The Puebla Christian School Student Handbook

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PURPOSE

The Puebla Christian School held its first classes in January 1967, as a joint effort of the Mexican Indian Mission and the Central American Mission in Puebla. Since that time, the Mexican Indian Mission has merged with the UFM International and the Central American Mission has become CAM International. Those first classes were held in the homes of three families while a suitable building was sought. The primary purpose of PCS remains the same now as in 1967, namely to have a 1st through 12th grade school for English-speaking children of missionaries to train them spiritually, academically, socially and physically. Presently PCS operates under the auspices of CAM International and is governed by a local self-perpetuating board.

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DOCTRINAL STATEMENT

The doctrinal position of the PCS constitution will be followed. A summary is as follows:

We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, verbally inspired and inerrant in the original manuscripts, and that it is completely sufficient as our rule of faith and practice; that there is one Eternal God Who exists in three equal persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; that man was directly created in the image of God, that he is condemned to spiritual death by his fall into sin, and that the guilt, death and condemnation of sin passes to all men; that the incarnation of Christ is vicarious, His resurrection corporal, and that He ascended to the right hand of the Father; that whoever places his faith in Christ is justified by His blood shed on the cross; that regeneration and positional sanctification are the work of the Holy Spirit carried out in the moment one believes in Christ; that the Church is made up of all believers who are baptized into the body of Christ by the Spirit the moment they believe and that the mission of the Church is to edify the saints and preach the Gospel to the lost; that the Church will be raptured before the tribulation and that Christ will return bodily to establish His millennium reign on the earth; that the just and the unjust will be raised, the saved to eternal blessing and the ungodly to eternal punishment.

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

A well-formulated and biblically based statement of philosophy is the touchstone from which a Christian school's aims and objectives are derived. The ultimate objective of the Christian school is to glorify God, corporately and individually. In achieving this goal, one must consider the major objectives of the spiritual and moral development of the pupil, his personal and social growth and interaction, his academic achievement and growing worth in service to others. The following statement expresses what Puebla Christian School believes with respect to education and its role as an educational enterprise.

GOD

God is revealed in the Scriptures to be the creator and sustainer of all things, the originator of all knowledge. He is wholly responsible for the existence of all living things. God is the source of all truth and has chosen to reveal Himself to man.

MAN

Man was created by God in His own image with the purpose of reflecting that image in this world. Man rebelled against God and is by nature a sinner without the ability to reflect the nature of God. In Christ Jesus that image has been renewed and man became capable of receiving all of God's revealed truth, of communing with God, and communicating God to others.

REVELATION

God has revealed Himself to man through the Living Word, Jesus Christ. The Bible is the source book for true knowledge and wisdom, by which we may live. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to integrate the content of each subject in the curriculum with the truth revealed in the Scriptures. Jesus Christ is the perfect manifestation of God and it is only through receiving Him as Savior that one can be personally related to God. He is the personification of the knowledge and wisdom of God and the perfect example to the believer for living a life pleasing to God.

PROCESS

What we believe about God, man and how God has revealed Himself to man causes us to seek a truly Biblical correlation in every subject area. In the educational process, two people are involved - the teacher and the pupil. The Holy Spirit is God's agent to teach and guide both teacher and pupil into all truth and bring each one into conformity to God's revealed will. This is true reality, not material and temporal, but spiritual and eternal.

ADMISSION

The entry age for a first grader is six years by December 1. The School Board, based upon the results of a test if deemed necessary, will determine acceptance of the child. The staff reserves the right of placing a student after first grade in the class best suited to his/her needs after consulting with the parents. Since all work is done in English, a child must be able to speak English reasonably well. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for children of missionaries who are planning on ministering in Mexico for an extended period of time if there is adequate staff to assist the student in learning English as well as the other academic classes. An application form and a health form must be filled out for each child.

CONDUCT

Because of the Christian philosophy of the school, it is essential that the conduct of staff and students be in accordance with Biblical principles. Students are expected to obey the regulations of the school and of the individual classroom. While in class, students are expected to give full and undivided attention to the subject matter. The staff reserves the right to use corporal punishment (spanking) when deemed necessary. This may be administered by the teacher or by the principal, with a witness. Suspension or expulsion may result from continual or serious violation of the rules.

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PCS ATTENDANCE POLICY
  1. We expect that all children will be in school every school day as presented in the calendar (which includes the PCS camp held in the spring). Parents must recognize the importance of their child's regular attendance and endeavor to not schedule activities requiring absences. When a student is absent, this means extra work for the teacher, the classroom dynamic is affected, and the student and parent are put under extra pressure to make up the work.
  2. IN CASES OF EXCESSIVE ABSENTEEISM, THE PARENTS WILL BE REQUESTED TO APPEAR BEFORE THE SCHOOL BOARD FOR CONSULTATION. EXCESSIVE ABSENTEEISM IS DEFINED AS BEING ABSENT MORE THAN EIGHT TIMES PER QUARTER. ABUSES IN ABSENTEEISM WILL BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION FOR CONTINUED ENROLLMENT IN PCS.
  3. ALL WORK missed during any type of absence must be completed and turned in to the classroom teacher. Students are responsible to check with their teachers for missed assignments. Work will be graded and the appropriate numerical grade will be entered into the grade book.
  4. Make-up for any absence is the length of the absence plus one day following the date of return up to five school days. After the deadline, work will be graded down at the rate of one letter grade per day.
  5. Excused absences are primarily for such cases as: personal illness, family ministry, or a death in the family. The graduation or wedding of a family member plus necessary travel time may also be an excused absence.
  6. Two excused absences will be given each year for personal reasons. No reason for the absence must be given to the school. Parents must notify the office of the personal day absence.
  7. Excused or unexcused absences will be determined by the principal after consultation with the parents based on the above guidelines.
  8. In cases where the student knows in advance that he/she will be absent for three or more days, assignments may be provided by the teacher. Students are responsible to communicate their absence to their teachers and ask for their work ahead of time; failure to do so may result in a grade reduction on the assignments. It is expected that the parent will give two weeks advance notice to the office and the teacher for ministry absences of 3 days or more for the absence to be excused.
  9. In cases of unexcused absences, truancy, or suspension, ALL WORK must be made up. There will be a grade reduction of 2% for the first day and 1.5% for each additional day taken off the 9-week grade in which the absence occurs. If work is not made up by the set time, a grade of zero will be entered.

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ABSENT FROM SCHOOL/TARDY
  1. The school expects a phone call from the parent or guardian on the morning of the absence as to the reason for the absence and written verification upon returning to school. The absence may be ruled as unexcused if the school is not notified. Classes will be conducted as if all students were present.
  2. Vacations and border trips should be arranged to coincide with the school calendar.
  3. Doctor and Dentist appointments should be scheduled to create minimal conflict with daily attendance. If at all possible, they should be scheduled in the afternoon so as not to conflict with attendance.
  4. Absence for any part of the first 10 minutes of a day is considered a tardy. If a student must be absent from school, the first 3 hours absence will be considered a ½ day's absence. Any period over three hours is considered a full day's absence.
  5. A student's 6th tardy in a 9-week grading period will result in a 1.5% grade reduction in all classes. For every two more tardies, another 1.5% grade reduction will be given.
  6. The gate is locked at 8:10 AM. Any student arriving after that time is absent for the day.

NOTE: School clocks are set according to official time which is also the time used in the broadcast industry. Classes begin promptly at 8:00 AM. A tardy student interrupts the tone in the classroom.

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PROCEDURE FOR CORRECTIVE DISCIPLINE:

MAJOR OFFENSE

Major offenses are defined as cases of blatant disrespect, disobedience, or a lack of cooperation in the classroom.

FIRST OFFENSE:

  1. In cases of blatant disrespect, disobedience or lack of cooperation, the teacher should remove the student from the classroom and personally take the student to the office. The student is to be left in the charge of the principal or other responsible person with an explanation of the offense.
  2. The principal will talk with the student to hear his side of the matter, asking questions about specifics and taking notes of the student's explanation of the problem.
  3. The principal will speak with the teacher in private to gain the teacher's description of what has taken place in the classroom.
  4. The principal makes a decision on the kinds of corrective discipline that is to be administered based on his understanding of the problem after listening to the student and the teacher.
  5. The principal will call the parents to inform them that the student has been removed from the classroom. He will further inform the parents about his conversations with the student and teacher, his conclusions about the matter and the corrective discipline that is to be administered beginning that day after school.
  6. The student will be held after school for corrective discipline a maximum of one hour per day and will be expected to do a Biblical study. The principal will spend time going over the study with the student, especially looking at the personal application presented at the end of the study. The principal will work with the student to develop a plan (personal goals) to help the student grow in the area of weakness.
  7. The principal will work with the student in a process of restoration with God, himself, the teacher and the parents. Communication and/or counseling with the student will continue as needed.

SECOND OFFENSE:

  1. The student will be removed from the classroom. Steps one through three will be repeated as in the first offense.
  2. The principal will contact the parents to inform them that the student has again been removed from the classroom. A meeting will be scheduled for later that day between the parents, the student, the teacher and the principal to discuss the corrective discipline that will be administered.
  3. On the second offense, the principal will supervise an in-school suspension of one full day to be carried out on the following school day. The student will spend the entire school day in the principal's office doing his/her class work. The day will be classified as an unexcused absence and the student's grade will be docked as a result.
  4. The principal will help the student through the restoration process as in step seven above.

THIRD OFFENSE:

  1. On the third offense the same procedure will be followed as in the case of the second offense, steps one and two. The corrective discipline will consist of a one to three day suspension (depending on the severity of the situation) from all classes and PCS activities.
  2. Following the suspension, the student and parents will be required to appear before a special meeting of the school board for restoration to normal participation in school classes and activities. The board will warn the student and parents about impending expulsion should the offense be repeated a fourth time.

FOURTH OFFENSE:

  1. On the fourth offense, the same procedure will be followed as in the case of the second offense steps one and two. Should the problem come to this point, the student will be expelled from classes and PCS activities for a minimum of four weeks of school.
  2. In order for the student to return to PCS, it will be necessary for parents to reapply for admission. Before readmission is granted, the school board will require good evidence of a changed heart on the part of the student.

NOTE: In certain flagrant cases, the principal in consultation with the school board chairman or vice chairman reserves the right to exercise an out of school suspension or expulsion.

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TESTING AND GRADING

Grade Scale:

Grade: Percent:
A+ 100
A 95-99
A- 92-94
B+ 89-91
B 86-88
B- 82-85
C+ 79-81
C 75-78
C- 72-74
D+ 70-71
D 67-69
D- 65-66
F 0-64
I Incomplete

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REPORT CARDS:

Report cards shall be given four times a year. Grades for students in grades 1 and 2 will be: "O" (Outstanding), "S" (Satisfactory), and "N" (Needs Improvement). Students in grades three and up will be graded on the aforementioned scale for academic subjects and "O", "S", or "N" for skills and general development. The yearly average of grades will be recorded on the student's cumulative file.

EFFORT GRADES:

Teachers will evaluate a child's effort in each class or subject. In many respects this evaluation is more important than academic grades because it shows whether a student is striving to achieve or not. The numbers assigned for effort grade are:

  1. Working up to full capacity.
  2. Satisfactory effort.
  3. Not achieving to capacity - not making satisfactory effort.

TESTS:

Students will be given achievement and/or diagnostic tests in the spring.

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DRESS CODE

BASIS: Philippians 4:8
"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things."

GENERAL PRINCIPLES:

Since properly attired students lend themselves to better deportment and a studious attitude, the following principles are put forth:

  1. Dress and grooming are inappropriate if they attract undue attention to the outward appearance, thus detracting from the internal reflection of Christ.
  2. Dress and grooming styles are to be distinctly masculine or feminine reflecting a wholesome appreciation for God's creative plan.
  3. Immodesty in dress is incompatible with the concept of the Christian as one who is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, God Himself.
  4. Self-respect and school pride make sloppy or overly casual attire inappropriate. Respect for others requires that elaborate or showy dress be avoided.

DRESS CODE RULES:

  1. All clothing must fit properly, be clean, be modest, and be in good repair.
  2. Both boys and girls are to wear a polo style shirt. This may be long or short sleeved and of any color or pattern. Shirts should not be overly big or sloppy, neither should they be too tight or short (midriff covered when hands are raised over head).
  3. When wearing outer wear such as coats, jackets, sweatshirts, sweaters, etc. proper dress code clothing must be worn underneath.
  4. Both boys and girls may wear pants or shorts that are of jean, khaki, or dress pant material. Shorts must touch the top of the knee when standing. Girls may also wear capris, skirts, or skorts that at least come to the knee when standing. Dresses or skirts with slits or other styles must not come higher than the top of the knee. All pants should fit properly and not have any rips or tears.
  5. Shoes or sandals are to be worn at all times. Those designed to be worn with shoelaces must be laced and tied.
  6. Swim attire worn at all PCS activities must be modest. (Camp, beach trip, fall picnic, etc.) At no time will bikini style swimwear be acceptable for girls or boys. All swim attire, whether a one or two piece suit, must provide modest coverage. (If two piece, both pieces must meet.) Any swimsuit considered unacceptable by the adult sponsor of the outing must have a non see-through hip-length type t-shirt over it. Any student who does not have an acceptable swimsuit or appropriate cover will not be allowed to participate in the water activity of the group.
  7. Hair is to be neat, clean, and combed.
    • Girls: No weird styles or unnatural colors
    • Boys: No weird cuts, unnatural colors, or long hair (not touching the collar or covering the ears); must be clean-shaven .
  8. No body piercing permitted except for girls' ears.
  9. No hats are to be worn in classes or in the school building.
  10. P.E. dress - Modest shorts and t-shirts without tears or holes may be worn. (No cut-off shirts, tank tops, undershirts, muscle shirts, or short tops) All students must wear tennis shoes and socks.
  11. School Functions: (banquets, concerts, trips, etc.) Students must be in dress code unless otherwise indicated by the leader/director of the activity

DRESS CODE ENFORCEMENT:

ANY faculty member may exercise authority with regard to the dress code. In case of a dispute, the administrator is the final authority. For each offense, the parents will be informed of the violation with a note that the students must return to school signed.

  1. For the first offense, the student will be notified as to the specific problem.
  2. For the second offense in the same semester, the student will be assigned after school detention or a monetary fine.
  3. For the third offense in the same semester, the student will serve in-school detention until his/her parents bring the appropriate clothing to school.
  4. For the fourth offense in the same semester, the student will serve a 1-day suspension.
  5. For the fifth offense in the same semester, the student and his/her parents must appear before the board for further disciplinary action.

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    PARENT-TEACHER-STUDENT RELATIONSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES:

    If at any time you wish a conference with the principal or a teacher, an appointment may be arranged Please call 2-48-20-31. If it becomes evident to a teacher that a child needs extra help on a limited basis, it is the responsibility of the parent to arrange tutoring after consultation with the teacher. Teachers are not obligated to tutor and it is recommended that they not tutor their own students.

    PARENTAL OBLIGATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES:

    Parents are encouraged to cooperate fully with the staff in carrying out the objectives of the school:

    1. Pray regularly for the staff and program of the school.
    2. Lay a solid foundation through godly example in the home.
    3. Give of time, skill and labor in improving the school as the occasion demands.
    4. Cooperate with the staff in discipline.
    5. See that the children's homework is faithfully done.
    6. Arrange transportation so that students arrive on time and leave promptly.
    7. Be sure children have adequate snack/lunch.
    8. See that children with fevers are kept at home and not sent to school.
    9. Notify teachers of reasons for absences or tardiness.
    10. Cooperate in teaching children to respect the staff and school property. Damage caused by misuse of any school property by a student will be charged to the parents.
    11. Feel free to communicate frequently with the classroom teacher. If the situation is deemed necessary, the principal should be notified.
    12. Participate as necessary in extra curricular activities such as field trips and parties.
    13. Attend school functions.
    14. Be positive in your discussion of the staff and school programs, especially in the presence of children.

    STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY:

    1. Academic Expectations
      1. Students are expected to do all work assigned to the best of their ability.
      2. Students are expected to turn in work on time. There will be academic penalty for work handed in late according to the discretion of the teacher.
      3. Students are expected to consult with the teacher to determine make-up work assignments.
    2. Behavior
      1. General Areas:
        1. Respect: A high level of respect is expected of all students in their relationship with staff and administration. Students will address all staff members and administration by proper title (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Aunt, Uncle.). Students will not use disrespectful language in speaking to or about staff members, administration, or other students.
        2. Obedience: Obedience, as reflected in a submissive heart to authority, is required of all students to PCS rules in general and to the classroom rules of each individual instructor.
        3. Cooperation: Students will demonstrate a cooperative attitude of respecting, obeying, and carrying through with all that is required or asked of them.
      2. School rules:
        School rules are to be obeyed at all times. Failure to do so may result in extra work, detention, suspension, or expulsion.
        1. The use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs is prohibited for all PCS students at any time, and is grounds for suspension or expulsion.
        2. No gum is to be chewed on school grounds at any time.
        3. No candy, soda pop, or food is to be consumed in the library.
        4. During class time no candy, soda pop, or food is to be consumed.
        5. No glass soda pop bottles are allowed in the building except at lunchtime for those eating in the designated area or in the case of a staff supervised activity. Returnable glass bottles must be taken down stairs and placed in the appropriate container by the end of the lunch period.
        6. No knives or weapons of any kind are allowed on school property.
        7. No music players.
        8. Students will observe proper manners and courtesy in the classroom. (Please, thank you, excuse me, I beg your pardon, etc.)
        9. Students will seek to maintain the highest of standards in their speech and conduct. Therefore the use of inappropriate language, profanity, crude gestures, dirty jokes or innuendo is no permitted.
        10. No inappropriate physical contact between students of the opposite sex is permitted on PCS property or at PCS activities. This includes back rubs and any other inappropriate or prolonged contact.
        11. Students will be respectful of the personal property of others and of all school property. (No slamming of lockers, no graffiti, etc.).
        12. Students will transfer from one class to another in an orderly manner. This includes times spent in the hall, by the lockers, and in the classrooms themselves.
        13. No running on PCS property. This includes in the hall, on the stairs, and on the patio.
        14. Use of the school phone is permitted only under staff supervision. Calls for social reasons are not to be made on the school phone. Students are required to pay the established amount for each phone call.
        15. At lunch time, with the exception of a planned adult supervised activity, student are to be in their designated areas.
        16. Students are expected to behave in all situations so as to give a good Christian testimony.
        17. After school elementary students are not permitted to cross the street to go to the store or visit with friends until their parents arrive.
    3. Attendance:
      1. Students should arrive at least five minutes before the start of school.
      2. Students should not arrive more than 20 minutes before the start of school at 8:00 AM.
      3. Students are to leave promptly at the end of the day.
      4. Students are permitted in the school building only during regular school hours, for scheduled school functions, or as requested by a staff member.

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    PLAGIARISM

    Plagiarism is a serious academic problem.  Plagiarism is defined by the American College Dictionary as “copying or imitating the original language, ideas, and thought of another author and passing off the same as one’s own original work.”  This problem is compounded by the use of the internet.  Teachers will require thorough documentation of sources used in student research.  Plagiarism will NOT be tolerated in any form in any class assignment.  Consequence will be as follows:

    1st offense: a grade of “0” received on the assignment; conference with student, parents, teacher, and principal

    2nd offense: a failing grade in the quarter for the class in which the second offense occurred

    3rd offense: student and parents appear before the school board to discuss student’s expulsion from school.

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    EXTRA-CURRICULAR TRIP TRANSPORTATION

    PCS students have long enjoyed the weekend camping trips and beach trips put on by the school.  These trips, however, cannot happen without the support of parents and PCS family, for transportation help, chaperones, etc.  The PCS administration will require that sufficient transportation and chaperone staff is arranged at least two weeks prior to any trip, or will be forced to cancel the trip.  PCS can only use vehicles driven by their owners or covered by a rental agreement.

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    FINANCES

    Parents are responsible for all material needs of their children. The registration fee is to be paid at the time of application. Normally that fee is due by the end of each school year for the following school year. Failure to pay on time will require the paying of a late fee of $25.00 (US) per child. Monthly tuition is due by the 10th of each month. All fees are to be paid in US dollars or their current equivalent in pesos. Two months in arrears with school fees is basis for dismissal from school attendance.

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    PHYSICAL EDUCATION

    An important part of the school program is physical education. If for any reason a child cannot participate, when the program is provided, please send a note to the school. Otherwise, the child will not be excused from this activity.

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    HEALTH AND INSURANCE

    A health form, updated yearly, is kept on file for each student.

    The school carries a limited liability policy on each student for all school-approved activities.

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    TEXTBOOKS and LIBRARY BOOKS

    All texts and reading books that are not consumable are to be covered with plastic or another form of covering. Neither textbooks nor library books are to be marked in. The student is responsible for the books he is given or has checked out. Parents are charged for the damage or loss of books.

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    BASIC INFORMATION

    The school day is from 8:00 AM to 2:37 PM. Parents are responsible for transportation to and from school. Parents should pick up their children at 2:37 PM sharp. If for some reason a parent who is in charge of picking up children cannot do so, the school must be notified immediately. Parents or guardians of children traveling to and from school are responsible for their safety and behavior while enroute. NOTE: No child should arrive before 7:40 AM.

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    FROM THE STAFF AT PCS

    We consider it a great privilege to have your child(ren) in PCS and our desire is to train them in the Lord! We shall endeavor to make their time with us a very happy and profitable experience. We covet your cooperation and prayers that this may be so.

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    Click here to download the version of the PDF Student Handbook.