Vision
To provide a continuum of education for children of local families who want to live the full life, promised in God's word by creating an environment for academic excellence, skills training, health education and spiritual nuturing.
Mission Statement
Educating for today, tomorrow, and eternity.
Philosophy
As an educational institution sponsored by the Mount Dora Seventh-day Adventist Church, Gateway Christian School is founded upon Christian principles and beliefs. We value the contribution of Christian teachers and are committed to a relationship with them for the benefit of our students' academic achievement and spritual development. Each school day begins with devotions for the students and teachers. Assemblies are conducted at various times by pastors of the Seventh-day Adventist Churches, special guests, or teachers. We believe that parents are responsible for the spiritual and moral training of their children, and we support them in their pursuit of Biblical principles in the home. God has given parents the mandate by His Divine word to teach, instruct, and train their children the way they should go, and it is upon this foundation that we base our organization.
Statement of Faith
Seventh-day Adventists are a Christian faith community rooted in the beliefs described by the Holy Scriptures. If you would like more information about Seventh-day Adventists, please contact Pastor Tom Baker at 352-383-4100, ext 12.
Organizational Structure
The Church Gateway Christian School is a ministry of the Mount Dora Seventh-day Adventist Church, and supported by the Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Though our uniqueness is as Sabbath keepers living a healthier lifestyle, we remain centered on the gospel of Christ as our Lord and Savior. The School Gateway Christian School is a private non-profit Pre-K through 8th grade Christian school. We are accredited by the Southern Union Conference Department of Education, the Florida Conference Department of Education, and the Florida Association of Academic Non-Public schools, which is recognized by the State of Florida Department of Education as a private school. Faculty and Staff Louise Hendrickson Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Sign Language Caroline Joachim Pre-K, and French Robyn Gold 1st and 2nd Grade Sharlene Curet Principal, 3rd and 4th Grade Shannon Hagen 5th and 6th Grade Sandra Geach 7th and 8th Grade Dagmar Rodriguez Music, drama, bells, and Spanish
Hours of Operation
Office Hours The school office is open by appointment. You may also leave voice mail messages at the office at any time, and we will return your call as soon as possible. The office telephone number is (352) 383-9920. Our Fax number is (352) 383-4140. Summer hours are Monday through Thursday, 10am to 3pm. School Hours Classes are held Monday through Thursday 8:00 to 3:00 p.m., Friday from 8:00am to 1:00pm.
Admission Policies
Parents and students seeking admission agree to support the school’s principles, programs, and personnel. They will consent to act in harmony with the standards, requirements, and philosophy of the school. No student will be denied admission due to race, gender, color, nationality, or ethnic origin, and all students will receive all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally made available to students. Requirements Gateway Christian School is open to all Christian families who agree by philosophical assent and support by lifestyle, the manner in which Gateway Christian School defines and prioritizes the three basic institutions of Church, home, and school. We specifically require that: 1. Students have taken care of any financial or academic requirements from previous schools attended before applying at Gateway Christian School. 2. Parents attend an information meeting at the school or have a private information interview. 3. Families of prospective students should understand and follow Gateway Christian School’s Mission statement and Philosophy. The School Board reserves the right to refuse admittance to any student who does not exhibit behavior in harmony with the school’s principles and will determine final decisions regarding acceptance. The School Board reserves the right to refuse admission based on the following: 1. Failure of Parents and/or Students to follow Gateway’s Mission Statement and Handbook. 2. School Records 3. Academics 4. Irregular Attendance 5. Special needs exceeding Gateway’s services 6. Non-compliance with counseling stipulated for readmission 7. Unresolved financial accounts from previous years
Enrollment Procedure
1. At least one parent must attend a general information meeting. 2. If parents choose to register their child at Gateway prior to the registration date, they must submit a $25.00 Intent Fee for each student. The fee is credited toward the registration fee due at the time of registration, registration fees are non-refundable if the student is accepted into the program. 3. An enrollment packet must be completed for each family and each student prior to the interview. The enrollment packet will include the following: 1. Registration Form 2. Medical Consent Form 3. School Record Request Form 4. Attendance Policy 5. Technology Forms 6. Pick up Permission Form 7. Field Trip Permission Form 8. Handbook Acknowledgement Form 4. Each family must also provide a copy of each of the following 1. Immunization (HRS 680 blue form updated from doctor’s office. 2. Physical Examination (HRS 340 yellow form from doctors office.) New Florida student’s examination should be dated within one year of admission. 3. Copy of Birth Certificate 4. Copy of Social Security Card 5. A family interview must be scheduled with a member of the Admissions Committee. 6. Parents will be notified within one week of acceptance into the school. It will be the decision of the Admissions Committee to deny or accept any application. 7. All students are annually reviewed by the Admissions Committee. If the Admissions Committee foresee the student or guardians should take additional actions in upholding the mission of Gateway Christian School they will be notified. Re-enrollment Re-enrollment dates are established annually. Completion of the registration form and payment of the annual registration fee will secure a position for the next school year provided the current student of Gateway is considered to be in “good standing”. Your family is in good standing if: 1. All financial obligations with regard to Gateway have been met. 2. Your family has not accrued three infractions over the course of the school year. 3. The student you wish to re-enroll is in good academic standing. 4. Fulfillment of all acceptance conditions. 5. The following through of any recommendations made to optimally meet the mission of educating today, tomorrow, and eternity are met. Student Test & Evaluations All new students will be given a placement assessment test in the areas of reading and math. In order to be accepted, the student must fall within the normal standards of the test. All students will be placed in the appropriate grade according to their assessed grade level.
Financial:
Parents are responsible for payment of annual registration, tuition, curriculum, and field trip fees for each student. Financial agreements will be reviewed and signed annually by the parent or guardian of each student. The annual tuition may be paid in full before the 1st day of classes or broken down into 10 payments with the first payment due before the 1st day of classes and the last payment due in May. Tuition is due by the 1st of each month. Failure to keep an account current could result in dismissal. In the event of a financial crisis, the parent must communicate with the financial officer in a written agreement submitted by the parent and approved by the financial committee who will consider each family’s situation separately, and carefully. If no such communication takes place, a late fee of $25.00 will be assessed after the 10th of each month. If monthly tuition is more than 5 days past due, and no financial agreement has been made between the family and the financial officer, the student will not be allowed to attend classes until the account becomes current, or a financial agreement has been reached. Checks being applied to a student’s account should be made payable to Gateway Christian School. The student’s name should be written on the check to ensure credit is made to the proper account. The school charges $50.00 if the bank does not honor a check. Debit and credit cards maybe used but a convenience fee will be added.
Academics:
Parents are responsible for making sure that all homework is completed on time. Planners or assignment sheets shoud be signed daily according to the teacher's policy. Discipline and structure in the home as well as at school is imperative for this educational model and mission to be met. The parent must review all schoolwork done at home and review grades on Renweb. The parent must initiate communication with the teacher for any questions or isunderstandings concerning the course work. Grading
3rd Grade-8th Grade
GRADE
GPA POINTS
PERCENTAGE
A
4.00
100-93
A-
3.67
92-9
B+
3.33
89-87
B
3.00
86-83
B-
2.67
82-80
C+
2.33
79-77
C
2.00
76-73
C-
1.67
72-70
D+
1.33
69-67
D
1.00
66-63
D-
0.67
62-60
F
0.00
59-00
Cheating/Plagiarism
Because of the nature of academic dishonesty or cheating, a special policy has been adopted by Gateway Christian School for situations in which a student has participated in cheating or has assisted someone else in cheating.
For the purposes of this policy, cheating is defined as any effort to obtain credit for work that is not one’s own, including copying the work of other students, plagiarizing the thoughts or words of others, accessing prohibited materials or resources (such as calculators if banned by the teacher), or otherwise claiming credit for or taking advantage of material the student did not produce and is not responsible for. Attempting to cheat or assisting others in cheating, such as by providing work or answers for others to copy, is also considered cheating and is covered by this policy. Violations of this policy will result in the following discipline measures:
1. First Offense : Zero credit for assignment and student conference with teacher. 2. Second Offense : Zero credit for assignment, 1-day suspension, and student/parent conference with principal. 3. Third Offense : Zero credit for assignment, and the school board will determine further action. Report Cards
Printed copies of quarterly grades will be issued at the end of each quarter. Grades should be viewed on Renweb weekly. Parent/Teacher conferences are required at the end of 1st and 3rd quarter while other appointments should be made as needed. Illness/Absence and Make-up
Work When there is an illness or approved absence, all work must be made up in a timely manner. Missed assignments are due two school days after an excused absence . Additional days may be permitted, on an individual basis, by the teacher for extended absence. No work will be accepted after two weeks of the original due date for the assignment. If the teacher does not receive the assigned work within fourteen calendar days, a zero will be given for the missed work. Parents should comply with each individual teacher’s homework policy, which should be worked out in advance of the intended absence. Parent-Teacher Communication
1.) Discuss your child’s needs in a scheduled appointment duable for the teacher's responsibilities. Typically the best appointments are 15 minutes after school dismisses. Please refrain from calling or texting teachers after 9:00 PM on a school night.
2.) Bring a classroom problem to the teacher and discuss possible solutions before taking matters to the principal.
3.) If the problem is not resolved—go to the principal.
4.) If the problem is still unresolved a complaint may be brought before the school board at their next scheduled meeting. Parent Involvement
Gateway Christian School encourages parents and guardians to volunteer a minimum of ten hours throughout the school year. This includes assistance and attendance for performances, meetings, field trips, special events, etc.
Attendance and Tardiness
Tardiness Students are tardy if they are not in their classroom by the appointed class start time. Excused tardiness includes medical appointments. Unexcused tardiness includes any reason other than medical appointments. Gateway’s tardy policy is as follows:
1. Anytime a student is tardy it will require parent/guardian to walk their student in with either the $1.00 tardy fee or a medical note from physician’s office. 2. If student enters GCS unaccompanied and without the $1.00 tardy fee the dollar must be brought in the next morning BEFORE student may attend class. 3. Ten unexcused tardies in a single grading period will result in a $25.00 fine. 4. If 18 tardies, excused or unexcused, are accumulated during the school year the student becomes ineligible for honor roll field trip and principal’s lunch. 5. Any student having 30 or more tardies within a school year the parent must meet with the Admissions Committee. Absences
Children should not attend school if they are ill. Illness includes having a fever, or vomiting within a 24 hr. period. Students who are absent due to illness beyond three days will need a physician's note documenting the illness, verifying eligibility to return to school and any limitations the physician recommends. It is important to schedule vacations, mission trips and family conferences with school attendance in mind. If a trip is unavoidable please fill out a “Leave of Absence” form (available in the office) at least one week prior to leaving, so that you can work out a plan accordingly with your child’s teacher. It will be at their discretion if work can be made up. Healthcare Policy
Parents are asked to cooperate with the school in minimizing the spread of communicable diseases among the students and staff. Therefore,
1.) Any student who comes to school ill or becomes ill while at school, will be taken to the office and parents will be called to pick up the student. No student with a temperature of 100 degrees F or above will be allowed to remain in school. 2.) Parents should not send their child to school if he/she has been vomiting, has a temperature above normal (98.6 degrees F), is suspected of having a contagious condition (impetigo, ringworm, chicken pox, pinkeye, lice, flu, etc.) or has not sufficiently recovered from an illness. IF YOUR CHILD IS SICK OR WAS SICK, PLEASE DO NOT SEND THEM TO SCHOOL until they have been free from vomiting and/or fever for 24 hours. 3.) If a student is sick more than 3 days, he/she must have a written doctor’s note for absences to be excused. 4.) A first-aid kit is available in the office for minor cuts, bruises, or burns. 5.) The State of Florida HRS requires school personnel to have a program that will be safe for children at all times. The staff members are required by law to report any suspected incidents of child abuse to the nearest HRS child abuse center. 6.) Insurance: The school purchases school accident insurance coverage for each student. The cost of this insurance is included in the registration fee. The school is responsible for only the amount covered by insurance. Parents are urged to carry additional insurance to supplement the amount covered by the school. 7.) Medication Policy: Florida law does not allow school personnel to administer medication without explicit written instructions. This includes prescriptions and non-prescription medication. The following medication procedure must be followed in order for school personnel to administer any nonprescription and/or prescription medication. a. A form available in the office and providing the child’s name, medication, dosage, and time to be administered and parent’s signature must be filled out. b. The medication must come to school in the original prescription bottle or manufacturer’s package. c. The medication must be sent or carried directly to the office. Medication may not be kept in the student’s desk, lunch box, or his/her person. This is a violation of Florida State law.
Dress Code
The purpose of a dress code is to set guidelines which will ensure a neat and modest appearance that will serve us in representing our Lord, our school, and our family as well. To encourage students to dress simply and attractively and to ensure that the students’ appearance is appropriate for a school setting, compliance with the following dress code is required for students. 1. No jewelry of any kind. 2. No portion of underwear is to be showing. 3. All shirts must cover the entire midriff and boy’s shirts must be tucked in when not involved with P.E. or sports.
What to Wear 1. Burgundy polo shirt bearing the logo of Gateway Christian School is the accepted shirt for school days. 2. A Gateway Christian School logo t-shirt with the school name will be required for field trips and other designated days. 3. P.E. shirts are required 4. Students should wear athletic shorts or pants, shorts should come to students knees (T-shirt and P.E. uniforms can be purchased through F.M. Marketing - see Dress Code form. The following can be purchased at the uniform clothing store of your choice. Please adhere to guidelines as listed below: 5. Khaki/tan or navy blue "school uniform" pants. 6. Khaki/tan or navy blue "school uniform" shorts. Shorts must be at least mid thigh length. 7. Khaki/tan or navy blue "school uniform" skirts, capris and skorts maybe worn by girls. Skirts and skorts must be at least knee length. 8. Belts are required. Shoes and Outerwear
1. Flat closed toe shoes are required to be worn at all times. Ladies refrain from wearing heels unless given permission for special occasions. 2. Sneakers or tennis shoes are required for all athletic activities. 3. Jackets with zippers or cardigans maybe worn during cooler weather. The color should be a solid navy or gray. The designated school patch should be sewn on. 4. Hats and sunglasses should only be worn outdoors. Dress Code Violations Three dress code violations will result in an infraction.
Discipline Policy
Good Conduct Code The goals of this discipline policy are as follows: 1. Ensure the safety of staff and students 2. Instill a desire for Christian behavior 3. Create a positive learning/teaching environment 4. Lead each student to become a self-governing individual 5. Reflect the principles of our school 6. Encourage responsible behavior 7. Meet the mission statement of educating today, tomorrow, and eternity Student Conduct Towards Adults and Students
All members of the school staff, faculty and any adult on campus must be obeyed and respected at all times. If there is a misunderstanding between a student and any adult other than those directly associated with Gateway Christian School, the principal must be notified and appropriate steps toward resolution will be taken. Each student is expected to: 1. Maintain kindness and respect for staff and peers 2. Treat other people’s property with respect 3. Follow staff requests 4. Assist in maintaining a positive learning environment 5. Speak quietly and politely 6. Ensure that conduct does not endanger self or others 7. Be on time 8. Be in assigned location throughout the day 9. Come prepared to give your best effort There is never to be any hitting, pushing, or shoving anywhere on campus. Behaviors that undermine this principle, such as teasing, gossiping, forming cliques, etc., will be noted, discussed, and disciplined. Classroom Conduct
1. Students will not sit on desktops, tables, or lean back on chairs or desks. 2. There shall be no horseplay or throwing of objects in classrooms. 3. Students shall treat property with the highest respect; therefore, students should refrain from anything that might be considered damaging, abusive, or neglectful to equipment or property.
Disciplinary Guidelines
1.) The Principal has the right to suspend the student for any level offense if the conduct continues despite the corrective actions, or if student or parent exhibits gross disrespect for authority during the corrective process. 2.) Parents are to carefully consider this Discipline Policy and discuss it with their children. A parent signature on the “Handbook Acknowledgement” form is an indication of approval from the parent and an agreement that both the students and parents intend to comply with all the rules and regulations of the school. 3.) Continuing behavior problems at school will require parents to provide the school with a written, specific action plan to correct the student’s behavior, and may require that parents be present in their children’s classroom until the behavior is corrected to the satisfaction of the school. 4.) Corporal Punishment is not an appropriate method of punishment and is not practiced by Gateway Christian School.
Level 1 Offenses
Examples of violations requiring discipline: 1. Arguing 2. Teasing 3. Lack of Courtesy 4. Complaining 5. Sulking 6. Rolling the eyes 7. Inappropriate language 8. Talking or being out of seat without permission 9. Rowdy Behavior 10. Handling another person’s property without permission 11. Possession of distracting items not required for schoolwork (radios, gadgets, toys, etc.) 12. Late or incomplete assignments 13. Sloppy or careless work 14. Littering 15. Dress code violations 16. Tardiness Actions to be taken in response to Level 1 Offenses:
The following disciplinary action sequence will be in effect for level 1 offenses: 1.) First offense-Teacher or other staff member tells the student to stop the inappropriate behavior. 2.) Second offense-Student meets with principal to resolve the issue and parents are informed. 3.) Third offense-Teacher or other staff member meets with the parent, student and principal to resolve the issue and set up a corrective action plan. 4.) Fourth offense-The student is given 3 day suspension. 5.) Fifth offense-Student is referred to the school board where the continued enrollment of the student will be discussed. Level II Offenses
Examples of violations requiring discipline: 1. Refusing to comply with a direct order from any member of faculty or staff 2. Responding to an adult’s corrective action with excessive or repeated discourtesy or belligerence 3. Leaving campus or skipping class without permission 4. Cursing, lying, stealing, cheating, forgery (copying another student’s work) Actions to be taken in response to Level II Offenses: 1.) First offense- Student will be removed from the classroom. A conference with student, parent, teacher and principal will be scheduled. 2.) Second offense-One-Week Suspension 3.) Third offense- Referral to the School Board. Level III Offenses
Major violations warranting immediate suspension and/or expulsion: 1. Violence toward self or another person
2. Vandalism
3. Possession of illegal drugs, tobacco, or alcohol
4. Possession of a weapon
5. Inappropriate physical touching or sexual harassment
6. Conduct deemed of a serious enough nature for principal and board to request immediate suspension and/or expulsion
Actions to be taken in response to Level III Offenses:
1.) Immediate suspension until further action is taken
2.) Referral to legal authorities, if required
3.) Student will be expelled from school for possession of illegal drugs, weapons, tobacco, or alcohol.
Fire Drills, Facility Policies and Student Safety
Fire drills will be conducted monthly. Students are asked to walk to designated positions at the perimeter of the school campus to allow for emergency vehicles to have a clear path to the buildings, and to ensure student safety.
Safety Policy
1.) An adult must accompany children in K4-2nd Grade when entering the building or walking in the parking lot.
2.) Parents who are not accompanying their children (grades 3 and up) inside should drop them off at the school entrance of the building.
3.) Pick up policy - No student is allowed to leave the premises without authorization on the pick up form
4.) Sign in/sign out sheet - If your student leaves school before scheduled dismissal time the student should be signed out on the early dismissal form.
5.) The facility doors are to remain locked. Students must not open them unless given appropriate permission. 6.) Volunteer Screening -Volunteers who desire to work with students must undergo background check 7.) No tolerance policy/weapons/drugs - Immediate action will be taken involving the appropriate authorities Gateway Christian School administration reserves the right to search any person's possession, i.e., locker, backpack, purse, etc. upon reasonable suspicion.
Field Trip Policy
1.) Permission slips must be signed by parent or legal guardian and returned prior to leaving. 2.) Pre-k must be accompanied by parent or guardian in order to attend the field trip. 3.) Staff will have necessary consent to treatment forms on all students attending the trip. 4.) Students will only ride with those who have adequate insurance required by Risk Management. 5.) Details regarding time, food, location will be noted in permission slips. 6.) Lead teachers will conduct frequent head counts and instruct all chaperones on appropriate procedures. 7.) Gateway Christian School Board will approve all field trips before they are taken.
School Lunches
The diet of students affects how they learn. Each child is encouraged to eat a nourishing breakfast before coming to school each morning. Please send a nourishing sack lunch.
Lunches high in sugar should be avoided. Students are not allowed to drink caffeinated beverages during school hours. If students wish to share food for special occasions the teacher must be notified prior and an ingredient list must be available due to allergies, or other medical conditions.
Technology Policy
The purpose of the Gateway Christian School technology program is to provide educational services, opportunities and learning for today and the future. Our goal is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovations and communication. With this educational opportunity also comes responsibility. Access and use of the Internet, local area networks, computers and related equipment is a privilege.
Computer Policy
1. I will use my authorized network account (code) for appropriate purposes. I will not intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of or modify files, other data or passwords belonging to other users or misrepresent other users on the network. Therefore, I will protect the privacy of others’ areas by not trying to learn their password. 2. I will not bring ANY software or other unauthorized computerrelated material into the school setting. 3. I will recognize that copyright laws protect software; therefore I will not make ANY copies of software, either by copying them onto my own diskettes or onto other computers through electronic mail or bulletin boards; and I will not give, lend or sell copies of software to others. 4. I will not vandalize equipment or data. Vandalism includes any attempt to take, harm, and destroy hardware or data, either willfully or as a result of inappropriate behavior. This includes, but is not limited to the uploading or creation of computer viruses, taking food or drinks near electronic devices, and not following all boot and shut down procedures carefully, so as not to harm the equipment. 5. I will not waste or take supplies, such as paper, ink cartridges, or diskettes and CD’s. 6. I will not access any inappropriate or unauthorized material on the Internet. 7. I recognize that an authorized staff member must monitor all use of technology. 8. I understand that computers are for school learning only and only teacher sanctioned game playing is allowed.
iPad User Policy
1. I understand the use of the iPad at Gateway Christian School is for instructional and witnessing purposes. It will not be used for entertainment. 2. I understand I may not download an app for any media content on a Gateway Christian School iPad without consent from my teacher. 3. I will maintain the operating system and not change it. 4. I will not deface the serial number. 5. I will not take an iPad beyond my classroom unless instructed by my teacher. 6. I will never leave the iPad unattended or share a different iPad 7. I will be responsible for the iPad assigned to me and I recognize if there are any damages to the iPad I’ve been assigned to it’s my full responsibility to pay for and fix the iPad. 8. I will not take photos or record class lectures, discussions, etc. unless given permission from the instructor 9. I will protect the iPad by ensuring it’s in a proper case and I will not stack anything on top of it. 10. I will ensure the iPad I have been using is properly charged and stored. 11. I will not share my password or attempt to discover anyone’s password. 12. I recognize using an app under someone else’s login or user name will result in suspension from the iPad. 13. I recognize the staff and administration at Gateway Christian School has the right to amend this user policy at their discretion. I realize at that time, I will have a new user policy to sign. 14. I have read, understand and agree to all points in Gateway Christian School’s iPad user policy and will fully adhere to the policy. Other Technology 1.) No toys, electronics such as mp3 players, video game consoles, or any other item, which could be a distraction in the classroom, are allowed on campus. If any electronic device is heard, seen or used the student will be charged a $25 dollar fine. The device will be confiscated and may be claimed after the fine has been paid. 2.) Student use of cell phones are not permitted on campus during school hours. If a cell phone is heard, seen or used, the student will be charged a $25 dollar fine, the cell phone will be confiscated and may be claimed after the fine has been paid.
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