Daystar
Christian School
Handbook
2015-2016
Daystar Adventist School
3912 O’Neal Avenue
Pueblo, Colorado 81005
(719) 561-9120
daystarchristianpueblo.com
Supervised and Accredited through
Rocky Mountain Conference
2520 South Downing Street
Denver, CO 80210
(303) 733-3771
Principal/Teacher
Michelle Velbis
407-412-2294
School Board Chair
Calvin Bennett
719-225-0382
School Treasurer
Diedre Sicher
719-566-1984
Pastor
Brad Schleif
941-224-6770
Home and School Leader
School Board Members
Lisa Black
Holly Bruestle
John Garcia
Brandy Martinez
Wayne Nazarenus
Message to Parents
Dear Parents,
The Daystar Christian School Board thanks you for choosing an accredited school that offers Christian education
for your child.
This school manual will provide information concerning our Christian school ministry. The Seventh-day Adventist
elementary school is a place of learning for Christian young people and is an extension of the Christian home
environment. The objective of our school is to train young people to be good community citizens while preparing
them for heavenly citizenship.
God has given parents the tremendous responsibility to train their children in the “nurture and admonition of the
Lord.”
We realize that although Daystar Christian School is a Christian school, every person in attendance may not yet
have surrendered his/her life to Christ. We encourage all associated with the school to help each student make
this decision in his/her life. We consider it a privilege to assist you as parents in the training of your most precious
possession – your child.
We solicit prayers as we strive daily to attain these highest of goals. The School Board is confident that you as
parents will assist your child in complying with and maintaining the principles set forth in this school manual.
Yours in Christ,
Daystar Christian School Board
Pueblo Seventh-day Adventist Church School History
The first church school in Pueblo was started in 1919, in what was the second church building for Pueblo First
Seventh-day Adventist Church. It was a long, store-like building painted green in which George Vandeman,
founder and director of the It is Written television program was born. Miss Minnie Hahn was the first teacher.
The building was inadequate for the church, so was sold in 1921 and a new building site was sought. While the
building site was being sought, and the new church was being built, the church rented a lodge hall on Union
Avenue. Church school was temporarily discontinued during the rental of the lodge hall, and did not reopen until
the new church was completed.
The new church on the corner of 13th and Grand Avenue was completed in 1923. School reopened in its
basement the next school year in 1924 with Mildred Sanders Priest as its teacher.
Since there was no playground at the church where the children could play, a building on Cheyenne Avenue was
purchased for the school a few years later.
In the early 1950’s, that building was sold and a new one was built on West 30 th Street. Many of our church
congregation went to school there.
In 1990, our current school building was built in its present location after a lot of hard work, blood, sweat, and
tears. We are grateful to those who gave both financially and physically to make our current school facility
possible.
Mission
The mission of Daystar Christian School is to educate students in a Christ-centered environment that will
empower them to reach their highest potential.
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Philosophy
“True education means more than the perusal of a certain course of study. It means more than a preparation for
the life that now is. It has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to man, It is
the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers. It prepares the students for the
joy of service in this world and for the job of wider service in the World to come.” Education, page 13.
Objectives
The purpose of this school is to prepare young people to assume intelligently and conscientiously their
responsibilities toward the betterment of their own lives and the building up of God’s kingdom on earth through
service to mankind.
It is the purpose of this school to so conduct its processes of training that due emphasis and proper balance will
be given to the development of the physical, mental, social, and spiritual powers of the students, aiming to
develop a character which will continue as a positive factor throughout their lives.
Since love is the basis of true education, the school is to be the PLACE where love for God and love for man is
taught, and the LABORATORY where teachers and students experience this love. “The love of Jesus should so
pervade the whole school that the pupils will learn to regard this as the highest education.”
As Seventh-Day Adventists we believe...
in the entire Bible as the inspired Word of God. 2 Tim. 3:16
in the Godhead as mentioned in Matt. 28:18,19
in salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. John 3:16, Acts 4:12
that the personal visible return of Jesus is near according to Bible prophecy. We must prepare to meet Him.
Amos 4:12; John 14:1-5; Matthew 24; Luke 21:25, 26
we are saved by faith, not by our works, nor the keeping of the law. Eph. 2:8-10
good works are the fruitage of true faith. James 2:17-20
in regeneration , the new birth, Bible conversion, true sanctification and holiness of life. John 3:1-7; Acts 3:19
it is now the judgment time, when a special gospel message is calling mankind back to special Bible truth.
Rev. 14:6-12
the Ten Commandments will be the standard of the judgment. Ex. 20:1-17; Eccl. 12:13, 14; James 2:10-12
the original seventh-day Sabbath is the true Lord’s Day of the entire Bible. Gen. 2:1-2; Ex. 20:8-11;
Isa. 66:22, 23; John 1:1-3; Mark 2:27; Matt. 5:17-19; Rev. 22:14;
the followers of Christ will shun worldly pleasures and follies that unfit them for heaven. 2 Tim. 3:1-5;
1 John 2:15-17
being called unto holiness of life, the Christian will be discreet in conduct; and will manifest modesty and
simplicity in dress and appearance. 2 Cor. 6:16-18; Isa. 3:16-24; 1 Tim. 2:8-10
the body is the temple of the Holy Ghost; we should therefore, not defile it with alcoholic beverages, tobacco in
any form, narcotics, or foods that are not in harmony with God’s Word. Romans 12:1 & 2; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20;
1 Cor. 9:24-27; 1 Cor. 10:31; 1 Thess. 5:23
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the dead sleep in the grave until the resurrection. Eccl. 9:5, 6, 10; Rom. 6:23; 1 Cor. 15:21-26; 1 Cor. 15:51-55;
1 Thess. 4:13-18
in all the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor. 12; Rev. 12:17; Rev. 19:10
in baptism by immersion. Matt. 28:18, 20; Col. 2:12; Col. 3:1-4; Col. 3:12
in the support of the gospel by tithes and offerings. Lev. 27:30; Mal. 3:7-12; Matt. 23:23
Organization of School and Governing Bodies
Teacher(s)
Seventh-day Adventist teachers must meet requirements such as: membership in the Adventist church, college
degree, certification for elementary education, course work in Biblical studies, health studies, plus other
professional education courses. In addition, they must take additional course work after certification to maintain or
renew their certificate. The certificate is issued by the Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
under the guidelines of the North American Division Office of Education.
School Board
This is the immediate governing body of Daystar Christian School. It decides: tuition, admission, budget matters,
discipline, and other miscellaneous items. It makes the final decision on admission and dismissal actions. The
members are chosen by the Pueblo First Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Pueblo First Seventh-day Adventist Church Board
This is the body that has the ability to select replacements for vacancies on the school board during the middle of
the term. It can decide any questions referred by the school board and can refer decisions to the general church
constituency on issues that may affect the whole church.
Pueblo First Seventh-day Adventist Church
This is a major source of financial support for Daystar Christian School and nominates the members of the school
board. Daystar Christian School is one of the major mission outreaches of the Pueblo First Seventh-day Adventist
Church.
Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Department of Education
This is the legal employer of the school staff. They locate prospective teachers, provide teacher in-service,
counseling, and performance evaluations. They are available to the school board for counsel on school matters.
The Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists also provides substantial financial subsidies to the
school.
School Operational Policies
Admission
Daystar Christian School admits students of any race, color, national, or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges,
programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate
on the basis of color, race, national, or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, or other
school-administered programs.
It is understood that each student who presents him/herself for admission willingly agrees to abide by the
principles set forth in the bulletin. Students wishing to apply should follow the procedure outlined below:
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Submit:
1. A completed application form.
2. A valid copy of birth certificate.
3. A completed medical form (physical examinations are required for all new students and those entering
grade four and seven). Health records from previous examinations transferred for incoming students will
be accepted.
4. Immunization records showing up-to-date immunizations required by the State of Colorado or a letter
from the parents stating that such immunizations are contrary to their personal beliefs.
5. A request for transfer of records from the last school attended. If the student has been in a home school
just prior to applying for admittance, he/she may be required to pass teacher made and/or standardized
achievement tests.
6. The parents must sign a statement of cooperation, on the application form.
Upon receipt of records, the school board will review and act upon the application. Its decision will be based on
grades, achievement test scores, character references, and an informal personal interview. All new students will
also be tested to determine final grade placement.
Probation
Any newly admitted student will have a one month probationary period. If, during this time, the student is assessed by
the school board to not be a good fit for the school, the student may be dismissed without specific reasons given.
Placement policy
In accordance with the Education Code of the Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, all
students shall be admitted to kindergarten only if they attained the age of five years on or before September 15 of
the current school year.
Withdrawals
Should it be necessary to withdraw your child for any reason during the school year, please notify the teacher as
soon as possible. Students who withdraw are expected to fulfill the following requirements:
The return of all school property including text books, library books, sports equipment, tools, and anything
that was borrowed during the course of the year.
All financial obligations must be up to date. Registration fees are non-refundable.
Medical Examinations
All students entering school for the first time, and all fourth and seventh graders shall have a complete physical
examination from a physician within 30 days after the student enters school.
Medication
Whenever a student needs medication, these guidelines are to be followed:
1. The medication must be in its original container.
2. Prescription medication must be accompanied with written instructions from the doctor indicating the method,
amount, and time the medicine is to be administered.
3. All medication should be given to the teacher upon arrival at school. The student‘s teacher will administer the
medication according to the written direction provided with the medication.
4. No over-the-counter medications will be administered unless they have been provided by the student‘s
parent/guardian with proper written authorization as to the amount and time for administering the medication.
School Insurance
All students in attendance at Daystar Christian School are covered under an insurance program adopted by the
Rocky Mountain Conference. The fee for this insurance is included in the registration fee.
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Discipline
Daystar Christian School promotes Christian values and character building. Students who do wish to maintain
these standards are accepted or retained in the school. Both printed and stated regulations hold equal values.
The school board has designated that the principal is responsible for the interpretation and enforcement of school
regulations:
1. Respect the spiritual ideas of the Seventh-day Adventist church.
2. Show respect to and cooperate with all school personnel and volunteers.
3. Show respect for and protect school property and the rights of others.
4. Abstain from those activities that destroy the development of the physical, mental, or spiritual life.
5. Obey any regulations adopted and announced during the school year.
In any group, it is always necessary to have rules to provide for the rights, health, safety, and general welfare of
all. The classroom teacher is the sole authority in the classroom and develops/enforces classroom rules and
regulations. The next level of discipline is the principal. The principal has the right to temporarily suspend students
who refuse to cooperate with the classroom teacher or do not follow the policies outlined in the handbook.
The Discipline Committee will consider situations where students continually refuse to follow the standards and
policies of the school and/or classroom. This committee makes a recommendation to the School Board
concerning whether the student should be expelled. The School Board will expel students who continually refuse
to follow the policies and rules. The student is invited to appear before the School Discipline Committee or School
Board when expulsion is being considered. The possibility of reinstatement at a later time is subject to review by
the School Board.
Financial Policy
School tuition is $350 per month ($3,500/year) per student. Our local and corporate Seventh Day Adventist
church subsidize approximately 55% of the total average cost($8,300) to educate each student. Students/families
who are not members of our local church can request up to $50 in scholarship funds. Scholarship application
forms are available upon request.
Registration fee is $250 to be paid no later than the first day of school. There is no discount for additional children.
This is a non-refundable fee, which covers expendable supplies, insurance, normal book wear, and most field
trips. A separate charge will be made for ski trips and other major field trips.
Students and their families from other Seventh-day Adventist Churches are encouraged to approach their own
church boards for additional subsidy for Daystar Christian School.
Tuition may be paid in full at the beginning of the year, or may be paid in 10 monthly installments in the amounts
listed above by the tenth of each month for the months of August through May inclusive. A third option is to pay
registration in August and divided tuition into nine monthly installments paid September through May.
If an account becomes two months delinquent, the student will not be permitted to attend classes. If this situation
occurs, the account must be brought up to date or suitable arrangements made in person or in writing with the
school board. The school board will have full discretion regarding acceptance of suitable arrangements.
It shall be the policy of schools within the Mid-America Union to withhold transcripts of academic credit (where not
in violation of the state law) until student accounts are paid, or until satisfactory financial arrangements have been
made.
A student with a delinquent account at another Seventh-day Adventist school shall not be accepted until the
account is paid in full.
Partial tuition payments for students attending less than a full term will be pro-rated per week based on a thirty-six
week school year.
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Tuition assistance funds(for Pueblo SDA church members only), when available, must be requested by
application. To do this, contact the pastor, principal, or the school board chairperson. Donations to the Tuition
Assistance Fund are not tax deductible when a specific student is designated as the recipient.
Lunch Program
The school does not provide a hot lunch. Students need to be provided with a nourishing lunch from home. To
heat these lunches, the students can use the microwave oven at the school.
At lunch time, as during the rest of the school day, Biblical and nutritional principles need to be observed.
Lunches should be healthy, using foods that are, as far as possible, low in sugar and fat. Additionally, the Biblical
guidelines of Leviticus 11 should be followed which means that students are not to bring foods containing
“unclean meats”. These would include pork, shell fish, shrimp, Spam, etc. Because it is a drug with detrimental
effects, drinks with caffeine are not to be consumed at school or provided/consumed at school functions.
Attendance
School Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm (K-2 grades)
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (3-8 grades)
Students should arrive and leave within 15 minutes of the scheduled school hours unless other arrangements are
made with the principal. Students remaining more than 15 minutes following dismissal will be charged a $5.00 per
1/4 (quarter) hour babysitting fee that will be added to the school bill.
Please park in the church parking lot and walk your child to the side entrance of the school. This is also where
students will be signed out and picked up. Students must be picked up by the person on their approved list.
Absence and Tardy Policy
The school calendar is provided in the registration packet. Parents are expected to ensure that their children
attend school regularly and on time. All students are encouraged to schedule non-emergencies (dental
appointments, doctor appointments, etc.) outside of school hours. When a student is absent, parents are required
to contact the school office by 8:00 AM on the day of the absence. A parent should also send a written excuse
with the child on the day he/she returns to school. Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher and make
arrangements to pick up assignments immediately after dismissal.
Students who receive 5 unexcused absences will receive a letter of warning. Students with 8 unexcused
absences will receive a letter requesting them and their parents to meet with the principal to come up with a
satisfactory plan for meeting attendance requirements. If a satisfactory plan cannot be agreed upon or followed,
the student may be considered for expulsion or immediate withdrawal.
Students who arrive after 8:00 will be considered tardy. Three tardies to class constitute one absence in that
class.
Field Trips
Off-campus educational activities are sometimes coordinated with the school program. Notices regarding
each field trip are sent home informing parents and guardians of these planned activities. Written permission will
be required for each trip. If no written permission slip is returned to the school, the student will remain at the
school if there is school supervision available. In some instances, a small fee may be necessary to defray trip
expenses.
Student Uniform Policy
Shirts - Solid colored (no logos or decals) polo or oxford style shirts. The shirt should have loose sleeves no more
than 2 or 3 inches above the elbows and should be long enough to remain tucked in at all times. All shirts must
have the name of the school embroidered on them by Colorsplash Uniforms & Embroidery. The thread must be in
black or white. This new policy will be fully implemented as of January 4, 2016.
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Pants, Shorts, Skorts, Skirts - Navy or khaki or black colored pleated or flat front dress style (NO CARGO
STYLES). Shorts, skorts or skirts should not be shorter than standard uniform issue. The length of shorts must
be at or below fingertips when standing in a relaxed position with arms at sides (please consider modesty and
practicality not just technicalities i.e. below the fingertips). Pants should not drag or touch the ground, must be
modestly loose fitting and appropriately sized. Please refer to a uniform website such as
www.landsend.com/ix/school-uniforms or www.jcpenney.com/SchoolUniforms for appropriate styles.
Belts - Black or brown only are to be worn with pants that have belt loops.
Shoes - Athletic shoes for regular school days, no platforms, no open heels, a pair of black dressier shoes will be
required for special occasions
Inside sweater or polar fleece - a non-hooded uniform style polar fleece or sweater, no sweat shirts or jackets.
No jewelry or noticeable make-up is to be worn.
No tattoos or other artificial markings on the skin may be visible at school or school functions.
Students who violate the dress code will have to call a parent to bring appropriate clothing to school. A parent
conference will be scheduled for those students who choose to continuously violate the dress code. Any habitual
dress code violations after the third violation will be handled at the administrator’s discretion
Dress Code for Dress Down Days
Clothes are to be clean, modest, in good taste, and in good repair. No T-shirts are permitted that advertise rock
groups, have offensive language, imply obscene or satanic ideas, or have other questionable depictions.
Sleeveless tops and short dresses/skirts are not acceptable. The length of shorts must be at or below fingertips
when standing in a relaxed position with arms at sides. No jewelry or noticeable make-up is to be worn.
Jewelry
Rings, earrings, bracelets (including I.D. bracelets), chokers (metal or leather), and beads are not allowed. Medicalert bracelet is okay. Furthermore, we will not be held responsible for any jewelry worn or brought to school.
Personal Items
Personally owned radios, tape recorders, musical recordings, MP3 players, cell phones, computer discs, knives,
lighters, matches, firearms, fireworks of any kind, or other harmful items should not be brought to school without a
teacher’s specific permission. Students should not plan on bringing toys or pets to school to play with. Such items
brought without permission will be held and returned to the parents. Students should not bring items to school for
the purpose of reselling them to other students. Items of high value should be left at home. Daystar Christian
School will not be responsible for valuable brought to school.
Image Release Form
As part of the registration packet there will be an image release form. This will grant or deny permission for
student’s photos or videos to be taken and used for instructional or promotional purposes in printed or internet
materials.
Media
The school tries to promote the wise use of media. The admonition of Philippians 4:8 is the standard by which we
want the school to function. Therefore, all media which comes to the school needs to fit this guideline. We also
realize that people have different ideas about how this guideline fits in today’s society. The school will apply this
principle in the following ways:
Only books, videos, and magazines which promote, in their articles and advertisements, a positive lifestyle will
be accepted. They need to be true to life and devoid of profanity, violence, immorality, or supernatural activities.
Any media brought to the school needs to be approved by the teacher before it is used in the school.
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Any media which promotes entertainment or entertainers in a secular way are not to be brought to the school.
Also clothing which promotes secular entertainment is not to be worn at school functions. This does not include a
ban on sports clothing, except professional wrestling and other sports which contain excess violence and/or
vulgarity. Not all secular entertainment and entertainers are destructive, but it is difficult to follow which is and
which isn’t. Also, the entertainer may produce a positive program one time and a negative program the next.
Please do not have the students bring videos, games, cassettes, CDs, etc. to school with the plan of returning
them or trading them with other students. Let the parents do this. This way one student will not be receiving
something his/her parents do not wish him/her to have.
What may not have a negative effect on your child may negatively affect another child. Thus, extreme caution
needs to be exercised.
Internet use
Each student and parent must sign an internet use policy statement before the student can use the internet at
school. The form will be a part of the entrance packet for the school.
Telephone
The telephone of the school is for business use. A student may use the telephone only with permission from the
teacher. Student calls should be limited to such matters as: illness, injury, or other extenuating circumstances.
Teachers and students should not be called during school hours except in cases of EMERGENCY.
Pagers or cell phones are not allowed to be turned on during the hours of 7:30 am and 4:15 pm. If a student
brings a cell phone or any other electronic device to school, he/she is to turn it in to the office or the teacher
before school begins. If the teacher sees that student has not turned in an electronic device or cell phone, the
item will confiscated and held until the student’s parent comes to retrieve it.
Snow Alert Plan
When it becomes necessary to close or delay school, the principal will contact families before 7:30 a.m. or as
soon as the decision is made to close school early.
Parent Contact List
Because emergencies do arise, it is very important that we have a current phone number where you can be
contacted at all times. Also, please make sure we have on file the names of persons who can pick up your child
or deal with other emergencies at school.
Asbestos
The school meets or exceeds the current standard put forth by the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission. Day
Star has been found to be asbestos free. Documents may be reviewed upon request.
Harassment
Policy
It is the policy of the Daystar Christian School to strive for a learning environment for students that is free from
sexual, racial, and religious harassment. This policy will be enforced before, during, and after school hours on all
school property, including school functions and events held at other locations. Any action toward or by a student
of this school to harass through conduct or communication of a sexual, racial, and religious nature shall be a
violation of this policy. The staff of the Daystar Christian School will be guaranteed the same environment free of
sexual, racial, or religious harassment as due the student body. In carrying out this policy, the Daystar Christian
School Board recognizes that sexual, racial, and religious harassment are subject to the General Conference of
Seventh-day Adventist policies and applicable state and federal statutes. The Daystar Christian School Board will
act to investigate all complaints, formal or informal, verbal or written of sexual, racial, or religious harassment and
take appropriate action against any person who is found to have violated this policy.
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Definitions
1.Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated
physical conduct, or other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature when:
A. Submission to that conduct or communication is made a term or condition, either explicitly or
implicitly, of an individual‘s obtaining or retaining employment or of obtaining an education;
B. Submission to or rejection of that conduct or communication by an individual is used as a
factor in decisions affecting that individual‘s employment or education; or
C. That conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably
interfering with an individual‘s employment or educational environment.
2. Other types of harassment could be physical intimidation, racial degradation, or teasing regarding
an individual‘s personal characteristics. Some examples of such unwelcome conduct include the
following:
A. Referring to another student as ―”gay”,or synonyms thereof
B. Derogatory comments implying ability or lack thereof being related to gender, race or religion
C. Derogatory notes, comments, epithets or ―jokes‖ toward another gender, race or religion
D. Comments about male or female body parts in a crude context
E. Visually leering
F. Displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures or cartoons
G. Physically touching another in a sexually suggestive way or in a private area
H. Obscene gestures or hand signals
I. Threatening to cause harm to another or to the property of another
These other areas of behavior are considered harassment when the conduct:
A. Has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or academic
environment.
B. Has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual‘s work or
academic performance; or
C. Otherwise adversely affects an individual‘s employment or academic opportunities.
D. Harassment includes but is not limited to the following: subjecting students to derogatory remarks,
insults, slurs, jokes, or tricks based on race, ethnicity, or gender.
Procedures
Any student who believes he or she has experienced any sexual, racial, or religious harassment by a student or
an employee of the Daystar Christian School or any unpaid instructor or volunteer, or any third person with
knowledge or belief or conduct that may constitute harassment should report the alleged acts immediately to the
principal, a teacher, school board member, or pastor. A verbal report in the presence of two authority figures will
be required of a student reporting harassment. When reporting an incident, it is helpful to provide as much
information as possible, including the following:
1. A description of the event(s)
2. The number of occurrences, with dates and places
3. The names of any witnesses
4. Any documents or other exhibits, if appropriate
Students may receive guidance, advice, support and/or advocacy from school staff, including administrators,
counselors, teachers, or other staff. The privacy and data privacy rights of all persons involved will be respected
in accordance with the appropriate statutes. Upon completion of the investigation, a representative of the
Education Board of the Conference will meet with the complainant and discuss the outcome. The outcome will
include disciplinary action when discipline is appropriate. Students who engage in any activity of a sexual nature
are subject to expulsion. There will be no retaliation against any person who reports harassment or participates in
an investigation. The willful filing of a false report will be considered a violation of the Student Responsibility
Policy.
Weapons Policy
Weapon Definition: A weapon is defined as any gun, stun-gun, firearm, bomb, smoke bomb, explosive, or
incendiary device, poison gas, Mace-pepper spray or knife with a blade exceeding three (3) inches in length.
A weapon also includes any device that is designed by its manufacturer or redesigned and/or altered by another
for use as a weapon. A weapon also includes any device in a student‘s possession while at school, on school
10
property or at a school sponsored function that the student intends to use as a weapon for the infliction of
permanent or temporary bodily harm or harm to property.
This policy is not intended to preclude the occasional display or use of historical artifacts or other appropriate
props for a valid educational purpose even if the artifact or prop in question falls within the definition of a weapon,
if provided advance written approval for display or use is obtained. Such approval is required from the school
principal (or head teacher, where applicable), unless the principal (or head teacher, where applicable) is the
person seeking approval, in which case approval is required from the conference superintendent.
Additional Definitions
1. Any object, device, or instrument having the appearance of a weapon.
2. Weapons listed above which are broken or non-functional.
3. Look-alike guns, toy guns, and any object that is a facsimile of a real weapon.
4. Articles designed for other purposes (e.g., lasers or laser pointers, belts, combs, pencils, files, scissors, etc.),
intended or used to inflict bodily harm and/or intimidate.
Students possessing these articles will be immediately suspended with expulsion recommended in
line with the school‘s disciplinary procedures.
Grievance Policy and Procedure
The purpose of this grievance policy is to promote unity and harmony while reconciling differences that may arise.
It outlines a process by which problems may be resolved and a sound teacher-student-parent relationship
strengthened, and applies to all concerned with the school. Christians are to avoid tendencies that divide them
and bring dishonor to their cause.
STEP ONE: A person with a grievance shall first discuss it with the other person involved.
STEP TWO: If step one does not produce understanding/resolution, the next step is to take the matter to the
principal.
STEP THREE: Present the grievance in writing to the school board chairperson or pastor. (The written statement
should be a clear, concise statement of the grievance including the date of the incident or action, the
circumstances involved, the decision rendered at step one and step two, and specific remedy sought.)
STEP FOUR: Present the grievance to the school board.
STEP FIVE: If no results, finally present grievance to the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-Day Adventist
K-12 Board of Education.
The decision of the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-Day Adventist K-12 Board of Education shall be the
final step of the grievance procedure.
Curriculum
Areas of Study, K-8 grade
The course of study includes instruction in the following areas: Fine Arts, Language Arts, Mathematics, Physical
Education, Practical Arts, Religion, Science and Health, and Social Studies.
Small-School Curriculum Guide
A curriculum guide has been designed to help organize quality teaching in one and two teacher schools. This
guide is followed where the teacher deems it appropriate.
Field Trips
The school is to provide at least two field trips per year for the interest and benefit of the students. A guardiansigned permission form is a prerequisite to participation in any school-sponsored field trip.
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Testing
Daystar Adventist School students are administered achievement tests during the second month of school to
ascertain learning strengths. School readiness tests may be given to first grade applicants prior to the start of
school.
Attendance
In accordance with Colorado State Laws, students are bound to maintain regular class attendance. An absence
may be excused only in case of sickness, attendance of a funeral, doctor appointments, and unique family
situations for which prior arrangements are made. A written or oral excuse needs to be given to the teacher
concerning the child’s absence.
Textbooks
Textbooks are provided on a rental basis and are part of the registration fee. All textbooks should be given careful
handling and should not be written in unless advised by the teacher. Damaged books will be charged to the
students.
Teacher Responsibilities
1. To keep the parents reasonably informed about the progress of their children in school, particularly if there is
difficulty.
2. To maintain adequate and precise records of each student’s progress.
3. To notify, within a reasonable time, the parents of any student whose quality of school work is likely to result in
a D or F at the end of the grading period.
4. To encourage each student to become part of a positive learning program.
5. To provide adequate and reasonable supervision and instruction to those students entrusted to their care.
Student Responsibilities
Student Responsibility
“In perfecting a Christian character, it is essential to persevere in right doing. I would impress upon our youth the
importance of perseverance and energy in the work of character-building...They should ever keep the fact before
their eyes that they have been bought with a price, and should glorify God in their bodies and spirit, which are
His.” Messages to Young People, p. 45
These school policies are listed for reference when questions arise. They are intended to make the
students‘ year as enjoyable as possible. Students are expected to:
1. Avoid chewing gum on school grounds.
2. Be honest. Abstain from cheating, stealing, gambling, or betting.
3.Promote safety. Abstain from having at school: firearms, explosives, knives, dangerous animals, or other unsafe
things.
4. Live wholesome lives. Abstain from wearing, displaying, or having in their possession anything that indicates
affiliation with atheism, spiritualism, cults, rock groups, intemperance, or other unfavorable groups or
objectionable affiliations.
5. Keep their minds pure. Abstain from the use of profane or lewd language and actions and the possession of
suggestive materials. They should not discuss things that are not in harmony with Christian standards.
6. Live healthfully. Abstain from using, possessing, or supplying to others tobacco, drugs, or alcohol in any form.
7. Display Christian courtesy. Abstain from bullying, ridiculing, harassing, or disgracing others.
8. Help maintain a desirable learning atmosphere in school by not bringing radios, cell phones, skateboards, toys,
pets, electronic devices, etc., unless permission is obtained in advance from the teacher.
9. Protect and care for the property of the school, themselves, and others. Damages will be charged accordingly.
The student shall immediately report any damages or misuse to the teacher, whether it is accidental or intentional.
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10. Refrain from any non-school sponsored selling on school grounds.
11. Maintain an atmosphere conducive to study.
12. Students are expected to maintain a hands-off policy towards the opposite sex. This includes, but is not
limited to, holding hands, kissing, and hugging.
13. Remain on the school grounds during school hours unless given specific permission to leave by the teacher.
14. Assumes responsibility for necessary tools and materials and begins working on assigned tasks immediately
and without disturbing others.
Parental Responsibilities
1. To uphold the Christian ideals taught in the school.
2. To be aware of the need of good health habits of their children:
- assure sufficient sleep and rest
- supervise television viewing
- provide adequate and nutritious breakfast
- provide adequate and nutritious lunches
3. To meet their financial obligations to the school promptly.
4. To confer with teachers in person or by phone after school hours, not during class or recess time.
5. To follow the Grievance Policy rather than discussing criticisms of the school with your children or others.
6. To keep students home who show signs or symptoms of communicable diseases. Parents will be called to
pick up their children if symptoms develop at school.
7. To see that your children are ON TIME to school and are picked up PROMPTLY after school. There will be a
$5 charge for every 15 minutes your child(ren) are not picked up following the initial 15 minute grace period.
Let the teachers know who your child will be riding with ahead of time for the safety and well-being of your
child. We will not release children to those not designated to pick them up.
8. To show interest and concern in the progress of their child.
9. To be aware of and in control of the student mode of dress.
10. To agree, along with the child, to pay for any damage done to the school property by the child.
Request
We, the staff of the school, will make a special effort to teach your child appropriate use of and behavior on
school and church grounds. We ask your cooperation with regard to this by not allowing your children at any
time, but especially on Sabbath, to:
- climb up the walls of the church or school buildings
- fight on church or school grounds
- run, scream, or talk loudly in the church or school buildings
We appreciate your cooperation in these areas, as they will help us, as Christian educators, to teach your child
reverence for God’s house as well as appropriate behaviors elsewhere.
Parent/Family Volunteer Hours
We have been blessed with parents and family members volunteering hours for many different school related
activities. For example: Planning ski trips & field trips, supervising lunch time, building maintenance, maintaining
the fish tank, weekly school cleanings, grading, reading to/with students and library organization to name a few.
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To insure equitable distribution, the school board has set a policy requiring each family represented in the school
to commit to 50 hours of volunteer participation per year. School cleaning is split up evenly on a per child basis
throughout the year. Additional hours may be volunteered at will according to desire and talent and in concert
with the Principal and the needs of the school. A clipboard will be provided to sign in and out to document hours.
A suggestion list of needs will be provided which will be added to throughout the year.
Every parent volunteer both at Daystar Christian School and your local Seventh-day Adventist church must now
complete the Shield the Vulnerable on-line presentation, www.shieldthevulnerable.org. Select First Time User
and the on-line form will be self-explanatory from there. This is a two part program. The first part raises the
awareness of the mistreatment of the vulnerable and will take about 1-1.5 hours to complete but can be done in
segments. The second part will ask you questions so a background check can be run.
Signature Page
We ask that you familiarize yourself with this handbook by reading it and ask that you sign this page as evidence
that you are aware of our policies and procedures. This form is part of the student registration process at Daystar
Christian School and must be returned as a condition of enrollment. Signing below is evidence that parents and
students have or will read and understand the contents of this handbook.
_______________________________________
Parent(s) Signature
__________________
Date
_______________________________________
Student Signature
__________________
Date
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