Handbook 2014-15 - Village Adventist Elementary School

27 Pages·2014·0.3 MB·English

Handbook 2014-15
Village Adventist Elementary School
Our Mission: “To prepare and effective
learners for citizenship
citizenship here on earth
in heaven, until then”
VILLAGE ADVENTIST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | iii
Village Adventist Elementary School

©2013 VAES WELCOME
409 West Mars St.
Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103
It is a real privilege to welcome your family to the The Handbook is designed to communicate policies,
Village Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School guidelines, and methods of operating that promote
(VAES) experience. Whether you are a brand new an atmosphere of love, order, understanding, and
kindergartener, a student new to our school, or a productivity.
returning student, you are a very special part of what
Accredited with the We humans are often “down” on what we are not
we have planned for this year.
“up” on. Therefore, use the Handbook. Communi-
Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools
cate with faculty, staff, and administration to prevent
in cooperation with the small questions from growing into large concerns.
VAES has a long and rich tradition in quality edu-
Let’s be “up” on Village School.
Board of Education of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists cation delivered in a pro-family environment. The
by the members of the staff, faculty, administration, and board have worked Thank you for entrusting us with this important
to ensure that all the components for the develop- educational relationship. Together with God, we can
National Council for Private School Accreditation
ment of the total person are present. have a beautiful year.
upon the recommendation of the
Commission of Standards and Review.
The Administration
Volume 99. Rev. 1.0
Published by:
Village Adventist Elementary School
409 West Mars St.
Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Website: www.vaes.org
iv | Table of Contents VILLAGE ADVENTIST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | v
Table of Contents 4 .5 . Cultural . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4 .6 . Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4 .7 . Integrate Home, School, and Church . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4 .8 . Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
WELCOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii 4 .9 . Physical Plant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv 4 .10 . Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1 . VILLAGE ADVENTIST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 4 .11 . Social . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1 .1 . History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 4 .12 . Spiritual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1 .2 . Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 4 .13 . Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1 .3 . Accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 5 . ACADEMICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1 .4 . Accreditation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 5 .1 . Acceleration/Retention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1 .5 . Non-discrimination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 5 .2 . Bibles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1 .6 . School Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 5 .3 . Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1 .6 .1 . Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 5 .3 .1 . Parent/Teacher Conferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1 .6 .2 . Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 5 .3 .2 . Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1 .6 .3 . Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 5 .4 . Curriculum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1 .7 . Home and School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 5 .4 .1 . Curriculum Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1 .7 .1 . Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 5 .4 .2 . Curricular Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1 .7 .2 . Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 5 .5 . Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1 .7 .3 . Invitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 5 .5 .1 . Kindergarten-Grade2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1 .7 .4 . Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5 .5 .2 . Grades 3-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2 . MISSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5 .5 .3 . Online Grading Reports/Assignments . . . . . . . . 7
3 . PHILOSOPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5 .6 . Field Trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4 . OBJECTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5 .7 . Homework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4 .1 . Academic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5 .8 . Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4 .2 . Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 5 .9 . Probation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4 .3 . Civic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 5 .9 .1 . Eighth Grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4 .4 . Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 5 .10 . Standardized and Specialized Testing . . . . . . . . . . . 9
vi | Table of Contents VILLAGE ADVENTIST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | vii
5 .11 . Student Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 7 .5 . Morning Arrival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
6 . ADMISSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 7 .6 . Closed Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6 .1 . Academic Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 7 .7 . Student Release During School Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6 .2 . Admission Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 7 .8 . School Dismissal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6 .3 . Admission Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 7 .9 . After School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6 .4 . Grade Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 8 . CHILD PROTECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6 .5 . Qualifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 8 .1 . Absent Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6 .6 . Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 8 .2 . Child Abuse or Neglect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6 .6 .1 . All Grades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 9 . CONTACT AND COMMUNICATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6 .6 .2 . First Grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 9 .1 . Working Together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6 .6 .3 . Kindergarten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 9 .1 .1 . Attend the Open VAES Board . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6 .7 . Seventh-day Adventist Church Standards . . . . . . . . . . 10 9 .1 .2 . Participate in Parent/Teacher Conferences . . . . . . 15
6 .8 . Special Needs Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 9 .1 .3 . The UPDATE Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6 .9 . Unpaid Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 9 .1 .4 . Set Special Appointments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
7 . ATTENDANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 10 . DISCIPLINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
7 .1 . Attendance Requirements and Expectations . . . . . . . . 10 10 .1 . Behavioral Probation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
7 .1 .1 . Michigan Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 10 .2 . Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
7 .1 .2 . Michigan Conference of SDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 10 .3 . Discipline Action Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
7 .1 .3 . VAES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 11 . DISCLAIMER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
7 .2 . Caring for Irregular Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 12 . DRESS AND APPEARANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
7 .2 .1 . Absences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 12 .1 . Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
7 .2 .2 . Tardies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 12 .2 . Introductory Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
7 .2 .3 . Acceptable Excuses for Irregular Attendance . . . . . 12 12 .3 . Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
7 .2 .4 . Attendance Penalties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 12 .4 . Guideline Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
7 .3 . Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 13 . EMERGENCY, INCLEMENT WEATHER, AND MEDICAL PLANS . . . . . 18
7 .3 .1 . Grades 1-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 13 .1 . Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
7 .3 .2 . Kindergarten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 13 .2 . Inclement Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
7 .4 . Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 13 .3 . Medical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
viii | Table of Contents VILLAGE ADVENTIST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | ix
13 .3 .1 . Medications at School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 14 .10 .1 . Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
13 .3 .2 . Communicable Diseases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 14 .10 .2 . Payment Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
13 .3 .3 . Injury and Illness at School . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 14 .10 .3 . Late Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
14 . FINANCIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 14 .11 . Valuable Discounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
14 .1 . Discipline Charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 14 .11 .1 . Family Discount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
14 .1 .1 . Damage to School Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 14 .11 .2 . Full Tuition Payment Discount . . . . . . . . . . . 25
14 .1 .2 . Fire Safety Violation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 14 .11 .3 . Recruitment Incentive Discount . . . . . . . . . . 25
14 .2 . Elective Charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 15 . HARASSMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
14 .2 .1 . Copy Machine Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 15 .1 . General Harassment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
14 .2 .2 . Extended Education – After School Care (Extend-Ed) 20 15 .1 .1 . Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
14 .2 .3 . Grades, Diplomas, and Transfer of Records Internet 21 15 .1 .2 . Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
14 .2 .4 . Hot Lunch Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 15 .1 .3 . Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
14 .2 .5 . Lost Classroom Library Book Fee . . . . . . . . . . 21 15 .1 .4 . Consequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
14 .2 .6 . Music Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 15 .2 . Sexual Harassment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
14 .2 .7 . School Pictures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 15 .2 .1 . Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
14 .2 .8 . School Record Copy Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 15 .2 .2 . Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
14 .2 .9 . Withdrawing Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 15 .2 .3 . Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
14 .3 . Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 15 .2 .4 . Consequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
14 .3 .1 . Field Trip Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 15 .3 . Sexual Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
14 .3 .2 . Registration and Home & School Fees . . . . . . . . 22 16 . PARENT/TEACHER CONCILIATION PROCEDURE . . . . . . . . . . . 26
14 .3 .3 . School Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 17 . STUDENT LIFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
14 .4 . Financial Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 17 .1 . Assemblies and Week of Prayer Chapels . . . . . . . . . . 27
14 .5 . Financial Contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 17 .2 . Lost and Found . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
14 .6 . Graduation and Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 17 .3 . Music Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
14 .7 . Late Registrants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 17 .3 .1 . Guidelines for Musicians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
14 .8 . Past-due Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 17 .3 .2 . Options Available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
14 .9 . Previous Balances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 17 .4 . Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
14 .10 . Tuition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 17 .4 .1 . Room Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
x | Table of Contents VILLAGE ADVENTIST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | xi
17 .5 . Picture Directory/Yearbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 19 .14 . Property Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
17 .5 .1 . Picture Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 19 .15 . Pyrotechnics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
17 .5 .2 . Yearbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 19 .16 . Recess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
17 .6 . School Spirit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 19 .17 . Roller blades, Roller shoes, Skateboards, and Scooters . . 32
17 .7 . Support Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 19 .18 . Telephone Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
17 .7 .1 . Andrews University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 19 .19 . Weapons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
17 .7 .2 . Pastors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 20 . TRANSPORTATION AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . 33
17 .7 .3 . Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 21 . VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
17 .8 . The UPDATE Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 21 .1 . Adult Visitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
18 . STUDENT/PARENT PLEDGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 21 .2 . Student Visitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
18 .1 . Student Pledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 22 . VOLUNTEERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
18 .2 . Parent/Guardian Pledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Blank Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
19 . STUDENT REGULATIONS AND CONDUCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Appendix I - VAES Board Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
19 .1 . Bicycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Appendix II - Faculty & Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
19 .2 . Desks and Lockers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Appendix III - Village Conduct Citation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
19 .2 .1 . Grades 1-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Appendix IV - Maximizing Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
19 .2 .2 . Grades 3-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Appendix V - Asbestos Notification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
19 .3 . Distractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
19 .4 . Drug Free Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
19 .5 . Electronic Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
19 .6 . Field Trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
19 .7 . Fire Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
19 .8 . Food/Snacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
19 .9 . Gum Chewing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
19 .10 . Hall Decorum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
19 .11 . Playground Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
19 .12 . Posting of Announcements and Signs . . . . . . . . . . 31
19 .13 . Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
| 1
Village Adventist Elementary School
1
1 .1 History the VAC. After that preference, all other potential
students will be considered. Admission of all ap-
Within a year of organizing as a church in 1914, our plicants is subject to VAES Board approval.
Village Family sensed the importance of provid-
Because VAES does not have the resources (e.g.
ing Christian education for their children. Those
personnel, facilities, equipment) to meet the needs
four teachers and one hundred twenty five students
of many disabled children, consultation among
turned the educational dream of our early Vil-
parents, teachers, and the principal must occur prior
lage Seventh-day Adventist Church (VAC) family
to admittance. Within its ability to serve, the school
members into a reality that has continued for nearly
will cooperate with parents and other agencies in
ninety years. This co-educational K-8th grade school
seeking to provide solutions for the specific needs of
has been an important ministry of our VAC.
disabled children.
1 .2 Structure
1 .4 Accreditation
The Village Seventh-day Adventist Elementary
A full accreditation study and visit is conducted
School (VAES) is owned by the Michigan As-
every five years with interim visits as necessary.
sociation of Seventh-day Adventists. It is operated
by the Village Seventh-day Adventist Church, one (See title page for accreditation information.) We
of one hundred eighty one Seventh-day Adventist are accredited through 2012.
churches and companies in the Michigan Confer-
ence. Michigan is one of five states that make up the 1 .5 Non-Discrimination
Lake Union Conference, which is one of the nine
Union Conferences that create the North American “The Seventh-day Adventist Church, in all of its
Division. Thirteen Divisions make up the General church schools, admits students of any race to all
Conference that encompasses the globe. Seventh- the rights, privileges, programs and activities gener-
day Adventist Education is recognized as the second ally accorded or made available to students at its
largest parochial school system in the world. schools, and makes no discrimination on the basis
of race, color, ethnic background, country of origin,
1 .3 Accessibility or gender in the administration of education poli-
cies, applications for admission, scholarship or loan
Since the physical facilities are limited, preference programs, and extracurricular programs.”
is given to students whose parents are members of
2 | VVAAEESS 22001045--0165 HHaannddbbooookk VILLAGE ADVENTIST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | 3
1 .6 School Board
operation of VAES. These activities are to be carried b. Just contact your leaders. They will be happy to to develop an ideal character in harmony with the

out in accordance with, K - 8th grade Education hear from you! principles of heaven. The entrance of sin arrested the
1 .6 .1 Meetings Codes of the state of Michigan, the Lake Union development and eroded the environment. Through
Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and the 1 .7 .4 Objectives Christ, God determined to restore humanity to its
Parents and/or members of the VAC are encouraged North American Division of Seventh-day Adven- original state. Through scripture, He has revealed
to attend general sessions of the VAES Board as tists. a. To provide a means for the parents, students, His will to the world, a revelation that supercedes
observers, and may speak to an agenda item if prior teachers, and community members to work together mere human reason. Made in God’s image, every
arrangements have been made. To ensure orderli- 1 .7 Home and School for spiritual, mental, social, and physical growth human being, although fallen, is endowed with
ness, the following guidelines have been established: b. To strengthen the school program by: attributes akin to the Creator. To this end, Seventh-
day Adventist education at VAES, seeks to nurture
a. Matters involving VAES accounts, student dis- 1 .7 .1 Activities ♦ Assisting in involving volunteers students to become thinkers rather than just reflec-
cipline, and personnel will be discussed in executive
♦ Helping with cleaning bees, and fund raisers tors of the thoughts of others, to be motivated by
session. Official VAES board action will take place a. Monthly planning and review meetings
the desire to give (serve) rather than get (serve self).
in the general session. b. Fund Raising and Social Events: ♦ Using HASA funds to purchase needed equip- This education also fosters the desire to maximize
b. Observers may not interrupt the regular proceed- 1. The Italian Dinner ment for our school personal development rather than allowing satisfac-
ings of the meeting. 2. Potlucks ♦ Planning teacher appreciation activities tion with mediocrity. This education engenders an
3. Winterfest appreciation for that which is pure, lovely, and good.
c. Persons who wish to address the VAES board ♦ Teaming with VAES Board to have a part in the
4. Fruit Program
in either general or executive session must make annual fund An education of this kind imparts far more than
5. Back-to-school Picnic
arrangements in advance with either the chair or the academic knowledge. It is a balanced development
principal. 6. Hayride ♦ Planning HASA programs and activities of the whole person - the physical, academic, spiri-
7. Country Breakfast
tual, social, and cultural. Its scope spans infinity. Its
c. To help identify classroom parents and engage
d. The VAES Board chair may grant opportunities 8. Box Tops (General Mills)
temporal dimension equals eternity.
them in helpful roles
for comments by observers during any session. 9. School Picnic and Games
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when 4 . OBJECTIVES
e. A summary of general interest items and the
1 .7 .2 Association he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
agenda will be available at VAES.
2 . MISSION 4 .1 Academic
The Home and School Association (HASA) in-
1 .6 .2 Membership
cludes all the parents, students, and teachers, along
with community members who are interested in the The mission of VAES is to unite school with home a. To foster high standards of academic achieve-
Membership of the VAES Board is divided into two objectives of the organization. A HASA committee, and church in cooperation with Divine agencies ment while still considering the individual
categories: elected, and ex-officio. The elected mem-
representing a cross section of the HASA, meets (God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, angels, the Scriptures, b. To make learning meaningful and practical
bership is comprised of seven individuals who are
regularly to make executive decisions regarding the prayer, music, and nature) to prepare learners for whilepointing to our Creator as the source of all
members of the VAC. The ex-officio membership
programming of the HASA. citizenship in heaven, the earth made new, and ef- wisdom and knowledge
consists of eight individuals holding specific offices
fective citizenship here on earth until then.
that have interaction with VAES. The HASA leaders for this school year are listed in c. To provide a rigorous and relevant curriculum
appendix I. 3 . PHILOSOPHY
1 .6 .3 Structure d. To develop habits of accuracy, critical thinking,

1 .7 .3 Invitation resourcefulness, responsibility, and a practical ap-
The board, administration, faculty, and staff at
The VAES Board, comprised of fifteen members, plication of knowledge
VAES accept the philosophy that recognizes God as
is authorized by the VAC and VAES Constituency. a. You are invited to participate in the planning and
the ultimate source of existence and truth. Man- e. To personalize the teaching/learning environ-
The VAES Board makes decisions, formulates and implementation of HASA fundraisers, social events,
kind came from the hand of the Creator, noble ment in a manner designed to help each student
recommends policies in all areas pertaining to the etc.
and perfect. Placed in an ideal environment he was maximize his/her spiritual, mental, physical, social,
4 | VVAAEESS 22001045--0165 HHaannddbbooookk VILLAGE ADVENTIST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | 5
4 .11 Social 4 .13 Summary
and cultural talents d. To encourage and cultivate involvement of the

VAES in the life of the Adventist Church
4 .2 Balance a. To practice the golden rule in our interactions To enlist and encourage the full support and co-
1. To integrate the services of the pastoral staff
with others operation of all church and school constituents in
To maintain appropriate spiritual, mental, physical, 2. To cultivate and communicate a genuine development and maintenance of a school program
b. To develop in our students thoughtfulness, kind-
and social balance in curricular and extracurricular “church school” environment designed to effectively achieve the preceding objec-
ness and the ability to think of others first
endeavors, and to teach students the importance of tives
3. To provide opportunities for students to
such balance in their own lives c. To help develop a well rounded personality and
develop leadership skills and encourage “Now this is eternal life: that they may know You,
refined social skills
4 .3 Civic their use in the church the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have
4 .12 Spiritual sent.” John 17:3 (NIV)
4 .8 Physical
a. To inspire love and loyalty for their country and 5 . ACADEMICS
respect for recognized authority a. To show students that the best way to lead is by
a. To learn to live healthy lives remembering that
example as Jesus did.
b. To nurture cooperation and interaction with the our bodies are the temples of God 5.1 Acceleration/Retention
local community and/or civic agencies b. To lead students to develop a personal relation-
b. To promote the understanding and practice of
ship with Jesus
VAES considers acceleration or retention of a
4 .4 Communication the principles of healthful living
c. To lead students to a knowledge and love of God student on an individual basis according to the Lake
4 .9 Physical Plant Union Education Policy. The final decision will be
a. To keep parents and VAC members informed of d. To develop respect and reverence for the Bible
made cooperatively by VAES, the parent/guardian,
current events and progress at the VAES
To have a safe, attractive physical plant e. To assist parents in the formation of Christ-like and the Michigan Conference Department of Edu-
4 .5 Cultural characters in their children cation. Any student wanting to take classes outside
4 .10 Service of Village School must receive approval from
f. To foster qualities of Christian character: respect,
Teacher, Adminitratrion, and School Board. This
To expect appreciation, acceptance and respect for
reverence, responsibility, commitment, integrity, and
a. To provide opportunities for service needs to be submitted no later than May 15th of
all people groups
concern for others
the current school year for the following year. Any
b. To share in the development of young people
4 .6 Financial g. To assist parents and the church in their work of class taken, must be from an accredited program or
who will be dedicated to serving their God and
guiding a student into an active Christian experi- institution (i.e HSI/Griggs, etc.)
their fellow men
a. To continue to nurture a fund to help students in ence
5 .2 Bibles
need of financial assistance c. To teach the pleasures, privileges, and blessing of
h. To invite students, on a personal basis, to ex-
service to others, and engage in activities designed
b. To operate with a balanced budget to foster acceptance of these principles, i.e.: perience conversion and the growing relationship All pupils are encouraged to have their own copy of
with Jesus Christ that such conversion entails, and the complete Bible. Grades 1-4 need to have a New
4 .7 Integrate Home, School & Church 1. Bible Labs (community service) provide opportunities for students to individually Century Version of the International Children’s
2. Programs (musical and other types of pre and collectively reaffirm and strengthen their com- Bible (ICB). They are available in the office
a. To promote and develop the family atmosphere mitments to Christ
sentations for the community)
of VAES 5 .3 Communication
i. To promote, via all aspects of the school program,
3. To continue to evaluate ways of providing
b. To promote and develop opportunities for paren- the unique “way of life” espoused by the Seventh-
services and programs sensitive to the needs of the
tal contact day Adventist church including its philosophy, mis- 5 .3 .1 Parent/Teacher Conferences
church family and the community
sion, doctrines, structure, and fellowship
c. To encourage involvement of parents and Village
The faculty and administration welcome the oppor-
Adventist Church members
tunity to confer with parents concerning their stu-
6 | VVAAEESS 22001045--0165 HHaannddbbooookk VILLAGE ADVENTIST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | 7
5 .4 .2 .3 Balanced Education 5 .4 .2 .8 Self-Control and Self-Reliance 5 .4 .2 .12 Work Training
dent’s welfare and progress. At the end of the first
quarter parent/ teacher conferences take place. This
In all the activities of the school curriculum, care- Daily experiences in school should teach the stu- It is our purpose to include manual training as a
allows parents to see progress that has been made
ful attention will be given to providing a balanced dents to think for themselves. They are presented part of the curriculum. The teachers and students
during the first quarter of the year and gives oppor-
education. with activities that encourage the development of will work together to help maintain the school.
tunity to set individual goals for second quarter. The
self-control and self-reliance.
second parent/teacher conferences are scheduled
5 .4 .2 .4 Character Development 5 .5 Evaluation
for January when first semester grades and the Iowa
5 .4 .2 .9 Student Assisting Student
Test of Basic Skills results are in. Goals for the sec-
The development of the character is to be the
ond half of the year can be set at this time. Parents 5 .5 .1 Kindergarten - Grade 2
central focus of all curriculum experiences. These ex- Students will be encouraged to assist each other in
are required to meet these purposefully scheduled
periences should inspire the student toward higher achieving educational excellence - the older students
appointments. Students will be working at their own rate. A non-
Christian living. helping the younger students and peers helping
graded report card will be filled out each nine weeks.
peers. A spirit of cooperation will be encouraged
5 .3 .2 Scheduling Appointments 5 .4 .2 .5 Concern for the Individual Student among the students rather than a spirit of competi- The grade report card explains the marking system
used.
tion.
If needed, parents may schedule appointments
Each student is a unique individual with God given
outside of school hours. Please call the office or the 5 .5 .2 Grades 3 - 8
talents and capabilities that await development. To 5 .4 .2 .10 Technology Education
teacher to setup appointments.
develop the full potential of each student, prepar-
Students in grades 3 through 8 will receive a report
5 .4 Curriculum ing them for a life of service to God and mankind, Students from K – 8 are taught technology to a
card for each nine-week period. The marking
is the immediate challenge of the school. The knowledge and skills level appropriate for their
method is well described on the grade card.
individuality and creativity of each student will be grade. Technology curriculum includes not only the
5 .4 .1 Curriculum Guidelines
protected within the frame work of a well organized development of proficient keyboarding skills, but
5 .5 .3 Online Grading Reports/Assignments
and balanced curriculum. application of these skills using but not limited to
VAES curriculum is influenced by the guidelines
the following software programs:
Teachers in grades 3 through 8 post grades and
established by the Department of Education of the 5 .4 .2 .6 Nature Study
North American Division of Seventh-day Adven- a. Word processing (MS Word, StarOffice Writer) assignments online. Contact your child’s teacher
for specifics. You can check your child’s grades and
tists. Next to the study of the Bible is the study of the b. Spreadsheets (MS Excel, StarOffice Impress)
assignments on a daily basis. We strongly encourage
book of nature. Science, properly investigated,
5 .4 .2 Curricular Objectives c. Multimedia Presentations (MS PowerPoint, you to do so.
reveals a Master Designer who is constantly alert to
Visual Communicator)
our needs and happiness. As much as possible the 5 .6 Field Trips
5 .4 .2 .1 Aesthetic Development study of nature will be pursued in the living labora- d. Programming/Robotics (CeeBot, Lego RCX)
tory of the great outdoors.
Proficient and correct use of e-mail and the world- Field trips are part of the educational experience at
Students are encouraged to develop appreciation
and skills in the study of fine arts. 5 .4 .2 .7 Physical Education wide-web is an important part of our curriculum. VAES.
During the registration process, you signed a
5 .4 .2 .11 Trust and Love
5 .4 .2 .2 Basic Communication Skills Physical development will be obtained in work “Blanket Permission and Consent to Treatment”
experiences, exercises, and recreations. We do not form that lists a number of field trip destinations.
Students and teachers will work and study in an
To serve God effectively in today’s world, there encourage selfish rivalry or fierce competitive strife. Additional written permission for these field trips is
atmosphere of mutual trust and love. In such an
are certain essential skills to be gained in reading, A regular and adequate schedule of physical culture not needed.
atmosphere, students will be encouraged to reach
speaking, writing, spelling, language, and arithmetic. will be offered to provide for student’s optimum
their fullest potential. Local trips within walking distance or a short driv-
These basic fundamentals will be thoroughly taught health and physical development.
ing (5 or less miles) distance will be considered part
to the students, giving them ample opportunity to
of an academic day and permission slips will not be
apply these skills in active practice.