brought to school unless authorized by the classroom teacher, or other staff. Stonecreek Academy and Stonecreek Christian Church are on responsible for lost or stolen personal items of any kind.
CLASS INTERRUPTIONS
Teachers organize their day to make the fullest possible use of instructional time. Please do not make unscheduled visits to classrooms as this takes the teacher’s attention away from students. If your child forgot his or her homework or lunch please bring it to the office and we will see that your child receives it. Remember it is your child’s responsibility to bring these items to school each day as needed. If you must get a phone message to your child about changes in after school arrangement, call before 1:00 p.m. Last minute phone messages may not get to your child in time unless it is a true family emergency!!
COMMUNICATIONS
We encourage you to subscribe to Stonecreek Academy’s App on the App store through Google Play, iTunes, or Amazon. This will enable you to receive timely information regarding school news, events and programs via email. Teachers will receive assignments with feedback weekly and placed in Friday folders for parent review. This will constitute home/school communication regarding student progress. Please keep work samples as evidence of your child’s progress.
REPORTING PROGESS AND GRADES
Stonecreek Academy will issue report cards for all students on a quarterly basis in October, December, March and June. Please see the Stonecreek Academy calendar for specific dates.
DRESS CODE
Stonecreek Academy believes that appropriate dress and grooming contribute to a productive learning environment. Students have the right to make individual choices from a wide range of clothing and grooming styles, but they must not present a health or safety hazard or a distraction, which would interfere with the educational process. Any attire which reflects gang affiliation, intended or unintended, is prohibited. Clothing that displays inappropriate messages including, but not limited to, alcohol or tobacco products, obscene symbols, signs, slogans or words degrading anyone may not be worn. Closed toed shoes must be worn at all times for student safety.
Students may not wear any clothing/apparel which is disruptive, including but not limited to: baggy or sagging pants, bare midriffs, halter tops, backless shirts, spaghetti straps, short shorts, makeup, tight or revealing clothing or clothing which allows underwear to be exposed. No movie, video game or TV characters may be displayed on clothing. Hair color must be a natural color. Foot apparel must be worn at all times and all shoes must have a back strap for safety reasons.
Hats may not be worn to school except when special permission is granted by the administration or teacher for dress up days and/or other specified school events. If you would like your child to wear a hat for protection from the sun or any other health related issue, please contact the head of academy.
Girls may wear earrings that are one per ear; no hoops are dangles will be allowed for safety reasons.
Dress code violations: Our clothing and dress help demonstrate that we are all valuable children of God who are ready, able and willing to learn. Students who come to school out of dress code will be issued a minor incident report for communication with parents and will be asked to leave campus to obtain clothing that adheres to the dress code policy listed above. If a third incident report is issued to a student, a parent conference will be scheduled with the Head of Academy to discuss the situation.
PARKING LOT AND DROP OFF/ PICK-UP PROCEDURES
As we share the parking lot with many businesses open during our school hours, it is critical that all parents follow the drop off and pick up procedures for our school to ensure the safety of students. Please read the following carefully and follow the directions of the teachers and staff on duty at all times.
Parking Lot(s)
- Please observe all legal signs, red curbs and “reserved” spaces.
- All other spaces are free for pick up and drop off.
Drop-off/Pick-up
- The blue curbs and spaces are for vehicles displaying handicapped placards only.
- Loading and Unloading and Parking are NOT allowed in the red zones. No parking anywhere on Banderas
- No U-turns on Banderas except at the lights.
- Always use sidewalks and marked crosswalks for pedestrian traffic.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support in following the procedures outlined above. The small inconvenience of walking a little farther or taking an extra minute is well worth the safety of all our children. There is NO appointment or obligation that is so important that it justifies endangering children. The few extra minutes you take, could prevent a child from being severely injured or even losing a life.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
During the school year if your home or work telephone numbers, address or any other information should change, please let the office know as soon as possible. Informing your child’s teacher is important, but informing the office is paramount. We use the phone numbers to contact you, especially in cases of emergency. It is very important to inform us immediately should your contact information change for any reason. You must also note two other people to whom we may release your child. Please make sure that contact information for these people is up-to-date. When picking your child up during the school day, please be prepared to show identification
CHANGES IN ENROLLMENT
Change has been constant in this world the past several years. As our community changes, students will show up at our doorstep throughout the school year. These students will be placed in existing classes. However, from time to time, changing enrollment will necessitate the regrouping of classes to maintain class balance and student-teacher ratios. This is part and parcel of a changing school. We have set up routines and systems to make any possible class regrouping as smooth a process as possible. All parents should understand that any child at Stonecreek Academy could be considered for a class regrouping should changing enrollment make this necessary
HEALTH SERVICES
Students who feel ill or injure themselves during class time should notify their teachers. Teachers will send students to the office with a pass. If a problem occurs during any other time, students should notify a staff member. Students on regular medication must leave their prescription with the office and take the needed doses under office supervision. A permission slip signed by the parent and doctor must be on file in the office for ANY medication to be dispensed. Medical problems should be indicated on the student’s Emergency Card.
We have very limited support in the office. If you send your child to school with a cough, or a “slight fever,” with an injury from the night before, or with a rash, please expect to be called to pick up your child. We require all students who have a fever over 99.4, diarrhea, or vomiting to stay home for 24 hours after the situation has resolved. In case of injuries, serious accidents or sudden illnesses, parents will be notified immediately. Current and up-to-date information must be included in your child’s emergency card on file in the office.
Our school office staff cannot:
-Treat skin disease, rash, insect bites, etc.
-Treat old wounds, cuts or remove splinters, etc.
-Treat conjunctivitis (pink eye)
-Administer any form of medication, cough drops, sunscreen, etc. without an Emergency Medicine Authorization Form
-Diagnose illness
LUNCHES
Students are to eat in the designated eating areas. No food or drink is allowed in any other area. The exception is a water bottle with clear and plain water in the classroom.
HOMEWORK
Homework is assigned daily. How much homework should your child have? A rule of thumb is to multiply your child’s grade level by 10 minutes and add 10 minutes. K4 and K5 students should have 10 minutes of work nightly. Therefore, a third grader would have 40 minutes of homework on average, excluding 30 minutes a night of reading. Of course, this is an average and a very rough guide. If your child’s homework is excessive, contact his or her teachers for solutions.
HOMEWORK REQUESTS
Students absent 1-4 days should use their classroom buddy to get homework assignments, or email their teacher. A student absent 5 or more consecutive days may request homework through the office. We find that students find it very stressful to catch up on work missed due to absence. For this reason, regular attendance at school is very important.
ILLNESS OR ACCIDENTS
We want your child to attend school well enough to engage fully in the instructional program. In cold and flu season, it is very important that children who are sick stay home to get well. Any child with a temperature of 99.6 or above will be sent home from school immediately and parents will be requested to pick him or her up. Likewise, please do not send your child to school if he or she has a temperature of 99.6 or above. Children need to be “fever free” for at least 24 hours before returning to school from illness. Please instruct your child to inform a teacher or supervisor should they feel ill. In emergency situations, 911 will be called. For this reason, it is very important to let the school know if you change address or phone numbers. Our office staff is not trained to diagnose illness or injury.
LOST AND “NOT FOUND”
Please label all of your child’s personal items with their first and last names! All items not claimed are given to a charity at the end of each reporting period.
MEDICATION
If your child needs to take prescription medication, please be sure to pick up the appropriate forms in the office. You and your doctor will need to complete these forms. We cannot administer ANY medication without them. All medication needs to be kept in the nurse’s office.
PUNCTUALITY
We expect our students to arrive at school on time every day. Students who are late miss instruction and disrupt classroom learning upon their entry to class. Students who are tardy should report to the office for a tardy slip. The last fifteen minutes of the day are essential in class as students get final directions about homework. Please avoid picking up your child during this time.
RELEASING STUDENTS TO ADULTS
Parents must sign out their child in the front office. Children will only be released to parents or adults listed on the Student Emergency Card in the office. If special pick up arrangements are made for your child, please notify the office in writing in advance. Any pertinent custody information should be brought to the attention of the office manager or principal right away. Please be prepared to show an identification to retrieve your child. Please let anyone on your emergency card know this will be asked, also.
SAFETY
We want to make sure that your child is safe at school. A Safety Committee has been formed to review all aspects of student safety, including safety drills and practices, campus supervision, and school-wide discipline. We have a closed campus. Visitors must check into the office before visiting classrooms or any other part of the school. People are not permitted to loiter in front of the school building or in any area of the school campus during school hours. Parents who are picking up their children, are asked to wait outside until the students are escorted out at the end of the day. Please see the Head of Academy to volunteer for the campus safety patrol.
START OF SCHOOL
School begins at 8:00 a.m. All students should be in line by 8:00 a.m. Students who are not in line at 8:00 a.m. are considered tardy. Make it a habit to be on time – leave home 5 minutes earlier!
VISITORS
Student/ child visitors are not allowed on campus. Any adult visitor (including class volunteers) must report to the office upon arriving on campus, sign in and wear a visitor badge during the entirety of their visit. Please understand that this is for student safety. Staff and parents will question any visitor on campus without a badge and ask that he or she report to the school office.
VOLUNTEER POLICY
All volunteers will be run through the California “Megan’s Law” database. Fingerprints are only necessary for volunteers who will be working with students in unsupervised settings or on the safety patrol.
POLICY ON DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION AND BULLYING
Every student is entitled to a safe school environment free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying.
Acts of discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying should be brought to the attention of the Head of Academy. If there is sufficient corroborating information, an investigation will be initiated. Complaints will be considered confidential. However, it may be necessary to disclose certain information in order to effectively investigate. Students who violate the Academy’s policies on discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying may be subject to discipline, including expulsion.
FAMILY COMMITMENTS
Stonecreek Academy, a ministry of Stonecreek Christian Church, is a community of followers of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We ask families to partner with us by following the guidelines listed below to pursue and God and strengthen our relationship with Him by the power of the Holy Spirit.
-Commitment to support the Mission and Vision of Stonecreek Academy
-Agreement with the Statement of Faith
-Agreement with the Parent and Student Handbook
-Parental engagement in their student’s academic, spiritual and behavior growth
-Filing the Private School Affidavit
-Pay Academy tuition and fees on time
-Participate in Home / Academy communication with teachers and pastors