Genesee Country Christian School
Handbook 2015
Genesee Country Christian School
4120 Long Point Road
Geneseo, New York 14454
Phone: (585) 243-9580
Fax:(585) 243-5604
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:geneseecountrychristianschool.org
VISION STATEMENT
As an elementary school, GCCS seeks to glorify and honor God, in partnership with
parents and churches, by providing an educational program and environment that
foster the development of a Christian mind, a biblical worldview, and Christ-like
character in students.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Genesee Country Christian School is to support and assist parents in
the training and the teaching of their children and to provide students with a wellrounded education based upon biblical truth. Recognizing that each child is a unique
creation the school will seek to provide a variety of learning experiences designed to
enhance each student's development and help each one fulfill God's plan for his life.
GOALS
The school's goal is to help each child reach for moral and academic excellence. To this
end teachers will:
*work to influence children’s character through formative instruction and
corrective discipline (making the connections between behavior, motives and
consequences.)
*help each student develop a comprehensive biblical worldview and their
personal relationship with God through Christ
*cultivate a love of learning, fully engaging each child’s strengths, gifts and
talents.
GUIDING SPIRITUAL TRUTHS
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge." Proverbs 1:7
"[Our] purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they
may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the
mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and
knowledge."
Colossians 2:2-3
"For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus
Christ."
I Corinthians 3:11
Biblical Principles of Formative Instruction
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
The heart is the wellspring of life
Reaping and Sowing
Authority is God’s Plan
Purpose of life - to glorify God
Wisdom and Foolishness
Completeness in Christ
Created to Worship
The Importance of the Church – Life in the Body of Christ
Philosophy of Education
The Genesee Country Christian School is dedicated to academic and moral
excellence. The founders of the school believe the source of all wisdom and knowledge
is the Lord (Col. 2:3) and that He has revealed Himself to man through Scripture.
Therefore, the Bible and the integration of biblical truth are foundational to the work
and life of the school.
The school's purpose is to provide students with a well-rounded education,
integrating biblical truth with all areas of the curriculum, resulting in the development of
a Christian mind and a God-centered worldview. Biblical integration in education can be
described as the relating of historical Christian truth and faith to all aspects of school
life --- academic, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual. Christian educator, Thad
Gabelein, has written that the integration of biblical truth is
"Bringing the knowledge of Jesus Christ and the truths of
Scripture to bear on the formation of young minds seeking
to know the world."1
School may be defined as a social institution where students learn about
themselves, the world, and their place in it. The Genesee Country Christian School
strives to provide a caring, creative environment where this learning can take place
and, most importantly, an environment, which acknowledges Jesus Christ as the
Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer of the world.
Through developmentally appropriate programs and a variety of methods
teachers will address academic disciplines as well as fine and performing arts. Our goal
is to help each student develop a love of learning and his/her own unique strengths,
gifts, and talents thus equipping each one to fulfill God's plan for his/her life.
1
Thad Gabelein, Stony Brook brochure, Stony Brook, N.Y.
Statement of Faith
Bible: We believe the Bible to be the inspired and infallible Word of God. It is our
supreme authority in all matters of faith and practice. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21;
Romans 15:4)
The Trinity: We believe in one God, creator and sustainer of all things, eternally existing
in three persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They execute distinct but harmonious
roles in the work of creation, providence, and redemption. (Matthew 28:19; Romans 8:
16-17; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:4-6)
God The Father: We believe in God the Father, perfect in holiness, infinite in wisdom,
measureless in power, and abounding in love. We rejoice that He concerns Himself
mercifully in human affairs and hears and answers prayer. (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Kings
8:27; Job 38-41; Psalm 139; Isaiah 40:6-7; John 3:16; 1 John 4: 8-10)
God The Son: We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, born of a virgin, and
sinless in His life, who, because of His love for the lost, through His death on the cross
bore the punishment for the sins of the world. We believe in His bodily resurrection, His
ascent into heaven, and His future personal, visible return to judge the world according
to His promise. (Romans 1:4 & 3:25-26; Matthew 1:18; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews
7:25)
God The Holy Spirit: We believe that the Holy Spirit works in us to convict, sanctify,
teach, and empower us for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. He leads us into
righteousness, peace, and joy as we await our inheritance as children of God. We
believe He has gifted every believer as He wills for the benefit of the Church. (John
15:26; 16:8 & 13-15; 1 Corinthians 12:1-14; 1 John 2:26-27)
Human Nature: We believe that all people everywhere are sinners both by nature and
by choice and are lost and face the judgment of God, that Jesus Christ is the only way
of salvation, and that repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ results in regeneration
by the Holy Spirit and salvation. (Luke 24:46-47; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:23; 2
Corinthians 5:10-11; Ephesians 1:7 and 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7.)
The Church: We believe that the Church is the spiritual body of which Christ is the
head. We believe that the true Church is composed of all persons who, through saving
faith in Jesus Christ, have been baptized and regenerated by the Holy Spirit. We
believe that this body manifests itself in local assemblies whose members have
associated themselves for worship, for instruction, for evangelism, and for service. We
also believe in the interdependence of local churches and the mutual submission of
believers to each other in love. The Church also must go forth into the whole world to
proclaim the Gospel to the lost through word and action. (Matthew 28:19; Romans
10:9-15; 1 Corinthians 1:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14; 2 Timothy 4:1-2)
Purity: We believe God’s children are called to lives of purity, abstaining from adultery,
fornication, incest, homosexuality, pornography, and other sexual relationships or
practices forbidden by Scripture. (Leviticus 18 & 20; Matthew 15:19; Romans 1:18-28;
1 Corinthians 5:1 & 6:18)
Marriage: We believe that God created the male and female sexes to complement and
benefit each other. God instituted monogamous marriage as a sacred lifetime covenant
between a man and a woman. Marriage functions as the foundation of the family and
the basic structure of human society. We believe that sex is a gift only to be permitted
and enjoyed within a marriage union. (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5-6; Mark 10:6-9;
Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9.)
Value of Life: We believe that since humanity is created in God’s image, and since God
has decreed human life to be sacred and of inestimable worth, therefore killing by
abortion or euthanasia are sinful and offensive to God. (Genesis 1:27, 9:6; Psalm
139:13-14)
Education: We believe that all Christians are learners (disciples). God has commanded
parents and grandparents to train children in the Lord and His commands. He has also
gifted teachers to assist, and given both scripture and creation to reveal His will,
salvation, power, nature, and glory. God’s intention for education is especially to equip
his saints with knowledge of Christ, faith, Christian maturity, and Christ-likeness for the
purpose of building up His Church in orthodoxy, ministry, and love so that God in Christ
will be glorified and enjoyed. (Acts 11:26, Deuteronomy 4:9, 6:7, Psalm 19:1, Proverbs
22:6, Romans 1:20, Ephesians 4:11-16)
Expected Student Outcomes
Based on the core values, mission statement, and vision of the Genesee Country
Christian School we, by God’s power and grace, endeavor to produce graduates who:

are well prepared in core academic areas and are skilled in reading, writing,
speaking, listening, and thinking.

are proficient in mathematics and science.

have basic knowledge of people, events, and movement in U.S. and world
history, and an appreciation of other cultures, peoples, and places.

are developing an appreciation for literature and the arts and their gifts and
talents in these areas.

know how to use resources including technology to find, analyze, and evaluate
information.

are developing a love of learning that will last beyond their school years.

through instruction in God’s Word and by the leading of the Holy Spirit
understand and commit to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

are developing an awareness of their responsibility and role in carrying out the
Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

are developing Christ-like characters resulting in lives of faith, goodness,
knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness, and love.

recognize their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and treat them accordingly.

are actively involved in a church community and learning to serve others at
church and in the world.

have an appreciation for the natural environment and practice responsible
stewardship of God’s creation and all other resources He has given --- time,
talents, finances, etc.
Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students
Genesee Country Christian School admits students of any race, color, national and
ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or
made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race,
color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions
policies, scholarship or loan programs, and athletic and other school administered
programs.
Application and Enrollment
Parents must fill out an application for each student. On receipt of the application and
$75 fee, an interview with parents and a classroom visit for the student will be
scheduled. Upon receipt of records and testing from the student’s previous school,
acceptance will be decided based upon the application, classroom visit and records.
Half of the application fee will be refunded if the student is not admitted.
All new students are enrolled for a provisional 9-week period. If a student shows a
consistent lack of interest in schoolwork or unwillingness to cooperate with teachers,
the principal will notify parents promptly and work with them to develop a plan which
addresses the problem. Unresolved problems in these areas may result in the student’s
dismissal from GCCS.
Parental Support
As school and home work together to meet the students’ needs, we expect the
support of parents in the following:
1. Provide encouragement and help in the completion of homework
and assignments.
2. Regular student attendance. Vacations should be scheduled during school
holidays whenever possible
3. Prompt arrival in the morning. Tardiness hinders students’ progress and
disturbs the class schedule.
4. Volunteer a minimum of 10 hours during the school year.
5. Participation in all fundraising activities.
6. Meet financial obligations to the school on time.
7. Pray for the faculty, staff, students and school board.
Tuition
The non-refundable registration fee is payable at the time of application.
Tuition may be paid in 11 equal monthly installments, semi-annually, or in one annual
payment. Payment in full by August 1 results in a 5% discount. The first payment is
due August 1 or at the time of acceptance. The remaining 10 payments are due the
first of each month. To maintain our Christian witness and enable us to make
prompt payments to our creditors, GCCS must insist that parents not defer their
payments. A late fee of $15.00 will be charged for any tuition payments received after
the 10th of the month.
Incentives
Families with older children (grades 7 – 12) enrolled in Lima Christian or Houghton
Academy are entitled to the following tuition incentive. Other Christian schools may
qualify for the discount with board approval.
Incentive: $500.00 discount* for the first child enrolled at GCCS.
All remaining children follow established tuition policy for multiple child families
(i.e. 2nd, 3rd, 4th child discounts).
Pastoral discounts still apply.
*Discounts must be applied to kindergarten and elementary tuition only.
Attendance
Regular school attendance is vital to a child’s progress in school.
Recognizing the
importance of regular attendance, GCCS has set the following guidelines:
If a student is absent, parents will:
1. call the school office before 9 a.m. and notify us of the absence
2. send a note with their child when he returns to school stating the date(s) of the
absence and its nature. (These notes are required by New York State)
3. if an absence because of travel is necessary, contact the school office and child’s
teacher one week ahead of time allowing the teacher to prepare work for the
student. Parents are then responsible for helping students complete all missed
work.
Health
In order to protect all of the children who attend our school against vaccine preventable
communicable diseases, New York State Public Health Law 2164 states that a principal
or person in charge of a school shall not permit a child to be admitted to such school
unless a person in parental relation to the child furnish the school with the following:
A statement from a physician, licensed health care provider or health facility which
specifies the products administered and the dates of administration and shows that the
child has received:
Polio
Diphtheria containing toxoid
Measles (on or after first birthday)
Mumps
Rubella
Hepatitis B
Chicken Pox
3
3
2
1
1
3
1
doses
doses
doses
dose
dose
doses
dose
Physical examination within the preceding nine months
For Nursery:
HIB – If administered less than 15 months of age
If administered on or after 15 months of age
3 doses
1 dose
Physical examination (including scoliosis) within the preceding nine months
Physicals are required for new students including Nursery and those entering grades K,
2nd, 4th, 7th and 10th.
GCCS also requires a copy of each nursery, kindergarten and new student’s birth
certificate with the application.
Code of Conduct
It is our goal to teach children to interact with others in ways that are pleasing to God
and bring peace. Additionally, we believe children thrive and learning takes place best
in an orderly environment. To help achieve these goals and establish such an
environment, the school has set the following guidelines for behavior. Students will:
1. observe common rules of courtesy and consideration for the rights of others
2. be honest in all of their school relationships
3. obey those in authority promptly and cheerfully
4. show respect for others, their personal property and school property
5. refrain from obscene or profane language
6. leave electronic games, guns and war toys at home*
7. cell phones should remain in lockers and are not to be used during school
8. Tablets may be used, with teachers permission, to access reading materials
*In general, toys should be kept at home, but students in nursery through
second grade may bring items for special sharing times.
Discipline Philosophy and Policy
Generally, everyday discipline and correction of students is handled by the classroom
teacher. Teachers seek to help students understand the heart issues and attitudes that
drive the behavior and address them through instruction in biblical principles and
prayer. If time does not permit the teacher to talk and pray with a child, the principal
may do so. Severe and/or chronic problems will automatically be dealt with by the
principal.
Goals for students include repentance, seeking forgiveness and restoration of
fellowship. Our intent is to help parents train children whose lives are pleasing to God
and whose interactions with others bring peace.
When choosing consequences and administering discipline, the student’s problem and
attitude will be taken into consideration. Consequences may include restitution, loss of
privileges, and in or out of school suspensions for severe or chronic problems. A
student who does not respond to correction may be asked to leave Genesee Country
Christian School if the principal determines it is in the child’s or the school’s best
interest.
The principles contained in Shepherding a Child’s Heart and Instructing a Child’s Heart
by Tedd Tripp provide an excellent explanation of the philosophy of instruction and
discipline at Genesee Country Christian School.
Grooming and Dress Code
Students are expected to maintain a neat, modest appearance. Clothing should be
clean and mended. In keeping with our opinion that the classroom is an appropriate
place for a slightly dressier style of clothing rather than very casual attire, blue denim
clothing including jumpers and skirts, sweat pants and nylon athletic warm ups may not
be worn to class. Other colors of denim and corduroy are acceptable. Walking or
Bermuda style shorts will be permitted (sport shorts are not permitted). The school
requests that each student purchase a polo shirt with the school logo to be worn on
field trips and other occasions. Camisoles and tops with spaghetti straps may be worn
under shirts or sweaters, but not alone. Footwear should be appropriate for the day’s
activities. PE classes, recess and play on the playground require sturdy shoes. For
safety flip flops and crocs will not be permitted during the school day.
Holidays
When planning holiday celebrations, the variety of traditions and convictions regarding
such celebrations reflected in our school community has been taken into consideration.
At school we will celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter and concentrate on the
historical and biblical significance of these holidays. Rather than exchanging gifts with
each other at Christmas, students will have the opportunity to participate in mission
projects. Students may exchange cards at Valentine’s Day and activities focusing on
the love of God and love for others will also be planned. Because of the dark
connotations and controversial nature of Halloween, it will not be celebrated at school.
School Hours
Preschool: 9:00 am – 11:30 am
Kindergarten: 8:25 am - 12:10 pm
1st-8th Grades: 8:25 am -3:00 pm
Library Policy
Mission/Philosophy Statement
The mission of the Genesee Country Christian School library is to support the
school’s mission, which is to assist parents in training and teaching their children by
providing a well-rounded education integrated with biblical truth.
It is the goal of the library to





Support learning by creating a pleasant orderly atmosphere in the library
Meet the students’ needs for recreational and curriculum related materials
Meet the teachers’ needs for curriculum related and professional materials
Provide both Christian and secular materials
Aid students in developing library skills
Criticism of the Collection
Users may state their objections to material in the collection by completing a
“Material Review Form”. The professional in charge of the library, administrators, and
school board members will consider the objection. The final decision will rest with the
administrators.
Gifts to the collection
Monetary gifts will be accepted. Donated material must meet the selection/
weeding policy criteria. Material not needed or accepted will be returned or passed on.
*A complete copy of the Library Policy may be obtained from the school office.
Material Review Form
Request initiated by ______________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________Telephone __________
Representing: Self _____ Organization/Group ________________________________
Material Questioned
Book: Author _____________________________________________
Title
____________________________________________
Other: Identify ____________________________________________
Please answer the following questions. If sufficient space is not provided, please use
another sheet of paper.
1. Have you read the entire book/material? _________ If not, what parts? _________
_______________________________________________________________________
2. To what in the book/material do you object? Please be specific. Cite passages,
pages, episodes, etc. _____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
3. Did you read the objectionable passage in its entire context? __________________
4. Do you feel that there is any instructional use for this material? ________________
_______________________________________________________________________
5. What effect do you feel might result from use of this material?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
6. What would you like to have Genesee Country Christian School do about this
material?
_____ Do not make it available to my child.
_____ Withdraw it from all students as well as my child.
_____ Limit circulation to students with written parental permission to read it.
_____ Other ____________________________________________________________
7. Additional Comments
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Date ____________________
Signature ___________________________________
Statement of Cooperation
I have read the entire contents of Genesee Country Christian School's handbook
and understand the principles and policies stated therein. I am completely willing to
abide by and uphold all such principles and policies. I have carefully read the school's
Statement of Faith and understand that my child(ren) will be taught in accordance with
the tenets therein.
I also understand that attendance at Genesee Country Christian School is a
privilege and not a right. I understand that GCCS reserves the right to request my
child's withdrawal if in the school's opinion it would be in the child's or school's best
interest to do so.
It is my prayerful desire that my child(ren) contribute positively to the spirit of
Genesee Country Christian School and live a life pleasing to the Lord.
____________________________________
__________________
____________________________________
__________________
Signature of Parent or Guardian
Signature of Parent or Guardian
Date
Date
(A copy of this signed form must be presented with the child's application and will be
included in the student's file.)