Handbook

H a n d b o o k

2007-2008 Student Handbook Information

William A. Kirlew Junior Academy operates on the Christian ideals and principles set forth in this handbook. Every student makes a commitment to abide by these standards and those enacted during the school year.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of William A. Kirlew Junior Academy is to provide a Seventh-day Adventist Christian education, K-8, in which students may develop and mature spiritually, intellectually, physically, and socially.

PHILOSOPHY

William A. Kirlew Junior Academy was established to provide a Christian learning environment for students, with responsibility to guide each student in developing meaningful relationships with God, family, community and country.

God is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe and the Source of knowledge and wisdom. He has entrusted to each one, capabilities and powers that may be returned to Him enlarged and improved. William A. Kirlew Junior Academy desires to make students reflect God’s character by instructing, cultivating, nurturing, refining, and molding the mind and character through a well-rounded curriculum. Students will be challenged to achieve their highest potential. Thus they will receive the training that will prepare them for service in this world and the world to come.

OBJECTIVES

William A. Kirlew Junior Academy is committed to help each student to:

Know God and develop a Christian philosophy of life.
Be surrounded with a Christian influence in the classroom, at study, and at play.
Understand how to begin and maintain a relationship with God through daily devotional exercises.
Learn respect and appreciation for self and others.
Develop habits of punctuality, accuracy, neatness, and sound judgment in decision making
Develop sound habits of healthful living and physical fitness.
Develop attitudes and values, which will result in the improvement of the student and the community.
Incorporate Christian values and achieve excellence in:

Academic Skills: Bible, Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science Spanish, Art, Music and Computer Education
Physical Education & Sports
Communication and leadership skills to include Public Speaking & Drama

ATTENDANCE POLICIES

Prompt attendance at all classes, worships and assemblies is expected. National and State law require a minimum of 180 school days. Any student with more that 10 unexcused absences for the year (15% of 180) is liable to fail the school year.

EXCUSE/ABSENCE PROCEDURE

Absences are excused only for illness, death in the family, or extreme emergencies. Parents should send a written explanation upon student’s return to school. If no excuse is received by the end of the second day, the tardy or absence will be recorded as unexcused.

BEFORE AND AFTER CARE

School begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. Monday though Thursday; and ends at 2:00 p.m. on Friday.

Before Care is from 6:45 – 7:30 a.m. After Care hours are 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday; and 2:30–4:00 p.m. on Friday. Students are automatically placed in After Care at 3:30 and 2:30 respectively and charges will apply as per Financial Information sheet in Application Packet.

In order for children to be released to an adult not listed on the After Care Form on file, parents must inform the school in writing. The authorized adult will be required to show a picture ID to the After Care personnel, who must record the ID information on the After Care document.

If students are picked up late (after 6:00 Monday-Thursday, after 4:00 –Friday) there will be an additional charge of $1.00 for each additional minute after the scheduled After Care time. This must be paid directly to the After Care personnel on duty.

CHANGES IN STUDENT DATA

It is the parent’s responsibility to keep the school office currently informed of all changes concerning the student’s address, telephone number, transportation arrangements, emergency information, and any other pertinent information.

SEVERE WEATHER

All local Radio and Television stations will be notified if school is closed due to severe weather conditions. A recording will be on the school’s answering machine. Please note that William A. Kirlew Junior Academy will follow the directives given to Miami-Dade County Public Schools in cases of severe weather conditions.

DRESS

It is our goal that students develop an appreciation for Christian dress standards and grooming habits. This is particularly necessary in today’s world where dress standards are extremely lax. Our dress code will be effective only as parents and students work together. Students are expected to observe the following standards in their dress:

Uniform is the only appropriate dress for school. All items for students may be purchased through the school or school uniform company. Students are not permitted at anytime to wear only a part of the uniform on the street, to classes, or in any public place. Students who do not wear the correct uniform will not be allowed to attend classes. They will be given “in school” detention. No decoration (additional badges, pins, brooches, etc.) may be worn without permission from the principal.

Shirts and blouses (for both boys and girls) must be worn tucked in.
Girls in Grades K5 – Grade 5 will wear ‘jumpers’ and blouse/polo shirts
Girls in Grades 6-8 will wear blouses/polo shirts and skirts (on the waist line).
Boys will wear their pants on the waistline kept in place by a black belt.

Plain black shoes, (not fancy, or multi-colored designs) with non-skid soles are required for both boys and girls. High–topped and heavy-styled sneakers must not be worn. Slippers and sandals are not to be worn with the uniform except in the case of injury.
Girls must wear plain, white ankle socks only.
Boys must wear plain, black socks only.
Boys hair is to be low cut and neatly groomed.

Girls’ hair styles are to be neat, plain and simple.
A few black or brown beads may be worn to match hair color. “Baubles”, slides, side-combs should be plain white, red, or yellow to match the uniform.

No make-up or jewelry of any kind is allowed school jackets or school sweaters are permitted on cold days. These must be worn properly i.e. not around the waist or draped on the shoulders. Warmers for girls are permitted on cold days. These must be skin tone, black, white, or hunter green and should be worn under their uniforms.

Both boys and girls will wear white cotton shirts and school ties on Mondays, Fridays, and designated occasions.

Physical Education: Boys & Girls, K-8
Green athletic shorts, P.E. T-shirt, white sneakers and white socks. Plaid shorts like the uniform may be worn by K-3.

HEALTH

LUNCH: We believe that healthy bodies lead to healthy minds, and healthy minds make it easier to keep in touch with Jesus. A healthy, vegetarian diet is encouraged at home and school. For students who need to bring their own lunches, please ensure lunches are nutritious and do not include meat, candies or drinks with caffeine, This also includes school activities. We want to honor Jesus with our best gifts, including our healthy bodies. “Snacks” are to be eaten only in the After Care – 3:00 p.m.

EVALUATING STUDENTS PROGRESS

Report cards are issued every nine weeks (four times per year) to keep parents informed of their child’s progress. Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled twice per year (after the First and Third quarters). A interim Progress Reports are also sent each quarter. Parents may request additional conferences with the teacher at any other time. Teachers welcome your interest and suggestions and will gladly discuss your child’s progress.

GRADING SCALE

Grades 1-2
E - Excellent progress
S – Satisfactory progress
N – Needs improvement

Grades 3-8
A – Superior work (90-100%)
B – Above average work (80-87%)
C – Average work (70-77%)
D – Below average work (60-67%)
F – Failing work (0-59%)
I – Incomplete

Make-up work for an “I” grade must be submitted during the following nine weeks. If the work is not submitted an “I” will become a failing grading.

A student scoring an “A” average with no more than one “B” and no less than an “S” in behavior will be on the Principal’s Honor Roll.

A student with a “B” average, with no more than one “C”, and no less than “S” in behavior will be on the Honor Roll.

Students on the Principal’s Honor Roll/Honor Roll for 3 out of 4 quarters will form the Honor Guards at the Eighth Grade Graduation.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

FOR GRADE 8

To receive a Diploma, a student must:

Have an average grade of “C” or higher in Mathematics, English, Spelling. Vocabulary, Reading, and Science.
Must earn at least a “D” in the other subjects.
Have made up any “F’s” received.

Students will receive a Certificate of Completion if:

They have a grade average lower than a “C”.
They have a “C” average and have not made up any “F” grades.

Certificates of Completion may be upgraded to a Certificate of Graduation when all deficiencies are removed. However, this must be done before graduation.

Students with two or more “F’s, or students not meeting the requirements for either certificate will be granted a Certificate of Attendance.

Participation in the Graduation exercises is a privilege granted by the school. Students may not be allowed to participate for any of the following reasons:

Inappropriate conduct
Outstanding balances on accounts.

VISITORS

It is hoped that parents would visit the school. If parents wish to visit during school hours, they must make arrangements with the teacher ahead of time. All visitors to the school must first check with the school office and obtain a Visitor’s Pass. This is necessary for the protection and safety of the students. All unauthorized individuals will be reported to the police and be asked to leave.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation either to or from school is the responsibility of the parents. The school office must be informed in writing of any change in transportation or “pick-up” arrangement. A letter of authorization for “walk-home” students must be filed in the school office. “Walk-home” students must sign-out at the front desk. Safety is our priority.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SEE PUBLISHED HANDBOOK.

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William A. Kirlew Junior Academy
18900 NW 32nd Avenue | Miami Gardens, FL 33056
305-474-4760 | 305-474-471 | 305-474-4762 (fax)