2006-2007 School Year

Z.L. Sung S.D.A.

School

Policy Handbook

 

2115 NW 39th Avenue

Gainesville, FL 32605

(352) 376-6040

(352) 376-5180 fax

Email: zlsungschool@yahoo.com

 

Z.L. SUNG S.D.A. SCHOOL

POLICY HANDBOOK

ACCREDITATION

Z.L. Sung SDA School is accredited by the Florida Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists, and approved accrediting Association of the Florida Association of Academic Non-public School (FAANS). FAANS is an affiliate member of the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) and is recognized by the State of Florida.

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

We believe Education "Is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers . . ." and that its highest purpose is to "prepare the student for the joy of service in this world, and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come." Ed., P. 13.

The principles of Christianity can and should touch every aspect of living for every child.

Each student has the right to an education experience which develops his individual talents to the highest level according to the union between religious faith and life.

OBJECTIVES

The supreme goal is to bring the mind of each student into communion with the mind of God, for this is the highest form of education. Always remembering that God is the source of all knowledge, and therefore must be a part of all learning in a way that will produce a balanced individual and a productive and competent citizen. Honesty, integrity, and compassion for others will be character hallmarks which are taught and practiced by the student body and faculty of this school. "Every human being, created in the image of God, is endowed with a power akin to that of the creator-individuality, power to think and do. It is the work of true education to develop this power, to train the youth to be thinkers and not merely reflectors of other men's thoughts." Ed., p. 17.

REGISTRATION

Registration for the 2006-2007 school year has passed. Please contact us for information on the next school year.

ADMISSION POLICY

Our general admission policy is as follows: "For the first eight or ten years of a child's life, the field or garden is the best school room, the mother the best teacher, nature the best lesson book. Even when the child is old enough to attend school, his health should be regarded as of greater importance than a knowledge of books. He should be surrounded with the conditions most favorable to physical and mental growth." Ed., p. 208.

"So as far as possible, let the child from his earliest years be placed where this wonderful lesson book (nature) shall be open before him. Let him behold the glorious scenes painted by the great Master Artist upon the shifting canvas of the heavens . . . In no other way can the foundation of a true education be so firmly and surely laid." Ed., pp. 100-101.

The school board feels that a certain age doesn't necessarily qualify a student for a structured school environment. There are options available that can be discussed on an individual basis between the parent and school board for the well being of the student.

According to the Florida Conference of Seventh-Day Adventist Department of Education, students entering school, must be five years of age by August 15 of the year they are planning to attend kindergarten.

The Z. L. Sung Seventh-Day Adventist School does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, or nation origin. Each student is entitled to the activities and programs provided, and is expected to attend all school programs such as work-study Program, field trips, etc. Each student will also show due respect for the Word of God, maintain a reverent attitude during religious exercises and observe all regulations of the school.

A written statement will be signed by the parents/guardian and the student, stating that they have read and understood the school Handbook and the policies stated therein, and are pledging to abide by the same.

It is also understood that should he/she break his/her pledge. He/she forfeits his/her privilege to attend school. If the student is retained in school, it will be at the discretion of the faculty and the school board.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

All new and transferring students are automatically placed on probation for one quarter. During this period, each student will be evaluated by the staff. If a student's deportment and academic progress are NOT satisfactory parents and students will be notified and a conference will be called with the teacher and school board chairman and the pastor. Any information from a former school may be used by the staff in determining whether a student may continue at Z.L.Sung.

  • Parents of new students are required to provide the teachers with the full correct address of their previously attended school at registration. Full acceptance will not be final until receipt of current records.
  • All application forms must be completed by the day of registration. In order to be admitted, immunization records must be submitted by the first day of school. (The original Blue Card is required.)
  • A Birth Certificate for all first time students must be submitted by the first day of school.
  • All new students to the Southern Union Conference shall provide a current physical examination not older than one year prior to the opening day of school. In the event that this requirement is not met before school starts, due to scheduling problems with the doctor, an appointment must be scheduled and reported to the school on the first day of school.
  • It may be necessary for new students to be tested to ascertain the correct grade level for proper enrollment.
  • First graders may be tested by an appropriate readiness test to ascertain readiness for first grade.
  • All Seventh-Day Adventist student applications will be accepted or denied by board action.
  • All non-Seventh-day Adventist applications will be presented to an Admission Committee consisting of the school principal, church pastor, and school board chairman. It will be necessary for the parent/guardians and the students to personally appear before this committee for an interview, in addition, we will require references from the previously attended school. The Admission Committee will then confer with the School Board, and a decision will be made to accept or deny the application.
  • An orientation meeting will be held as part of registration. This meeting will include giving information about the school program, Home and School activities, and a thorough presentation of the policy book.
  • Parents are required to inform the school of any changes such as address, phone number or other pertinent information as it may occur during the school year.

ACCELERATION AND PROMOTION

There are a few instances when a child benefits by advancing more than one grade per year. If acceleration is considered, Florida Conference policy must be followed through the talented and gifted program available from the conference. However, parents should recognize that the child may miss valuable steps in his development. Therefore, we recommend that a teacher provide enrichment rather than acceleration. Enrichment may be obtained by in depth research or students taking additional subjects by the use of programmed teaching devices. Testing is available for special cases.

SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS

The Z. L. Sung Seventh-Day Adventist School is not equipped or staffed to offer special education necessary for pupils who have serious scholastic or behavioral problems, or who have severe mental or physical disabilities.

All prospective special needs students will be screened by the admissions committee. The parents will be informed that the educational goals expected of the average student may not be met. Parents must submit full disclosure of all diagnostic/psycho educational reports to appropriate school personnel before registration in order to determine if the student's educational needs can be met. Failure to comply will result in the student being asked to withdraw.

ATTENDANCE

The school hours are from:

8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday

8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Friday

Students may not arrive on the school premise more than fifteen (15) minutes after school dismissal unless previous arrangements have been made with the teacher.

No student will be permitted to leave the school grounds at any time before the end of the school day without a chaperon except in case of an emergency, and then only with the approval of the parent and the teacher. Transportation to and from the school is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Students will not be allowed to leave the school grounds with anyone not on their approved pick up list.

TARDINESS: A student who arrives in the classroom after 8:30 a.m. is tardy. Arriving late is disruptive and discourteous to the teacher and your fellow students.

ABSENCES: The accumulation of several unexcused absences may require a meeting between the teacher, parent, and the student. Children must be in attendance at least 30 days during the grading period in order to receive their grades.

EXCUSED ABSENCES AND TARDINESS:

A written excuse must accompany the student when he/she returns to class after an absence or tardiness. We must have these excuses. Illness of the student, death in the immediate family, and prearranged medical appointment of the student are the only acceptable reasons for absence from school.

Days taken off for family vacation, miscellaneous reason, or to coordinate with other school holidays is unexcused absence. Unless prearranged two weeks ahead, make-up work for unexcused absences should not be requested and cannot be made up. Tests cannot be made up.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The following items are not permitted at school and are subject to discipline.

  • Chewing gum is out of order at all times.
  • Skateboards and roller blades/skates are not permitted on the school premises for insurance reasons. Bicycles must be parked in the designated area immediately upon arrival at school, and must be left parked until the end of the school day.
  • Radios, televisions, cd players, mp3 players, books, etc., are not allowed without the teacher's permission.
  • Pets are not allowed without the teacher's permission.
  • Pagers, cell phones, etc. may not be used during school hours.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

The following behaviors and items are not permitted at school and are subject to suspension and/or dismissal.

  • Participation in humiliating or degrading a fellow student.
  • Defiance or insubordination by any student toward any teacher or staff member. This includes complaining, griping, criticism, crudeness, name calling or racial slurs.
  • Using profane language, indulging in lewd or suggestive conduct, possessing or displaying obscene literature and/or pictures.
  • Improper displays of affection with members of the opposite sex.
  • Using or possessing tobacco, narcotics, drugs or alcohol in any form. Using or possessing candy, which imitates any of the above.
  • Gambling, betting, possessing playing cards or other gambling devices.
  • Dishonesty, theft, illegal entry, willful deception regarding violation of school regulations, or cheating in examinations or class work.
  • Undermining the ideals of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

Any student displaying a consistent negative attitude will be asked to appear before the School Board with his or her parent.

DISCIPLINE STATEMENT

In order to provide an optimal learning environment for the students at Z. L. Sung Seventh-Day Adventist School, it is expected that they behave in an obedient and respectful manner. Rules are to be agreeably followed. Students are expected to quickly obey what they are asked to do.

The following behaviors are not considered appropriate student conduct.

  • Talking back or arguing with the teacher
  • Refusing to obey, or slowly and reluctantly doing so
  • Disrupting the classroom in any manner
  • Name calling, taunting, and teasing other students
  • Uses of profane or obscene language

Please note that any act of grave misbehavior, e.g., deliberately inflicting bodily harm on another student, willful disobedience, bringing a weapon to school, etc. WILL RESULT IN THE PARENT'S BEING CALLED TO IMMEDIATELY COME AND REMOVE THEIR CHILD FROM THE SCHOOL.

In such an instance, the child would be automatically suspended from school and would not be allowed to return until after a conference with parents and/or a special meeting of the school board.

If a student engages in a pattern of repeated disregard for the school rules or guidelines stated in this Handbook, the student and/or parents will be asked to meet with the school board. Suspension or expulsion may be considered at that meeting.

If you have a question about the way an incident is handled, please see the teacher. We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a beneficial learning environment for all our children.

LICE POLICY

If a child is found to have lice/nits, the following procedure will be implemented: The child will be isolated and picked up as soon as possible by the parent/guardian. The child may return to school the following day provided he/she receives necessary treatment and passes a head check by school authorized personnel, physician, or the county health department. If school authorized personnel is unavailable, the child may NOT return without a certificate from a physician or the county health department stating the child is lice/nit free.

DRESS

Both young men and women of the Z. L. Sung Seventh-Day Adventist School are expected to dress appropriately, healthfully, plainly, neatly and modestly. We do have a required school uniform and a J. C. Penney catalog will be provided where these items can be purchased. This uniform consists of: khaki or navy blue pants or shorts (skorts for K-2 girls), khaki or navy blue jumpers, navy blue, white or red polo shirts. For winter, long-sleeved navy, red, or white polo shirts or turtlenecks. Red, white, or navy blue sweaters or vest may also be worn. Students are expected to wear black or brown black or brown leather belt, and white or blue socks. Black or brown Skeeters (in the J.C. Penney catalog), or white or black sneakers will complete the uniform. On Fridays uniform shorts or jeans may be worn with the school T-shirt.

Your child's clothing should conform to this style. Jewelry of any kind is not to be worn. Hair should be clean and well groomed and out of the face. Hats may not be worn inside the building. There are no exceptions. Parents are responsible for their students arriving at school properly dressed and groomed. If the student arrives improperly dressed, the parents will be contacted to bring proper attire to the school. Teachers will offer counsel to a student concerning his or her appearance whenever necessary. Pants will be worn at the waist. Shirts will be tucked in for both sexes. Clothing should fit properly. Open toed sandals cannot be worn to school.

YOUNG MEN: For proper dress, see the catalog. Hair length should not be below the collar.

YOUNG LADIES: For proper dress, see the catalog. No make-up, nail polish, or any cosmetics which detract from the natural appearance are to be used.

STUDENT LUNCHES

The diet of the student has a great effect on his learning and retention capabilities. Learning about nutrition is part of a well-rounded education and we encourage our teacher to help students and their parents to uphold good health principles. Parents, please make sure that your child eats a balanced breakfast before coming to school in order to assure the child will be at his/her best learning potential. Parents are responsible for providing a nutritious lunch for their child/children each day. Sugar laden foods and soft drinks are discouraged.

We encourage students to bring a vegetarian lunch. However, if you choose to bring meat, we ask you to follow the Biblical standard (See Lev. 11 or Deut. 14). Chicken, turkey, or beef are permitted; pork products such as pepperoni, ham etc. or shrimp are not. A refrigerator is provided to keep drinks and lunches cool.

CAFFEINATED DRINKS ARE PROHIBITED. TRADING OF LUNCHES IS PROHIBITED.

GRADING

Grades will be issued every nine weeks. If a student is not progressing satisfactorily in any subject, the teacher will contact the parents/guardians.

Routine parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled once each year by the teacher. However, additional conferences may be scheduled as needed on an individual basis by either the parents or the teacher. The parents are encouraged to assist the pupil and teacher in helping the student at home when needed. Encouragement for the child and praise for a job well done can help to motive him/her to greater educational accomplishments.

COOPERATION OF SCHOOL AND HOME

(A SPECIAL NOTE TO PARENTS)

The Z. L. Sung Seventh-Day Adventist School recognizes that the school and home must function in close harmony for an effective program. If you have suggestions for improvement in the school program please feel free to contact the teachers, members of the school board, or the Home and School leader with your ideas. To run the school efficiently parents involvement and interaction is a must. Parents are encouraged to become involved in school related activities. You are encouraged to visit and communicate openly with teachers. However, it is most helpful when teachers are approached at appropriate times such as after school or by appointment. You are an important factor in your child's education.

When a parent finds himself in disagreement with the teacher or questions the events of the school day, it is his/her responsibility to FIRST consult the teacher before expressing his/her opinions to his/her children or other parents. Written correspondence must be in sealed envelopes to maintain confidentiality. Please remember that the success of the school depends upon each parent, pupil, and teacher working together as a team.

VISITORS

All visitors to the school must check in with the teacher immediately upon arrival.

TELEPHONE CALLS

Students are not to be called from classes to answer the phone except in cases of an emergency. Students may use the phone only with the teacher's permission.

FINANCIAL POLICY

School financial needs are met by tuition, church subsidy, and individual contributions. PROMPT PAYMENT OF TUITION IS NECESSARY FOR SCHOOL SURVIVAL.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Books and Registration Fees (non refundable):

Students in grades 1-8

$150.00 Books

$150.00 Registration Fee

Tuition:

Gainesville SDA Members

Students in grades 1-8

$3,100.00 divided by 10 months = $310.00 / month

Other SDA Members

$3,350.00 divided by 10 months = $335.00 / month

Non Members

$3,650.00 divided by 10 months = $365.00 / month

Even though the school is in session for approximately nine months, we have divided the annual amount by ten months to facilitate the parents budgeting.

PAYMENT DATES

Parents who enroll their students a Z. L. Sung have entered into a contractual agreement with the school and are expected to live up to their commitment. School records will not be released until all obligations have been met.

The first month's tuition and the registration fee are due on the day of registration. However, we realize this may cause a hardship to some families. To remedy this problem the registration fee may be broken into two payments with half of it being due at registration and the other half being due on January 1. Tuition is due on the 1st day of each month thereafter through 05/01. If payment is not made by the 10th of the month, a 10% late fee is assessed to the account. If payment falls two months behind, the child will be asked not to return to school until the account is brought up to date. CHILDREN WILL NOT RECEIVE THEIR REPORT CARD IF THE ACCOUNT HAS A BALANCE AT END OF YEAR. Grades and transcripts will only be transferred if all expected payments are received.

A 10% discount will be offered to anyone who would like to pay the whole year's tuition all at once at the beginning of the school year. A 5% discount will be offered to anyone who would like to pay a whole semester's tuition in advance. This must be paid before the first day of school or the first day of the second semester.

A fee of $20.00 will be assessed for any returned check.

Special consideration has been granted to parents with more than one child enrolled in school. There will be a 10% discount based on a sliding scale as per the following tuition schedule. The fifth child's tuition will be the same as the 4th child's tuition.

Children Enrolled

Grades

1st child

2nd child

3rd child

4th child



Gainesville SDA Members

 

 

 

 

 

1-8



$310.00



$279.00



$251.10



$225.99



Other SDA Members

1-8

$335.00
$301.50
$271.35

$244.26

Non Members
1-8
$365.00
$328.50
$295.65

$266.09


ACCOUNTS MUST BE CURRENT BY THE END OF THE YEAR IN ORDER FOR CHILDREN TO RECEIVE REPORT CARDS. TEACHERS WILL NOT ACCEPT TUITION CHECKS OR CASH UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

Payment should be made as instructed by the treasurer.

BEFORE SCHOOL CARE

Before school care is offered free of charge to students 7:30-8:30 a.m. No after school care is available. Parents are expected to pick up their child / children by closing time. There will be a charge of $1.00 per minute for those who are more than 15 minutes late in picking up their children.

WITHDRAWALS

For the student who withdraws before the end of the year, a per diem tuition charge for the last month will be prorated and determined by the school treasurer. However, parents must notify the teacher in writing at least one week in advance to receive a refund. Grades and transcripts will only be transferred if all expected payments are received.


COPY OF AGREEMENT


I agree to pay $_________________ by the first of each month. I understand if my account is more than two (2) months past due, my child will be asked not to return to school until my account is brought to date. 

________________________________

Parent/Guardian

Date:____________________________

 

THIS IS A COPY OF THE AGREEMENT YOU SIGNED.


COPY OF AGREEMENT

All new applications shall be present to an Admissions Committee consisting of the school principal, church pastor and school board chairperson. It will be necessary for parents/guardian and the students to personally appear before this committee for an interview. The Admissions Committee will then confer with the school board and the decision will be made to accept or deny the application.


_______________________________

Parent/Guardian



COPY OF AGREEMENT


Has your child ever been treated for behavior, emotional or learning problems?

_____ yes _____ no

 

If yes, please explain below the specific problem and any treatment received:

 

Explanation:________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________

 

Doctor/Counselor:__________________________________

 

_________________________________________________

 

________________________________________

Parent/Guardian

 

Date:___________________

 

THIS IS A COPY OF THE AGREEMENT YOU SIGNED

COPY OF AGREEMENT


I have read the handbook and understand its requirements. The school dress code has been explained to me. I understand and will see that my child/children are in compliance.



_____________________________

Parent's signature




I understand the school dress code and agree to abide by it.


_________________________

Student's signature


Date: _____________________



THIS IS A COPY OF THE AGREEMENT YOU SIGNED

 

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