Hillside Seventh-day Adventist^® School

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

 

The Seventh-day Adventist Church recognizes that God, the Creator and Sustainer of the earth, and the entire universe, is the source of knowledge and wisdom. In His image God created man perfect. Because of sin, man lost his original estate and Christian education, by perfecting faith in Christ, restores in man the image of his Maker, nurtures in man, an intelligent dedication to the Word of God on earth and develops in man a practical preparation for conscientious service to his fellow men.

Seventh-day Adventists believe that knowledge of this personal God can never be derived by human reason alone, but that God has communicated His nature, purposes and plans through divine revelation. The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God and contain a revelation of His will to men and they constitute for the church the only unerring rule of faith and practice. The church membership accepts the gift of prophecy as manifested through special revelation to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the life and ministry of Ellen G. White. In this respect Seventh-day Adventists accept divine revelation as the guiding principle in their philosophy of education. They believe that their teachers are servants of God, and their students, children of God.

The church operates a school system to ensure that its youth may receive a balanced physical, mental, moral, social and vocational education in harmony with denominational standards and ideals, with God as the source of all moral value and truth. His revealed mind and will are the criteria for right and wrong. The stated interest of the church is in the optimum development of the whole child for both this life and the life hereafter.

Seventh-day Adventists conduct their own schools for the purpose of transmitting to their young people the ideals, beliefs, attitudes, values, habits and customs as taught by the church, and to provide a reservoir of well-prepared denominational workers and leaders. The government maintains a highly developed public school system for making citizens; but in addition to being patriotic, law-abiding citizens, Seventh-day Adventists want their children to be loyal, conscientious Christians. There is peculiar to the church, a body of knowledge, values and ideals that must be transmitted to the younger generation in order that the church may continue to exist. In this process the Biblical principle of social transmission is recognized: "Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children and their children another generation." (Joel 1:3).

A true knowledge of God, fellowship and companionship with Him in study and service, likeness to Him in character development, are to be the source, the means and the aim of Seventh-day Adventist education.

SUMMARY

The Seventh-day Adventist Church desires through all its educational programs to help prepare its youth for effective citizenship on this earth and for rewarding citizenship in the new earth.

The educational program of the church gives primary emphasis to character building and to the spiritual foundation of the life of its children and youth. Moreover, it makes abundant provision for the acquisition and interpretation of that which is appropriate from the store of secular knowledge and skills for mental, social, vocational and physical development.

The aim of Seventh-day Adventist education is to create an educational environment that makes it more likely that each student will accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Friend.

Seventh-day Adventist education is built on the belief that each student is unique and of immeasurable value. It values the importance of systematic development of the whole person. Students are taught to accept the concept of service as a principle of life; to be sensitive to the needs of people; and to become contributing members in their home, church and society.

 ADMISSION POLICIES         top

 Attendance at the Hillside Seventh-day Adventist School should be regarded as a privilege and not as a right. We follow a policy of non-discrimination of race or creed in admission of students. We welcome students of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. As a private school we uphold the standards of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The Hillside Seventh-day Adventist School is operated for the youth of the Seventh-day Adventist faith, but welcomes any qualified boy or girl of school age, regardless of his/her religious or racial background; who desires a character-building education and who is willing to support the principles and comply with the regulations of the school.

The school board maintains the right to screen applicants, and if we feel that we cannot meet the child's spiritual, social, academic and physical needs, we reserve the right to refuse admission.

 

GUIDELINES FOR ADMISSION     top 

1. AGE:  In keeping with the action of Allegheny East Conference Education Committee and the Pennsylvania Department of Education, students who enroll in the first grade should reach the age of six by September 1.

The following steps should be taken for admission of a child under six years of age whose parents feel their child can be successful in the first grade.

1. A written request by the parent(s) or guardian for early admission to grade one containing reasons for entry.
2. A physician's statement verifying the child is capable of learning first grade skills.
3. An interview and a readiness test conducted by the teacher.

2. FORMS: The following forms are to be completed for each child:

1. Application/enrollment form
2. Medical and immunization forms
3. Financial agreement
4. Emergency cards
5. Records transfer (when applicable)

3. ENTRANCE TESTS will be given to each new student regardless of grade level or time of the year when enrolling. This will help in grade placement and in determining the individual needs of each student.

4. TRANSFERRING STUDENTS: Parent(s) or legal guardians of any applicant transferring to the Hillside Seventh-day Adventist School must produce academic transcript and medical records prior to the applicant being accepted. Please make arrangements with your child's last school to release the records to Hillside Seventh-day Adventist School upon request.

5. PARENT CONFERENCES will be scheduled for new students following the scoring of entrance tests to answer any questions concerning school policies and practices as stated in the handbook.

6. STUDENT PLEDGE: It is mutually agreed that every student who presents him or herself for admission to the school thereby pledges to observe willingly all its regulations and to uphold the Christian principles upon which the school operates.

7. VISITING THE SCHOOL: Parents and students interested in visiting the school are welcome to make appointments to do so.

FINANCIAL POLICIES

The school budget is solely supported by parents, church members and friends.

REGISTRATION FEE

Each year a non-refundable registration fee is due when enrolling your child(ren). This fee is due regardless of date of enrollment and MUST be paid for the enrollment to be complete and your child to be officially accepted into the school. This fee is used to pay for textbook rental, workbooks, some field trips, student insurance and other miscellaneous supplies.

TUITION    top 

Parents should enroll their children in the Hillside Seventh-day Adventist School with the intent of leaving them there for the entire school year. If parents choose not to pay the entire year's tuition when enrolling their child, a ten month payment plan is available, (August through May).

A student who moves from the area during the school year will only pay tuition for those months he/she attends school. However, attendance of any part or a month will require the full month's tuition.

An incoming student, enrolling during the school year, need only pay for the month he/she is in attendance. June is regarded as a full month. For example: Mary enrolls in school on February 17. Monthly tuition payments will be due for February, March, April, May. Again, attendance for any part of a month will require the full month's tuition.

Failure to pay tuition resulting in a debt equal to one month's tuition will result in the suspension of a student from classes. In order for a student to resume attendance after the point of suspension, the account must be paid, or acceptable arrangements made with the treasurer or board chair person. We will try to work with those who have unusual circumstances.

This policy would go into effect for example, if January's tuition were not paid by February 15, at which time the account would show a debt of one month's tuition.

No academic records will be forwarded to other schools unless the account is paid in full. A student, whose tuition is not paid in full, will not be able to participate in commencement exercises.

There will be a 5% per month penalty on fees that are not paid by the 15th of the month.

There will be a $30.00 bank reimbursement fee charged for all checks that are returned for insufficient funds, in addition to the face value of the check that has been returned. All subsequent fees shall be paid by cash or money order.

If tuition has not been paid by the end of the month, a reminder notice will be sent to the parent. When the tuition payment is 30 days late, the student will then be suspended until the account becomes current. If the account is not paid in full, the outstanding amount will be turned over to a collection agency.

Financial agreement forms and current tuition schedules may be obtained form the school office.

All monies should be given or sent directly to the treasurer.
 

TEXTBOOKS AND WORKBOOKS    top 

Textbooks and workbooks are supplied by the school. It is your child's responsibility to take good care of the textbooks. All hard cover books should have book covers on them at all times. At the end of the year, teachers will check all books for damage. A condition report will be entered on the front cover at the beginning of each school year. Parents will have to pay for the replacement of any lost books or supplies, or any books damaged during that school year. No charge will be made for normal wear.

ACADEMIC POLICIES

High academics do not make a school; however, in a Christian school we should strive to have high academics. Our aim is to produce a well-rounded child who is prepared for the service in this world and for the ultimate joy of service in heaven. Since our goal is to please the Lord we should develop our talents to use in His service. We will use the best in textbooks and methods that are in keeping with the Bible and our Seventh-day Adventist curriculum, so that your child receives the best education possible.

PARENT CONFERENCE

Parents are expected to attend a parent/teacher conference with their child's teacher following the first and the third nine-week period (fall and spring). The school calendar should be consulted for dates. Your child’s teacher will send time schedules home. At these conferences your child's progress and problem areas will be discussed.

REPORT CARDS/PROGRESS REPORTS

Report cards will be issued every nine weeks. Progress reports will be sent home during the marking period at the discretion of the teacher. A list of missed assignments will be included on the progress report. Parents would sign the lower portion of the report and return it immediately to school.

Since it is the aim of the principal and teachers to keep the parents well informed of their child's progress, parents or teachers may request additional conferences at any time during the school year.

ACHIEVEMENT TEST

All students in grades three through eight will be tested in the spring using the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. Parents will receive a copy of the test results once they are scored and tabulated. These test results compare each child against the norm of the American student population to verify that learning is taking place.

RULES OF CONDUCT    top 

Rules of conduct governing students are based on denominational tenets held by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Such conduct would include Christian kindness and courtesy to all, a positive attitude toward the Hillside Seventh day Adventist School and the principles for which it stands, and a deep commitment to do one's best in every task.

Any practice or attitudes, which tends to nullify a Christian atmosphere or defeat the purpose of the school, will not be permitted.

Any student engaging in any of the following activities is subject to disciplinary action.

• Continual violation of any school regulation or insubordination toward school personnel. Students are reminded that all administrative personnel, teachers, teacher aides and substitute teachers have authority over them while they are on the school grounds.
• Lying, cheating and stealing.
• Fighting.
• Failure to comply with the Dress Code.
• The use or possession of alcoholic beverages, tobacco and/or narcotics.
• Intentionally causing damage to school property, including textbooks and furniture.
• Theft or breaking into locked areas, or being in unauthorized locations.
• Entering or leaving school by any means other than the regular entrance.
• Leaving the school property without permission.
• The possession of firearms, knives, slingshots, other weapons or explosives.
• The use of profane or indecent language.
• Improper conduct involving persons of the opposite sex.
• The use or possession of face playing cards.
• Gambling of any kind.
• Possession of reading material or recordings which do not conform to Seventh-day Adventist standards.

The administration reserves the right to judge the appropriateness of any item brought to school. Parents or guardians will be charged for any damages to school property caused by their child.

Disciplinary Procedures

1. A Verbal Warning for the first offense.
2. A Discipline Notice will be sent home by the teacher to inform the parents of a misbehavior or discipline situation. Both the offense committed and the discipline step to be taken will be included. It must be signed and returned by the date indicated. A discipline notice will be given for the following:
   1. The first or second infraction of classroom conduct guidelines.
   2. The second infraction of the dress code.
3. Suspension.
   1. The third infraction of classroom conduct guidelines of dress code, after a discipline notice has been sent home (one day suspension).
   2. Fighting or insubordination will result in a three-day suspension for the first offense. A day will be added for each subsequent offense.
4. Expulsion. A student may be expelled for the following:
   1. Physical attack on any teacher or staff member.
   2. Extreme misbehavior.
   3. Resistance to correction.
   4. Five suspensions for the same offense.

GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. No running in the halls and classrooms.
2. School phones are for school business only. Students shall not be called to the phone during school hours except for emergencies.
3. Chewing gum is not permitted on the premises or in the classroom.
4. No cough drops are permitted in the classroom without written consent of the parent/guardian.
5. Parents are to provide proper eating utensils for their child's lunch. Caffeinated drinks are not acceptable.
6. Radios, tape recorders and skateboards will not be allowed on the school grounds unless special permission is granted. Failure to comply may result in confiscation.

STUDENT PLEDGE

It is mutually agreed that every student who presents him or herself for admission to the school thereby pledges to observe willingly all of its regulations and to uphold the Christian principles upon which the school operates. If a student does not abide by the regulations, he/she may be asked to withdraw from the school.

As part of the registration process, the student and parents will sign a statement to the effect that they have received and read the school handbook and agree to the terms contained therein.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Field trips are for educational reasons and are not for entertainment. Students may not attend a field trip without a written permission form from their parent or legal guardian. Arrangements must be made prior to the field trip. In some instances a small fee may be necessary to defray expenses.

Disbursement of Medicines: Teachers are not permitted by law to disburse internal medicines of ANY kind to students, unless the school receives the following:

1. A written statement from a physician detailing the time schedules, amount and method by which the medications are to be taken by the student.
2. A written statement from the parent or guardian of the student requesting the school to assist in matters outline in the physician's statement.

Weather Announcements: In adverse weather, students, parents and teachers are urged to listen carefully to radio station WHP, from 6:30 a.m. for school cancellations or delays. If your child is bused by public school district busing, he/she will follow the time of delay or cancellation for the school district which buses him or her, unless the Hillside Seventh-day Adventist School is closed.

School Busing: Parents are requested to make contact with their school district if they require busing for their child(ren). The Hillside Seventh-day Adventist School, will, when necessary, confirm in writing, that the child is enrolled at this school and send a copy of the school calendar to the transportation office of the school district. Any questions concerning your child's busing should be directed to the school district.

School Bus Conduct: Children riding on public school buses must obey the rules as outlined by their bus driver or school district. Any misbehavior may result in a student being suspended from bus privileges. The child's behavior on the bus should reflect the Christian principles by which we administer our school.

Snow Emergency: In the event of heavy snowfall occurring or being predicted, resulting in a school cancellation during the day, the parents will be notified and transportation arrangements be made. If conditions deteriorate, the parents or school districts responsible for transportation may pick up the children, earlier, to minimize a potentially hazardous situation. Credit for a full day will be given but assignments or missed work is to be completed.

Lunches: Seventh-day Adventists believe that an integral part of education children is the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. It is the practice of the Seventh-day Adventist World Church that its institutions, elementary, secondary, high school/academies, colleges/universities, hospitals/health care facilities, do not serve, provide, distribute or permit the consumption of meat, meat products, fish or other seafood products, alcohol, caffeine or illicit drugs on its premises.

Home and School: To ensure the success of the school and the best welfare of every individual child enrolled, it is important that the parents, teachers and school board work closely together. Parents are urged to support the Home and School Association to ensure a spirit of TOGETHERNESS.

Arrival at School: Parents should recognize the importance of promptness in delivering and picking up their children. Teachers are required to stay only thirty minutes after the close of school, so for your child's safety and the peace of mind of the teachers, students must be picked up promptly.

Jewelry: Jewelry such as bracelets, (including ID bracelets, friendship bands), chains, earrings, rings, anklets, and necklaces ARE NOT to be worn, even if attached to clothing.

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

1. School Hours
   1. School begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday. School ends at 1:00 p.m. of Friday.
   2. Lunch periods are arranged during the time from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (If at any time there is an early dismissal, parents will be notified.
2. Attendance
   1. Each child is required by state law to attend school each scheduled day unless prevented from doing so for mental, physical, or other urgent reasons. According to state regulations 22 PA Code, Chapter 11.25a, "urgent reasons" is to be strictly construed and does not permit irregular attendance.
   2. State law determines legal and illegal absences. Illness or death in the family are the only excusable absences. Educational experiences are also excused if certain procedures are followed.
   3. Any child who is absent must submit an excuse written by the parent on the first day back from the absence. Absences of three consecutive days or more require a doctor's excuse. If no excuse is provided when the child returns to school, the absence will be "unexcused" or deemed invalid by the administration. This excuse should be specific as to the illness; this helps the teacher in knowing what to expect of the child as far as make-up work is concerned. Excessive absences must have an excuse from a physician.
   4. Children absent because of communicable diseases must conform to the quarantine laws for such diseases.
   5. Illegal absences beyond three will be dealt with according to the procedure of the state school laws. (Situation can be referred to the public school truant officer in the child's school district.)

GRADING SYSTEM

Report cards will be issued every nine weeks. If a student is experiencing a deficiency in a subject, the teacher will notify the parent with a progress report at any time between report cards. Each subject will be graded on a numeric system of 1-100. The following chart will show the corresponding letter grade.

 

A+	100 - 96
A-	95 - 93
B+	92 - 88
B	87 - 83
C+	82 - 79
C	78 - 74
C-	73 - 70
D	69 - 60
F	59 and Below

 

 HOMEWORK    top

 

Regular homework will be assigned to aid each student to advance his studies. Homework will be assigned for several purposes:

For drill: Educational research indicates that drill is necessary for the mastery of certain types of material.

For remedial activity: As instruction progresses, sometimes students fall behind; homework is necessary to help those students’ master necessary skills.

For enrichment: Homework is given to stimulate the thinking process and give interested students a challenge.

For special projects: Book reports, compositions, special research projects are some of the activities that are frequently the subject of homework.

Suggested amount of homework per night:

Grades 1-3	30 minutes
Grade 4	45 minutes
Grade 5	1 1/2 hours
Grades 6-8	1 1/2 -2 hours