Handbook
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this school is to assist Christian families and Bible-believing local churches in directing the process of human development in their children toward the goal of godliness in character and action, “that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished into all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:17).
School Verse: Colossians 2:3
“In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
School Song: “Firm Foundation”
School Colors: Burgundy and White
School Mascot: Lion (of Judah )
ADMISSION
Admission to The Master’s House is a privilege that the organization grants to those students whom it deems qualified both academically and spiritually. An admissions board will review each application for admission prior to approval. New students will be required to participate in an interview with the Administrator and Lead Teacher, as well as submit a minister’s letter of recommendation indicating present parental involvement and records from the previous educational institution (if applicable).
The school may revoke the privilege of attendance at any time that the administration finds the student does not conform to the standards and spirit of The Master’s House. Parents and students together must support and submit to the spiritual, moral, academic, and disciplinary standards of the school.
A successful Christian education is impossible without regular attendance in a local church (Hebrews 10:25). Therefore, The Master’s House expects all families to participate in local church services each week. We urge families to choose a Bible-preaching, scripture-practicing church. The administration will be happy to assist you in making an appointment with a pastor in your area.
The Master’s House admits students without regard for race, color, sex or national origin.
STATEMENT REGARDING STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
The Master’s House does not presently have a formalized program for students with special needs. Depending upon the specific needs of the student, accommodation can sometimes be made for them to learn within our classroom settings. If you are interested in The Master’s House and your child has special needs, please contact the school to request an appointment with our Lead Teacher. Recommendations can then be made on an individual basis.
Mission Statement
In the course of ministering to the children God has placed in our care, that we may help equip them to fulfill God’s call on their lives, The Master’s House teaches kids to count!
- Godly Character
The decisions we make in life determine who and what we will become. Life’s tough decisions are made so much easier when we’re led by a guiding philosophy. Decisions are best made by establishing priorities during training-not waiting until the pressures of the battlefield.
- Academic Achievement
We have a strong commitment to academic excellence. By limiting the size of our classes, hiring teachers who know how to communicate, and following a challenging curriculum, our students consistently score well on standardized achievement tests. We want to prepare students for the future, including any college they desire to attend.
- Citizenship Activities
Every child needs involvement in an extracurricular discipline. Matthew 28:19 instructs us to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” By sending our children out to minister in the community, we can most effectively reach people with the Gospel. Our students demonstrate best by their example.
General Information
“Let all things be done decently and in order” (I Cor. 14:40).
School Hours
8:15-School Begins
2:15-All Grades Dismissed
Students should not arrive before 8:00 A.M., and should be picked up promptly by 2:30 P.M. Any student who has not been picked up by 2:30 P.M. will be sent to the school’s aftercare program. Parents will be responsible for all additional applicable fees for this service.
Holidays
The Master’s House observes Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and Memorial Day, as well as other dates specified on the academic calendar.
Attendance Requirements
The Master’s House expects each student to be in attendance on a regular basis. Prolonged or periodic absences can be detrimental to the academic progress of a student, therefore, any student who misses in excess of 10% of school days (18 days) may be considered for retention.
We also expect promptness in school arrival as tardy students are a disruption to classrooms in progress. Excessive tardiness will result in disciplinary action.
Excused absences may include personal illness or death in the family. In the case of doctor or dentist appointments or special trips, parents should exercise courtesy in making a request for an absence to the Administrative office. Parents should always consider the current level of a student’s progress before requesting an extended absence.
All students must bring a written excuse from home to the classroom teacher on the day of return. Unexcused absences will result in a zero for all homework, reports, quizzes or tests due on the day of the absence.
Make-up work for excused absences is the responsibility of the individual student. Students must find out what material was missed and arrange with each teacher to complete all work. Failure to do so will result in a zero on tests or work due.
Parental Involvement
Knowing that cooperation between the school and parents is essential for a successful education, The Master’s House welcomes and encourages parental involvement such as Parent-Teacher Partnership, volunteerism, conferences, school programs, field trips, sporting events, etc. Parents wishing to visit a classroom during school hours must first obtain permission at the school office. Any parental communication with the teacher during school hours must be done through the school office.
Academic Standards
It is the goal of The Master’s House to maintain high academic standards, thus providing an academic atmosphere that will challenge every student to reach his or her highest potential and do his or her best for the Lord.
Grading System
A+ 99-100 B+ 91-92 C+ 83-84 D+ 75-76
A 95-98 B 87-90 C 79-82 D 71-74
A- 93-94 B- 85-86 C- 77-78 D- 70
Any grade below 70 is failing (F).
Students judged to be working below their potential may be placed on Academic Probation.
In addition, The Master’s House uses standardized testing to measure the relative progress of its students.
Honor Roll
The office will post an Honor Roll for all grades three through eight after each grading period according to the following qualifications and procedures:
1. List all the major subjects, using letter grades.
2. Determine Honors by the following standard:
High Honors-All “A”s
Honors-“A”s and “B”s
3. No one will be eligible for Honors who has less than a B- (or its equivalent) in any subject.
Note: Transferring students must attend The Master’s House for at least six weeks to be eligible for the current Honor Roll.
Extra-curricular Activities
In order to participate in an extra-curricular activity, such as soccer, basketball, or worship team, students must maintain at least a “C” average (or equivalent) in all subject areas.
Conduct and Discipline
According to Scripture, God’s goal for his people is for them to be “conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29). That is, He wants us to be like our Lord Jesus Christ in every aspect of character and conduct. The purpose of Christian education is to promote the development of this Christ-likeness in the lives of the students. The Master’s House seeks to accomplish this goal through two means: the instruction of Biblical principles in the classroom, and the enforcement of Biblical standards in life. We emphasize the following standards of conduct in the lives of our students because we believe they are essential elements in the training of young people to be effective servants for God.
Positive Attitude
Attendance at The Master’s House is a privilege and not an inherent right. Therefore, we expect our students to maintain and portray a positive attitude toward the school, its facility and staff, its standards and rules, and its testimony in the community. We welcome constructive suggestions, and the administration is available to answer honest questions concerning any policy. We will not, however, tolerate grumbling and destructive criticism or any display of negative attitude (Ephesians 4:29-31). The Master’s House will not retain any student who is unable or unwilling to fit into the spirit of the school.
Personal Relationships
With Faculty/Staff: Students must address every member of the faculty and staff with utmost respect and willingly submit to their direction as those whom God has placed in authority over them (Hebrews 13:17). Insubordination, direct disobedience, or any form of disrespect will not be tolerated, and may result in disciplinary action or expulsion.
With Other Students: Having many people function effectively in the same facility at the same time requires that each individual maintain a proper respect for the rights and property of others. Students must be courteous, kind and considerate of their fellow students (Romans 12:10, 17-18). Because scripture commands God’s people to conduct themselves in sanctification and honor, and to avoid all appearance of evil (I Thessalonians 4:4, 5:22), we expect our students to behave as gentlemen and ladies in their relationships with members of the opposite sex. There will be no personal contact or displays of physical affection. A hands-off policy will be in effect at all times.
Godly Character
In obedience to God’s word, students must strive to develop and demonstrate positive character qualities in their lives, such as godliness, meekness, self-control, honesty and purity (2 Peter 1:3-8, Galatians 5:22-23). Violations of Biblical standards of conduct, such as lying, stealing, cheating, fighting or swearing will not be tolerated. In addition, there will be no loitering, horseplay or boisterous behavior, no unauthorized passage through the halls during class time, and no activity that defaces or in any way damages school equipment or property. Our facilities belong to the Lord, and proper stewardship of that property requires the care and cooperation of every student. It is the personal responsibility of each student to see that he/she is in class on time and prepared for the day’s lessons. Skipping class is unacceptable.
Although it is not the responsibility of The Master’s House to supervise the activities and conduct of its students apart from school functions, we expect our students to uphold a standard of integrity in their personal lives (Proverbs 20:7), and avoid activities that violate Biblical principles. Since the conduct of students at home and in the community reflects directly upon the testimony of the school, The Master’s House will not retain any student who knowingly and deliberately participates in behavior detrimental to the school(1 Corinthians 6:19, 8:9-13, 2 Corinthians 6:3, I John 2:15-17).
Substance Abuse
Scripture describes the body of the believer as the “temple of the Holy Spirit” (I Corinthians 6:19) and commands us to avoid contact with anything that would defile that temple. For this reason, any involvement with tobacco, alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs is strictly forbidden. Any use of these substances on or off the school grounds will result in immediate expulsion. All medications scheduled to be administered during school hours must be kept in the school office, and should be sent with administration directions. Furthermore, no student may bring to school any item that may detract from the process of education. This includes all electronic devices (unless authorized for use in class), or anything that may be destructive to school property, such as knives, weapons, or other potentially damaging implements.
Procedures of Discipline
Just as God uses discipline and various forms of chastening in the life of a believer to correct wrong behavior and promote righteousness (Hebrews 12:5-11), so too, a Christian school must have a consistent, equitable system of discipline in force. The Master’s House uses a variety of disciplinary methods designed to assist and motivate students to conform to the standards of the school and to make the life style changes needed to help achieve the goal of Christ-likeness. Examples of disciplinary methods may include loss of privileges, work details, detention, suspension, and expulsion.
Dress Code
This section is the re-written statement of purpose for the Dress Code. It is impossible to write a policy which covers every possible style or clothing nuance, but hopefully this clearly outlines the spirit and intent of what we’re trying to accomplish.
Only God is able to see directly into the heart to discern the spiritual condition of an individual; therefore, the outward appearance of our students is important. We have a standard of dress that we feel is essential for several reasons:
1) A standard of dress presents the proper testimony to others.
2) A standard of dress serves to eliminate competition and envy among
students.
3) A standard of dress creates a sense of unity and a spirit of cooperation among the students.
4) A standard of dress reinforces the concept of submitting to authority.
The following standard of dress is applicable to both male and female students:
–shirts: a logo uniform shirt is required. This can be the polo shirt
,the mock turtleneck, or indoor sweatshirt (with a white collared shirt, with the polo, or with a white turtleneck underneath. Shirts must be tucked in and only a top button undone at the neckline. The outdoor hooded sweatshirt is not to be worn in the classroom.
–pants: solid tan or black slacks are required. No sweatpants, tights,
Spandex, or knit slacks are acceptable.
–skirts/jumpers: permissible for girls, tan or black. Hemlines must extend below the
knee when in a normal standing position.
–belts: a normal solid brown or black leather belt is required. No studs
or other types of adornments are acceptable.
–shoes/sneakers: if a student wears shoes, solid color black or brown shoes are required. Sandals, crocs, or open-toed shoes are not permissible. If a student wears sneakers, they must be as solid black or solid white as possible (understanding that some logos and other trademark insignias are ever-present), with matching color laces. No wheels, flashing lights, or flashy adornments of any type are permissible.
–socks: are required with all footwear. Ankle socks must be visible.
Chapel Day: Boys should wear a dress shirt with a collar suitable for a tie and an accompanying tie, dress slacks, and dress shoes. Girls should wear a dress or skirt. Gauchos, capris, culottes, or similar styles are not substitutes for a skirt/dress and shoes. As cold weather sets in, the principal will announce the date when girls can make the switch to dress slacks instead of the dress/skirt.
Clothing should be the appropriate size, clean, and not torn or ragged.
For physical education class, student dress should include athletic shoes, black windpants or sweatpants, and a clean Master’s House T-shirt and/or sweatshirt.
No hats, caps, or other faddish headgear are permissible in the school building.
Your children will be released to the outside unless the temperature falls below 20 degrees Farenheit. Please make sure that jackets, hats, boots, and mittens/gloves are worn as cold weather arrives.
Special Dress Code Notes
Boys are not allowed to have beards or mustaches. Hair must be neat in appearance and off the ears and collars. It must be properly trimmed and tapered, with sideburns coming no further than the ear. Hair worn on the forehead must be above the eyebrow. Body piercing is not permitted.
Girls are not allowed to wear sundresses, tank tops, skirts with slits above the knee, low necklines, or sheer material. Crop tops or “belly shirts” are also prohibited. Excessive make-up or jewelry is inappropriate and only single pierced earrings are acceptable. Other body piercing is unacceptable. Hair should be neat in appearance; no current faddish hairstyles, unnatural dyes, etc. are allowed. For all school functions, including formal events and class pictures, standards of propriety and modesty must prevail. Therefore, dresses with low necklines, off the shoulder styles or otherwise immodest stylings are prohibited. Students wearing such attire will be refused admittance to the event.
If a student is out of dress code, he/she will be issued a written Dress Code violation notice, which is to be signed by a parent and returned to the issuing teacher. Three written violations in one ranking quarter will result in a one day suspension from school.
Cancellations
At various times during the school year, it may be necessary to cancel school because of inclement weather. Any closing or early dismissal will be announced on the various local television and radio stations.
Telephone
Since classrooms must not be disturbed during school hours, parents wishing to talk to a teacher or student may leave a message with the office (except for emergencies). Students may use the telephone only if the administration determines the call is necessary. Please make any after school arrangements ahead of time whenever possible.
Illness
Sick children belong at home where they can get the rest they need. A child recovering from illness but still requiring medication may return to school providing there is no fever or contagious symptom. The office will administer prescribed medication only with a dated note from the doctor. The office will administer over-the-counter medication (aspirin, Tylenol, cold medicine, etc.) only when the parent has returned a form (available at the school office) with a signature and date. On all occasions when a child becomes ill during school hours, the administrative staff and teachers will first pray for the Lord’s healing touch (James 5:16) and then, if deemed necessary, a parent will be called. Students are not allowed to carry any kind of medication with them during school hours. All medication must be brought directly to the office upon arrival at school.
