PURPOSE

Middle Georgia Christian School is a church-related, private school with the Bible taught daily and every subject taught from a Christian point of view. The school exists for its students and serves children from preschool through the 12^th grade. The central purpose of MGCS is to provide quality Christian education for each student, and this purpose unites every member of the organization, although each has different responsibilities in its accomplishment.

Christian education means outstanding behavior, personal responsibility, academic scholarship, and active participation in campus life, as well as obedience to authority.

We are glad you have chosen MGCS for the education of your child. With your help, we will live up to the trust you have shown in us.

HISTORY

Middle Georgia Christian School was established in September 1975 as a private, Christian, non–profit school. Located on Williamson Road in Macon, the school began simply as a preschool with an enrollment of twenty–four students. In 1993, we began the accreditation process with the Georgia Accrediting Commission, and after provisional accreditation in 1994, we received full accreditation in 1995. The school year 2001 brought yet another milestone for Middle Georgia Christian School: the move into our new buildings on Thomaston Road. Currently we are concentrating on building enrollment in the upper grades. We added the 12^th grade last year, and our central focus continues to be excellence throughout the grades.

MISSION STATEMENT

Middle Georgia Christian School seeks to provide students the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enable them to grow in favor with God and to become valued and productive members of their families, the church, and their community.

ADMISSIONS POLICY AND GRADE PLACEMENT

Middle Georgia Christian School offers education in a Christian environment. Therefore, MGCS selects students based on the results of the screening test, recommendations concerning character, attitude, and school record, and general promise. MGCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, or national origin.

The school staff will do their best to obtain the understanding and support of the parents regarding a student’s grade placement; however, the final decision concerning placement rests with the school administration. All students entering MGCS are on a six–week academic and behavioral probation.

SCHOOL HOURS

MGCS offers Early Care in the gym, from 7:15 – 7:50 am. Students arriving after 7:50 am should go directly to their regular classrooms.

NOTE: Middle school students not picked up by 3:30 pm will be sent to Extended Care, and their accounts will be charged. High school students may stay in their common room after 3:30 pm IF a teacher is still in the building.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS

• Georgia law requires students to attend school for a minimum of 160 days a year.
• MGCS meets a total of 180 days to fulfill Georgia Accrediting Commission requirements.
• Students absent for ten days (excused or unexcused) and their parents will be required to meet with the director to discuss any problems.
• Students absent (excused or unexcused) for twenty days or more will be required to test for the next grade, unless administration rules otherwise.
• Any student who has attended the full 180 days of school receives a perfect attendance certificate. Students who are tardy more than four times (unexcused) in the school year are not eligible for perfect attendance.

ABSENCES

• Half day = absence from school for 2 to 4 hours
• Full day = absence from school for 4 or more hours

Excused

• Absences may be excused for student illness, death in the immediate family, or hazardous weather conditions.
• For an absence to be recorded as “excused,” parents or guardians must present homeroom teachers with a signed written excuse within three days of the absence. Failure to present this excuse within three days will result in an unexcused absence.
• Students out for more than two consecutive days because of illness may be asked to present a doctor’s excuse.
• The administration reserves the right to excuse students from school for religious activities. Prior approval is required.
• When students are absent, they must make up work missed. They have one day for every excused day missed to make up work. However, if students know about tests in advance and are absent only on test days, they will take the tests as soon as they return to school.
• Absences due to approved school activities are exempt and do not count toward the number of total absences.
• Dental appointments and other activities should be scheduled after school hours if possible. Students who need to arrive at school late or leave school early should bring an excuse note to their teacher beforehand.

Unexcused

• Students in internal suspension will be considered to be in attendance, but those in external suspension will gain an unexcused absence.
• Each four unexcused tardies will equal an unexcused absence, and MGCS will record this as an absence on students’ report cards.
• Students absent from school may not attend Extended Care or any extra–curricular activity on that day.
• After three unexcused absences, students and families will receive a warning in conference with the director.
• After five unexcused absences during a semester, students will not receive credit for yearly courses (four unexcused absences during a quarter for semester courses).
• After ten unexcused absences during a semester, we will contact the Department of Family and Children’s Services.
• Students with fewer than five absences (excused or unexcused) during a semester may qualify for exemption from semester and/or final examinations in classes for which they hold an “A” average.

TARDINESS

• Students arriving in the classroom after 8:00 am are tardy.
• Students arriving to individual classes late may be held to the following consequences as well.
• When students are tardy, they must stop at the school office to obtain a tardy slip before going to class.
• Any tardy of more than ten minutes will be considered a serious infraction with a consequence determined by the director or principal.
• Four unexcused tardies equal one unexcused absence, and report cards will reflect this unexcused absence.
• After four unexcused tardies, the director will hold a parent conference by phone or in person.
• For the fifth and every unexcused tardy thereafter, students will be assigned a detention or other consequence determined by the director or principal.
• After twelve unexcused tardies, we will contact the Department of Family and Children’s Services.

TUITION & FEES POLICY

• The bookkeeper handles all regular financial transactions.
• Tuition payments are due on the first of each month and become past due after the tenth of the month.
• Past due accounts incur a service charge of $30.00 for each month the account is past due.
• Supplies and book fees are due August 31 of the school year.
• There will be a $30.00 fee for any returned check.
• Parents receive monthly statements of account. If payment is more than a month past due, the statement notifies parents that they have ten days to settle the account or withdraw their children.
• All unpaid accounts will be turned over to a collection agency which adds 50% of the balance to the account.
• If accounts are not paid in full by the end of the year, MGCS holds students’ report cards, transcripts, diplomas, and any other school records.
• No student will be allowed to re-enroll if a balance due exists from preceding years.

REFUND POLICY

If a child leaves the school after registration, MGCS will exercise the following refund policies:

• Students leaving prior to the beginning of the school year: In the event that an out–of–town move occurs before the school year starts, MGCS issues a 100% registration, tuition, and book/supply fees refund. An out–of–town move is one that precludes possible transportation to MGCS.
  


• Students leaving during the school year: Until the bookkeeper (not the teacher) receives written notification of the withdrawal, tuition is due. If advance notification is given, tuition is due through the end of the month of the child’s attendance. Parents will receive a refund for any prepaid tuition.

FUNDRAISING

• MGCS tuition and fees do not fully cover the cost of educating our students. Fundraising participation by every family is required and essential for keeping tuition down.
  


• The director of MGCS must approve all fundraising activities. The bookkeeper will receipt all funds to insure proper financial accountability.
  


• Other fundraisers families are encouraged to participate in are Kroger, Publix, and Kmart cards, Campbell’s Labels for Education, and Box Tops for Education.
  


• Clubs and other school organizations may have their own fundraisers during the school year, upon approval of the director. For accountability, the bookkeeper will handle these funds.

MEMORIALS & DONATIONS

• Those who wish to remember or honor loved ones with a gift to the school will have a letter of acknowledgement sent to the family and to the donor.
  


• Donors to our Scholarship Fund will help less fortunate students attend MGCS. These scholarships are awarded to academically qualified students.
  


• Donations may be directed to any program of our school or to a special interest of the donor.
  


• To insure tax deductibility and proper gift recording and acknowledgement, all gifts should be processed through the bookkeeper.

CHRISTIAN CONDUCT

MGCS faculty, staff, and administration genuinely care about what each student thinks, believes, and does. Christian education is dedicated to placing in the hearts, minds, and lives of young people all that God has revealed in the Bible and the very best that man has learned, discovered, or experienced. Our disciplinary measures are designed to help children learn to honor God, their parents, and other figures of authority.

• In light of this emphasis on Christian conduct, MGCS administration reserves the right to determine the activities allowed on campus and at other school–related activities.
  


• Each student has the unquestioned right to decide whether or not to attend MGCS, and those who decide to enroll in MGCS accept the standards, regulations, and requirements of the school. Parents will be asked to sign the contract at the end of this book, stating their acceptance of these standards.

DISCIPLINE

• Parents will be required to sign a document to indicate their acceptance of MGCS middle and high school rules. In signing the document, parents agree to support MGCS staff in disciplining their children and to insure that their children attend detentions/in–house suspensions assigned to them.
  


• MGCS middle/high school uses a variety of consequences to enforce disciplined conduct among students:
  
  
  • Detention
  • Manual work (picking up trash, cleaning, etc)
  • Paddling
  • Suspension
  • Expulsion
  
  
• The following is a list of possible offenses that could result in the consequences listed above.
  

  Classroom disturbance	Immoral behavior
  Disrespectful attitude	Incomplete homework
  Drug use	Indications of gang support
  Failure to cooperate	Name–calling
  Fighting	Physical contact – opposite sex
  Horseplay	Profanity/vulgar language

  
        Other Offenses
  
  
  • Bullying:  Bullying, whether it be verbal, physical, or cyber, will not be tolerated, and the administration will enforce strict consequences.
    
  
  
  • Cheating:  If teachers can verify that a student has cheated on a test, quiz, or other assignment, all students involved will receive a zero for the assignment, and the teacher may decide on further punishment which may include detention or suspension.
    
  
  
  • Theft or Vandalism:  In addition to one or more of the preceding consequences, students will be required to make restitution for damaging or stealing another student’s or the school’s property.
    
  
  
  • Chewing gum or littering:  Offenders will be required to stay after school for work detail.

• Detention
  
  
  • Detention will be run by a member of staff after school hours and will comprise written work as determined by the assigning teacher.
    
  
  
  • If students receive three detentions or work details during a semester, they will receive an in–house suspension for a day.
    
  
  
  • If students receive a further three (total of six) detentions during a semester, they will attend a Saturday morning detention, and parents will be required to pay $30 to compensate the supervising teacher.

• Manual Work
  
  
  • Manual work detail is another disciplinary tool used for middle and high school students.
    
  
  
  • It will be run by a member of staff after school hours and will comprise manual labor around the school as determined by the teacher who assigned the punishment, for example, picking up trash, weeding, cleaning, or working in classrooms.
  
  
• Suspension
  
  
  • Suspension is an extreme disciplinary consequence, and MGCS may use it in any circumstances described in the preceding pages.
    
  
  
  • In–house suspension: Students will be supervised to do various tasks around the school (not regular class work in a separate room). All work missed that day must be completed at home that evening.
    
  
  
  • Suspension from school: Parents will be asked to keep their children home for a specified number of days. Work missed must be caught up while students are suspended.
    
  
  
  • MGCS counts days of suspension as unexcused absences; this could result in a zero for all subject grades recorded.
  
  
• Expulsion
  
  
  • Expulsion from MGCS is the final consequence when other disciplinary measures have failed.
    
  
  
  • Please note that married or pregnant students will not be permitted to attend MGCS.

PROBATION

• All incoming students are placed on a nine–week probation to ensure they and MGCS make a “good fit.”
  


• When recurrent problems concerning conduct or grades arise, students may be placed on probation. If problems persist, students will be asked to withdraw from MGCS.
  
  
  • Academic Probation:  Students are placed on academic probation when they receive two or more grades of “F” on their report cards. Any student failing to bring up his/her grades by the next report card may be asked to withdraw.
    
  
  
  • Behavioral Probation:  The school places students on behavioral probation when any of the school’s regulations are flagrantly or repeatedly violated.
  
  
• Administration will decide on probation length. Any careless act or questionable attitude by students on probation will be a basis for dismissal.

SCHOOL SEARCH POLICY

• Lockers, desks, and other school property remain at all times the property of MGCS and are subject to search at the discretion of the administration. MGCS prohibits any unlawful activity on school grounds. Any unlawful, disruptive, or dangerous material found in or on school premises will be confiscated and, if appropriate, reported to the law enforcement authorities.
  


• The administration may search or authorize a search of the property of any student at any time. Students may be present when a search is conducted, except in cases of clear and present danger to life, health, or property. The search will be witnessed by at least one other school official.

RESTRICTED ITEMS

Students may not bring the following items to school, unless specifically authorized by teachers. MGCS will confiscate these items:

• Weapons, including penknives
• Playing cards
• Laser lights
• Electronic games/players
• IPods/music players
• Videos/DVDs/CDs
• Book bags, lunchboxes, or school supplies depicting un–Christian attitudes
• Cell phones and beepers (see notes below)
  
  

  ♦	It is recommended that students not bring cell phones or beepers to school unless absolutely necessary. If they do bring them, the following rules apply:

  
  
  • Parents must sign the form at the end of this book.
    
  
  
  • Cell phones must be turned off and left in lockers or book bags during the school day and during Extended Care hours.
    
  
  
  • If phones are seen or heard during the school day, they will be confiscated, and a recovery fee of $25 will have to be paid.
    
  
  
  • The school is not responsible for any lost cell phones.

FIELD TRIPS

Notice of a field trip is sent home with students, and the written permission slip must be returned to the teacher prior to the day of the trip for a student to participate. Parents may be asked to supervise and/or transport students for field trips. Siblings may not attend unless prior approval is given.

PARENT–TEACHER CONFERENCES

• Conferences between parents and teachers are important for the overall progress of students.
  


• Two days are set aside in each school year for parent–teacher conferences. Please see the school calendar for dates.
  


• Both parents and teachers may set up additional conferences as needed.
  


• Scheduled appointments rather than impromptu meetings in the hallways are most effective.
  


• Administration personnel may attend conferences.

CURRICULUM

• The well–known A Beka approach provides the core of our curriculum, but we use other curricula to enhance your child’s education at MGCS. We continually assess our curriculum in light of national standards and in accordance with our intent to provide an excellent Christian education.
  


• All middle school students have technology classes once a week. In addition, teachers will take students to the computer lab for research and typing of certain projects.
  


• Middle school students attend physical education and art classes.
  


• High school students have a variety of elective subjects available in different years. See timetables.
  

  Extra–curricular Activities
  In addition to sports (basketball, soccer, volleyball, football, and cross country), students have the opportunity to join the National Beta Club, the travel club, and a variety of other clubs which meet on Mondays (Spanish, drama, chess, cooking, book, math, chorus)

HOMEWORK

Research indicates that homework practice can have a positive effect on the study habits and school performance of students.

• There are several reasons for assigning homework:
  
  
  • Parents are aware of the work their children are doing.
    
  
  
  • Parents can witness difficulties experienced by their children and thus understand the grades received on report cards.
    
  
  
  • Skills practice and preparation for class discussion improve classroom performance.
    
  
  
  • Children learn to discipline themselves for independent study.
  
  
• Homework grades can positively or negatively affect a student’s overall grade, so parents are encouraged to supervise their children’s homework and support the homework discipline plan of their children’s teachers.
  


• As a Christian school, we encourage family commitment to Wednesday Bible Study services. The school policy is that MGCS teachers will not assign homework on Wednesday nights. (Studying for a test on Thursday is not considered homework unless new test material was just given.)

GRADING PROCEDURES & PROGRESS REPORTS

• MGCS sends progress reports home every three weeks. Report cards will be sent home every nine weeks. For high school courses on block schedule, reports will be sent home every four to five weeks.
  


• Number grades are used for all subjects in high school and all subjects except PE, art, and technology for middle school.
  


• Only academic subjects (math, science/health, language arts, history, and high school electives) are counted in a student’s Grade Point Average (GPA), but all subjects count towards the “All A” award.
  


• Letter grades fall into the following categories:

  A+	98 – 100		B+	88 – 89		C+	78 – 79
  A	93 – 97		B	83 – 87		C	73 – 77
  A-	90 – 92		B-	80 – 82		C-	70 – 72

  
  
• Students must pass math and language arts and either science or history (for middle school) to be promoted to the next grade.
  


• High school students who fail a subject will be required to attend summer school unless the failed course is offered again the following year.
  


• It is ultimately the responsibility of parents and students to watch grades closely for possible failing.
  


• A student may fail a grade only once and still be allowed to return to MGCS.
  


• Teachers are usually available after school until 3:45 pm to help students understand assignments. After–school tutoring is also available.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

Channel 13 or Radio Stations WMWR 940 (AM) or WAYS 99 (FM) will be notified on days when the school will be closed due to bad weather or dangerous driving conditions. Please check with the radio/television stations because we do not always close when Bibb or Houston County schools close. If Bibb County schools start later in the day, this does not mean we will. Listen to Channel 13, or the radio stations mentioned above. We will notify them if we are to start later. IMPORTANT:  You may pick up your child if you feel the situation warrants it, even if the school has not officially closed.

MEDICATION

Tylenol may be obtained from the administrative assistant when necessary. However, students should bring all other needed medication from home in original containers. The medication must be given to homeroom teachers at the beginning of the school day. The school will not distribute any medication without a permission note from parents which includes: name of the child, name of the prescription, dosage, dosage times, relevant dates, and parent signature.

LUNCH PROGRAM

• Food From Home
  
  • Because there are a limited number of microwaves, no food should require warming for longer than three minutes.
    
  
  
  • Eating utensils should be sent with lunches from home.
    
  
  
  • Sodas, water, milk, and fruit drinks are available for purchase from the school store, but drinks may be brought from home and placed in classroom refrigerators.
    
  
  
  • Students who do not have a lunch will be given a lunch from the school store, and MGCS will add the charge to the parent’s account.
    
  
  
  • Students may not phone parents to bring forgotten lunches.
  
  
• School Lunch
  
  • All students will be able to order catered food. Information explaining the procedure for this will be sent home during the first week of school. Parents are urged to read the instructions carefully to insure their children will have their food ordered.
    
  
  
  • Thursday folders will contain food order forms.
    
  
  
  • Unless a child is absent, the food order form with the money must be sent to the class teacher, not the bookkeeper.
    
  
  
  • Instructions for absentee ordering are on the food order forms.
    
  
  
  • No refunds or credits may be given for ordered food. Food for absent children may be picked up that day or refrigerated and served the next day. Fast food orders will be discarded the second day after delivery.
  
  
• School Store
  
  
  • The store sells lunch buckets, fruit juices, water, chips, candy, and other snacks (as well as school items such as pens, pencils, notebooks, rulers, etc.)
    
  
  
  • The school store will open during the first fifteen minutes of lunch periods. Parents may arrange other times with the administration.

VISITORS

• All visitors to MGCS must report to the office upon arrival. They must receive visitors’ passes before going to any other part of the school. The appropriate teacher and/or the director will organize classroom visitations.
  


• If you need to bring anything to school for your child during the day, please leave it at the office rather than interrupt the class.
  


• While guests are on campus, they should be in the company of their host and are subject to school rules.
  


• Students not enrolled in MGCS may not visit while school is in session without prior approval from the administration.

VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS

The school encourages volunteer organizations to assist in the accomplishment of its mission. “Parents, Teachers, Friends Association” (PTFA) was established for this purpose. With the approval of the administration, members organize activities to enhance the learning experiences in our school.

The bookkeeper receipts and accounts for all funds raised in the name of Middle Georgia Christian School.

JEWELRY & GROOMING

• Jewelry
  
  • Jewelry may include one bracelet, one watch, one ring, and one simple, small gold or silver chain necklace worn inside the shirt.
  • ONLY girls may wear a single pair of stud earrings or small loops
  • Jewelry is not appropriate for P.E. classes.
  • Jewelry must not be distracting during class time.
  • MGCS does not allow body piercing (other than ears) and tattoos (temporary or permanent).
  • Students should not write and draw on themselves.
  
  
• Perfumes
  

  No strong–scented colognes are allowed because some students and staff may be allergic to perfumed products or suffer from asthma.

• Make–up
  
  
  • Girls may wear a modest amount of make–up, using natural or light shades, and they may wear light shades of fingernail polish.
    
  
  
  • Eyeliner is allowed, but girls should avoid using excessive eye makeup.
  
  
• Hair Code
  
  Hair must be clean and kept neatly groomed, with hair pulled out of eyes.
  
        Boys
  • MGCS does not allow rat–tails
  • No facial hair is allowed.
  • No unnatural hair color is allowed.
  • Hair must be above–the–collar in length and out of the eyes.
  • Sideburns should not extend below the earlobes.
  • Braids are allowed only under the following conditions:
    • Neatly kept
    • Tightly woven, lying flat on the head
    • Above collar–length
    • No longer than cheek level in the front
  
  
      Girls
• No unnatural hair color is allowed
• Braids are allowed only under the following conditions:
  • Neatly kept
  • Tightly woven, lying flat on the head
  • No longer than cheek level in the front

CASUAL FRIDAY DRESS CODE

Friday is Casual Day, but we still expect students to look neat and to wear attire appropriate for Christian young people. Students may wear denims and non–uniform trousers/skirts, but students should follow guidelines for modesty. Shorts should be knee–length. See regular dress code for shoes and accessories.

• Not appropriate
• Shirts with ungodly (astrology, vampire, etc) themes
• Cut–offs, frayed pants, or pants with holes
• Jogging suits or sweatpants

• Shirts and Blouses
  
  
  • Plain red, white, or black polo/turtleneck shirts with MGCS LOGO.
  • White, short or long–sleeved Oxford cloth, button–down collar shirt
  • Girls may also wear:
    • Peter Pan blouses
    • White, ¾–sleeved princess overblouse (Buckhead Uniform)
  • Shirts should be tucked in at all times; however, for girls, there are two exceptions to the shirttail rule:
    • Oxford, button–down collar shirts worn underneath a sweater vest may be worn untucked with shirt–tails exposed.
    • White, ¾– sleeve princess overblouse worn with a plaid, khaki, or black skirt should be untucked.
  • Layering (red, white, black crew neck under polo) is acceptable.

        Not appropriate
        Crew neck t–shirts, sleeveless shirts
        Form–fitting or low–cut shirts (NO spandex, lycra, etc)
        Visible writing on undershirts

• Shorts, Slacks, and Capri Pants
  
  
  • Uniform–style khaki or black trousers or capris
  • Neat, modest–fitting jeans (NOT on Mondays)
  • Knee–length khaki, black, or denim shorts
  • Girls’ plaid shorts with cuff (Buckhead Uniforms, color #70)
  • Belt loops and belts

        Not appropriate
        Sagging, oversized, or tight–fitting pants
        Cut–offs, frayed pants, or pants with holes
        Cargo pants
        Deliberately faded jeans

• Jumpers and Skirts
  
  
  • Plaid (Buckhead Uniforms, color #70), khaki, or black
  • Knee–length


• Sweater Vest
  
  
  • Sweater vests must be red, white, or black.
  • These will be worn only over short or long–sleeved Oxford shirts


• Sweaters and Sweatshirts
  
  
  • Red, white, or black sweaters and sweatshirts may be worn inside classrooms; only MGCS insignia.
  • Sweaters and sweatshirts must not be tied around the waist.
  • Hoodies are acceptable under the following conditions:
    • No hoods up in buildings
    • No oversized hoodies
    • Correct uniform underneath
    • School colors, only MGCS insignia
    • Any abuse of rules results in loss of privilege
  
  
• Shoes, Socks, and Hose
  
  
  • Students must wear clean and neat shoes and socks at all times. Tennis shoes are required for P.E. classes.
  • Black or brown conservative shoes (no open toe, no higher than 1 inch)
  • Tennis shoes – NO lights
  • Red, black, or white knee or crew socks
  • White or black tights
  • Skin–colored hose
  • Boots for girls must be flat and brown or black – no buckles etc.

        Not appropriate
        Sandals, flip flops, boots
        Heels higher than one inch
        Shoes without socks

• Belts
  
  
  • Black or brown leather, or braided belt


• Hair Accessories
  
  
  • Accessories must be red, white, black, khaki or plaid.


• Hats
  
  
  • No hats are allowed.

High school students have a more relaxed code as outlined below, but they may choose to adhere to the middle school dress code if they wish.

• Shorts, Slacks, and Capri Pants
  • Khaki or black trousers
  • Blue or black jeans

      Not appropriate
      Sagging, oversized, tight–fitting, deliberately faded pants
      Cargo pants, cut–offs, frayed or torn pants (deliberate or not)

• Jumpers and Skirts
  • Khaki, black, or blue jean
  • Knee–length or longer


• Shirts
  • On Mondays, shirts should be red, white, or black.
  • Any color polo/turtleneck shirt with collar
  • School LOGO is essential (buy from our store)
  • Girls may leave only the top button undone


• Belts
  • Belts should be worn with pants.


• Hats
  • No hats are allowed.


• Sweaters and Sweatshirts
  • Solid sweaters and sweatshirts may be worn inside classrooms, and only MGCS–related insignia are acceptable.
  • Sweaters and sweatshirts must not be tied around the waist.
  • Hoodies are acceptable under the following conditions:
    • No hoods up in buildings
    • No oversized hoodies
    • Correct uniform underneath
    • Only MGCS insignia
    • Any abuse of rules results in loss of privilege
  
  
• Shoes
  • Students must wear tennis shoes and socks for P.E. classes.
  • Flat brown or black boots are allowed for girls.
  • No heels higher than one inch are allowed.

We aim to give your child the best care possible, so please read the following very carefully and if you have any questions about our policies, please ask the administrative assistant or the Extended Care supervisor (Mrs. Starr Joyner).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Who may use Extended Care, and when is it available?
   
   
   • Extended Care is available for any child enrolled in the school.
   • Hours are 3:15 to 6:00 pm.


2. When is Extended Care NOT available?
   
   
   • Extended Care is not available during school holidays and on Parent–Teacher Conference days (see calendar).


3. What are the rates for Extended Care?
   
   
   • Regular rate: Any family signing up for the regular rate agrees to pay the weekly rate whether their child attends Extended Care or not. This guarantees the child a place in Extended Care on any day. The number of care givers scheduled to work is based on the number we have enrolled in regular Extended Care.
     • Each family makes a deposit of $48.00, refunded at the end of the school year (minus the last charge). This qualifies them for the regular rate of $48.00 per week.
     • Fees pre–paid on the first of the month will be $170.00 per month, which is a savings of $22.00 per month.
   • Drop–in rate: Drop–ins pay $6.00 per hour, with no deposit required.
     • The balance owing is due on Friday of the week the family is charged for drop–in service.
     • Parents wishing to use this service must check with the Extended Care supervisor in advance because we can accommodate a limited number of children, and we give priority to regular Extended Care children.


4. What happens if I am late to pick up my child?
   
   To avoid having to delay staff at school, MGCS charges $1.25 a minute for every minute after 6 pm that parents are late to pick up their children.



5. When do I pay for my child’s Extended Care?
   
   Our Extended Care week runs from Monday to Friday. A printout will be in your child's Thursday folder showing your balance. Extended Care bills are due weekly unless set up otherwise with the bookkeeper.



6. When can children not stay in Extended Care?
   
   
   • Children cannot stay in Extended Care if they have a communicable disease or have a fever of 100° or more.
     
   
   
   • If parents are delinquent in school payments or are consistently late to pick up their children, Extended Care is not available for their children.
     
   
   
   • Serious and consistent misbehavior could result in children not being allowed to use Extended Care.


7. What happens to accounts that become delinquent?
   
   
   • MGCS will charge a $30.00 late fee for any account with a 30–day outstanding bill.
     
   
   
   • After the account is past due for one month, the use of Extended Care will be restricted. There will be a note sent home, advising that MGCS must receive the payment in full within ten days or the account will go to the collection agency.
     
   
   
   • The collection agency adds 50% of your current outstanding balance to your account, as the agreement on the enrollment card states.


8. Is punishment for misbehavior the same as during school?
   

   No, it is not. We do not use corporal punishment in Extended Care. If a child continues to misbehave after teachers talk to him/her, use time out, and/or deny play time with certain items, then the child may be suspended from Extended Care for a specified amount of time. If the situation still does not improve, we may ban a child from the use of our Extended Care.

9. Is there a dress code for Extended Care?

   The school dress code applies to Extended Care.




10. What do I need to provide for Extended Care?
    
    
    • Parents of K3 and K4 students must provide a labeled small blanket (no bigger than a beach towel) or a towel; a travel pillow is optional. Blankets or towels will be sent home every Friday for washing, and parents must return these to the preschool classroom on Monday.
      
    
    
    • If MGCS is to give medication, we must have a letter from the parent with the date, the child's full name, the name of the medication, the prescription number (if any), the dosage, the date and time to be given, and the parent's signature. Medicine must be in its original container. All of this is required in State Extended Care Regulations.
      
    
    
    • What happens in an emergency (injury, severe weather, etc.)?
      
      
      • Extended Care will notify parents if their child becomes ill or receives an injury.
        
      
      
      • The Extended Care facility has an emergency plan for fire and severe weather conditions, and MGCS conducts a fire drill once a month. Should any other conditions arise, MGCS will notify the parents. The same procedure that the school uses for closing in case of bad weather applies to closing Extended Care.


11. Who may pick up my children from Extended Care?
    
    
    • Only parents and authorized people listed on a child’s enrollment form may pick up the child unless a parent calls and gives us the code word listed on the enrollment card.  (This is why it is so important not to give this word out to anyone, including the child. We will use it only for phone conversation when we want to make sure it is the parent calling.)
      
    
    
    • If a person other than the parent comes to pick up a child, or if a new Extended Care worker is working who does not know the parent, a photo ID will be required.

Receipt for this handbook.

Cell phone authorization.