GENERAL INFORMATION

(Alphabetized)

Any time an address or phone number (home or work) is changed, please notify the school office so that our records may be updated.

Athletic fees for elementary 4^th-6^th grade will be $25.00; junior high school 7^th and 8^th grades will be $50.00; high school 9^th through 12^th will be $75.00 for all sports except football. The athletic fee for football will be $100.00. Any student playing up to a higher level must pay the higher-level fee. These fees are a one-time annual sports fee to participate in all sports, not paid per sport. This fee is non-refundable and will be assessed only after a student is included on the team roster.

Annual Academic and Sports Awards are given to recognize students for their academic, leadership and Athletic achievements. Some sports awards may be recognized at the end of each sport season.

Birthdays are a special occasion for children. We encourage and welcome parents to send in cupcakes or cookies. The students will share these treats with their classmates during lunch/snack. Please notify the teacher in advance if you would like to send in special treats. Invitations to parties outside the school may be handed out at school only if every child in the class is invited. Otherwise, invitations should be handled by mail to prevent any hurt feelings.

All textbooks are the property of Temple Christian School. However, the safekeeping of assigned books is the responsibility of the individual student to whom they are assigned. Students who damage or lose books will be responsible for providing replacements under the specifications of the school administration. Students keep consumable textbooks; all non-consumable textbooks are returned to TCS.

Students who ride the bus/van for any reason are to follow the list of rules given. These rules are:

1. Students are not to bring radios, cassette players (including walkmans), or beepers without permission.

2. Cell phones may only be used with the permission of the supervising teacher, coach or sponsor. Cell phones should be off when not given permission to use them.

3. Students may be assigned seats by the driver.

4. Students must remain seated at all times.

5. Nothing is to be placed outside the windows or thrown from (or within) the vehicle.

6. Unless otherwise instructed by the teacher, food, candy, gum, or drinks are not allowed on the vehicles. Only the driver is allowed food or drink on the bus.

7. Neatness is expected. Deposit trash in proper receptacle – not in vehicle.

8. Students are to be courteous, respectful, and reasonably quiet, and are to behave in a Christ-like manner to other students and the driver. Rude gesturing of any kind is prohibited.

9. All buses will stop at railroad crossings at which time all students shall be absolutely quiet.

10. Oversized science fair projects or show and tell items cannot be carried on the bus or van.

11. Parents will be charged for any damage to the bus incurred by the student.

Chapel services are held on Wednesday each week with teachers and students participating in the programs. From time to time, there will be special music, educational programs, and guest speakers. Chapel dress is required on this day. See the dress code for policy.

Telephone conferences are scheduled at any time a teacher believes it is important, or at any time a parent wishes to have one. If you wish to talk to a teacher, please call the school office at 321-269-2837 and leave a message, and the teacher will return the call. If a telephone call cannot solve the concern, the teacher will schedule a conference. Please follow the above procedure and do not engage the teachers in discussion before, during, or after class, when attention needs to be with the students.

Students should not bring any electronic devices, radios, tape players, CD players, video games, MP3 players, etc. unless requested by the student’s teacher and given prior approval from the administration. If caught on school campus, these items will be confiscated. Cell phones brought to school can only by used before and after school. They must be turned off during the school day. Students needing to call their parents will do so from the school office phone – not their cell phones.

All student files should contain at least two alternate emergency numbers in case something happens to a student and parents cannot be reached by phone. If there are any changes in these numbers please notify the school of the new numbers. It is very important that current numbers are on hand at all times. Cell phone numbers are also required, if available.

After school care is available for K5-6^th grade during the school year. The weekly charge for before and after school is $45.00. This weekly fee allows the student to be supervised before (7:45 a.m.) and after (3:15 p.m.). Extended Day Program hours are 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Elementary students ARE NOT to be without supervision at any time. The Elementary basic classroom rules will continue throughout the extended day program. After 6:00 p.m., a late fee of $10.00 per minute is assessed. The child will be dismissed from the Extended Day Program if it becomes habitual.

Important: Parents taking advantage of our after school program for Elementary children are reminded that this is available on regular school days only, not during any school holidays.

It is against school policy for students to stay after school in the parking lot, on the school grounds, or in the area to attend an evening ballgame or activity. Parents must pick students up in the afternoon and return them for the evening event.

Temple Christian School expects full cooperation from both student and parent. A student who shows repeated behavioral problems or who is continually picked up late will not be permitted to remain in the after school program.

The purpose of a field trip is to enhance and add to the classroom educational program by offering experiences, which cannot be accomplished within the classroom setting. We welcome participation of parents in the learning process of their children. One of the most common ways that parents may participate is as a chaperone on a field trip. In order to prevent misunderstandings and create an atmosphere of mutual cooperation, the following points will help you understand what is expected from chaperones.

1. Parents will be notified well in advance of all field trip dates. We encourage parents to participate as chaperones.

2. The field trip is only for children in the class. Other arrangements should be made for brothers and sisters. Chaperones are there to assist the teacher in the care and supervision of the class.

3. Due to insurance considerations, when school transportation is provided, all students must travel in the school vehicle. Students leaving with their own parents must give written notification prior to the trip.

4. It is understood that parents will abide by the school conduct and dress codes as a representative of the school (i.e., no smoking, drinking of alcoholic beverages, unseemly language, inappropriate behavior, or inappropriate dress).

5. Unless otherwise instructed by the teacher, chaperones and their children are to remain with the group at all times. In case of an emergency, the teacher will decide what is to be done.

6. If any child’s behavior becomes unpleasant in actions or attitude, the teacher may reassign the child’s supervision.

7. All conversation among parents should be confined to nonjudgmental subjects. Do not critically discuss individual children, families, or school policies.

8. If you feel a teacher is unaware of a problem you see with a child or group of children, please tactfully let the teacher know.

9. Students should never leave the group, even to go to the restroom. The chaperone should accompany them, or stand at the door, after making an attempt to clear the restroom.

10. A field trip is not a good time for a parent-teacher conference. If you need to discuss your child’s progress or problems with the teacher, please schedule a conference time when you will have privacy and the full attention of the teacher.

11. If you agree to go on the trip and then find you are unable to go, please let the teacher know as soon as possible.

TCS has nine fire drills and at least one tornado drill to ensure students’ quick, safe exit from the building in case of fire or other hazard. Teachers will have instructed their students in proper procedures. Students should follow these quickly and quietly. Fire drill routes are posted in every room.

At the end of every school year, a K3-K5 Graduation is held to recognize students for their achievements.

HOURS (Main office)

The main office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and is generally closed when school is not in session. The office hours on Wednesdays are 7:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Summer office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday. All financial matters should be taken care of in the finance office. The School office is generally closed on most Friday’s during the summer.

Use of the library is a privilege. Fines for over-due books are 10 cents per day for Grades 2-6.

Lost and found articles are to be turned into the school office. It is the responsibility of the students or parent to check at the office for lost belongings. Please label all of your child’s jackets, shirts, pants, shorts, book bag, etc. This will help us in returning them if misplaced. Articles not claimed within 30 days will be given to a charitable organization.

Lunch tickets must be purchased in order for lunch to be provided. Juice and milk may be purchased separately if desired. Elementary students are permitted to use the dining hall microwaves everyday except on Tuesdays. The microwaves cannot be used on Tuesdays for any reason because of a Church ministry going on at that time. The children will be allowed to talk quietly while they are eating. We want to support you in developing good table manners in your child; therefore, we require proper etiquette in the lunchroom. Lunches will be provided this year by our own TCS lunch staff. Calendars will be sent home on a monthly basis outlining lunches for that month. If your child is unable to eat what is provided, please pack their lunch or snack. Please be sure that you are packing nutritional food. If your child has specific allergies, please inform their teacher so it can be documented on the classroom allergy sheet.

All visitors must report to the school office to sign in and receive a visitor pass and permission to be on campus. Only immediate family members (Parents, Grandparents, and Guardians) will be allowed to eat lunch with their child on school property. Students other than TCS students will not be allowed to visit or eat lunch with a TCS student.

Parent meetings, orientation, and conferences promote a good understanding between the parent/guardian and the faculty and administration of Temple Christian School. The Parent Orientation/Open House meeting will be held at the beginning of each school year. Parent meetings are scheduled during the first and third quarter of each school year. Orientation and parent meetings are required and attendance will be taken. If you are unable to attend, we will set a time for you to come and view the video of the meeting.

The music director is available for information and registration on Orientation Day. Private lessons for piano, guitar, vocal, and music theory will be offered this year. All payments are to be made directly to the music director.

Lessons missed due to a student’s illness will be made up if the school office is notified by 8:00am on the day of the lesson. Our policy is that we do not make up lessons or deduct for lessons missed because of school holidays.

Each teacher will communicate through a parent/teacher letter each nine weeks informing you about your child’s upcoming academics and activities. The newsletter will also include upcoming dates of importance and the weekly Bible verses.

Christian patriotism places emphasis upon the greatness of America’s heritage and the sacrifices or our heroes. America’s Constitution guarantees liberties to educate in order to preserve freedom. We unashamedly teach the Biblical doctrines of self-discipline, respect for those in authority, obedience to law, and love for God, flag, and country.

There is to be no public display of affection at school or at school-related activities.

During the month of March, presently enrolled students may enroll for the fall term on a first-come, first-serve basis in order to guarantee a reserved spot. Re-enrollment forms will be given out, and a designated period of time will be allowed for returning the necessary forms. At the conclusion of the designated period, the privilege to reserve available spaces cannot be guaranteed. TCS admits students of any race, color, or national origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

SCHOOL CLINIC

The clinic is open during the school calendar year, observing all holidays and half days scheduled. Clinic hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and by special appointment. All students on campus have access to the clinic. K5-6^th grade students require a student escort. Parents are encouraged to discuss with the school office any special healthcare needs or chronic illness their children have, as well as any medications being taken at home by their children.

The last day of every week TCS provides every student a newsletter that they are to give to their parents. This newsletter is our way of keeping every TCS family informed of new information and activities.

TCS will make our own decisions in weather related situations. We will take into consideration Brevard County’s decisions, however, factors that affect the entire county may not have a bearing on TCS. TCS will make a public statement in the following ways:

TV channels: WESH 2, WKMG 6, WFTV 9, FOX 35

Radio Channels: 89.3 FM

School answering machine: (321) 269-2837

Morning Student Drop-off – We ask that students not arrive at school before 7:50 a.m. Elementary students in grades 1^st-6^th are to be dropped off at the southeast/southwest side of the church building so they can enter through the back doors. Students arriving between 7:30 a.m. and 7:50 a.m. need to report to the playground/pavilion area only. On very cold mornings the students will report to the gym. Students arriving earlier than 7:30 a.m. will be sent to the Extended Day Program and a fee will be assessed.

After school pick-up – Elementary students are to leave campus by 3:15 p.m. each day. Pick-up will be in the southeast/southwest side of the church building. It is the responsibility of the parent to arrange transportation home from school and the care of the student after school hours. The school cannot be responsible for the supervision of your child. Students not picked up by 3:15 p.m. will be taken to Extended Care and a fee will be assessed.

Parents: Before/After School – Please do not enter the classrooms, but wait outside for students to be dismissed so class will not be disrupted.

Student pictures will be provided at a minimal charge. These photographs will be taken early in the school year. A group picture of each class will be taken during the spring semester. Kindergarten will have graduation photographs also during the spring semester.

The office phones are for office use. Except in unusual emergencies, the only message office personnel may pass to students during the day is a message to call home. Students need permission to use the phone during school hours. Cell phones may not be used during school hours.

Temple Christian School’s testing program is as follows:

• Entrance- K5 ABC Extended Inventory

• 1^st-6^th Grades Placement Test for all new students

• Empowerment testing for new students

• Spring- K5-6^th Stanford Achievement Test (SAT)

Testing for learning disabilities can be arranged through the Empowerment Program. If you suspect a learning disability or if a parent requests such a testing, contact the school office.

All campus visits are to be scheduled by appointments. Parents/visitors are required to check in at the main school office when they visit the campus. All visitors are to wear a visitor’s badge at all times. If you have to pick up your child during school hours, please DO NOT go to the classroom but to the school office.

We always appreciate the cooperation and help we receive each year from our parents as aides, both in the classroom and on field trips. There are many things we could not do without your help. We ask that when you are assisting in these areas you follow the teacher’s dress code (i.e. do not wear shorts, flip flops, halter tops, etc). Again, we thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Parents volunteering on a regular basis will need to follow health and safety codes set for teachers and staff by the State of Florida. Parents must check in through the office and receive a pass when on campus during school hours.

All withdrawals from school must go though the school office. Students having attended one day or more of any month will owe the full month’s tuition.

The Yearbook is an avenue of student expression sponsored by Temple Christian School. This publication is produced by the Yearbook class, which guides and instructs students in responsible journalism and photography, as well as helps finance these publications through the selling of advertising. The fee for the yearbook helps offset the production costs.