COPY OF FCS PARENT STUDENT HANDBOOK
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Welcome to Fellowship Christian School (FCS)! At Fellowship, under the sovereign authority of our Holy God, we purpose to obey and fulfill the divine plan that “All their children should be taught of the Lord” (Isaiah 54:13a). This mission focused our education on these key objectives:
• That the Word of God be written in the hearts of the children (Ps 119:11)
• That each child would become a doer of the Word, not just a hearer (James 1:22)
• That the children acquire and demonstrate the fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23)
• That children understand that our God is Holy. We observe Him as Holy, and obey his Holy commands as a Holy people (Lev 11:44).
Our aim is to:
• “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33)
• Impart to our students the spirit of Jesus Christ who teaches, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have loved one to another” (John 13:35).
This is a testimony of Jesus Christ that we purpose for the hearts of the children of Fellowship Christian School.
• Provide an affordable, Christian based education to all who seek it.
Fellowship Christian School:
• A refuge and haven for Christian families who long to build their children’s character on the foundation of God’s Word, the Bible.
• We provide multiple grade classrooms with a full range of Christian based curriculum.
• The school is Washington State certified PK-12.
• Bible teaching is central, integrating every aspect of learning. Programs and policies are in place to honor and glorify our Heavenly Father.
Our Name: The Fellowship of the Believers (NIV), Acts 2:42-47
“42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
Our desire is to grow as one large body, teaching and living in the ways the Lord gives us, helping one another, sharing with one another, and giving to one another. We strive to live as
the first church lived; in fellowship with one another.
We provide multi-age classrooms with smaller teacher-student ratios (about 17:1) to help promote and provide individualized learning.
It is our paramount duty to provide the learning environment and activities in which each child can grow to his/her fullest potential, with God leading the way.
This parent/student handbook has been designed to acquaint you with the procedures, policies, and features of Fellowship Christian School. We hope you will find this information useful and keep this handbook as a quick reference to use throughout the year. Should you have any questions or suggestions to add to next year’s handbook, please do not hesitate to contact the school (FellowshipChristianSchools@gmail.com).
Together, as partners with the Lord, we can expect a fruitful year for all of His children!
FCS Staff Contact:
- Principal (Mrs. Smith): VSmith@FellowshipChristianSchools.com
- PreK (Ms. Carr): JCarr@FellowshipChristianSchools.com
- PreK (Mrs. Rubashka): RRubashka@FellowshipChristianSchools.com
- Kindergarten (Ms. Irina): IDidok@FellowshipChristianSchools.com
- Kindergarten (Ms. Kamholz): AKamholz@FellowshipChristianSchools.com
- 1st Grade: Grade1@FellowshipChristianSchools.com
- 2nd Grade: Grade2@FellowshipChristianSchools.com
- 3rd Grade: Grade3@FellowshipChristianSchools.com
- 4th Grade: Grade4@FellowshipChristianSchools.com
- 5th Grade: Grade5@FellowshipChristianSchools.com
Middle & High School:
- Mr. Smith: NSmith@FellowshipChristianSchools.com
- Mr. Hunt: AHunt@FellowshipChristianSchools.com
- Mr. Holst: CHolst@FellowshipChristianSchools.com
- Mrs. Smith: VSmith@FellowshipChristianSchools.com
Specials/Electives/Support:
- Mrs Theresa: TSerna@FellowshipChristianSchools.com
- Ms. Katya: KMahdenko@FellowshipChristianSchools.com
- Mr. Holst: CHolst@FellowshipChristianSchoools.com
- Mrs. Kidwell: FKidwell@FellowshipChristianSchools.com
Attendance, Billing & Info/Planning
- FellowshipChristianSchools@gmail.com
SCHOOL HOURS
REGULAR SCHOOL HOURS
Monday – Thursday
8:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
HALF-TIME PRE-KINDERGARTEN
Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday
8:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Or
Monday-Thursday
8:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
EARLY RELEASE DAYS
Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 dismissed at 12:00 P.M. (8:30 A.M. start).
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Most days, Fellowship Christian School will follow the Everett School District school closure/late start during inclement weather; however, final decisions will be posted on the school Facebook Page (www.Facebook.com/FellowshipChristianSchools) and Band App (band.us/@fcs).
Please be sure to listen/check not only in the morning, but throughout the day, as a decision to dismiss early may be made at any time.
1 Hour Late: 9:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
2 Hours Late: 10:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Radio Stations you can listen to:
KRKO AM 1380 KHz (24 hours) KING AM 1090 KHz (reports at 5:30 A.M.)
KWYZ AM 1230 KHz (24 hours) KOMO AM 1000 KHz (24 hours)
KIRO AM 710 KHz(reports at 6 A.M.)
ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL
On the first day of school, all students must be walked to the building doors. The playground is not available to the children in the morning, before school starts, as there is not playground supervision.
Students must be in their classrooms at 8:30 A.M., to prevent being tardy. Students may arrive at 8:20 A.M., but must report to their classrooms, where supervision is present. School doors are locked until this time. Please, for safety reasons, do not leave your child unattended. For safety reasons, also, please do not allow students to run around the hallways or classrooms.
AFTER SCHOOL
School dismissal is at 4:00 P.M. In order to give the teachers adequate planning time, we ask that you be as prompt as possible when picking up your child(ren). Students will await parent pickup in the pick up line, at the front doors, with their pick up tags clearly displayed for the FCS staff. Please do not pick up children at the classroom doors. This causes extra traffic and distraction during pack-up/dismissal time, at the end of the day.
Playground supervision is not available after 4:00 P.M. Supervision of the child(ren) is turned over to the parent(s) after 4:00 P.M./parent pick-up. After school, students who do not have a completed learning plan for the Learning Center or any assigned after-school activities should go home when they are dismissed.
ABSENCE NOTIFICATION
Regular attendance is important to school success. However, we realize there are times a student may need to be kept home. The following are recognized as excused absences: Illness, family emergencies, prearranged doctor or dentist appointments and absences which, according to the school administration, are appropriate but are not stated in the previously stated instances.
All vacations should be taken during scheduled school breaks. Vacations are recorded as unexcused absences and work will not be given to students ahead of time. Students will be expected to complete missed work upon their return. They must complete the work within one week of their return. Missed tests will be given during the week the student returns and must be taken after regular school hours, so as to not interfere with scheduled class time and current lessons.
When your child is going to be absent, please call/text the school (206) 486-5882 and leave a detailed message with your name, the child’s name and grade level, as well as the reason for the absence. If your child is absent and you have not called the office, you will be called to verify his/her whereabouts and safety.
When your child returns from an absence, a signed note from the parent & doctor/dentist should be sent to school. The note should include the date(s) of the absence and the reason for the absence. If notes are not turned into the school office, absences will be recorded as unexcused.
TARDINESS
When you know your child will arrive late to school, please have your child report directly to the front desk for an admit slip before proceeding to class. Consistent truancy does cause students to miss critical instruction in key concepts, as well as cause them to fall behind in school. Fellowship Christian School is also obligated to follow the Washington state school law.
According to Washington State truancy law, when a child accumulates 7 or more unexcused absences in a calendar month or a total of 10 unexcused absences during a school year, the school is required to file truancy petitions in juvenile court. This may lead to state fees, required community service and loss of course credit.
EARLY DISMISSAL
When an early dismissal is necessary, please have your child bring a note to school to be given to his/her teacher first thing in the morning. Early dismissals do accumulate and are recorded as a “tardy” or absence, depending on the time of dismissal. All early dismissals/pick-ups must be in writing. We ask that the authorized parent/guardian check in at the office before going to the classroom and picking up your child. You will need to sign your child out at that time. Students are not allowed to wait outside of their classrooms for early dismissal.
Please sign and return the TRUANCY/ATTENDANCE/BECCA BILL Agreement (attached on the last page of the Parent Student Handbook) by no later than the end of the first week of
school.
HOMEWORK WHEN YOUR CHILD IS ILL (Excused Absence)
If your child is ill please have them stay home so that we can prevent other children from getting sick, as well. If your child is sick for one day, have them stay in bed and recover and pick up homework (if necessary) the following day. We would like to give your child the rest that they need in order to recover quickly from their ailments/illness. Many times missed work also requires direction from the teacher in order to complete assignments.
As a general rule, if you know your child will be home ill for two or more days, notify the office/teacher (206) 486-5882 at least 48 hours (two days) prior to picking up the assignments so that materials and directions can be prepared by the teacher.
HOMEWORK FOR VACATIONING STUDENTS (Unexcused Absence)
Due to the limited amount of time we have to teach your children, we ask that you try and schedule vacations during school breaks. While worksheets can be sent home when the child returns, there is much hands-on learning that students will miss as a result of their absence. This type of learning creates memories that foster long-term comprehension of the concepts being taught. The instruction that the child receives while in attendance in the classroom is very important.
Please notify the teacher and office (at least 4 school days (1 week) in advance) if your child will be out for an extended time. When the child returns, any critical makeup work arrangements should be made with the teacher. No more thank one week (four school days) will be given to complete missed work. Teachers may ask that missed work be completed sooner than one week (four school days). The child will be required to complete the missed work outside of classroom work time. Tests will be given during the first week the student returns and must take place after school hours, so as to not interfere with current classes. Failing to complete the assignments within the timeframe specified (including missed tests to be taken after school) will result in a zero grade for those assignments and may greatly impact the student’s final grade.
HOMEWORK (IN GENERAL)
ALL students (K-12) should read every single night as part of their nightly homework, even if they do not have an assigned book. Reading impacts so much of the learning process and dramatically impacts SAT, ACT and PSAT scores. Most assignments are due by the next school day, if not the same school day. Please regularly check Thinkwave for missed assignments and for student progress.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Students must meet all Washington State OSPI graduation requirements in order to receive a diploma from Fellowship Christian School. In addition, they must:
• Complete SAT or ACT by April of their graduation year
• Complete a Senior Project and Presentation
• Complete required Community Service Hours/Assigned Community Service Project
SAFETY/EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
At Fellowship Christian School, we take the safety of your child very seriously. We routinely practice emergency drills.
FIRE DRILLS
At the signal (ringing bell), students will walk in an orderly fashion and line up with their teacher, single file, to exit the building. They evacuate the building and assemble in the southeast portion of the parking lot (furthest position away from the building). Teachers take roll/attendance and call the fire department, if necessary.
EARTHQUAKE DRILLS
At the signal, students will drop, hold, and cover. Students are to crouch beneath a desk or table. At the end of the signal, students remain in the cover position until the teacher determines it is safe to leave the building. Students will then line up, single file, and exit the building with their teacher to the evacuation area (southeast portion of the parking lot). Students will be asked to sit on the ground, a safer position in case of after- shocks. Teachers will take roll/attendance and the proper authorities will be notified.
EMERGENCY DISMISSAL
In the event of a real emergency where students are not able to return to the building, students will remain under direct supervision of staff and will be released only to those adults listed on the student’s emergency release form (listed in enrollment packet). Parents will be contacted at their home, business or cellular phone number (whichever is listed on the emergency contact form).
Please make sure your emergency and regular contact form is up to date. All families will also be notified via the Band App. Please make sure you are signed up on the Band App for Fellowship Christian School.
LOCKDOWN DRILL
All staff have been trained in the procedures for a school lock down. We always pray that the Lord will keep all of the families and children safe, but we are also prepared for school lockdown, if necessary. Staff carry building keys that access every classroom. Students will be locked away in designated areas until police and/or other safety personnel have given an “all clear.” Families will be notified and student pick up will be required.
CAMERA & AUDIO RECORDINGS
For safety purposes, Fellowship Christian School has camera and audio recording devices throughout classrooms, hallways and exteriors to monitor the building, at all times. These devices are for safety purposes and do record both visual and audio of anyone on the premises and in the building, at anytime. By signing the Parent Student Handbook you acknowledge and accept these conditions.
PICK UP/DROP OFF
In order to help ensure the safety of all of the students and their families, we ask that you review and follow the pick up/drop off procedures for Fellowship Christian School.
Please enter at the southern entrance of the parking lot (next to the Hyundai dealership) and exit at the northern most entrance of the parking lot (next to the Everett Clinic). The
parking lot is one way, so please be sure to enter and exit accordingly.
Please also make sure not to park in roped/coned off areas. Please, never move the cones and don’t drive over them. This allows students to walk and play safely outside.
Finally, please be sure to keep your speed low (5 mph), stop for pedestrians and please do not cut through parking spaces nor swerve in and out of the pick up/drop off lanes.
Drop Off: Please drop students off at the front designated doors. Please also make sure to utilize the designated parking at the back of the building during drop off. Please do not park in front of the main doors nor any non-parking areas as it backs up traffic and can cause accidents.
Pick Up: There are two acceptable ways to conduct pick up of your child(ren).
1. Park: You may park in the back parking lot and walk to the front/main doors to pick up your child or
2. Pick Up Line (No parking/getting out of vehicle allowed): You may wait in the pick up line. If you park and pick up, you may use the outer pass-through lane (no waiting), after you have parked in a designated parking space and picked up. If you use the Pick Up Line, you are not allowed to get out of the vehicle to pick up your child (and they need to be able to buckle themselves).
In addition, when picking up your child, if your child is not lined up and ready to get into your vehicle, please park the vehicle in a parking space at the back of the building, while waiting. Staff will help direct you to the correct area. This will help prevent backed up vehicles during pick up time as well as allow all students to get picked up in a manner that is as safe as possible. Please also be sure to stop for the Safety Patrol as they help with directing the cars during pick up/drop off time and please be courteous/kind to them.
Not following these pick up/drop off procedures unnecessarily endangers others, so please be sure to follow these policies, even if you are in a hurry to get somewhere.
LOST AND FOUND
To help prevent lost items, we ask that you clearly mark (with child’s name) hats, gloves, and coats. Articles of clothing and other items found on the school grounds are left in the lost and
found box, at the reception desk, or left in your child’s classroom. Any article marked with your child’s name is immediately returned. All items not claimed by the end of each quarter are given to a charitable organization.
Lost & Found items are located at the front entrance.
We ask that children not bring toys, candy or electronics to school, to prevent classroom disruption. If a student does choose to bring an item to school, it is done so at their own risk. No objects/toys symbolizing or appearing to be a weapon of any sort (guns, knives, etc.) are ever allowed at the school. Fellowship Christian School will not be responsible for any damage caused to any item/toy brought to the school.
LEARNING CENTER
The Learning Center, consisting of a support staff, provides after-school homework help one day per week (TBD), from 4:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. The Learning Center will start during the second month of school. Before a child is able to attend the Learning Center, they must complete a Learning Plan and have it signed off by the teacher or principal at least one week in advance. The Learning Center is for students in Grades 3 and above. Students must agree to and sign the Learning Center contract. No other students are permitted to stay after school. The Learning Center will be able to hold 15 registered students each day. If necessary, students needing help at the Learning Center will be put on a rotation so that all students can be attended to.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES shall be permitted on the student or in the classroom. Students needing calculators are not permitted to use their cell phones or tablets, etc. If it is necessary for the student to bring a cell phone to school, they must be kept in the school office at all times.
Every teacher/staff has a cell phone, in case of emergency. Cell phones have become an unnecessary distraction and we want all students to be “present” while they are at school. The school has necessary electronic devices for students and should a student ever be in need of any additional devices (rarely, if ever), a note will be sent home ahead of time.
Violations of Policy
- First Violation: Any violation of this policy will result in immediate confiscation of the device as well as note/call home
- 2nd Violation: Confiscation of device, note/call home and possible detention.
- 3rd Violation: Confiscation of device, note/call home and detention.
- 4th or greater Violation: Confiscation of device, note/call home and Friday school (community service at school).
To help with student privacy, pictures/videos are not permitted by cell phones or cameras or any other device (unless otherwise authorized). Any abuse of this policy will result in immediate confiscation of the device. Consequences may also include in school suspension/detention.
SCHOOL ELECTRONICS
All school property, including electronics, are to be taken care of and returned in the same condition. Electronics are only to be used for academic, school approved research and use. Using school electronics in any other way will result in students no longer being allowed to use devices. They will be reburied to do all electronic work at home, as homework and will have to use textbooks and library books for research/projects.
SCHOOL MONITORING BY CAMERA & AUDIO
For safety reasons, school property & premises is under video surveillance (to include camera and audio recording). All persons on the school property/premise are recorded under this surveillance.
IMMUNIZATION
Immunization information (even if choosing not to immunize), on a State provided form, is required for every student entering school. Students who do not meet this requirement will be excluded from attending school by the Health Department. Immunization forms must be updated and submitted to the school office annually. Blank forms can be found below:
MEDICATION/HEALTH
Parents and the child’s physician are urged to work out a schedule for administering medication outside school hours. The only exceptions would involve serious problems and if it is deemed absolutely necessary to have the student take medicine at school. A Medication Authorization Form (available in the Office) must be signed by the parent and the physician for all medicines (prescription and over the counter), before they can be administered/used. All medication must be brought to the Office in the original container, labeled with the name of the child, name of the drug, dose, and the time of administration. Students can not keep medication on them. Students can not attend school if they are sick or have symptoms of illness. They will be asked to stay home and to monitor symptoms. COVID policies and procedures are listed on the FAQ page.
CHOIR/BAND
Students will be taught choir/band (high school students may choose if they would like to take either class, as an elective). Choir/band will include music pedagogy and theology. Students are encouraged to practice at home. Performances will include a winter, spring, and end of year program, but may not take place during COVID. We will do our best to continue all of our Specials classes during this unprecedented season.
SCHOOL PROGRAMS & EVENTS (MANDATORY)
All students are required to participate in the Christmas, Easter and End of Year Programs. Each program is given a major project grade. Missing a program will result in at least a 10% class grade drop as well as require a make-up 5 page paper (due the day of the program).
Middle School and Culinary Arts students are also required to prepare and stay after school for the Dinner Fellowship Event.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Throughout the school year, students will be encouraged to become doers of the word (James 1:22) through Christian Character building curriculum as well as through active participation in their community (whether it be at school or at planned school outings). We encourage the children to share God’s love with all of those around them. We are currently partnering with Casino Road Kids Ministry.
Community Service (50 hours) is a high school requirement for graduation.
Community service hours must be signed off by adults and turned in by no later than one week before graduation. Seniors must also complete an SAT or ACT exam and Senior Project by FCS deadlines in order to graduate from FCS.
Notifications and permission slips will be sent home if a child will have the opportunity to participate in community service off of Fellowship Christian School property.
FIELD TRIPS
All students will have the opportunity to participate in at least one school field trip per year (usually two). School field trips are used as hands on extensions of current learnings taking place and are great ways to provide long lasting memories for your child. Field trips will be scheduled out at least three weeks in advance & all children are encouraged to attend. In order to make field trips possible, and to keep all children safe, we are in need of parent volunteers/chaperones. Notifications and requests for volunteers/chaperones will be sent home. If you already know you would like to be a chaperone for your child’s field trip, please notify the teacher.
There may be some additional family expenses for some planned field trips. Please feel free to speak with us if you are in need of any help with this expense.
Field Trip Schedule:
• Pre-Kindergarten: Everett Children’s Museum
• Kindergarten: Bellevue Children’s Museum, Storybook Theater
• Grade 1: Woodland Park Zoo, Storybook Theater
• Grade 2: Seattle Aquarium, Storybook Theater
• Grade 3: Burke Museum, Storybook Theater
• Grade 4: Hibulb Museum, Pioneer Museum, Storybook Theater
• Grade 5: Retreat, Storybook Theater
Field Trips may be limited or canceled during the pandemic/COVID season. This will be contingent on available transportation, safety requirements and availability.
PHILOSOPHY FOR STUDENTS
Fellowship Christian School views school as a place to experience academic and social success through the leadership of our Holy God. Our program focuses on developing each student as a competent, self-disciplined learner. This requires learning decision-making skills. Our Lord supplies us all with great grace and we extend this to all of His children. Our Lord, too, asks that we obey His Word. Thus, we work on identifying and defining problem behaviors, problem-solving skills, and preventative measures. These are built within an atmosphere of self-respect, respect for one another, and respect for the learning environment (following school policies, including rights and responsibilities). We seek to provide boundaries within which the Lord is glorified and individuals find security, yet freedom to develop self-discipline. Emphasis is placed on positive behaviors, growth, and behavior related consequences. It is important for all persons to be responsible for their actions. Each teacher has the primary role in setting expectations, teaching successful behaviors, and following through with recognition or consequence in student management.
CONSEQUENCES
School consequences in regard to not following school policy may include the following (in order of severity and number of incidences/occurrences):
• Note/Call home to the parent(s)
• Visit to the Principal’s Office & record of incident
• Extra assignment and loss of privilege (recess time, field trip, etc.)
• After School Detention/Community Service (30-60 minutes, depending on severity) • In School Suspension/Community Service
• Out of School Suspension
• Expulsion
Student may proceed to any level of discipline based on the severity and frequency of incidents and is at the discretion of the teacher(s)/principal.
If students have been suspended during a quarter in which a field trip is scheduled, they may not be allowed to participate/attend the scheduled field trip and will be required to write a 3 page paper, assigned by their teacher(s), that will be due by the next school day.
Every attempt will be made to involve parents when the student is having difficulty managing their own behavior. The parent will be notified by phone and/or written letter or in person. By parents and staff working together as a team, we can meet our goal of helping students become God-dependent and responsible learners.
STUDENT MANAGEMENT
DRESS CODE
Students are expected to dress in a manner that is conservative. Staff have the right to address any clothing that is deemed inappropriate.
TOPS
All tops must cover the entire mid-section and back and undergarments should not be visible (including when arms are raised). We ask that children not wear spaghetti straps and that they have their shoulders covered. Girls’ tank tops must be at least two inches wide, at the shoulder strap. No open backs or low necklines. Girls must wear cardigans/coverings over tank tops, if they are worn. Boys are not allowed to wear tank tops. All tops must cover the entire chest area when bending over as well as standing up. Students are not allowed to wear any clothing that allows their undergarments to show through.
BOTTOMS
Skirts, dresses, and shorts should be knee length or longer. Leggings can only be worn with dresses or under other garments of clothing (not with just a top/shirt). Jeans/pants are not allowed to have purposeful tears/rips in them above the knee (legs should be completely covered down to the knee).
SHOES
Flip flops/sandals are not permitted in the playground due to the ground covering/cement.
P.E.
We ask that students wear proper attire (designated school shirt and pants/shorts) and shoes on P.E. days, as well. If dresses/skirts are worn, we ask that shorts be worn underneath (so that children are free to play on all recess equipment).
CHAPEL
On Thursdays, students present their learned scriptures from the week and we ask that they be dressed in Chapel attire. Chapel attire includes:
Girls: Knee length dresses, skirts and blouses/sweaters
Boys: Button up shirt, polo, or sweater & nice pants (appropriate for Chapel–no tears/rips; no athletic wear/sweats/joggers).
If a student comes to school in clothing that does not adhere to the school dress code, we will do our best to give the student an extra pair of pants and/or an appropriate shirt to wear until a parent can bring them clothing. If we are unable to provide appropriate clothing, the student will sit in the office until the parent is able to bring in clothing. If this becomes a repeated offense, the student will be sent home for the day. The student will be responsible for making up any work that is missed and may receive a deduction in their grade for missing class due to not following school policy.
RECESS BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
◦ Structured Recess: Students who need additional structure during recess time may be assigned to structured recess. This is a check-in system that allows the child to play in a specially designated area.
◦ Recess Consequences: Students who are not playing safely or following recess rules will be placed “on the wall” for the remainder of the recess.
ZERO TOLERANCE
At Fellowship Christian School, we encourage the students to walk as Jesus walked, in love (John 2:6). For this reason, we have a zero tolerance policy to bullying, physical, or verbal abuse.
Upon an incidence, the child will report directly to the principal’s office. At this time, the student will be given a chance to learn from their actions, and be sent home for the day (or longer, depending on the severity of the incidence). Depending upon the severity of the incidence, the child may be expelled.
SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
CONFERENCES
Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled twice yearly, after the first and third quarters. The first quarter conference is required (mandatory) and the third quarter conference is optional. If you would like to be scheduled for a third quarter conference, please notify your teacher.
Parents are encouraged to attend the conference to get to know the curriculum, classroom practices and procedures, and their student’s academic and social progress. Grades are reported on paper for Pre-K. Grades K-12 use Thinkwave. Thinkwave should be checked on a daily basis to help track student progress in their classes.
HOMEWORK
Students always have reading homework and weekly spelling. It is VERY important students in all grade levels (through 12th Grade) read every single night. It not only furthers subject knowledge, but also builds vocabulary skills. Consistent, daily reading dramatically impacts SAT and ACT scores. Most assignments are due by the next school day, so please make sure your child is completing all of their work in a timely manner. If you are finding that your child has quite a bit of homework, please speak with your child’s teacher right away as it may be due to them not focusing or working during class time. Most work should be completed in class and some grades will be given on time management and in class work completion.
TEACHER COMMUNICATION
Outside of conference hours, parents are encouraged to communicate with their child’s teacher. Teachers love speaking with and getting to know the parents as well as their children. It is, however; advisable to make an appointment for an in-person or phone conference if your talk will take longer than a few minutes as before and after school time is also used for teacher planning. Please do not have meetings during teaching/class time. All teachers have email addresses that you may use for communication. For the most part, teachers are very busy throughout the school day, teaching all of the kids, and will not get to emails until the school day is over. If you have an emergency, please call/text the school office. If you are calling in regard to homework due to student absence, please be sure to contact the teacher, directly. Please, also follow the attendance/missed work policy.
SCHOOL CONTACT/ADDRESS: 7710 Evergreen Way, Everett, WA 98203
SCHOOL PHONE: (206) 486-5882
EMAIL: FellowshipChristianSchools@gmail.com
WEBSITE: www.FellowshipChristianSchools.com
FB PAGE: www.Facebook.com/FellowshipChristianSchools
BAND APP: https://band.us/@fcs
ACCOUNTING/INVOICING EMAIL: FellowshipChristianSchools@gmail.com
ACCOUNTING/INVOICING PHONE: (206) 486-5882
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
Please feel free to visit us. If you would like to visit, we ask that you follow these procedures:
CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS
If you wish to observe in your child’s classroom, please call the office or the teacher and schedule this observation no less than 24 hours in advance, as required by the teachers’ agreement. In order to allow the students to transition into school during the first few weeks, we ask that observations not take place before the fourth week of school.
During the season of COVID we do not have parent visitors but are happy to schedule an after school conference/meeting.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
There are many opportunities at Fellowship Christian School. Individual classrooms can use helpers for special projects. Another way to volunteer is to be a Lunch Helper, Librarian or extra Recess Duty. The annual volunteer opportunities are provided in the volunteer sign up link emailed out by the school.
Volunteer forms must be completed and approved at least 24 hours in advance.
Room Parent: Teachers are always happy to have a parent join them in planning classroom celebrations, helping with preparing crafts, etc. If you would like to be a designated “Room Parent” please notify the teacher. The room parent will work outside of the school building (from home) during the time of COVID regulations.
SIGN-IN/SIGN-OUT
As a way of promoting the safety of our students at school, we ask that anytime you come onto school grounds (outside of dropping off your child at the beginning of the day), you check in at the Front Desk. If you have come to volunteer in or visit a classroom (and have received the necessary prior approval), we ask you to sign in your arrival time, use a “Staff Volunteer” name tag and sign out with your departure time.
PARKING
During school hours, we ask that you use parking in front of the main front doors, to help keep children safe.
TRUANCY/ATTENDANCE/BECCA BILL
Becca Notification and Attendance Requirements Agreement:
Under state law (RCW 28A.225), students are required to attend school full-time, without unexcused absences, skips or tardies as well as limited disruption due to excused absences. “The law requires that students are in school, full-time, every day (oeo.wa.gov).” When a student accumulates seven (7) days (or 7 or more school periods for middle and high school students) of absences in any month (one day consists of more than half a school day; 15 or more minutes late is recorded as an absence from a class period) or ten (10) days of absences in a school year he/she may be referred to a Community Truancy Board possibly resulting in a Becca Petition being filed with juvenile court where sanctions can be imposed. These sanctions may include essays, study club, community service, detention alternatives and detention. Parent fines may also be imposed of up to $25.00 for each day of unexcused absence from school.
The Becca Bill is a required WA State law that all schools (public, private and homeschool) are held to. It is very important for students to be on time and present for school daily. For this reason, families should plan vacations and appointments outside of school hours. The school calendar is available online to help you in your planning for the school year. FCS does follow the Becca Bill and has school requirements and consequences for substantial attendance issues, to include the possibility of repeating a grade level, class or not receiving high school credit. High school students are held to specific requirements for required credit hours in order to receive high school credit for classes even if absences are considered excused. Please make sure to speak with the directors if you have any further questions.
**MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDANCE POLICY CLARIFIED-CREDIT COMPLETION, 03/21/22**
Students can not receive high school credit for a class after 6 missed classes (class specific). Per WA State credit hour requirements, students receive loss of credit after 10 or more missed credit hours. Our credit hours are 1.5 per class period, since school is Monday-Thursday. 1.5 hours x 6 missed classes = 9. This includes both excused and unexcused absences. A total of 6 misses classes from one class is three weeks of school. That is an enormous amount of time missed.
Students and families will be communicated with and be required to meet with administrators after 5 missed absences in a single class. Five missed classes is 2.5 weeks of missed classes, since we are on a block schedule and we hold school Monday-Thursday. Any absences, both excused and unexcused, results in a student missing valuable teaching time. That time can not be made back up. Many times, this results in students being behind or missing key components of their learning. This is why the BECCA bill and attendance policies are important. All appointments and vacation should be scheduled outside of school hours.
**END OF MSHS CLARIFICATION**
We understand and agree to the following:
Communication:
o For each absence from school a written note, email or call to the school will be made to excuse the absence. We will make it a priority to excuse absences as soon as possible but no later than one (1) day of return to school. Excused absences are still absences and still cause students to miss valuable teaching time. They are just as detrimental as unexcused absences, from a learning standpoint.
Unexcused:
o After seven (7) days of unexcused absences in any month (one day consists of more than half a school day) or ten (10) days of absences in a school year, an intervention meeting and/or community truancy board meeting will take place followed by a Becca petition being filed with juvenile court if needed.
Withdrawal:
o Withdrawal from school will occur after twenty (20) consecutive days of absence.
o If the school does not receive a request for records within ten (10) days of withdrawal from school a re-engagement letter or phone call will be made to determine the best course of action in order to avoid juvenile court proceedings.
Excused absence criteria
(Please refer to FCS Parent Student Handbook for more detail):
A. Participation in school-approved activity
B. Absences due to illness, health condition, family emergency or religious purposes
C. Absence resulting from disciplinary actions – or short-term suspension
D. Extended illness or health condition
E. Excused absence for chronic health condition
I, ____________________________, will attend all scheduled classes every day, on time,
without any unexcused absences, skips or tardies. I also understand the accumulation of absences (both excused and unexcused) may result in the loss of high school credit or a requirement to repeat a grade level or class.
____________________________________ Student Signature
____________________________________ School Name
__________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature
__________________________________ Date
FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN SCHOOL PARENT STUDENT HANDBOOK AGREEMENT:
I have read the Fellowship Christian School Parent Student Handbook and agree to abide by the rules and policies set forth in the Fellowship Christian School Handbook and acknowledge this by signing below.
Student Agreement:
Date: Student Name (Printed):________________________________________________
Student Signature:___________________________________________Grade:_____________
Date: Student Name (Printed):________________________________________________
Student Signature:___________________________________________Grade:_____________
Date: Student Name (Printed):________________________________________________
Student Signature:___________________________________________Grade:_____________
Parent Agreement:
Date: Parent Name (Printed):_______________________________________________
Parent Signature: ___________________________________________________
Date: Parent Name (Printed):_______________________________________________
Parent Signature: ___________________________________________________
PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN BY NO LATER THAN 9/13/2021.