The Matthew 18 Principle

We believe that God's Word places the responsibility of educating children on the home, particularly the father. Our school is an extension of the home and each student's education is a joint effort between the school and the family. We ask parents to train their children at home according to the principles set forth in the Word of God just as their training in school is also based on a Biblical perspective. We ask parents to pledge their loyalty to the goals and ideals of Hampton Christian Elementary School, to support school policies, and to bring all questions, suggestions and concerns
to the proper school personnel.

We ask parents to directly discuss with a teacher any concerns or questions related to his/her classroom management or teaching before contacting the principal. We also ask that if parents disagree with any school policy, or actions taken by the school that they will not complain or discuss the issue with another party, but will, in the spirit of Matthew 18: 15-17, go to the person involved to resolve the issue. We welcome and encourage parents to contact the principal on issues that have not been satisfactorily resolved after taking the above steps.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

In addition to regularly scheduled parent-teacher conferences, parents are encouraged to schedule a meeting with their child's teacher when a need arises. Parents may call the school and leave a
message for the teacher to schedule a conference. Unless specifically requested, the student or other children should NOT attend parent-teacher conferences.

The minutes immediately before or after school are reserved for teachers to carefully supervise students. Parents should not attempt to involve teachers in a discussion or conference at these busy times. Please be considerate of the teacher's supervision responsibilities during arrival and
dismissal.

Parent-Teacher Fellowship (PTF)

Parent-Teacher Fellowship Meetings are held regularly throughout the school year. Normally, three PTF meetings will be scheduled each year. Parents and faculty are required to attend these
important meetings and to be actively involved in PTF activities. Attendance will be monitored.
Parent suggestions and comments are always welcome in writing. PTF meetings provide special opportunities to fill out comment sheets.

Back-to-School Night

A Back-to-School Night is scheduled in September. This is an evening meeting for parents only. Parents will gather in the auditorium and then be dismissed to the classrooms for teacher
presentations.

Parental Visits

It is the desire of the administration and faculty to be of service to both parent and student. The
school welcomes and encourages parents to visit our classrooms to observe teaching and learning.
We do require that all visitors obtain permission, normally 24 hours in advance, from the administration prior to visiting classrooms. Parents may schedule a time to visit their child's class but should not drop-in unannounced to talk to the teacher or disrupt the class. We also expect that parents visit at convenient times that will ensure uninterrupted classroom instruction. Note: Please remember teachers and other staff members must maintain supervision standards for the safety of the children.

All visitors must first sign in at the school office and pick up a Visitors Badge before going to other parts of the building (except the main office and auditorium during regular school hours). All
visitors are asked to respect our rules and standards. There should be NO SMOKING in the school building or on the school grounds. Visitors are asked to dress appropriately and modestly.

Lunch, homework, books, etc. may be left in the office to be delivered by school personnel. Parents
of kindergarten students may pick up their children directly from class but should not arrive early or disrupt. If a child must leave early, a note should be sent in advance.

The Parent Connection

The Parent Connection is an elementary school reminder of up-coming events and announcements.
It is usually sent home with your student on each Monday (or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday). A copy of the Parent Connection may be found at our website:
www.hamptonchristianschools.com/Elementary/ParentConnection

Open House for the New School Year

Each year during the last week of August an Open House for the elementary school is scheduled. Students and their parents are invited to meet their new teachers and to visit the classrooms. Orientation programs are prepared for "New Families" and for "Parents of Sixth Grade Students".

PRE-SCHOOL/CHILDCARE ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
Note: Once a child has been signed out, the supervision/safety responsibilities switch back to the parent.

PRESCHOOL AND CHILDCARE ARRIVAL and DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
For the safety of our students, parents need to escort their child(ren) into the Childcare/Pre-school Building. Parents will need to sign them in upon arrival. This same procedure will follow for the students who are late arrivals. During Car Pool times (7:45-8:20 AM and 2:45-3:30 PM), is a staff member is at the gate, the parent will sign them on the clipboard at the gate. If parents do not see a staff member at the gate, they will need to park and sign the child in or out in the Pre-school and Childcare office.

DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS DURING CHILDCARE TIMES
Parents need to sign out their child(ren) at the Childcare Office. However, at certain times the students will be outside, in the Gym, or in the Chapel. In that case the parents will need to sign out their child(ren) on the clipboard that will be provided for that purpose.