Family Handbook 2017-2018

Intermountain Christian School 6515 South Lion Lane Salt Lake City, Utah

Phone 801-365-0370 Fax 801-942-8813 www.intermountainchristian.org

Table of Contents

Helpful Information .................................................................................... 3

Calendar…………………………………………………………………………....4

Mission, Motto & Statement of Faith ......................................................... 5

Academics .................................................................................................. 7

Activities and Clubs ................................................................................... 9

Athletics ...................................................................................................... 9

Attendance Policy .................................................................................... 10

Behavioral Standards.………………………………………………………….13

Bullying Policy……………………………………….………………………….13

Conduct Pledge ........................................................................................ 14

Controlled Substances ............................................................................ 15

Disciplinary Consequences ..................................................................... 16

Dress Code ............................................................................................... 17

Grievance Procedure ............................................................................... 18

Miscellaneous Policies ............................................................................ 20

6515 S. Lion Lane, Salt Lake City, UT 84121

Phone 801-365-0370 • Fax 801-942-8813 • Web Site www.intermountainchristian.org Mascot Lion • School Colors Maroon & Gray

Helpful Information 2017-2018

Starting Times: Preschool thru Fifth Grade 8:20 am PM: Preschool thru Kindergarten 12:05 pm Middle School 8:15 am High School 8:15 am Late Start Wednesdays 9:20/9:15am Late Start Wednesdays PM (PS-K) 12:35 pm

Ending Times: Preschool thru Fifth Grade 3:05 pm Middle School 3:10 pm High School 3:10 pm Half Days (PS – 12th) 12:20 pm

Delayed start, snow days and other school closing

In the event that school is cancelled or a delayed start is needed, parents will be called and texted as soon as possible by 6:30 a.m. If the message is to inform of

a “delayed start”, the above start times will be delayed by one or two hours.

Elementary playground supervision for a “delayed start” day begins 30 minutes before school starts.

On a “delayed start” day, Afternoon Preschool-Kindergarten begin at the normal time.

Before and After School Care Phone: 801-365-0370 or 505-307-1210 during aftercare 7:15 am – 7:50 am $2.00/child – per day 3:15 pm – 5:30 pm $4.00/child – per hour

After 5:30 pm $1.00 per minute after 5:30 pm

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6515 S Lion Lane, Salt Lake City, UT 84121

Calendar for 2017-2018

August 11 Friday Registration Day (12:00-2:00) August 12 Saturday Registration Day (8:30-10:30) August 14 Monday Back to School Night (5:00-8:00) August 16 Wednesday First Day of School – Half Day* September 1 Friday In-Service – Half Day September 4 Monday Labor Day – No School September 27-28 Wed/Thu Parent-Teacher Conferences (3:30-7:00) September 29 Friday No School October 7 Saturday ICS Annual Fund Event October 18 Wednesday End of Quarter 1 – Half Day October 19-20 Thu/Fri Fall Break – No School November 22-24 Wed-Fri Thanksgiving Break – No School December 21 Thursday End of Quarter 2/Semester 1 – Half Day Dec. 22-Jan. 5 Fri-Fri Christmas Break – No School* January 8 Monday Classes Resume January 15 Monday Martin Luther King Day – No School February 2 Friday In-Service – Half Day February 15 Thursday Parent-Teacher Conferences (3:30-7:00)

All School February 16 Friday Parent-Teacher Conferences (1:00-3:00)

Elem Only – Half Day February 19 Monday Presidents' Day – No School March 9 Friday End of Quarter 3 – Half Day March 26-April 2 Mon-Mon Spring Break – No School April 3 Tuesday Classes Resume April 27 Friday May Break – No School May 25 Friday Last Day of School/Graduations – Half

Day* * No After School Care Available

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Mission Statement

“Intermountain Christian School is a Christ centered learning community that equips and inspires students to thrive in God’s world”

Motto

"Equip, Inspire, Thrive”

Statement of Faith

We believe in one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new for His own glory.

We believe that God has spoken in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, through the words of human authors. As the verbally inspired Word of God, the Bible is without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for salvation, and the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires, and trusted in all that it promises.

We believe that God created Adam and Eve in His image, but they sinned when tempted by Satan. In union with Adam, human beings are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God, and under His wrath. Only through God’s saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled and renewed.

We believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, one Person in two natures. Jesus—Israel's promised Messiah—was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate.

We believe that Jesus Christ, as our representative and substitute, shed His blood on the cross as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for salvation.

We believe that the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and in Him they are baptized into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God. He also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.

We believe that the true church comprises all who have been justified by God's grace through faith alone in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. The true church is manifest in local churches, whose membership should be composed only of believers. The Lord

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Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer.

We believe that God's justifying grace must not be separated from His sanctifying power and purpose. God commands us to love Him supremely and others sacrificially, and to live out our faith with care for one another, compassion toward the poor and justice for the oppressed. With God’s Word, the Spirit’s power, and fervent prayer in Christ’s name, we are to combat the spiritual forces of evil. In obedience to Christ’s commission, we are to make disciples among all people, always bearing witness to the gospel in word and deed.

We believe in the personal and bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The coming of Christ, at a time known only to God, demands constant expectancy and, as our blessed hope, motivates the believer to godly living, sacrificial service and energetic mission.

We believe that God commands everyone everywhere to believe the gospel by turning to Him in repentance and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that God will raise the dead bodily and judge the world, assigning the unbeliever to condemnation and eternal conscious punishment and the believer to eternal blessedness and joy with the Lord in the new heaven and the new earth, to the praise of His glorious grace.

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Academics ACADEMIC PROBATION - All students not maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA

of 2.0 will be placed on academic probation.

GRADING SCALE (Grades 3-12) – ICS utilizes the following grading scale, with grade-point equivalents based on the four-point system:

Percentage Letter

Grade

Grade

PTS Percentage

Letter

Grade

Grade

PTS Percentage

Letter

Grade

Grade

PTS

93-100 A 4.0 80-82 B- 2.7 67-69 D+ 1.3

90-92 A- 3.7 77-79 C+ 2.3 70-72 D 1.0

87-89 B+ 3.3 73-76 C 2.0 67-69 D- .7

83-86 B 3.0 70-72 C- 1.7 63-66 F 0.0

- High School semester grades will be calculated using 80-90% for quarter

grades and 10-20% for final exams, at teachers’ discretion. Semester finals will be given in core subjects. Seniors who have a 2nd semester average of A- or better in a particular course will be excused from that course’s final exam.

- Middle School semester grades will be calculated by averaging the quarter grades.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS - Intermountain Christian High School is part of a Preschool through 12th grade community. ICS is accredited by AdvancEd, is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International and Christian Schools International. We meet or exceed the Utah state requirements. To graduate from ICS, a student must have earned a total of at least 28 credits, including the following:

A student may earn an honors diploma by completing an additional credit in at least two of the following subject areas: Math, Science, or Foreign Language.

English 4

Social Studies 4

Math 3.5 (Financial Literacy .5)

Biblical Studies 2

Science 3

Foreign Language 2

Physical Education 1.5

Arts 1.5

Health .5

Computer .5

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HONOR ROLL (6th-12th Grades)

- UGPA of 3.7-4.0 = High Honors

- UGPA of 3.3-3.69 = Honors

A Student who earns Honor Roll status in each Quarter is awarded an end of the year Honor Roll award.

INCOMPLETES – A student receiving an Incomplete has two weeks after the end of the grading period to complete the work or they may receive the grade as it stands. For middle and high school students, work not finished will be added in as a zero. Additionally, participation in Athletics, Activities, and Clubs may be limited until a student makes up missing work. Students also may be required to complete the work at school during breaks in the regular school calendar.

LIBRARY - Library classes are offered as part of the curriculum for grades K-5. All HS/MS students may check out books at any time the library is open to them. Fines accrue for overdue books.

MUSIC - Band is offered to students in 5th – 12th grade as part of the curriculum. Students are responsible for providing their own instruments. Hand Bell Choir is offered to students in 6th – 12th grades by audition. Vocal music is offered K-12th grades. Elementary students have weekly music classes. Middle School students have regularly scheduled music classes. High School students may audition for the Ensemble group and participate in Musical Theater.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY (NHS) – The high school at ICS has an active chapter of the NHS with a spring selection process that is based on scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Notification of nomination is given in school to the student by the high school guidance counselor.

PROGRESS REPORTS - Mid-quarter Progress Reports for Middle and High School are sent to parents by email and can be accessed via Renweb. Elementary Progress Reports will be sent home with each student.

REPORT CARDS – Middle and High School Report Cards will be sent home by email each quarter. They are also available on Renweb. K-5th grade Report Cards will be sent home with each student.

SCHEDULE CHANGES - Dropping or adding high school or middle school classes must be approved by teachers, parents/guardians, and the school level administrator or HS Guidance Counselor. Forms are available for this purpose in the HS/MS Office. Any course dropped after the second week may be recorded as "withdrawn/fail."

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Activities & Clubs

Students who participate in co-curricular activities must maintain the minimum levels of academic and behavioral performance established by the school and activity leaders. Students must attend school for a minimum of 1/2 day in order to participate in any co-curricular activities.

Clubs - Students who want to form special-interest clubs may do so, subject to the administration's approval. These groups must be self-supporting.

Student Leadership

The High School Student Council (StuCo) seeks to promote school spirit

by organizing activities, planning service projects, and encouraging spiritual

life. They also act as a liaison between the student body and the

administration and faculty. StuCo officers and representatives are elected by

their peers in the spring.

The Middle School Leadership Team (MSLT) organizes a wide range of

middle school events and operates under the direction of the faculty advisor.

Students may apply for MSLT positions in the fall and are accepted based on

approval by the MS faculty.

Athletics

The philosophy and objective of the ICS Athletic Program is to glorify God and enjoy Him in all we do. Athletic competition is a powerful tool to help students gain personal self-confidence, learn to commit themselves to a larger cause and mature in the image of Christ.

- Middle School - There will be no tryouts at this level. All athletes are welcome

and those who participate in practice will play during regular season

competitions. The emphasis is on helping participants enjoy their sport, improve

individual skills, and begin to learn to honor God in all we do.

- High School – At this level athletics involves competition with other area high schools. The best team will be put on the court or field. Tryouts may be held where participants will be chosen based upon their attitudes and athletic abilities.

Academic Eligibility – Athletes must maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA and a 2.0 GPA in the previous quarter with a maximum of only one failing grade. Athletes who fail to maintain this GPA standard as calculated at the end of each quarter will be suspended from participating in ICS Athletics for at least one quarter. If at the end of the suspension both GPAs are at 2.0 or higher, then participation may resume.

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Conduct – Our athletes are representatives of ICS. Any athlete who fails to maintain an appropriate level of conduct may be disciplined by the coach and/or ICS administration.

Attendance – Attendance is required for a minimum of a half day of school in order to participate in that day’s practice or contest.

Associations – The High School is a Class 1A School and competes in Region 17. We are a member of the Utah High School Activities Association. Therefore, we are responsible for compliance with by-laws and directives set by the UHSAA. The Middle School program is affiliated with the Wasatch Athletic Conference and operates in compliance with its by-laws and directives.

Awards - High School varsity letters will be awarded in all sports. Special

recognition may be given to athletes who demonstrate exceptional performance.

Middle School awards may be given by coaches, which focus on character

development and enjoyment of the game.

Equipment and Uniforms – ICS will provide equipment and uniforms which remain

the property of the school. Any misuse, abuse or loss of the same will result in a fee

being assessed to cover the loss or damage. Each participant is expected to care for

his or her own uniform. Students may also be required to purchase practice and

team apparel, which is sport specific. Uniforms not returned at season’s end may

result in report cards being held.

Sports Seasons - Fall: HS Baseball, HS & MS Girls’ Volleyball, MS Boys’ Soccer - Winter: HS Girls’ & Boys’ Basketball, (Varsity & JV), MS Boys’ & Girls’

Basketball - Spring: HS Boys’ & Girls’ Golf, HS Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer, MS Boys’ & Girls’

Cross Country, MS Girls Soccer.

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to be in school on time. When it is necessary to miss school because of personal illness or a situation approved by parents and the school level administrator, there must be communication with the office prior to, or upon, returning.

Please notify the office in the morning by 9:00 am if your child is home sick. If you have not called and your child is marked absent, you will receive a call from the ICS office.

Students will not be allowed to stay in school if they have a fever of 100 degrees or more, or show signs of vomiting or diarrhea.

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Students are required to stay home until free of any fever, vomiting, or diarrhea for 24 hours and/or antibiotics have been taken for at least 24 hours.

If the student is absent for reasons of illness, he/she may have one day for each day missed to complete make up work up to a maximum of five days.

If students are out of school for anything other than the above reasons, an Arranged Absence Form should be submitted to the office at least three school days before the arranged absence. Students may be excused from school for family vacations or other special activities for up to 5 days per school year.

HS/MS Students: HS/MS students must have each class teacher sign the form and then submit it to the HS/MS Administrative Assistant. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with individual teachers about any missed class work. Students with unexcused absences may not be permitted to make up work and may face additional penalties. Contact the HS/MS Office for arranged absence forms.

Elementary Students: Parents of elementary students must arrange for missed work with the teacher.

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Tardies – Middle and High School students who are not prepared for class when

it begins will be considered tardy. The following consequences will be applied to

accumulated tardies.

Number of Unexcused

Tardies per Quarter

Consequences

5 Before School Detention

(7:30 – 8:30AM)

10 After school Detention

(3:30 – 4:30PM)

15 Saturday Detention

(9:00 – 10:00AM)

20 Saturday Detention

(9:00 – 11:00AM)

25 In-School Suspension

25+ Additional in-school suspensions may be

assigned or expulsion might be recommended

Unexcused Absences – Middle and High School Students absent from one or

more classes during a school day for reasons not outlined about will be

considered unexcused and assigned one “unexcused absence.” Students will

not be permitted to make up graded work missed. The following penalties will be

imposed for excessive unexcused absences.

Number of Unexcused

Absences per

Semester

Consequences

3 After School Detention

(3:30 - 4:30PM)

4 Saturday Detention

(9:00 – 11:00AM)

5 In-school Suspension

5+ Additional in-school suspension may be assigned or

expulsion might be recommended.

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Behavioral Standards Students should not:

- Bring explosives, knives, weapons, or replicas on to school grounds (except with the permission of the respective administrator).

- Publicly display affection at school in any fashion other than holding hands. - Cheat or plagiarize. - Damage school property (students who do will be held financially responsible).

- Go outside designated school boundaries (except with the permission of the respective school level administrator).

- Use personal communication and media devices during school hours without an administrator’s or teacher’s permission. School level distinctions may apply.

- Remain at school more than 15 minutes after dismissal. HS/MS students remaining after 3:30 pm should remain in the front lobby area unless under direct supervision of a teacher or coach. Preschool-5th grade students who remain after 3:20 pm will attend after school care at the expense of the parents.

Bullying Policy Intermountain Christian School believes that all students have a right to a safe and healthy social environment. The school has an obligation to promote mutual respect, tolerance and acceptance. Intermountain Christian School will not tolerate behavior that infringes on the safety of any student. A student shall not intimidate, harass, or bully another student through words or actions. Intermountain Christian School defines bullying as:

Physical Bullying---physical contact with the intent to harm

Verbal Bullying---causing emotional pain through words

Cyber Bullying---using electronic media and devices to harass others

Social Alienation---purposeful social isolation of others

*Sexual harassment may be included in one or more of the above

Intermountain Christian School expects students and/or staff to immediately report incidents of bullying to the appropriate administrator. Staff who witness such acts should take immediate steps to intervene. Each complaint of bullying should be promptly investigated. This policy applies to students on school grounds, while traveling to and from school or a school sponsored activity, and during a school sponsored activity. Intermountain Christian School will provide staff training in bully prevention and cultivate a culture of Christ-centered respect and acceptance.

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Teachers should discuss this policy with their students in age-appropriate ways and should assure them that they need not endure any form of bullying. Students who bully are in violation of this policy and are subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Students are expected to immediately report incidents of bullying to teacher or appropriate administrator and can rely on staff to promptly investigate each complaint in a thorough and confidential manner. If the complainant student or the parent of the student feels that appropriate resolution of the investigation or complaint has not been reached, the student or parent should contact the school level administrator.

Conduct Pledge (MS/HS)

A pledge to conduct myself in a “manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Philippians 1:27

As a MS/HS student at Intermountain Christian School, I commit to prioritizing the benefit of the community and the welfare of others above my own needs or desires. I commit to pursuing Biblical standards for my behavior as well as abiding by the guidelines established in this family handbook. Furthermore, I commit to following the principles listed below and understand that recurring failure in any of these areas may be cause to end my enrollment at ICS. 1. I will strive to submit to the leadership of the teachers, administration, and staff of ICS with respect and humility. 2. I will avoid becoming a negative or destructive influence upon others. Should I have a problem with a student, teacher, coach or parent I will first go to them to resolve the problem. If that does not work, I will go to a teacher or administrator for help. 3. I will strive to be a positive influence in the lives of my fellow students and teachers. I will seek to build them up with my words and encourage them with my actions rather than drag them down. 4. I will avoid profane, blasphemous, or derogatory language and gestures. 5. I agree to be held accountable for anything inappropriate I post or view on the internet or social media. 6. I understand that uncontrolled anger, acts of hatred, sexual harassment or prejudice based upon race, socio-economic status, or appearance is unacceptable. 7. I agree to avoid blatant sin, such as stealing, illegal activity, dishonesty, occult practices, sexual sins, and the illegal use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

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Controlled Substances

The use or possession of illegal drugs, alcohol, and/or tobacco by ICS students is strictly prohibited. Additionally, the abuse of legal drugs or medications, or other substances is also prohibited. (“Abuse” is defined as using a drug or medication in a manner inconsistent with its prescription or directions, or using a drug, medication, or substance for a purpose not intended, or using them to a degree that impairs a student.) Students who are suspected to have violated this policy at ICS events or activities may be subject to testing and investigation.

- Informing ICS It is vital to realize that use of or addiction to controlled substances has

negative consequences. Therefore, ICS encourages students who may have an addiction problem to seek help from others, including ICS personnel.

When a student offers unsolicited confession, ICS is able to partner with that student and his/her parents in working towards rehabilitation.

ICS encourages anyone who is aware of someone else who struggles with addiction to speak with a trusted adult.

- Reasonable Search

ICS retains the right to search any and all personal property, including, but not limited to, personal clothing, lockers, backpacks, and automobiles that are parked on ICS property.

If an ICS student is legitimately suspected to be under the influence of a controlled substance, ICS may require the student to submit to a blood, and/or urine test. o It will be the responsibility of the parents to take the student to the drug

testing site.

o The cost of such tests will be the responsibility of the parents.

o Refusal to take such tests will be treated as a positive result.

- Discipline for Substance Abuse When suspected substance abuse is reported or observed, ICS will

immediately inform the parent to make them aware of a potential issue with the student.

In situations of possession of drugs or alcohol on school property, ICS may take legal action by reporting the incident to the police.

- Re-admittance

Re-admittance to ICS shall be at the discretion of the ICS Administration and may include additional ongoing restrictions.

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Disciplinary Consequences

Minor and Single-Occurrence Infractions - Such infractions of the behavior standards will typically be handled by the

classroom teacher. - Notices of Concern may be used to communicate behavior infractions with

parents. - Students who are assigned a detention will be notified of the time and location for

this detention by the HS/MS Administrative Assistant.

Repeated and Major Infractions - Infractions of the behavior standards will be referred to the appropriate

administrator to determine discipline consequences. - Parents will be notified by the administrator about the infraction and informed of

the disciplinary consequences that will be assigned. - If the administrator believes a discipline consequence more severe than a

detention or multiple detentions is necessary, then he/she will verbally communicate with the parents to set up a meeting between all parties.

Suspensions and Expulsions - The school level administrator handles disciplinary issues and determines

whether a suspension should be assigned or whether a recommendation for expulsion should be made to the administrative team.

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Dress Code At Intermountain Christian School our desire is to foster a thriving student culture founded on the belief that students who are seeking to live out their relationship with Jesus should gradually be entrusted with more and more independence as they move through their years of education here. As they grow and develop, they can be treated more maturely, trusted appropriately, and increasingly held accountable in ways that reflect respect for our students as individuals. This approach creates an environment where students can flourish and mature as we pursue our mission of being a Christ-centered learning community that equips and inspires students to thrive in God's world. The stewardship of our physical appearance at school is an important element in establishing a healthy student culture. We have designed the dress code with three guiding principles in mind: Be Neat, Respectful and Modest. The primary responsibility for choosing appropriate dress will continue to rest with our students and their parents as we partner with families. Should we determine that a student's dress is not in alignment with our desire to be Neat, Respectful and Modest, it will be communicated to the student. We will approach those instances as opportunities for teachable moments, balancing grace with the desire for the alignment of our hearts as we live in community together. In order to provide some basic standards of dress, we have added to those three guiding principles a short list of clear and concrete expectations. SPECIFIC ALL-SCHOOL GUIDELINES

- Clothing should completely cover undergarments and midriffs

- Words and/or pictures on clothing should be appropriate

- Dresses, skirts and/or shorts should extend past the fingertips

- Hats and/or sunglasses should only be worn outside

- Sleepwear should only be worn at home

SPECIFIC HS/MS GUIDELINES

- Boy’s shirts must have sleeves. Girls may wear sleeveless shirts or dresses

with straps at least 2” in width.

- Tights, yoga pants and leggings should be covered by a shirt that extends past the fingertips.

- Sweat pants and athletic shorts should only be worn in PE classes.

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Grievance Procedure

A grievance is defined as any instance in which a person feels that he/she has been treated unfairly in accordance with the policies and procedures of an organization or resulting from the actions of an individual or group of individuals.

The underlying principle for a grievance procedure at ICS is that which is outlined in Matthew 18:15-17, the goal of which is unity, harmony, and a God-honoring relationship. The key, underlying principle is that of dealing with any issue at the lowest possible level, and including only the individual(s) directly involved. Discussing grievances with others does not solve problems but does often result in bad reports, and affects the attitudes of others. There will be instances in which parties may finally agree to disagree. This result should never preclude apologies, forgiveness, and the restoration of a relationship in Christ.

The following are the steps involved, based on this Scriptural premise:

1. The person who has a grievance is to go personally and privately to the individual(s) who committed the offense or to the respective administrator when the perceived unfair treatment results from policies and procedures. This provides opportunity for rectifying the problem without involving others. The goal is to settle the problem and to restore the relationship.

2. Should a grievance continue and resolution not be reached, the person who has a grievance will present the situation to the supervising administrator so that another meeting/approach can be arranged in an attempt to settle the grievance and restore the relationship. If the supervising administrator is the individual whom the person feels has wronged/offended him/her, then step 2 shall be skipped.

3. If either party is unsatisfied with the mediation of the supervising administrator as described in step 2, then an appeal can be submitted in writing to the Head of School who will then attempt to mediate the situation.

4. If either party is unsatisfied with the mediation of the Head of School, then an appeal can be submitted in writing to the Chairperson of the ICS School Board, and he/she will determine whether to bring the matter to the full Board for final resolution. If Chairperson deems it necessary for the School Board to hear the grievance then both involved parties will be able to speak with the School Board in a special session. A decision will be reached by the Board and communicated to all parties within 24 hours.

5. In the instance where the grievance remains unsettled, the next step in the procedure is to seek mediation (per Mediation and Arbitration Agreement copied on next page from staff contracts).

Understandably there will be times when the above process should be followed more in the spirit of the law manner than a rigid letter of the law manner. The following guidelines should be considered:

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When students are involved, and since ICS attempts to partner with parents, it is preferred to err on the side of contacting parents too soon rather than too late.

When the parent/teacher grievance is focused on a student complaint, the student should be involved.

Grievances should not be elevated to the next level without all parties being aware this is happening.

Protecting the safety, health, or reputation of a student shall be more important than a strict adherence to this process. There may be rare exceptions where one or more of the above steps are skipped due to an issue of great severity or privacy.

Resolution and reconciliation in accordance with Biblical principles results in the following:

Speaking only in love. When Christians are committed to speaking in love, then gossip and slander are absent.

Christian unity will be restored and maintained. When we have the confidence that our brothers and sisters will not voice complaints to others, then there is a strong sense of loyalty and security.

Body life will be enhanced. A Christian’s obligation within the body is edification.

Christian witness will be evident in the manner in which a grievance is handled and resolved. “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another.” (John 13:35)

MEDIATION AND BINDING ARBITRATION AGREEMENT

The parties to this agreement are Christians and believe that the Bible commands them 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 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, Matthew 5:23-24, 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 employment relationship, including claims under federal, state, and local statutory or common law, the law of contract, and law of tort shall be settled by biblically based mediation. If resolution of the dispute and reconciliation do not result from mediation, the matter shall then be submitted to an independent and objective arbitrator for binding arbitration. The parties agree for the mediation and arbitration process to be conducted in accordance with the “Rules of Procedure for Christian Conciliation”(“Rules”) contained in the Peacemaker Ministries booklet, Guidelines for Christian Conciliation. Consistent with these “Rules,” each party to the agreement shall agree to the selection of the arbitrator. The parties agree that if there is an impasse in the selection of the arbitrator, the Institute for Christian Conciliation division of Peacemaker Ministries of Billings, Montana [(406) 256-1583, (406) 256-1583] shall be asked to provide the name of a qualified person who will serve in that capacity. Consistent with the “Rules,” the arbitrator shall issue a written opinion within a reasonable time.

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The parties agree that these methods shall be the sole remedy for any controversy or claim arising out of the employment relationship or this agreement and expressly waive their right to file a lawsuit against one another in any civil court for such disputes, except to enforce a legally binding arbitration decision. The parties to this agreement have had an opportunity to consult legal counsel before signing this agreement. The Employee waives any and all right to take any cause, claim or dispute involving EFC, ICS, its Administration, the School Board, or any ICS employee, student, or parent before any court of law or similar institution or any other unbelieving body or individual.

The underlying principle is that of dealing with any issue at the lowest possible level and including only the individual(s) directly involved.

Miscellaneous Policies

BIRTHDAYS - Parents desiring to bring treats for their child’s birthday should

coordinate the event with the teacher. Please consider safety and hygiene when

bringing food to share with other students. If a private party is planned outside of

school, please do not bring party invitations to be distributed unless every child or

every child of the same gender is to receive one.

CAMPUS VISITS - All parents and visitors must check in with the school office and

wear a visitor’s badge while in the building. Alumni and non-ICS students are

allowed to visit during lunch period only and must adhere to guidelines of the ICS

student handbook.

CONFERENCES - Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled twice during the

school year. If you have concerns about your child that require a longer discussion,

or occur at other times during the school year, please feel free to call or email to

make an appointment with the teacher(s). All teachers’ emails and phone

extensions are available on the school website and Renweb.

FIELD TRIPS - Students may participate in field trips throughout the school year.

Many field trip costs are covered through tuition. If there is an additional cost,

parents will be notified in advance. Parents may be asked to assist with

transportation. The dress code and procedures for field trips will be established by

the supervising teachers or coaches.

LOCKERS. - The combinations of any personally provided locks must be submitted

to the HS/MS Office. The administration reserves the right to inspect any locker at

any time. Decorations used inside a locker must be consistent with the values of

ICS. It is the responsibility of the student to keep all valuables locked safely away.

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LOST & FOUND - Found items will be put in a lost and found barrel. Unclaimed

items will be given away at specified times which will be communicated through the

weekly email.

LUNCH PROGRAM - ICS offers an optional lunch program for all-day Preschool

students through High School students. Order forms will be emailed to families.

MEDICATIONS - If a student needs to take medication during the school day,

parents must complete a Medication Permission Form, available at the office or on

the website. Medication should be sent to the office with the form. The school will not

dispense prescribed or over-the-counter medication without the proper form and the

labeled medicine provided by the parent. All medicine must be in its original

package. Students are not to take medication at any time without a completed

permission form on file.

PARKING LOT – Safety procedures for drop off and pick up of students are

provided in ‘Back to School Night’ packet as well as email reminders throughout the

year. The east side parking lots are used for playground and PE class during the

school day. Any vehicle left there interferes with that space and safety. Therefore,

ICS asks that it not be used as a parking lot for any length of time but preserved as a

drop off/pick up area in the mornings and afternoons. The only exception to this rule

is on Tuesday mornings during the women’s Bible study from 9:00 am to 11:30 am.

Please do not park in front of the garbage dumpster at any time. Do not park in the

driveway or in front of the building.

PROBATION - Students with behavioral or academic issues may be placed on

probation at any time. At the end of a probationary period one or more of the

following actions will be taken: removal from probation, extension of probationary

period, requirement of corrective action such as tutoring or counseling, or dismissal.

SERVICE REQUIREMENTS – All students will participate in service opportunities

throughout the year. Hours earned during their high school years will be reflected on

the students’ high school transcript.

SCHOOL PICTURES - Individual student pictures are usually scheduled for the

second or third week of September. Information packets will be sent home prior to

picture day. Purchasing picture packets is optional.

STUDENT DRIVERS – Students who drive to school must register with the HS/MS

Administrative Assistant before using the school parking lot. Students are to park in

the lower west lot. Students are not to return to their cars during the school day

without permission. Reckless driving will result in loss of driving privileges on

campus.

TARDIES – If a student is late due to a doctor or dentist appointment, please bring a

notice from the medical office or a parent and turn it in to the appropriate school

office before going to class. Students will not be allowed to return to class without a

tardy slip from the school office.

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TEXTBOOKS - Textbooks are the property of the school which leases them to the

students unless specific exceptions are made.

o Students are required to take good care of all textbooks. o Students are expected to cover all textbooks. o Damaged books, or books unaccounted for at the end of the school year,

must be replaced at the student’s expense.

VENDING MACHINES – Early Childhood and Elementary students are not

permitted to use the vending machines during school hours.