H O P E
A C A D E M Y
|
H O P E
A C A D E M Y
|
New Hope Academy welcomes children of all faiths, cultures,
and ethnic backgrounds. In contrast
to public schools that have excluded any focus on spiritual education, we value
God, prayer, moral focus, and universal expressions of faith within the school;
we believe that these are an important part of childrenās development.
Religious instruction
is not offered at New Hope Academy, but we have created an environment that
affirms religious values and supports parents in their efforts to raise moral
children. Parents at New Hope have created a character education program that
includes a theme of the week universal to all faiths, promoting virtues such as
responsibility, self-discipline, honesty, forgiveness, respect, kindness etc.
New Hope staff and students represent over 20 religions and denominations
and more than 30 countries.
In addition to the
emphasis on the cultivation of personal integrity, academic excellence and
mastery of technical skills are promoted by careful attention to each childās
creativity and innate desire to learn. Each
child is given ample opportunity and resources to learn and to create.
An important aspect
of our program is to help children see themselves not only as separate and
unique individuals, but also as a part of a larger whole.
From the family to the world level, children need to perceive themselves
as existing in relationship with others and to understand that their actions
have meaning and consequence.
1.1
FAITH, DEVOTIONS, AND TRADITIONS
New Hope Academy was founded by members of the Unification
faith. Nevertheless, it is not a Unification school in the sectarian sense.
Unification doctrines are not taught; in fact, no classes in religion are
offered. We believe it is the job of each family with the support of their
church, temple, or mosque to impart their personal faith to their child.
New Hope is far from being a secular school, however. Rather
than excluding God, prayer, religious morality, and all expressions of faith
from school life, we believe that these are an important part of children's
development.
We recognize that it is increasingly hard to raise good
children in today's world, and we feel it is the job of the school to support
parents in their efforts to help their children to love God and to be moral. A
complete education must address the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. New
Hope is the result of God-loving people of various faiths working to support one
another in this effort. Our families and teachers are from over 20 different
religions and denominations, and are from 35 countries. Even so, we have in
common a love of God and a set of shared values.
The founders of the school agree on the belief that there is
only one God, and that humanity is one family of God's people. We include God,
and the basic values that are common to all the great religions of the world, in
all that we do. Thus, New Hope is not a "child-centered" school or a
"rule-centered" school; rather, we consider ourselves a
"God-centered" school. We strive to enlighten the students to the
beauty of how people express their love for God rather than present a focus on a
particular faith or doctrinal point of view. For example, teachers and student
will take turns offering morning prayer or grace at meals. In the process,
students are exposed to many different styles of prayer and a broad range of
beliefs and styles of devotion.
In December, children may learn about Christianity's
celebration of the birthday of Jesus. They may experience the lighting of the
menorah or the making of latkas for the Jewish celebration Hanukkah. They may
learn that Unificationists offer their year to God by celebrating Jan. 1 as
"God's Day." In general, however, rather than focusing on traditions,
the emphasis is placed on the common values taught by all faiths, such as the
Golden Rule, honoring parents, and basic virtues such as honesty, purity,
kindness, and truth. The family is honored, as is marriage and the ideal of
parenthood.
The parents of New Hope have put together a theme of the week
which focuses on these virtues, and around which our morning services are based.
Each day the children in the pre-school use a brief portion of their
"circle time" as a morning service. In grades K-8, there is a
15-minute morning service daily, from 8:45-9:00 a.m. The theme is translated
into something practical, relevant, and developmentally appropriate for each age
group. This is considered part of the character education curriculum and
attendance is mandatory.
The founding families of New Hope wanted their children to
have exposure to different religions and cultures, to broaden their child's
appreciation of these things. Because Korean has been the main foreign language
at New Hope Academy, we work to include eastern traditions into the school to
help extend that cross-cultural experience. Thus, each morning at service, we do
three bows to show our respect: to God, to the ideal of parents, and teachers
and students bow to one another. This is an oriental tradition that is a show of
respect and not an act of worship.
Parents have mentioned that their children occasionally share
about beliefs that differ from their family's faith, or that sometimes younger
students mimic the way their friends at school close their prayers. We encourage
parents, as the "First Educators," to see this as an opportunity to
share the deeper meaning of their personal faith and traditions with their
child.
Staff and students who have special prayers, restrictions or
dietary needs related to the traditions of their faith should make these needs
known to the administration or teachers. New Hope will do its best to honor the
requests such as time for prayer or breaking of fasts, or alternative art
projects for students who are not allowed to observe certain holidays.
We recognize that our approach may not be for everyone. Some
families may decide that they are not comfortable with their child being exposed
to faiths different from their own, such as a Christian child being taught by a
Muslim teacher, listening to the chant of a Buddhist prayer by a fellow student,
or hearing Unificationist prayers closed "in the name of True
Parents." One's faith decisions are very personal, and should be undertaken
thoughtfully. Because New Hope Academy is a school where many faiths are
honored, careful consideration should be given to this matter in choosing New
Hope for your family.
2. CURRICULUM
Our
curriculum includes a wide variety of subjects: math science, social studies,
language arts, fine arts, physical education, music foreign language, computer
studies, and others. We also offer
optional classes in our after-school enrichment program in activities ranging
from drama, dance, and science to sports and martial arts.
Hands-on
experience facilitates deeper comprehension of a subject.
Math manipulative and science labs, for example, are utilized in all
grades. Teachers encourage students
to explore and to learn through the use of appropriate formats which include
cooperative learning, self-discovery, and self-motivated learning.
We
promote a system of "mentoring" within the school where older children work
with and assist younger children. This
fosters the social development and learning of both older and younger students
while building bonds of heart between them.
We
believe acquiring reading skills and being exposed to good literature are
critical for success in leaning. New
Hope teaches a solid phonics-based reading program, beginning with phonemic
awareness in preschool. Most
students start to read in kindergarten and read classic novels by 4th
and 5th grade. Students
begin writing short stories in kindergarten and by third grade are very
articulate and familiar with the written word.
Math
is taught with manipulative until the fourth grade.
For several years, we have adopted the Saxon Math Program which
emphasizes constant review and practice of all concepts embedded within the
program. Standardized tests show a
school wide improvement of students' computational abilities.
Teachers
often extend learning beyond the textbook by making use of projects, science
experiments, hands-on learning, and monthly field trips.
Students also participate in the Jason project, the National Geography
Bee and a school wide science fair each spring.
New
Hope's excellent academic record is exemplified by its performance on the SAT
(Stanford Achievement Test), a national standardized test.
Our school wide average scores for each of the past five years places us
in the top third of schools tested nationwide.
2.2
TEACHER AND CLASSROOM QUALITY
Our
teachers are selected not only for their experience and academic background, but
also for their sensitivity to the needs of children in a changing and
increasingly complex world. They
know when to challenge and when to support, when a child needs to be encouraged
to seed their own answers and when they need someone to direct them.
Reasonably sized classes of 20 children, or less, allow teachers to
address differences in childrenās learning styles and to give them the
individual attention they need.
Critical to the
success of New Hope Academy is the involvement of parents.
Parents are viewed as the first educators and work closely with the
teachers to ensure their childās academic success and personal development.
A.
PRAYER
The
school founders believe parental prayer lays the foundation for a child's growth
and development. So parents are
encouraged to pray for and with their children.
Please pray for their emotional and spiritual well‑being, their
educational development, and their ability to cope with the demands being placed
on them as they mature.
B.
POLICIES
Parents
are expected to aware of the discipline policies of the school l(see section
6.0) and are expected to reinforce the behavior standards set forth in the Moral
Philosophy and Norms of Behavior (section 3.2)
If problems arise, parents are expected to speak with their children and
discipline them as necessary.
C.
SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT
New
Hope Academy is a smoke-free environment and no one is to smoke either inside
the building or on the grounds surrounding the building.
D.
CONFERENCES
At least
one parent or guardian is expected to attend the biannual parent-teacher
conferences for K-12 as well as any special conferences that the staff or
administration requests to deal with specific situations that may arise.
E.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT/PARENT ORIENTATION NIGHT
In
September, all parents will be expected to attend the Parent Orientation Night
and the Parent Back to School Night.
During Back to School night each family is required to sign up to serve
on a PTA team.
F.
CLOTHING/DRESS CODE
Parents
will be expected to send their children to school dressed in accordance with the
dress code (see Appendix) and with appropriate outer wear (sweaters, coats,
boots, etc.) as the season dictates.
G.
HOMEWORK
Homework
Guidelines: Parents should provide a suitable place for children to do their
homework and the materials they need. Parents
should establish good homework routines and make sure the homework is done,
signing off on the homework sheet nightly as required by the teacher.
K-7th grade teachers should provide a
weekly homework sheet each Monday that is sent home nightly and signed daily by
the parents. This sheet allows the parents to know on a daily basis what their
children are doing. It affords both teacher and parents a way of communicating
daily as needed. This sheet should clearly outline all work that must be done,
announce tests, and provide any explanations necessary to support the parents in
assisting the student.
Students in grades 8-12 will be required to carry with them at all times a
school-issued student planner. There is a replacement charge if the planner is
lost.
All teachers (core and specialty teachers in kindergarten through 12th
grade) must post weekly homework and any changes to the designated web site.
The
amount of homework appropriate is increased approximately 15 minutes per grade
level per night:
Kindergarten
optional at parent's discretion
First grade
15 min.
Second grade
30 min.
Third Grade
45 min.
Fourth Grade
60 min.
Fifth Grade 1
hr. & 15 min.
Sixth Grade 1
hr. & 30 min.
Seventh Grade
1 hr. & 45 min.
Eighth to 12th Grade 2 hours (H.S.
students may find it necessary at times to do more than two hours of homework.)
This
applies to the amount of time it takes the average student in the class to
complete the homework, not the top student and not the slowest. Some nights
teachers may decide to assign less, but this should be a basic maximum guideline
for the average student. Homework should generally not be given on the weekend
for K-5th grade, with the exception of long-range projects being due
on a Monday. Frequent reminders of long-range projects, upcoming tests and such
should be written on the homework sheets. Long-term projects should be broken
down into steps, due at intervals, for which a grade is assigned.
H.
PTA
All
families are expected to actively participate in the various fundraising
projects sponsored by the PTA. In
addition each family is expected to provide one adult to sell light ropes during
the July 4th fundraiser and also to provide one adult to work at the Spring
Fair. Lack of parental
participation may result in tuition increases.
I.
FIELD TRIPS
All
parents are expected to chaperone a field trip for each child every year. The
field trip budget is covered for each class through the yearly tuition.
However, occasionally teachers will plan an out of town or overnight
trip. These trips will cost more
than the budget allotment provided by tuition.
Information about the extra cost will be
provided by the teacher. More details about field trips under 8.5.
Each
class will have a room parent who volunteers to serve as a liaison between the
parents, teacher, and school administration for special projects and occasions.
Parent volunteers may help to line up chaperons for
fieldtrips, call parents to bring refreshments, help correct workbooks, assist
in decorating the bulletin boards, or are also welcomed to assist in the
classrooms for special projects.
Parents
are welcome to visit anytime. However, it is requested that visits to the
classroom be prearranged with the classroom teacher so that they donāt
interfere with projects or fieldtrips.
3.4
CLOTHING AND ITEMS FROM HOME
Please
mark all items with your childās name including clothing, backpacks, lunch
boxes, folders, and school equipment.
Please
make sure your child is appropriately dressed for the season or weather.
Children must be able to go outside for recess.
Spring and autumn, always send a sweater or jacket in case the
weather changes, which it often does.
Each
child will have a hook to hang his or her sweater or coat on.
Coats and sweaters should have secure loops sewn into the inside neck
so that the children can hang them up easily on their hooks. Three inches of
shoe lace sewn at either end works very well.
Toys
should not be brought from home. If they are they will probably be kept in
the cubby most of the day.
Since
preschool and kindergarten children often have accidents, it is important
that we have a complete change of clothing available at all times for
preschool. (That means if we send home a pair of wet underpants, we need a
clean pair back the next day. It's
very frustrating when all we can find in a child's bag is a T-shirt and
socks because everything else has been used and not replaced!)
Parents
are asked to supply their children with a naptime blanket and little pillow
if they use one. These will be
sent home on a Friday to be laundered and must be returned on Monday.
REMEMBER,
PUT NAMES ON EVERYTHING!
B.
KINDERGARTEN-12TH GRADE
Children are expected to dress in a modest manner
with clean, untorn, proper-sized clothes. Pants
will not drag on the ground, droop from the waist or have tears, frayed cuffs or
edges. Except on dress-down
Fridays, no T-shirts (other than New Hope Academy T-shirts), sweatshirts or
sweatpants, no bare midriff, no sleeveless tops and no spandex leggings or
bike-shorts are allowed. Shirts must have a collar or turtleneck, with the
exception of dressy blouses or shirts or the New Hope T-shirt. All shirts and
blouses must be tucked in at all times. Belts must be worn with pants that have
belt loops. Socks and tie shoes are required, no slip-ons or sandals. Excessive
jewelry and visible body piercing and tattoos are not permitted. A more detailed
Dress Code is included in the Appendix. After-school consequences should be
issued to students out of dress code.
Friday is the only dress-down day. If
school is closed on a Friday, Thursday does NOT become the dress down day.
Parents
are asked to provide a lunch, including a drink, for their children daily.
Each child should have a lunch box marked with his or her name.
Parents may choose to take responsibility to refrigerate items for
their preschool age children. No
refrigeration facilities are available for K-12 lunches.
Microwaves will be available in the preschool and kindergarten
classrooms. Do not send
microwave meals that require more than 3 minutes heating time, as we have
only limited microwaves and many children who need to use them.
The microwaves will be supervised in the elementary lunchrooms.
Children should bring eating utensils from home.
New Hope does not supply plastic forks and spoons.
Children
may not bring candy or gum to school. Such items will be taken away if found
in school. Excessive sweets are
discouraged, as it often promotes hyperactivity in children.
A
morning and an afternoon snack will be provided for all preschool age
children, and an afternoon snack will be provided in the aftercare program.
Parents are encouraged to send an extra snack along with their K-12
grade students, who usually have snacks during morning recess or break
period.
All
children must be fully toilet trained to enter New Hope Academy. If a child
enters the program who is found to not be toilet trained it is grounds for
dismissal from the program.
New
Hope will then send for the student's complete records including report
cards, standardized testing, and any psychological or learning disability
testing. A student evaluation form will also be sent to the child's current
or most recent teacher. All such information must be sent directly from the
school to New Hope, not through the parents.
All
report cards, standardized test results, psychological and medical
evaluations, and all special needs testing must be freely given for review
in order to determine proper placement of students into our programs.
If children have been dismissed from a school or day care, parents
must inform the principal and discuss this situation thoroughly with her.
If records or such information are knowingly withheld, it is grounds
for dismissal from NHA.
If
children's records are complete, and reflect that the child could meet New
Hope's criteria for admission, the parents will be asked to pay a testing
fee and the student will be required to take a basic diagnostic test to
determine their current level of achievement.
Along
with testing, a personal interview may be required for older students. After
the child has been tested the records and test scores will be reviewed in
full. If this process takes
place during the school year, a one-day observation will be required.
The observation and testing date may be able to be scheduled on the
same day, if staff schedules allow.
Students
will only be admitted if the admissions team determines that they are
academically, emotionally and socially prepared to be successful in our
program. Application files are not open to parents. Testing results are not
made available. All decisions are final.
A
final decision on admission to New Hope will then be made by the admissions
team.
B.
PLACEMENT
Children will be placed in classes based on
admission criteria such as admission testing, standardized testing, report
cards, observations and teacher comments. Students whose academic performance is
up to one year below grade level may be required to repeat a grade in order to
be admitted to NHA. If a student is below average in only one area it may be
required that the student be tutored until the grade level has been achieved in
that subject. Each child is admitted on a ten-week probationary basis.
Students who perform on our evaluation test more than one
grade level behind our academic program will not be admitted
C.
RE-EVALUATION OF PLACEMENT
Each
situation will be evaluated individually. If a child is admitted, the
administration reserves the right to re-evaluate that placement within the first
10 weeks. The teacher will carefully evaluate and observe students during this
time. If a child seems to be improperly placed the teacher should request a SGT
meeting to discuss the situation immediately. The administration may require
that the child be moved to a different grade level or be placed in a different
school if we feel we are unable to meet the childās needs.
D.
KINDERGARTEN ENTRANCE
In order for a student to enter Kindergarten, New
Hope strongly recommends that a child be five years old by September 1, of the
September to June school year in which he/she is entering. All children must be
toilet trained. Children whose birthdays fall between September 1 and December
31 will be given the Metropolitan Readiness Test to determine if they are
eligible for Kindergarten placement. The
final decision rests with the Principal.
E.
CLASS SIZE AND MAKEUP
The student-teacher ratio in preschool is determined by the licensing agency.
New Hope will work within these guidelines, and teachers will be consulted
regarding circumstances that may require a lower student-teacher ratio.
The school will strive for a balance of boys and girls in each class. A group
New Hope reserves the right to refuse admission or terminate schooling if the
Student Guidance Team concludes that a particular child is unable to function
within the guidelines listed under Norms of Behavior or the parents cannot
provide the support for their child as listed under Parental Expectations.
4.2
OPTIONAL SEMINAR FOR FAMILIES NOT OF THE UNIFICATIONIST FAITH
New Hope Academy is not a "Unificationist" (Unification Church) school, and religious instruction is not provided. Nevertheless, the school is comfortable with religion and religious expression, rather than going too far in an attempt to avoid this important issue. Religious holidays and concepts from all religions (including those of Unificationism) are welcome and are respected. New Hope Academy's primary mission along these lines is to support parents in their efforts to raise their children to be good, moral, ethical adults.
New Hope Academy was founded by families of the Unification Church (and a sizable minority of New Hope families and staff continue to be Unificationists), so it is natural that certain aspects of the philosophy of education underlying the approach at New Hope Academy would be influenced by Unificationist ideas. Because of this, the Maryland State Department of Education suggested that we offer a seminar for parents who are interested in finding out more about Unificationist beliefs. While not offered every year, we do provide this opportunity whenever there is sufficient interest. It is not meant to proselytize but offers an opportunity for information and for questions and answers.
4.3
ISSUING OF TRANSCRIPTS AND RIGHT OF PRIVACY
The
school maintains cumulative records of each child, which are kept on file in the
main office. A pupil's records are
available to parents or legal guardians by placing a request with the office.
They will be made available the next working day. The original records
will be copied and sent to parents or guardians or other schools upon written
request if the student's tuition and fees have been paid. Students 18 years of
age and older will be allowed access to their own files and may receive copies
upon written request. If a child is
withdrawn for any reason, all tuition and fees must be paid in full before any
transcripts or records will be issued.
Only
the Administrator, Educational Director, the child's teachers or counselors may
see the child's records without written permission of the child's parent or
legal guardian. Records may not be
removed from the school office.
5.
EVALUATION OF A STUDENT'S PROGRESS
Four
times a year, a report card with a comments section will be issued to students
in grades K-12. For major subjects
each grade will be based on a minimum of 10 objective criteria.
Specialty teachers who have the student only once or twice a week may
issue letter grades if they have a minimum of five objective criteria or
pass/fail if there are fewer criteria. Teachers
will be encouraged to maintain a portfolio as a record of a student's
significant achievements to help effectively evaluate a child's progress and
development.
Twice
a year, a report card with a comments section will be issued to preschoolers.
Its content will be based on the teachers' observations
and testing.
97-100 A+
4.33
O = Outstanding
93-96
A
4.00
P = Pass
90-92
A-
3.67
F = Fail
87-89
B+ 3.33
I =
Incomplete
83-86
B
3.00
W = Withdrawal
80-82
B-
2.67
77-79
C+ 2.33
EFFORT GRADES
73-76
C
2.00
1. Outstanding
70-72
C-
1.67
2. Satisfactory
67-69
D+ 1.33
3. Needs Improvement
63-66
D
1.00
4. Unsatisfactory
60-62
D-
.67
50-59
F
0.00
On
the report card in the comments section all effort grades of 3s or 4s must be
explained. Also, all Nās for
Not Satisfactory in the lower grades must be explained.
Any
score between 0 and 49 is counted as a 50 when calculating grades.
For
students in grades 6-12 a quarterly honor roll will be given. The Gold Honor
Roll will require an A- or 3.5 average in all graded subjects. Requirements for
the Silver Honor Roll will be at least a B or 3.0 average in all graded
subjects. An effort grade of "" in
any subject will disqualify a student from being on either honor roll. Grades
will be weighted according to amount of time spent in class each week.
D.
CREDITS FOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
English 4 credits
Math
3 credits
Social
Studies
3 credits
Lab
Science
2 credits
Foreign
Language 2 credits
Life
Skills
1 credits
Health
ø credit
Physical
Education ø
credit
Character
Ed.
2 credits
Fine
Arts
1 credits
Technology
ø credit
Elective
ø credit
Total
20 credits
Forty
hours of community service are also required.
A.
THE PRESIDENTIAL ACADEMIC AWARD
The
Presidential Academic Award will be given to students (grade 6 and above) who
have attained a 3.5 average for the first three quarters of the year. An effort
grade of "" in any
subject would disqualify a student. In addition, teacher recommendations are
necessary for this award.
B.
THE PRESIDENTIAL IMPROVEMENT AWARD
The
Presidential Improvement Award may be given to recommended students (grades 6
and above) whose effort is outstanding but who do not qualify for the above
awards due to learning disabilities, illness, or some other extenuating
circumstance.
C.
THE PRESIDENTIAL FITNESS AWARDS
The
awards for Physical Education will also be presented at the awards ceremony.
A.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTING FOR ENTRANCE AND STANDARDIZED TESTS
The
developmental level of children five years of age and older will be tested upon
entrance to the school, and their academic achievement levels will be measured
periodically through standardized tests. This
testing is needed to determine how our school compares with other schools in the
country. It also will help teachers determine the areas in which individual
children are strong or weak. Parents
will be notified of school-wide testing dates ahead of time.
1.
SAT
& PSAT
The
Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) is given to all elementary and middle school
students (K-8) every spring. Students with assessed special needs will be given
untimed or modified tests in order to provide effective evaluation of their
achievement level. However, as mandated by the test agencies, these test results
will not be included in the school‑wide average. Teachers will be required
to score these tests for their class and to provide the parents and the main
office with the results by May 20th. A copy will be placed in each
studentās permanent
record and another copy will be sent home with the last report card. Students
in grades 9 to 11 take the PSAT every year.
B.
TESTING FOR LEARNING DISABILITIES
If
learning disabilities are suspected a Student Guidance Team meeting will be held
to discuss with the parents the possibility of assessing such disabilities
through testing. Our School Counselor can do so for a modest fee, or parents may
choose to have their child evaluated by an outside professional or their local
county school system. Though
testing by the county is free and by law they are supposed to test children who
are suspected of having learning disabilities, policies are administered county
by county and services vary.
Goals
and objectives: Cultural exposure
Class
Schedule: Once a month: 1 semester
Korean, 1 semester Spanish.
Goals
and objectives: Develop love for
language and culture
Class
Schedule: 1 class a week 50
minutes: 1 semester Korean, 1 semester Spanish.
Goals
and objectives: Develop basic
skills to learn a foreign language
Class
Schedule: Twice a week for 30
minutes: 1year of Korean or Spanish. Other language next year.
Goals
and objectives: Develop basic
skills and competency necessary to read, write and speak a second language.
Schedule:
Four times a week for 30 minutes: Same language Korean or Spanish taken
for both years in 5th and 6th.
Goals
and objectives: Develop basic
skills and competency necessary to read, write and speak a second language and
polish those skills.
Schedule:
Four times a week for 45 minutes:
Other
language than was taken in 5th and 6th. Same language
Korean or Spanish taken for both years in 7th and 8th.
Goals
and objectives: Advanced classes
for high school credit. Development
of fluency in speaking reading and writing the language.
Specialization in one language recommended for high school.
A two year minimum in one language is necessary for graduation.
Schedule:
Four times a week for 55 minutes or five times a week for 45 minutes.
F:
HONORS PROGRAM AND EXEMPTIONS
One
conclusion of our evaluation of the foreign language program is that it is not
always to the advantage of the child or the program for every student to take
foreign language from an early age. Various
circumstances may influence our decision as to whether a student should be
exempted from foreign language. They
may include, but not be limited to whether a student has:
* learning disabilities, particularly language based differences.
* is in need of remedial support or tutoring in core subject areas.
* experiences a significant drop in grades in core subject areas.
* is unable to focus or has attention deficit.
* experiences behavior difficulties transitioning to the specialty class.
* is disinterested in learning a language and resistant to doing the
work.
* parents want their child exempted from foreign language.
5.5
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
After
the first and second report cards a parent/teacher conference is required for
all K-8 students. At least one
parent is expected to attend. Conferences
will be required for any high school students who receive failing grades.
Preschool teachers may require a conference if they have concerns about a
child's progress or behavior
5.6
PROMOTION FROM ONE GRADE TO THE NEXT
In
order for a child to be promoted from one grade to the next they must
demonstrate mastery of at least 70% of the skills, material and comprehension
listed in the scope and sequence chart for the curriculum.
In addition the teacher must evaluate the child as sufficiently mature in
their socio-emotional development
If
the teacher is recommending that the student not be promoted, the Student
Guidance Team (SGT) will carefully review and discuss all considerations.
The parents will be called to attend a SGT conference where the concerns
and opinions of the staff as well as the parents can be expressed and weighed.
The final decision of a child's promotion will rest with the Principal.
Children
whose fifth birthday falls after September 1 and before January 1 will not
automatically be eligible for Kindergarten.
If the child's teacher and parents feel that the child is exceptionally
mature, they can request that the Metropolitan Readiness Test be given to help
determine if the child is to be promoted to Kindergarten.
The final decision rests with the Principal.
For
grades K-2, satisfactory work in core subjects is required for promotion to the
next grade level. For grades 3-8, a grade point average of 70% (C minus) or
above is required in core subjects for promotion. If a child fails one or more
subjects, the administration may offer the option for them to seek outside
tutoring or home study during the summer. Upon
the parent's written request, an equivalency test (both written and verbal) will
be administered before school reopens. If the student demonstrates mastery of
the subject(s), promotion may be granted. Payment
of a fee of not less than $25.00 will be required for each test to cover the
administrative costs. However,
every effort will be made in the course of the school year to anticipate
individual problems and to recommend tutoring or additional study when
necessary.
Every
effort will be made to provide the necessary study materials and assignments to
children who miss school due to prolonged illness.
An evaluation will be made after they have returned to determine if
additional tutoring will be needed. The
same criteria for promotion described above will apply.
Children
who have excessive absences and who are unable to keep up with the required
school work may not be promoted to the next grade. We discourage parents from
keeping children home for minor complaints, or to visit relatives. We encourage
parents to try to schedule regular doctor and dentist visits outside of school
hours whenever possible. Family vacations should also be scheduled during
Christmas, Easter or summer breaks so that children do not miss school. Under
special circumstances when this is not possible, parents should contact the
principal and the childās teacher
to let them know that the child will be absent, and they should make
arrangements with the teacher to
cover the missed material before, during or after the absence. Missed
tests or work not completed may impact negatively on a studentās
report card grades. If a child is absent for
several days and the teacher is unaware as to why, the parent should be called.
1.
Children are tardy when they report to their classroom after 8:40 a.m.
2.
When children are repeatedly tardy the principal should be informed and
the parents will be contacted. Tardy students disrupt the entire class when they
arrive late, and the children themselves are often embarrassed, and therefore
start the day off on the wrong foot as well. Constant tardiness is a serious
problem that canāt be
allowed to continue.
3.
Excused tardies should not be assessed a detention. These include:
doctors appointments, serious family emergencies or illness, and snowy/icy road
conditions in winter.
4.
A detention is served if the
students accrue five tardies in a quarter.
Morning message beginning at 8:45 a.m. is the first class of the day and
is mandatory. In High School
students receive Character Education credit.
6.1
IDEALS OF INTERPERSONAL BEHAVIOR
A.
RECOGNIZING THE VALUE OF HONORABLE BEHAVIOR
1.
Telling the truth, respecting the property of others, only doing oneās
own work on tests and projects.
2.
Proper use of school property
B.
TREAT STAFF AND PEERS WITH COURTESY
1.
Use please and thank you instead of giving commands; say excuse me instead of
shoving.
2.
Show courtesy and respect for those older, younger, and peers and have a helping
attitude toward younger children. (We want children to recognize their value and
responsibility in relationship to others, both older and younger. This helps
children to understand their individual value as well as their value as a member
of a whole.
It
is acceptable for students to disagree or question a teacher or staff member if
it is done respectfully.)
C.
TREATING ELDERS, PEERS, AND YOUNGER CHILDREN WITH RESPECT
1.
As teachers are elders, they should be treated according to the community's
tradition of respecting elders. They should also be seen as extensions of
parents in their educational role.
2.
Students will be encouraged to relate to each other as brothers and sisters
under God and to purely love all people. The
staff will be especially aware of the need to educate students so that their
love is not misdirected into inappropriate forms such as romantic love or adult
marital behavior.
3.
Younger children shall be treated in a respectful manner. Aggressive physical
behavior, such as kicking, hitting, pushing, biting, pulling hair, tripping, and
so forth, is not appropriate. (See
Discipline Policy 6.0 for further information)
4.
Children are not to engage in activities that disrupt the classroom and that
distract the teachers or students from the learning process. Of course this
includes activities such as loud boisterous behavior, running, chewing gum, and
talking when the teacher is giving instruction.
D.
DEALING WITH STUDENTS WHO EXHIBIT DIFFICULTIES
At
New Hope we have a Student Guidance Team (SGT) which is composed of the
Principal, the School Counselor, the parents, and the primary teachers of the
student. They meet to discuss the
student's academic progress, social behavior or any other special needs that may
arise. A SGT meeting can be
requested by any staff member or a parent. If children are having difficulties
that cannot be fully addressed by our teaching or counseling staff,
recommendations may include tutoring, professional counseling for the child
and/or the family, or medical evaluation. We
expect parents to make time to help resolve their children's problems. An
unwillingness to get the outside recommended help may be grounds for dismissal.
6.2.
BASIC APPROACH TO DISCIPLINE
The
purpose of discipline is not simply to control the child, but rather it is an
important part of their education. It must therefore be kept in mind that when
teaching anything, encouragement, positive suggestions and patience are most
effective. Discipline should center on the action of the child, taking into
account their motivation. It is important to keep in mind that the child cannot
be expected to act like a mature adult; getting to that stage is a long-term
process, and immature behavior can be expected.
B.
CORRECTING BEHAVIORAL MISTAKES
Naturally,
when mistakes are made, they must be corrected. The teachers should make clear a
set of simple, reasonable rules. The teacher should convey to the child what
behavior is acceptable and what is not. When applicable, the alternatives for
the unacceptable behavior should be explained to the child.
When
dealing with a child, it is important for the teacher to keep the childās
free will in mind. The children will be
expected to conform to certain rules, moral standards and social expectations,
but at all times, their free will must be respected. Their rights to their
feelings, to dignity and a sense of self-worth, to be allowed choices, and to be
treated with kindness and respect as children of God must be observed.
Ultimately,
as an adult, children will become entirely responsible for their actions. We
must gradually guide the children toward this responsibility and give them
opportunities to experience the consequences of their actions.
But the teacher must take care that these consequences are not too severe
or beyond their capabilities. Our expectation for the children must be
appropriate to their developmental level.
E.
GUIDELINES
FOR DISCIPLINE
1.
METHODS
The
methods of guidance and discipline used shall be positive, age-appropriate,
consistent with the developmental needs of the children, and applied with the
full knowledge and understanding of the parents
There
will be no corporal punishment, abusive language, ridicule, or harsh,
humiliating, frightening or ostracizing treatment.
Children shall not be isolated without adequate supervision. Children
should not be required to remain silent for long periods of time. Time out
should be age/situational appropriate. Children
should be forgiven and should be helped to forgive each other. Restitution
should be made.
6.3
INFRACTIONS FOR KINDERGARTEN TO 12th GRADE
A.
AFTER SCHOOL CONSEQUENCES OF 30, 60, 90 MINUTES
After
school consequence room may be given for a variety of minor offenses, such as:
incomplete homework; disruptiveness; breaking of rules, bad language,
disrespectful behavior, etc. At least one day of notice must be given to parents
that a student is to stay after school. No record of the after school
consequence room is placed in the studentās permanent
file. Some examples of school rules, the breaking of which could lead to after
school consequences, are:
1.
No running in the halls
2.
No sliding down railings inside or outside the school
3.
No use of candy or drink machines between 8:40 a.m. and the studentās
pick-up time
4.
No sitting on the front wall outside of the school
5.
Maintain respect for school, classroom or lunchroom rules
6.
Maintain an attitude of respect towards others
B.
DETENTION, 90 minutes after school, with record placed in permanent file
A
detention is given:
a. when a child purposely, but not seriously, hurts another child or
staff member the first time. (If this offense is repeated it is grounds for
suspension.)
b. when a child threatens or intimidates another child or staff member
the first time. (If this offense is repeated it is grounds for suspension.)
c. when a child shows blatant disrespect and/or total disregard for the
authority of a staff member through cursing or defiant attitude.
d. when a child is repeatedly late, five tardies in one quarter.
e. when a child is late with homework three times in a quarter in a
particular subject.
f. when a child is caught or admits to cheating or forgery.
g. leaving the school grounds without permission.
h. spreading false rumors.
i. when a child takes someoneās belongingsfrom
their locker, desk or backpack, without permission.
j. when a child repeats minor offenses.
k. giving out someoneās locker
combination. Oneās own
locker privileges may be suspended for a period of time.
*A
detention may also require a written and/or verbal apology plus up to three acts
of service towards the injured party to restore the wrong done.
C.
SUSPENSION, ONE OR MORE DAYS, OR EXPULSION
A
suspension is given:
a. when a student or staff memberās physical
well-being was endangered through an intentional act of violence. A severe,
violent act could result in expulsion
b. when a child repeatedly threatens or intimidates another child or
staff member.
c. when a childās use
of tobacco, drugs or alcohol is confirmed.
d. when a child steals, vandalizes or commits arson. Restitution also
must take place.
e. when inappropriate physical or sexual behavior takes place between
students.
f. when sexual harassment occurs; including the calling of sexually
derogatory names, or the intimation or threat of rape, sexual contact or sexual
misconduct.
g. when a child brings to school fireworks, explosives, a weapon such as
a gun, a knife, etc., or any drugs or drug paraphernalia. Paint ball guns are
not allowed. The administration has the right to search a childās
backpack, locker or desk, if there is
sufficient reason to believe that a child has brought any of the items above.
h. when a child makes a bomb threat or deliberately triggers a false fire
alarm.
i. when a child uses any item as a weapon which causes harm to another.
j. when a child distributes, displays or shares pornographic or other
inappropriate printed material, music, videos, software, or games.
k. giving any non-food substance to another child to ingest.
l. when a child bites another person and breaks the skin.
m. when three detentions have accumulated in one quarter marking period.
Expulsion
for any of the above offenses may be decided on a case by case basis. Depending
on the severity of the behavior, an in-house suspension, in which the parent
attends classes with the student all day, may be considered.
The
administration reserves the right to decide appropriate consequences on a case
by case basis. Disciplinary measures in a situations not covered above will be
handled at the administrationās discretion.
Detention
or suspension and/or loss of computer privileges may be given for any of the
following infractions:
a.
using computers without being supervised.
b.
intentionally accessing and reading another personās
files without permission.
c.
altering another personās files
without permission.
d.
printing or sharing another personās file
without permission.
e.
sending an e-mail which hurts another person.
f.
deliberately downloading anything inappropriate, such as a virus,
pornography, etc.
g. creating a virus or any other destructive program.
h. loading any program without permission.
A.
TIME OUT AND WITHHOLDING OF PRIVILEGES
Time
out and the withholding of certain privileges will be standard disciplinary
procedure.
Time
out will be used for acts of physical aggression, destructiveness, or temper
tantrums that cannot be ignored. During
time out a child will be seated on a chair apart from the group but not out of
sight or hearing of the teacher. A child will not be required to sit for long
periods of time. The teacher will explain to the child why he/she is being
required to sit in time out. Children may be required to do time out in another
classroom or the office if the behavior is repeated.
If
children are repeatedly physically aggressive in a manner that endangers other
children, such as biting, hitting or kicking others violently, or striking with
objects, the Student Guidance Team will meet with the parents to try to develop
a consistent strategy for working with the child both at home and at school.
Parents may be required to pick up their children immediately when such behavior
is exhibited. In cases where the behavior does not change, it will be grounds
for dismissal from the program.
When
a child runs away from the staff, leaves the room, playground, fieldtrip group
or school grounds without the teacherās knowledge
the parents will be called to pick their child up immediately. A child must
never leave a classroom or the sight of the teacher. Children disobeying this
rule endanger themselves, making it impossible to ensure their safety. Repeated
behavior may be grounds for dismissal.
6.5
PLAYGROUND & GYM USE POLICY AND RULES
A.
GENERAL PLAYGROUND & GYM RULES
1.
No throwing anything÷rocks,
sticks or dirt.
2.
No running with sticks
3.
No blocking paths with logs or materials.
4.
No digging under equipment or on paths.
5.
No snowball throwing when any snow is on the ground.
Snowballs become hard, sharp and when packed can do serious damage to
eyes and can cause cuts and abrasions to the face.
6.
No drawing with chalk on the school walls.
It is fine to have the children draw on the sidewalks or asphalt with
chalk as a creative project. However,
it is absolutely unacceptable to use the walls of the school or the red brick
building as a drawing surface.
1.
No sitting on the pivot point (middle).
2.
Only one child on each end.
3.
To stop both children must stop, balance and carefully dismount.
4.
No jumping off when the other child is in the air.
1.
Everyone must start at the same end and go in the same direction.
2.
Another person may start across only after the first person reaches the
halfway point.
3.
When children are crossing the ladder no one may play underneath.
1.
Donāt twist the
chains.
2.
Donāt run in
front or behind someone swinging.
3.
Only one student on each swing.
4.
Only sitting on swings, no standing, or laying on belly.
5.
No jumping off of swings to dismount.
6.
No joining hands and swinging together.
7.
No holding a swing for a friend; if a swing is empty it is available for
anyone.
Children
may not play with sticks or rocks (bricks, concrete or asphalt chunks, etc.) Too
often a simple game of digging in the dirt with sticks changes to sparring or
mock sword fighting. Continued disregard of this rule after a warning warrants
an after school consequence. If injury of another child takes place after a
warning has been given, a detention or suspension is in order, the severity to
be determined by circumstances.
1.
Nobody goes on the stage unless given permission by a teacher to retrieve
a ball, etc.
2.
Only preschool children can play in the carpeted area.
3.
Use equipment safely. (Donāt
whip jump ropes, etc.)
4.
Only teachers may get equipment from the closet.
5.
All materials need to be returned to the correct place when gym play is
completed.
6.
Running, shouting and tag games are allowed but children may not be rough
or push.
Depending
on severity of the incident, time out can be given for anywhere from 5 minutes
to the remainder of the playtime. When
the physical safety of another child or staff member is jeopardized by
deliberately breaking these rules, a DETENTION is warranted.
If a child repeatedly has broken the rules even after being warned, the
child may miss the next dayās recess
and receive an after-school consequence. If
such repeated disregard for the rules continues, the child will not be allowed
on the playground for an extended period of time of one week or more.
All infractions involving injury to oneself or to another child must be
written up in an "Incident
Report" and a copy
given to the Principal. When any
child is treated for an injury on the playground it should be recorded in the
medical log.
6.6
USING THE RESTROOMS DURING RECESS
Children
should all use the restroom before going out to the playground. If ELEMENTARY
children need to use the toilet while on the playground they must ask a teacherās
permission to go back into the school and use
the closest toilet to the playground. PRESCHOOL children should be accompanied
by a teacher or an older same-gender child, and the teacher should carefully
monitor the time they are gone.
It
is unacceptable for children of any age to urinate or defecate on the
playground. Such behavior warrants an after school consequence or detention to
be determined by circumstances.
Gates
to preschool playgrounds should be kept closed at all times.
Children
are never to be left alone on the playground and the staff to child ratio should
be maintained. Staff are expected to walk and circulate among the children, not
stand or sit talking to one another during this time. Extra vigilance is needed
when children are using swings, slides and teeter-totters. Staff should "spot" children
on slides. Children should not be required to participate in organized
activities, provided they follow safety rules, stay on the playground, and are
respectful.
It
is critical to notice the verbal interaction and exchange between the children
while they play. Children who are teasing, threatening, being mean or exclusive
towards others must be held accountable for their actions and disciplined
accordingly. Any play that looks dangerous should be stopped. SAFETY FIRST!
Children
are to:
Only use "inside voices."
Enter
the room quietly and sit at the assigned table.
Leave
seats only to heat food in the microwave.
Raise
hands to get permission to:
Throw away trash when finished eating
Get a drink of water
Use the bathroom
Return
immediately to seat after throwing away trash.
Clean
under chair and wipe off table area.
Wait
to be dismissed.
Do
not talk to anyone seated at the "quiet
table." o:p>
Possible
Consequences
Sit at "quiet
table" for remainder
of lunch.
Sit at "quiet
table" for 1-5 days.
Lose
some portion of recess time.
Go to "After
School Consequence Room" for
30 minutes for more serious infractions.
Detention
issued for serious infractions or constant repeat of minor offenses.
6.9
STUDENT GUIDANCE TEAM (SGT)
A.
DEALING WITH STUDENTS EXHIBITING DIFFICULTIES
At
New Hope we have a Student Guidance Team (SGT) which is composed of the
Principal, the School Counselor, the main teachers of the student, and the
parents when appropriate. They will meet to discuss the studentās
academic progress, social behavior or any
other special needs which may arise. Such a meeting can be requested by any
staff member or a parent. In the meeting concerns are discussed and
recommendations may be made.
If
children are having difficulties that cannot be fully addressed by our teaching
or counseling staff, recommendations may include tutoring, testing, professional
counseling for the child and/or the family or medical evaluation. We expect
parents to make time to help resolve their childrenās problems.
An unwillingness to get the outside recommended help or to work with the SGT may
be grounds for dismissal of the student from New Hope.
7.
EMERGENCIES, MEDICATION AND ILLNESS
7.1
MEDICAL FORMS
All
forms must be submitted before a child may attend the preschool, school after
care, or summer programs.
A.
MEDICAL AND EMERGENCY FORMS ON RECORD
a) Pick-up Permission form
b) Emergency Contact Information
c) Emergency Medical Treatment Consent (Notarization
recommended)
d) Health Inventory
e) Immunization Certificate
It
is essential that you notify New Hope if there is any change in the information
you have supplied on these forms.
No
child will be allowed to enter New Hope whose medical records are not up to
date.
In
case of a serious emergency if the child reaches the hospital before the parents
arrives, the hospital may refuse treatment if the Medical Consent to Treat form
is not notarized.
A
Medication Form, available in the wall slots across from the tuition box, must
be filled out and signed by a parent, legal guardian or doctor, before any staff
can administer any medication or homeopathic remedy.
Any prescription medicines must have the child's name on the pharmacy
label, and the dosage indicated by the parents must comply with that recommended
by the physician.
New
Hope Academy does not have a nurse on staff.
Therefore staff and teachers are not able to take responsibility for
specialized medical treatments, such as but not limited to, needle sticks or
finder pricks for diabetes, or nebulization for asthma. New Hope reserves the
right to deny admission to, or terminate care of children who require
specialized medical procedures deemed by the administration as being more than
the school can take responsibility for.
7.2
HEALTH AND SCHOOL PARTICIPATION
If
a child is well enough to come to school, he or she will be expected to play
outside during recess with other children.
Please make sure you dress children warmly in cold weather.
B.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS REQUIRING A CHILD TO BE ABSENT
A
child with diarrhea, conjunctivitis, a severe cold, head lice, fever, rashes, or
signs of contagious disease will be expected to remain at home. Parents are
asked to notify New Hope by 9:30 a.m. if their child is going to be absent.
If
a child contracts head lice or a contagious disease including, but not limited
to, impetigo, chicken pox, influenza, strep throat, rubella, measles, mumps,
whooping cough, conjunctivitis, meningitis or ring worm and he or she has
exposed the other children in the school, parents must contact the office so
that parents can be informed.
Any
child diagnosed with a communicable disease listed on the Health Department's
Communicable Disease List must have a physicians release note before returning
to school.
If
a child becomes ill at New Hope, he or she will be isolated, and the parents
will be notified to pick up their child immediately.
In the event that a parent cannot be reached, any person listed on the
emergency card will be called. Note:
Repeated failure to respond when called to pick up a sick child could result in
a child's dismissal from New Hope.
8.
SAFETY
8.1.
DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP POLICY
1.
ALL STUDENTS
Children
may be dropped off at the school no earlier than 7:30 a.m., when the Early Care
program is scheduled to begin. The
front door will remain locked until that time.
2.
PRESCHOOL
No
preschool child may be dropped off in the parking lot, or across the street, or
may walk unescorted in the parking lot. All
preschool children must be escorted to their classrooms and signed in. All
parents must park and come in to pick up their children and sign them out.
3.
PARKING LOT
Parents
must obey the directional flow signs in the parking lot.
Also there is a designated drop-off zone in front of the school stairs at
the parking lot. No parent may park
their car in this area and leave that car to walk their child into the building.
The drop-off zone is solely for parents dropping off older students who
do not need to be escorted.
1.
ALL STUDENTS
For
all New Hope students, PreK-twelve years of age, only those persons designated
on the Permission Form will be allowed to pick up a child.
Children will not be released to anyone who is suspected to be impaired
by alcohol or drug use.
2.
If the child is on the playground, the adult picking up the child must notify
the responsible teacher as well as sign out the child.
All children must be signed out before being taken from the preschool or
aftercare. (This includes a parent
having lunch with their child: if they are going to eat anywhere other than the
child's classroom the child must be signed out and in again.)
3.
Failure to sign a child in or out may result in a $1 fee per incident.
4.
Parents must not drive around the back of the school (by the Dance room) to pick
up their children. This is licensed
as playground area and is strictly off limits for vehicles from 7:30 am. till
6:30 p.m. Monday - Friday.
1.
Those children who walk home are required to have a signed permission form on
file in the office.
2.
The school day ends at 3:30 p.m. Parents
are expected to pick their child up no later than 3:45 p.m.
Children not picked up by 3:45 p.m. will be signed into the After Care.
Parents will be expected to pay $15.00 for that day for "Drop-In Care"
regardless of how short a time they may actually be in care before being picked
up.
3.
It is required by law that a specified student-teacher ratio be maintained in
the after-hours program; therefore the school cannot accommodate occasional
drop-ins or children not picked up on time unless arrangements have been made in
advance.
8.2
OPTIONAL AFTER-SCHOOL CLASSES FOR CHILDREN NOT IN AFTERCARE
Children
in preschool through age 18, who are remaining late for optional classes such
as, but not limited to, dance, music lessons, martial arts or drama must either
be supervised by parents or enrolled in the after care program.
They cannot be allowed to wander the building unsupervised until their
class begins, or to do so after it ends. Please
make arrangements with the main office if you would like to enroll your child
for after hours care part-time for those days when such classes are scheduled
When
a child is picked up later than 6:00 p.m. a late fee is
charged. This fee is
expected to be paid at the time of pick-up, or at the latest the following
morning. When it is not paid by the following school day, the charges are
doubled. (See SECTION 9.1, and the Late Fee Schedule in the Appendix)
A
map of the fire exit route will be posted in every room so that all staff are
aware of the proper procedure. Fire
drills will be conducted each month. When
the alarm is sounded everyone will exit the building and follow the drill
guidelines, regardless if it is a false alarm, a scheduled drill or an actual
emergency. No one may re-enter the
building until they have been cleared to do so by the administration.
1.
A general permission slip is part of the contract and will be considered
sufficient for such things as trips to the local library, a neighborhood walk or
a special trip to the store.
2.
Whenever a regular fieldtrip is planned the teacher should report and
clear it through the main office.
3.
Parents must be notified at least three days in advance so that chaperons and
transportation can be arranged in a timely fashion.
4.
The following minimum ratios are recommended for most trips:
3 & 4 yr olds
1 adult per 4 children
K - 1
1 adult per 5 children
2 - 3
1 adult per 6 children
4 - 5
1 adult per 8 children
6 - 12
1 adult per 10 children
5.
When the children are going to be in a large crowd such as viewing a parade, or
visiting a large amusement park or theater, an even smaller ratio may be
advisable.
6.
Children must be transported in either a rented licensed "school bus,"
public transportation such as city bus or metro, or privately owned vehicles.
Parents and staff who use their vehicles to transport students will be
asked to provide a copy of their car insurance. New Hope carries a secondary
back-up policy to ensure adequate coverage.
Children in privately owned vehicles must
wear a seatbelt at all times. Seat belts must be worn by all passengers,
students and adults on fieldtrips, unless transportation is in a certified
yellow school bus which does not come equipped with seatbelts.
7.Any
overnight trips require that both a male and a female chaperon are in attendance
for mixed gender groups.
8.
Special out of town trips or overnight trips usually cost extra and are not part
of the regular field trip budget already covered with tuition.
9.
All parents are expected to chaperone one field trip per child each year.
10.
If a childās prior
behavior has been determined to pose a danger to himself or others in a less
structured field trip environment, the school reserves the right to exempt the
child from attending the trip or requiring the child to have a family member
personally chaperone them.
11.
Parents may not exempt their child from attending field trips, since
these are considered supplemental to the curriculum.
NEW
HOPE FOLLOWS THE PRINCE GEORGEāS COUNTY
POLICY FOR WEATHER CLOSINGS:
New
Hope follows the official school closing policy for weather of Prince Georgeās
County school system.
Just listen to radio or TV or check the Internet to find out the PG
County schools weather conditions. New Hope counts our 7:30 a.m. opening time as
the official start of the day and 3:30 p.m. as the end of the school day:
a.
If P.G. County schools are closed, then New Hope Academy is closed for the day.
b.
If P.G. County schools open 1 hour late, New Hope starts at 8:30 a.m. (No before
school care.)
c.
If P.G. County schools open 2 hours late, New Hope starts at 9:30 a.m. (No
before school care.)
d.
If P.G. County schools close 1 hour early, then New Hope closes at 2:30 p.m. (No
aftercare is available.)
e.
If P.G. County schools close 2 hours early, then New Hope closes at 1:30 p.m.
(No aftercare is available.)
Please
do not confuse the weather closings with any other days that P.G. county schools
may be closed.
New
Hope Academy and Day Care will operate on the following schedule:
There will be no tuition refund or credit for holidays during the school
year.
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day after (Friday)
Winter Holiday Break (dates vary each year)
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday
Presidents Day
Spring Break (dates vary each year)
Memorial Day
July 4
Last 2 weeks in August before Labor Day
In
addition the academy will be closed for In-service days for staff training, and
will be closed to students for parent-teacher conferences.
Birthday
party invitations may not be sent to school unless all members (such as all boys
or all girls) in the entire grade are to be invited.
Presents should not be sent for birthday celebrations held in school.
If
parents would like their children to be able to have their birthday honored at
school, they must make arrangements several days in advance with the teacher to
ensure that a convenient time can be decided on. To celebrate their child's
birthday, parents are encouraged to send cupcakes and juice for the class, plus
paper cups and napkins too. Parents
are welcome to attend. Large
celebrations with guest stars such as clowns etc. are discouraged.
There
will be one, possibly two, days that children will come to school on a
Unification Church holiday. The
holiday will be celebrated at school with a special morning message, games, a
special meal and no academic classes. Teachers
and specialty class teachers should work together to provide a variety of
activities for the children throughout the day:
Games outside, art projects, etc.
Also, the older classes will be responsible to help set up for lunch,
serve younger children the meal and clean up afterwards.
The
first day is Childrenās Day
celebrated in the fall and possibly Parentās Day
will be celebrated in the spring. It
is optional if a parent sends their child, but almost everyone does.
We cook a special Korean meal that is $3.00 for children Pre-school to 6th
grade and $5.00 for adults, middle school and high school students.
9. FINANCES:
TUITION, FEES, ENDOWMENTS, DONATIONS
9.1
TUITION ISSUES
All
fees and tuition must be paid for a 42-week school year. Tuition and fees are
non-refundable. In special
circumstances such as job transfers or family crisis an appeal can be made for
the rebate of unused tuition. Such
decisions are at the discretion of the administration.
Payment
can be made in full by August 20, which allows the parents to take a 4% discount
on the tuition (not fees or aftercare) at that time.
Families
may opt to pay their tuition, fees and after care fee in 10 monthly installments
due August - May
through Smart Tuition Services.
A
$40 late fee will be assessed for any past due payment.
E.
DEPOSITS/YEARLY RE-REGISTRATION
A
deposit of $500 per student or a maximum of $1000 per family is due at the time
the student has initially been accepted into New Hope Academy, or at
re-registration time for returning students.
This deposit is non-refundable and is applied towards tuition for the
following year. Parents must pay
the deposit in full for the following year by stated deadline or commit
themselves to pay in increments from February to May.
If deposits are paid after the deadline, then families will be treated as
if they are a new family and not receive any of the returning family discounts.
Children
will not be allowed to attend classes beginning on the first of the month, when
the tuition payment for the preceding month has gone unpaid.
Children may not return until tuition, fees and late charges are current.
1.
When a parent chooses to withdraw a child from school, two weeks' notice
must be given or the tuition for two weeks will be required anyway.
2.
When the school suggests or requires a child to be withdrawn from school the two
week requirement will be waived.
No
records will be released if any outstanding tuition, fees, late charges or fines
are unpaid.
Decisions
regarding changes in the rate of tuition are made by the Board of Directors.
A concerted effort is made to have those decisions finalized for the
following school year by the beginning of re-enrollment in January of the
current school year, thereby giving parents the information they need to
re-enroll.
If
the Board of Directors were ever to declare that New Hope was in a state of
fiscal emergency, the school reserves the right to raise tuition with a minimum
of one monthās written
notice.
9.3
FINANCIAL AID
New Hope
is a tuition driven school. We will
consider a discount for those who demonstrate financial need.
To apply for discount consideration:
1.
Request from the office a Parentās Financial
Statement form. Send this completed
form with a check for the data analysis to the School and Student Service for
Financial Aid in Princeton, N.J. You
must complete this step no later than April 15th.
2.
Submit to the office a copy of your most recent IRS 1040 form.
3.
Separated or divorced parents are each required to furnish an IRS form
and a Parentās Financial
Statement (one regular and one for separated/divorced parents.)
4.
The Financial Aid Team reviews the IRS form and the data from the Parentās
Financial Statement and considers all listed
criteria. Families will notified of
the Financial Aid Teamās decision
in late June. The determination of
the Financial Aid Team is final and is cannot be appealed to the Board.
Endowments
can be made for New Hope Academy, New Hope Educational Institute or any of its
projects. Monies donated will be placed in an interest bearing account with only
the interest to be used and the principal to be untouched.
New Hope is grateful for donations in any form including cash, property,
stocks, or bonds.
If
you pick up your child after 6:00 p.m. you will owe late charges. The charge is
$1.00 per five minutes or any portion thereof PER CHILD, up until 6:15.
At 6:15 the charge increases to $1.00 PER MINUTE PER CHILD.
Anyone who is late more than three times in a 10-week quarter will be
charged at the higher rate of $1.00 per minute beginning right at 6:00.
This is to deter chronic lateness. At
the end of each 10-week quarter the slate will be wiped clean for everyone.
The
money is to be paid immediately to the teacher at the time of pick-up, or by the
morning of the next school day. If
you do not do so, the charges will be billed to your account at double the rate
to cover the administrative costs involved.
(See Late Charges Schedule in Appendix)
CHARGES
PER CHILD:
By
6:05
$1.00
By
6:10
$2.00
By
6:15
$3.00
By
6:16
$4.00
By
6:17
$5.00
By
6:18
$6.00
By
6:19
$7.00
By
6:20
$8.00
By
6:25
$13.00
By
6:30
$18.00
After
6:15 the late pick-up fees is $3.00 plus an additional dollar for every minute,
per child. Example:
For two children picked up at 6:15 p.m. the charge is $6.00 or $3.00
each. If the children are picked up
at 6:23 p.m. the charge is $22.00 or $11.00 each.
The
late pick-up fee is due immediately at the time of pick-up and can be paid in
cash or check. If the parent does
not have the pick-up fee on them, they should pay it the next morning at the
time of drop off. Otherwise the fee
will be billed to you at double the rate.
If
you are late three times in one quarter you will be charged a higher late fee.
Charges will go up to a $1.00. a minute from 6:00 p.m.
A family starts over every quarter with a clean slate.
Get
to know other parents who can take your children home in an emergency.
List those parents on the Pick-Up sheet that is in the office.
Also
take into account weather conditions that will slow you down when it is raining,
foggy or snowy. Please allow
additional time for driving so that you can arrive by 6:00 p.m.
10.
WITHDRAWAL AND TERMINATION
New
Hope reserves the right to refuse admission or terminate schooling or care if
the Administration concludes that a particular child is unable to function
within the guidelines listed under Norms of Behavior, or that New Hope cannot
meet a child's needs, or that the parents cannot provide the support for their
child as listed under Parental Expectations.
You
are asked to give the administration at least two weeks' written
notice before withdrawing your child from New Hope.
Please come to the office and fill out a Student Withdrawal Form.
When two weeks' written
notice is not received payment for two weeks will be expected and billed.
New
Hope Academy and Pre-School may terminate your child's enrollment immediately if
any of the following conditions arise:
1.
If in the judgment of the New Hope Administrator and Educational Director, and
after consultation with the parents, the child's behavior threatens the physical
or mental health of other children at New Hope.
2.
If tuition has not been paid when it is due.
New
Hope may terminate your child's enrollment upon two weeks' written
notice if any of the following conditions arise:
1.
Any of the conditions listed above under a), assuming New Hope has not exercised
its right to terminate enrollment immediately.
2.
In the judgment of the New hope Administrator, Educational Director and staff,
the center's program does not meet the developmental or special needs of your
child.
3.
You fail to abide by the terms of the enrollment agreement and Parents Handbook.
If
any miscellaneous charges due New Hope (for late pick-up, returned checks, etc.)
remain unpaid at the time of termination or withdrawal, such amounts must be
paid in full before any records are released.
Such charges will be withheld from any tuition deemed eligible for
rebate.
Maryland
law defines child abuse as any "physical injury or injuries sustained by a
child as a result of cruel or inhumane treatment or as a result of a malicious
act or acts by any parent, adopted parent, or other person who has the permanent
or temporary care or custody or responsibility for supervision of a minor child
and any sexual abuse of a child, whether physical injuries are sustained or
not." The law provides that
when an educator, social worker, health practitioner, or law enforcement officer
"believes or has reason to believe" that a child has been abused, he
or she must report that information either to the local department of social
services or to the local police.
Teachers
suspecting child abuse should inform the Administrator about the problem.
Any
teacher or staff member suspected of abuse will be suspended until an
investigation is completed. If the
allegations prove to be true, that shall be grounds for immediate dismissal.
Maryland
law defines a neglected child as a child who " has suffered or is suffering
significant physical or mental harm or injury as a result of conditions created
by the absence of his parents, guardians, or
custodian, or by the failure of that person to give proper care and
attention to the child and his problem."
Teachers suspecting child neglect should inform the Administrator
immediately about the problem.
Appendix I
Shoes
must be rubber-soled; tennis shoes are acceptable.
High-top
sneakers are allowed but they must be tied all the way up.
No
boots indoors.
Shoes
must tie or have velcro or buckle strap. No
slip-on shoes.
No
sandals or thongs.
Dark
shoes are recommended.
Parents
are advised that light colored shoes become scruffy and dirty looking quickly.
Any shoes that look scruffy or dirty will not be allowed.
Therefore, dark shoes are recommended.
Socks
must be worn.
Knee
or ankle length or tights. Nylons
for 6-12th grade girls are OK.
Casual
slacks.
Belts
mandatory for pants with loops for 2nd grade and above.
Blue
jeans allowed, no holes, hemmed, properly sized.
No
sweat pants. (except for kindergarten)
No
leggings or spandex.
No
overly tight or "high
watered," too small
pants.
Length
between the bottom of the knee and four inches above the knee.
Must
be properly hemmed
No
blue jean cut-offs
No
bike shorts or sweat-shorts.
E.
CULOTTES AND SPLIT SKIRTS - girls
Same
specifications as shorts except can be as long as mid-calf.
F.
DRESSES, SKIRTS & JUMPERS - girls
Maximum
lenth mid-calf. Minimum length 3" above
the knee.
Shorts,
bloomers, tights or petty pants must be worn under skirts.
Dresses
need not have a collar.
All
shirts and blouses must have a collar or standard turtleneck, wit the exception
of girls dressy blouses.
Long
or short sleeve; no sleeveless.
Golf
shirt or rugby shirts with collars-OK
Oxford
standard shirts (button-up), preferred.
New
Hope T-Shirt with Logo allowed.
You may
order Landās Endās
shirts with logo: For boys and girls the
Interlock Polo, Mesh Polo, or Boy SS Oxford, or Girls Peter Pan Knit Shirt.
School
Colors: White, Navy Blue, Ever Green or Forest Green or Gold/Yellow/Maize
Preferred
School Code:9000-4356-3
Logo
Number: 9944292K
Also,
sweaters, vests and blazers can have the New Hope school logo, or any item
marked with an ""in
the Land's End
catalog.
There
are T-Shirts with the New Hope Logo in the school colors that are available for
purchase. This T-shirt may be worn
on any day Monday to Friday.
J.
SWEATERS & BLAZERS - boys
and girls
Any
style sweater is allowed. V-neck,
crew neck, cardigan, vest.
Sweaters
must be worn over a shirt
Must
fit properly. No oversized sweaters
allowed.
No
sweatshirts.
To
be worn at special celebrations and at Principalās discretion.
Caps,
boots, coats may not be worn inside.
Put
names on all clothing.
The
school uniform is voluntary:
1.
NAVY BLUE Pants, skirts, jumpers or skorts.
2.
WITH LOGO: Shirts, vest, sweaters. May be white, navy blue, maize/gold or
evergreen/forest green. Logo
available from Landās End.
(See above.)
ADDRESSING CONCERNS
It is an
intricate part of the New Hope philosophy that there be established channels for
addressing any concern that arises and that those channels be used
appropriately.
1.
If the concern is with a specific teacher or staff member a parent should
approach them and arrange a convenient time to discuss your concerns with them.
Please donāt try
to grab them when they are preparing for class or are responsible for students.
At the meeting, approach them in a non-judgmental, non-emotional way and
share your concerns.
2.
If you feel that they did not adequately address your concerns or that
the results were unsatisfactory, make an appointment to meet with either Mrs.
Berndt, the Vice Principal of the lower school K to 6th grade or Mrs.
Cohen, the Educational Director for grades 7th to 12th.
3.
If you feel that your concern was still not dealt with to your
satisfaction, make an appointment with Mrs. Morrow.
4.
If you feel that the Administration did not deal with your concerns to
your satisfaction you may approach the PTA executive board (the President, Vice
President, Secretary or Treasurer) and ask them to form an Ad-hoc Concerns
Committee. If it is a concern that
may be a diversity issue, this can be brought directly to the Unity Advisory
Council.
5.
Explain your concern to the Concerns Committee; they will investigate and
determine whether your concern was handled properly.
If they feel it was not, then they can take your issue to the Board of
Directors for a final decision.
The
way the individual parent views the situation may not be the way the school sees
it. New Hope has a clearly defined
philosophy, objectives, supportive policy and rules.
There may be times when your family philosophy differs from that of New
Hope. If strong philosophical
differences arise frequently, New Hope may not be the best school for your
family. The following is excerpted
from the talk given every year at Parent Orientation Night.
We hope it is useful to reiterate that the way we deal with concerns is
an integral part of the school philosophy.
The
Principle of "Central Figure"
In
many situations there is one person who stands in the position as the elder,
leader, or responsible person. This
person is the main channel of energy and direction needed to accomplish the task
at hand. The others need to support
and to unite with the central person in order to bring about the best result.
This perspective is helpful in learning how to respect and support the
person in authority. In other
words, there can't be only leaders and no followers.
In each situation someone is the central person, such as the boss in a
job, the teacher in the classroom, etc. If
there are problems it is important that the central person is made aware of
them. It destroys the morale of the
group if gossip and back-biting takes place.
When there is a problem it should be reported to the leader.
As
the parents are the leaders in the family and the teacher in the classroom,
children thus should be encouraged to come to their parents or an adult if they
are aware of something they canāt resolve.
Teachers should likewise report problems to the administration.
Parents need to go directly to the teacher if there is a difficulty, a
misunderstanding, or something they feel uncomfortable about.
Rather than complaining ineffectively to others who canāt
do anything about the problem, parents are
also encouraged to relate properly and to communicate effectively.
Multiplying
negativity to peers who can do little to change the situation is not useful and
lowers the morale and atmosphere. The
key is to approach the central person in a non-accusing fashion and report the
facts in as objective, non-emotional manner as possible.
Accountability
is essential not just for the children but for ourselves as teachers, and also
for parents. This translates into
expectations that we also have for parents to get their child to school on time,
having eaten a healthy breakfast, having had a good nightās
sleep, with a healthy lunch in their
lunch-box, with their homework sheet signed, and their homework done, and with
appropriate outer-wear on a chilly day.
We
tell the parents not to be offended if we remind them of these things when there
is a lapse. And we must try not to
be defensive when we as teachers are reminded that we didnāt
send the homework sheet home or if we have
made some other mistake. Holding
one another accountable and going through proper channels are a part of this
guiding principle.
There
are many wrong ways to do things. And
the right way is often hard, requiring personal risk or investment.
Communication is everything. Most
problems can be traced back to ineffective communication.
Most arguments, misunderstandings and problems come about because we arenāt
sure what to do when a problem arises, so we
either do nothing or we complain to others who canāt do
anything to change it. If something
is a problem please make the effort to go to the person and talk to them
directly. If you are not satisfied
with the outcome, come to me, the Principal.
Thatās my job,
to facilitate successful communication. If
I donāt do a decent
enough job of it we have a "Concerns
Committee of the PTA" that
can approach the Board of Directors if they deem it appropriate to do so.
We
must model problem solving for our children.
NEW HOPE SONG
By
Fran Ichijo
Refrain:
My heart, my New Hope!
I sing a song to thee!
My heart, my New Hope!
We rise up in the morning
Our tree is in the Garden
![[pencil line]](../graphics/pencil-R2i.GIF){kind=small}
![[New Hope Academy]](../graphics/Btn-NHA.GIF)
![[New Hope Pre-School & Day-Care]](../graphics/Btn-PDC.GIF)
![[Summer Day Camp]](../graphics/Btn-SDC.GIF)
![[Korean Language & Cultural Center]](../graphics/Btn-KLCC.GIF)
![[Dance Studio]](../graphics/Btn-DS.GIF)
![[NHA Logo - click for Table of Contents]](../graphics/NHA-Logo.GIF "NHA Logo - click for Table of Contents"){kind=logo}