Handbook

General Information

LOCATION: Small Cloud Christian School (SCCS) is located in the quiet community of Wilton, California (at 12434 Pear Lane), about one-half hour’s drive from Sacramento. (See map on last page.)
Wilton’s open fields and grazing cattle offer a peaceful, friendly atmosphere conducive to the education of growing minds and bodies.

PURPOSE: SCCS exists to provide quality, God-centered education, and to help students discover and develop their own God-given talents.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY: Small Cloud Christian School admits students of any race, color, religion, national and ethnic origin, or socioeconomic status.

Application Requirements

WHO MAY APPLY? SCCS welcomes applications from all students, generally from ages 5-18. The application form is reviewed and an interview is held before the decision is made to accept or reject a student. Each student is expected to:

1. Be willing to try all school activities.
2. Demonstrate a desire to follow all school guidelines.
3. Obey all school staff.
4. Be respectful of the grounds and property of SCCS.
5. Be respectful to others.

ENROLLMENT TIMES: Students must be enrolled or re-enrolled by August 1st of each year. Thereafter, students are only accepted at the beginning of each new quarter, and must be enrolled two weeks prior to that quarter. In addition to the tuition, a nonrefundable $50 enrollment fee is required, payable when the enrollment application is submitted.

HEALTH RECORDS: New students must submit a completed Health Examination form. This requires that each new student obtain a complete physical examination prior to attendance at SCCS. A doctor must complete a portion of the form. The remaining information is to be supplied by the child's parent(s) or guardian(s) and must be properly signed and dated. California state law encourages all students to be immunized before they can be enrolled in school. However, if, due to personal and/or religious convictions, the parent(s) or guardian(s) chooses not to immunize his/her child, he/she must sign the back of the California School Immunization Record on file at SCCS.

Application Requirements

After reading the Handbook and visiting the school, decide whether or not Small Cloud Christian School is best suited to your child’s needs. If you feel it is, download, print and fill out the application form and mail (or hand-deliver) it with a copy of the child's birth certificate and the $50 nonrefundable application fee to: SCCS, P.O. Box 650, Wilton, CA 95693. As soon as a decision is reached concerning your child's enrollment, you will be notified. If accepted, you will be sent forms to be completed, along with further details regarding your child's attendance at Small Cloud.

Withdrawal Procedure

To withdraw from SCCS during the school year, the parent or guardian must contact SCCS and fill out a withdrawal form. (Note that credit is only given for fully completed quarters. And please allow a minimum of two weeks for a highschool transcript to be processed.) All tuition and fees must be paid and curriculum and/or borrowed items returned before withdrawal can be finalized.

Hours and General Rules

School starts bright and early with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Students are expected to arrive on time, ready to begin the school day. The daily schedule then varies according to the individual student. Lunch, which the students take turns helping to prepare, is served at 12:15 p.m. School is dismissed at 2:30 p.m. (Mon.-Thurs.) and 1:00 p.m. (Fri.) A portion of each day is spent engaging in a group activity; this promotes a sense of togetherness and allows the students to benefit from a multi-grade environment.

We require our students to:
1. RESPECT God and His Word.
2. RESPECT the earth and all its inhabitants.
3. RESPECT themselves.

School Days Shortened/Cancelled: Occasionally it may be necessary to shorten/cancel a school day without much notice due to unexpected emergencies (e.g. severe illness, death, etc.). Since the staff all attend the same church and interact among a similar group of friends, such circumstances affect all of us.

If such emergencies do occur, students will be given assignments to be completed at home. (Parents/ guardians are expected to have a backup child care plan in case of such occurrences.)

Curriculum

Our traditional Bible-based curriculum consists of what we consider the most effective educational materials. We draw from a variety of sources; however, the bulk of our teaching curriculum comes from A Beka Book, Inc. and Bob Jones University Press.

We teach the following subjects throughout the year: Bible, English (which includes phonics/reading, writing, grammar, spelling, and public speaking/reciting), math, history/geography, science, physical education and foreign language (9th-12th grades). The following subjects are also taught as we are able: keyboarding, music, gardening/landscaping, art, sewing and cooking.

Academic Information

ATTENDANCE: Promptness and dependability are important to your child’s character development.

Daily records of absences are kept to fulfill state requirements. A written explanation following any absence of one or more days must be submitted to the school for state-required record keeping. A student is allowed five unexcused absences per year. If he/she accumulates more than five unexcused absences, he/she risks failing the grade. More than ten unexcused absences may result in expulsion. (A student expelled for excessive absences may reapply, but will be required to pay all re-enrollment fees. SCCS reserves the right to determine who shall and who shall not be allowed to re-enroll.)

REPORT CARDS: Report cards are issued each quarter. (Kindergartners receive a skills mastery chart.) Individual parent conferences are held after the first and third quarters. Additional conferences will be held as needed or requested.

GRADING: The standard grading system used for all subjects is as follows:

ANNUAL TESTING: Standardized national tests are administered each spring in order to chart student progress and identify areas needing improvement.

HONOR ROLL: Each student in grades K-12 who receives grades no lower than a B- on his/her report card will be placed on Honor Roll for that quarter. A certificate will be awarded to each honor student at the end of each quarter. Those students who have maintained honor grades for all four quarters will receive an award during graduation ceremonies.

Each student who graduates with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher will be considered an Honor Graduate. He/she will wear an honor cord of distinction during the graduation ceremony and will receive an award commemorating his/her achievement.

CHARACTER AWARDS: Growth in character is of greater importance than academic growth.
When a student shows outstanding growth in areas such as patience, Christian leadership, forgiveness, responsibility, gentleness, organization, self-discipline, honesty, respect, or Christian attitude, he/she will be given a Character Award at the end of each year, highlighting this growth.

ATTENDANCE AWARDS: The student who maintains perfect and/or nearly-perfect attendance for the entire academic year will receive an Attendance Award during the graduation ceremonies.

PASSING THE GRADE: In order for your child to pass the grade that he/she is presently in, he/she must show academic proficiency and growth in all subjects. Any failing grades received on your child's quarterly report card jeopardize his/her chances of passing the grade. Based on the number of failing grades shown on your child's report card over the course of the school year and the progress made during that time, the teachers will determine whether or not your child will be promoted to the next grade level.

TRANSFERRING CREDITS: SCCS will do everything possible to ensure successful transfer of your child's high school credits. However, due to the Christian nature of our curriculum, some course credits may not be accepted in a public school.

GRADUATION: After successfully completing all required academic work, kindergartners, eighth graders, and seniors participate in graduation ceremonies. These are held on the school grounds at the end of each school year.

GRADUATION: After successfully completing all required academic work, kindergartners, eighth graders, and seniors participate in graduation ceremonies. These are held on the school grounds at the end of each school year.

Parental Involvement

The success of your child at Small Cloud Christian School depends largely on parental involvement. Children need to know someone cares whether they pass or fail in school. Some of the things you can do are:

1. Ask your child how he/she is doing in school. Check up on his/her progress by calling the school or e-mailing the teachers. Check your child's "Mega Plan" daily to make sure homework is completed.
2. Have a regular homework time and be available to help with homework if needed.
3. Set up a reward system for good grades or academic accomplishments.
4. Read "Snippets," our weekly newsletter. It will help you stay informed and updated on current events, issues, and concerns at SCCS.

Periodically, especially for special events, parents may be asked to contribute time and/or supplies. Parents may also volunteer to go on field trips. We appreciate the help you can give us at those times.

Parenting meetings are held twice a year in addition to our mandatory Orientation Meeting. These parenting meetings will cover a variety of topics pertaining to your child's well-being and development, and will strengthen parent/teacher communication. Important announcements and updates will be given during these meetings. Please get involved!

The Whole Student

The staff at Small Cloud Christian School will do everything in their power to help your child succeed. However, we are only a small part of what determines the academic progress of your child. Things such as diet, sleep, parental involvement, TV/media influences, etc. far outweigh our efforts here. The next few sections are very important; please read them carefully.

Dietary Guidelines

Following the original diet given by God to man in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1:30) and exemplified by Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 1:8-20), SCCS promotes a vegetarian diet, low in sugar and processed foods. We rarely use dairy products and try as much as possible to avoid the use of eggs in our food. A simpler diet makes digestion a much easier task for the body to perform and allows more energy to be used for thinking. We believe that in order to have a healthy mind, eating wholesome food is the only logical choice. Students are asked not to bring any food from home unless directly asked to do so by a staff member. Candy, gum and soft drinks are also not permitted at school without prior permission. On Fridays, all students must bring their own vegetarian sack lunch or pay $5.00 for school food. (This charge will be added to your monthly financial statement.)

SCCS sells healthful snacks in its own small store. Details regarding how much students may spend, when they may spend it, etc. will be announced at the Orientation Meeting at the beginning of each year.

TV/Media Influences

Limit! Limit! Limit! Remember, your child's job right now is to learn and prepare for the responsibilities of adulthood. Help your child learn those things which will help him/her succeed in real life. All extracurricular activities must be secondary.

GUIDELINES: We believe in allowing children the freedom of developing their God-given individuality without the bombardment of media pressure. Since children’s bodies are growing and developing, they need physical exercise to strengthen muscle and bone and improve circulation to all parts of the body. Therefore, we strongly recommend curtailing or even completely eliminating the use of TV, video games, and certain types of music in your home.

TV programs and video/computer games are best if they have an educational emphasis. However, many children spend too much time being entertained and not enough time doing real-life activities. It is damaging to their development to sit still for long periods of time, intently focused on TV or computer screens. Their eyes need to rest by looking at faraway objects in real sunlight. Their gross and fine motor skills need to be employed in practical hands-on activities and physical labor. Video games or educational TV programs/videos should only be allowed as a short reward after a day’s hard work.

Childhood is the time God has given to build the foundation for adulthood. Children should be encouraged to spend their time engaging in practical life-building skills such as cooking, laundry, hands-on hobbies, housecleaning, yard work, etc. These types of activities will strengthen their concentration abilities, improve their problem solving skills, build self-esteem, and, most importantly, develop responsible students and, ultimately, responsible and independent adults.

TV/MEDIA INFLUENCES CONT. . .
The type of music a student listens to has a profound effect on a child’s attitude toward you as parents, toward us as teachers, and toward life in general. Many contemporary lyrics incite a spirit of rebellion, depression, infatuation with the opposite sex, and premature independence. Other lyrics espouse romantic themes not appropriate for developing minds and morals. Many artists themselves lead immoral lives and become role models of immorality. Calmer music styles result in calmer, less impulsive, less rebellious students. Wholesome lyrics fill the students minds with honorable things to think about and emulate. Please select and enforce appropriate music standards in your home.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8). This Bible verse is SCCS's standard for everything brought onto the school bus or school grounds. If objectionable materials are brought, they will be permanently confiscated.

Sleep

Students need a regular, early bedtime. Benjamin Franklin wasn't kidding when he said, "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise!" Early bedtimes will help your child think more clearly, have a better attitude, and stay healthier.

Cell Phones/Electronic Games

No cell phones are allowed at Small Cloud unless they are necessary for the safety of your child at his/her bus stop. However, they must be kept turned off while on school property or on the school bus. If any unauthorized cell phones are found at school or on the school bus, they will be confiscated.

Electronic games are likewise prohibited at Small Cloud, both on the bus and at school, and will likewise be confiscated.

Drugs

No drugs are allowed at Small Cloud Christian School. Students suspected of their use outside of school will be required to be tested at their own expense. Students who continue drug use will be expelled. (This does not apply to prescribed medications, which must be hand-delivered to a staff member with directions for use.)

Vandalism

Accidents happen, but the deliberate destruction of school property is a serious offense and serious consequences will be administered.

Discipline

All students will be disciplined using age-appropriate, child-appropriate measures. (Spanking will not be administered without prior written parental permission.) Students who have a rebellious spirit and habitually influence other students in a negative way will be subject to dismissal from the school. Dismissal, however, will only occur after much prayer and consultation with the student and his/ her parents or guardians.

Dress Code

SCHOOL UNIFORMS: All students are required to wear the school uniform Monday through Thursday, unless directed to do otherwise. The uniform is available for purchase at:

Dennis Uniform Company
9500 Micron Avenue, Ste. 110
Sacramento, CA 95827

There are three ways to purchase these uniforms:
• Place a phone order by calling: (916) 361-6710.
• FAX your order to: (916) 361-6717. (Order forms may be obtained from SCCS.)
• Use your computer to purchase them online at www.dennisuniform.com. (The customer code is UFLSCC.)

Required Footwear

Boys K-12:
White or black athletic shoes (either solid colors or with these colors displayed in a simple pattern). Black casual dress shoes may also be worn. Closed-toe sandals that are securely strapped on may be worn, weather permitting. Socks must be worn at all times when not wearing sandals.

Girls K-12:
White or black closed-toe sandals with back-heel straps, low-heeled black boots, casual dress shoes, athletic shoes, or loafers. Unless wearing sandals, girls are required to wear either socks or hosiery at all times.

NOTE: All footwear should be comfortable and allow free movement. High-heeled style shoes, as well as flip-flops (thongs), are not permitted. Students will be required to wear well-fitting tennis shoes for physical education. Shoes must be worn at all times during school hours, unless otherwise directed by Small Cloud staff. Hats are not allowed to be worn in the classroom except on Fridays.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION UNIFORMS: All students (grades 4-12) must bring an extra set of clothes to change into for P.E. It must consist of a pair of loose-fitting sweats, pants, or walking-length shorts and a long T-shirt.

DISCIPLINE
All students will be disciplined using age-appropriate, child-appropriate measures. (Spanking will not be administered without prior written parental permission.) Students who have a rebellious spirit and habitually influence other students in a negative way will be subject to dismissal from the school. Dismissal, however, will only occur after much prayer and consultation with the student and his/ her parents or guardians.

UNIFORM CLOSET: If your daughter has outgrown her uniform and it is still in good condition (i.e. no rips, tears, holes, stains, etc.), you may turn it in to SCCS and either receive a uniform in the size your child can wear or a $15 tuition credit. If you have no uniform to exchange, you are still welcome to check with SCCS for a used uniform in your daughter's size, which you may purchase at a reduced price.

PERSONAL GROOMING: The standards* of health, Christian modesty, and simplicity are our guidelines for the following requirements:

• No child is allowed to wear soiled, messy or torn clothing.
• Hair must be clean and neatly arranged--hair is not allowed to hang into the eyes. Boys are required to keep their hair trimmed so as not to extend below the shirt collar or the ears. Students are not allowed to dye their hair or have hairstyles that are not in keeping with the principles of simplicity.
• Fingernails are to be kept trimmed and clean. Colored nail polish is not allowed.
• Body-piercings and tattoos are not allowed.
• Make-up and jewelry are not allowed. If brought to school, the student will be asked to remove them, and they may be permanently confiscated.
• Shirts are to be tucked in at all times unless designed to be worn over skirts or pants. In these cases, the shirt must be long enough to cover the midriff with arms extended above the head.
• Sleeveless garments are prohibited.
• Girls are not allowed to wear pants underneath their skirts. (Color coordinated leggings or tights are acceptable and encouraged in cold weather.)
• Clothing worn must properly fit the child wearing it!

*Note: These standards apply during school hours, school field trips, and any school functions!

FRIDAY AND SPECIAL FUNCTION DRESS REQUIREMENTS: Uniforms are not required on Fridays, on most field trips, or at most school functions. However, the standards of health, modesty, and simplicity are still required on these occasions.

In addition, we do not allow any clothing promoting messages that are decidedly non-Christian in nature. Clothing displaying the following are considered inappropriate and will not be allowed:
• Bad language
• Violence
• Sex
• Drugs (or anything drug-related)
• Movie or music stars

DRESS CODE VIOLATION CONSEQUENCES: Students who violate the dress code requirements may be asked to leave a school event and/or lose privileges.

Transportation

We own one twenty-passenger school bus which we use to transport our students. (Transportation by private vehicle may at times also be used.) Returning students have first right to bus pickup, and space is limited. We will do our best, however, to provide transportation for your child. Arrangements will be made individually with each family.

Please keep in mind that bus riding is a privilege, not a right. As we all know, privileges may be revoked for inappropriate behavior. After enrollment, parents are urged to discuss the rules with their children as found in the Parent Handbook and make sure their children understand them, as citations and/or suspensions may be issued for improper behavior.

BUS ROUTE: The bus schedule will be prepared shortly before the beginning of each new school year and will be re-evaluated quarterly.

Financial Information

Small Cloud Christian School charges $3,750.00 per child per school year (September through June). When additional children from the same family are enrolled, each additional child will receive a $500 annual tuition reduction. If you are enrolling some time after the beginning of the school year, (or withdrawing your child before the end of the school year), please review the quarterly tuition breakdown below. Please note that tuition includes: a quality, God-centered education, textbooks and other school supplies, daily breakfast and lunch, standardized national testing and most field trips.

There are three ways to pay your tuition:
1. Pay for the entire school year in one payment and receive a 5% discount. Payment must be received by September 10th.
2. Pay in equal monthly installments of $375.00 over the 10-month period from September through June.
3. Pay in equal monthly installments of $312.50 over the 12-month period from June through May. This option is only available for those who apply or re-apply before June 30th of each year.

Financial Aid

It is vital that full tuition be paid for each child attending Small Cloud Christian School. This enables us to pay our overhead; invest in quality educational tools and curricula; keep school equipment operating and up-to-date; fuel, maintain and repair our school bus; and pay our teachers a small salary.

Your child's education should be one of your highest priorities, and providing a quality education may sometimes require sacrifice. Budgeting, self-denial, and simply eliminating unnecessary expenditures will help you to provide your child's tuition.

In cases of extreme financial hardship, Small Cloud Christian School may allow a reduction in tuition. In order for you to be considered for financial assistance, you must complete an Application for Financial Assistance form and submit requested documentation of income and expenses. Our Board will review the application, and the treasurer will arrange for an in-home interview. He will then notify you as to the amount of reduction allowed. (Note: You may be asked to eliminate some lower priority expenditures in order to qualify for financial aid.)

Note: All individual financial arrangements are kept strictly confidential and will be reviewed annually.