St. Paul's
Christian
School

 

714HerbertsvilleRoad
Brick, NJ 08724
Phone: (732) 458-2004
fax:(732)458-1139
E-mail: spcsl979@hotmail.com

 

Information
Booklet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION & PURPOSE

 

St. Paul’s Christian School is a ministry of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, and it is our concern to assist parents in the development of their children towards Christian maturity along with social and academic development.

 

I.          God has spoken to us in His inspired Word revealing Jesus Christ as Savior and  Lord.

 

II.                 The personnel of the school are its primary resources.  All administrators, teachers and aides are to be persons who have a faith relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

 

III.               The curriculum of the school is to relate to every area of Christian behavior.

 

IV.              Because God has given each person various degrees of intelligence and different abilities, the curriculum and teaching-learning experience should seek to help each child find his/her maximum developmental potential

 

V.                 The school exists:

 

A.     To help each child grow and develop in trustful and loving relationships by emphasizing Christian values.

 

B.     To provide group learning experience for children through various classroom activities and outside resources.

 

C.     To help the child develop individual skills in readiness and / or reading, mathematics, science and other disciplines necessary for productive living today.

 

IV.                    The Christian School is a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the Christian Home.  Therefore, it is of utmost importance that there be full cooperation between staff and parents.  This is necessary for the best understanding and development of the child , both academically & spiritually.

 

 

POLICY FOR PRIORITY ORDER AND PROCEDURE FOR REGISTRATION FOR ST. PAUL’S CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

 

There is ample time for all students already attending St. Paul’s to register.  Do not procrastinate, you do not want to be caught without a class in September.

Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis with the following priority order:

 

1)                  PRE-K students planning to enter St. Paul’s Kindergarten Program

2)                  All other students (Nursery & 1st – 8th) presently in program.

3)                  Church members & alumni – beginning the 2nd week of February.

4)                  New students (never attended SPCS before) – beginning with Open House – date to be announced.

 

 

KINDERGARTEN PRIORITY ORDER

 

1)                  Students who are currently enrolled in our program or are a sibling of a currently enrolled child AND whose parents and / or guardians are official members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

2)                  Students currently enrolled with older siblings in attendance.

3)                  Students currently enrolled & has parent on staff.

4)                  Students currently enrolled in program.

 

Be aware that in the Nursery Department there is one 3 year old classroom (which can accommodate 4 sessions of 13 students each), and two 4 year old classrooms (accommodating a maximum of 104 students in 8 sessions.)  The Elementary division houses one AM Kindergarten class and one PM class (a maximum of 12 students in each class).  There is one class each for grades 1-8 with no more than 20 students in a class.  New students entering middle school are accepted through a testing and interviewing process.

 

We realize the commitment and financial sacrifice parents endure in sending their children to St. Paul’s Christian School, therefore our tuition fees reflect our concern for you, while still operating on a sound financial basis.  Tuition payments are made on a monthly basis of 10 equal payments, beginning in August.  Please see the tuition schedule page for student registration fees. Elementary parents residing outside of Brick Twp., please ask about the transportation reimbursement fees.

 

One final word, All Nursery Division and Kindergarten students are required to receive a yearly physical regardless of previous immunization records.  No student will be allowed to start school in September without the proper health card returned.  These cards will be given to you when you bring in your completed registration form.  Doctors are busy in August and September, so make your appointment early.

All registration forms need to be turned in to the office IN A TIMELY MANNER as they are recorded on a Master List in order to hold your place for the UPCOMING school year.  If you do not plan to register your child for next year, please let the office know as soon as possible.  Please feel free to call if you have any questions.

 

 

YOUR CHILD AND GENERAL INFORMATION

 

1.                  Contagious diseases in the home should be reported to the teacher immediately.  Children with bad coughs and colds should be kept at home.  This includes infections such as chicken pox, head lice, impetigo, pink eye, or poison ivy.  Proper reporting of a communicable disease helps to prevent the spread of disease to the rest of the school community.

2.                  Each child must be completely toilet trained during the daytime by the time school begins.  He should know how to use the bathroom by him/herself, which includes cleaning himself, flushing the toilet and washing his/her hands afterward.  Pull-up pampers are not acceptable during school hours.

3.                  Children should wear play clothes to school and be dressed for outdoors as well as indoor play.  Sneakers or rubber-soled shoes are strongly suggested for safety reasons.  We request rain/snow boots that are large enough to go on easily.  Please print your child’s name inside outdoor clothes and boots.

4.                  Children should not bring toys from home except on occasions designated by the teacher.  Other objects such as pretty leaves or stones that can be shared by all are welcomed.  Pets may visit if arrangements are made before between parents and teachers.

5.                  Please notify us of any change in your child’s routine that might help us understand his/her attitude.

6.                  Please notify a teacher by written note if someone other than the parent is to come for the child at school.  It is the responsibility of the parent to provide transportation to and from the school.  It is necessary for us to know of your carpool arrangements.

7.                  Please limit your carpools to three or four children; in larger groups children are likely to become too excited before they arrive in school.

8.                  Children are to arrive at 9:00 AM and depart at 11:30 AM for morning classes, and arrive at 12:30 PM and depart at 3:00 PM for afternoon classes.  Each child must be escorted to and from the classroom by an adult.  Children must be picked up promptly.  The period from 11:30 AM until 12:30 PM will be used for lunch and recess time for the elementary division.  Elementary students should bring a bag lunch.

9.                  Birthdays can be celebrated in the class with a special snack supplied by you and your child.  Please remind the teacher a few days before your child’s birthday so that she knows you will be supplying the snack that day.  No birthday invitations are to be given out in the classroom by the students, even if all students in the class are being invited.

 

CURRICULUM

3 and 4-year-olds

In planning a curriculum for three and four year olds, we recognize that children learn best from first hand experience where their interest is at the moment.  Therefore we arrange for many different experiences which are available and also time for children to choose their activities.  Below is a basic time schedule of a day’s class activities.

 

Morning Session

9:00 – 10:00                 Greeting, free play, creative work

10:00 – 10:15               Clean – up

10:15 – 10:30               Conversation and story or music time

10:30 – 10:45               Snack

10:45 – 11:00               Music or conversation and story time

11:00 – 11:30               Active play, either outside or in Boyd Hall

11:30                           Dismissal

Afternoon Session

12:30 – 1:30                 Greeting, free play, creative work

1:30 – 1:45                   Clean – up

1:45 – 2:00                   Conversation and story or music time

2:00 – 2:15                   Snack

2:15 – 2:30                   Music or conversation and story time

2:30 – 3:00                   Active play, either outside or in Boyd Hall

3:00                             Dismissal

 

During the free time period, the children will be able to gain experience in the following different areas:

 

1.         Experience with creative activities

A.  Paint, clay, playdough, water play, finger paints, and much more for the children to use experimentally and for self-expression rather that for a finished project.

B.  Blocks are for physical and social activities according to individual development.  They are used for construction, adventure, risk, and destructive impulse.

            C.  Dress-up clothes, housekeeping props, dolls, etc. encourage dramatic play.

 

2.                  Experience with Music

A. Records, tapes and CD’s provide an opportunity for listening and appreciation.

B.  Rhythm instruments will be used for sounds, self expression, and fun parades.

C.  Songs learned for fun together.

D.  Scarf dancing for expression of feeling and rhythm.

E.  Introduction to a variety of instruments.

 

3.         Experience with Science

            A. We observe the seasonal changes around us.

            B. We plant and observe bulbs and various kinds of seeds.

            C. We observe various plants and pets.

            D. We prepare simple foods.

            E. We observe animals in their natural or zoo habitats.

            F. Discovery walks will be taken on surrounding school property for observing nature around us.

 

4.         Experience with Language, Literature and Customs

A. Children need practice using language for social communication and to develop the art listening.

B. Books are provided to introduce literature for enjoyment and information.

C. Story time involves telling stories, reading books, flannel board stories, puppets and other means of stimulating an interest in literature.

D. Anticipation and planning for the festive occasions of Fall, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter and Birthdays are important to the understanding and enjoyment of the holidays.

E.  Introduction of numbers, letters of alphabet, colors and shapes.  (Pre-Kindergarten students only)

F.  Handwriting: being able to recognize and correctly print first name.  The first letter of a child’s name is capitalized, while the rest are lower case.  Writing within or on lines is demonstrated but not required of this age level.  (Pre-Kindergarten students only)

 

5.         Experience in Community

A.  We shall learn of the immediate building, vicinity, and the importance of considering others.

B.   The children will meet and observe various people who work in the community such as: policeman, fireman, first-aid person, postman, doctor, dentist, etc.

 

6.         Experience with Physical Activity

A.  Children need to develop their muscular coordination through climbing apparatus, balancing boards, and large and small blocks.

B.  Children can and should learn the importance of safety practices and limitations.

 

7.         Experience with the Bible

A.  Children will be introduced to people and traditions of the Bible through stories & songs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

Our Kindergarten program offers children a varied learning experience.  They begin each day with Bible stories and activities.  Throughout the year, they learn Bible verses, The Lord’s Prayer, and Psalm memorization.

 

The academic program is developed in a very logical manner.  The students begin reading skills by phonetically sounding out words.  Many are introduced to reading books by mid-year.  At that time, comprehension skills are also stressed.  Mathematics skills begin with simple recognition of sets of 1-10 and continue learning with such progress as counting by 1’s, 5’s and 10’s to 100, introduction to money, telling time and the number facts to 10.

 

Large and small coordination plus perceptual growth is developed through art, writing, and physical activities.

 

Kindergarten has a well-rounded program, offering children a positive learning experience.

 

FIRST GRADE PROGRAM

The A Beka series offers a complete Christian traditional approach to learning.  Each day includes a Bible story and lesson which follows through in other subjects such as reading, phonics, handwriting, science math, language history, health, safety and manners and introduction to cursive writing.

 

The Reading program is a phonetic approach, which includes language, spelling, grammar, and penmanship.  Grammar is taught as a “rule governed activity that helps students see patterns analytically”.  Some areas covered are capitalization, punctuation, sentence structure, and composition.

 

Sentence is taught through the discovery of God’s World.  Some topics taught are plants, insects, self and the five senses.

 

The Math program covers such activities as numbers, addition (3 digit, carry to 10’s and 100’s place), subtraction, multiplication, fractions, counting money and telling time.

 

Health, Safety and Manners include discussion on nutrition, exercise and rest.

 

The History and Geography program gives students an introduction into the greatness of America.

 

As with other grade levels, our first grade program offers a well-rounded positive learning experience.

 

 

SECOND GRADE PROGRAM

The A Beka series offers a complete traditional approach to learning.  Each day begins with a Bible story and lesson and follows through with other subjects which include reading, phonics, handwriting, science, math, language, history, health, safety and manners. 

 

The Reading program is presented with an emphasis placed on phonics as its teaching tool.  Stories are carefully selected for interest level, appeal, readability, theme, and Christian values.  Questions throughout the program guide students in comprehension of reading materials.

 

Science is taught through exploring and enjoying God’s world.  Some topics discussed are animals, the human body, matter, energy, and the five senses.

 

The Math program provides much review and repetition as children learn to be precise in going from concrete to abstract, from particular to general, and from content to concept.  Some areas covered are: 1 – 500 counting and recognition, largest to smallest, Roman numerals 1 – 20, 4 – digit addition and subtraction with carrying, money and simple graph geometry.

 

Areas of History and Geography are designed to help students know and love America and its people.  Health, safety and manners help to teach children in the areas of cleanliness, safety at home and good health.

 

As with other grade levels, our 2nd grade program offers a well - rounded positive learning experience.  Our small classes make learning a fun experience taught through the 3 C’s, those being Caring, Concern and Compassion.

 

THIRD GRADE PROGRAM

The Third Grade A Beka program continues its studies in a concise organized fashion.  The Bible portion of the program includes lessons on Salvation, Parables, and shares stories about David, Esther, Peter and other prophets.

 

Language Arts includes phonics, reading for comprehension, review of cursive writing, spelling, writing in complete sentence, dictionary skills, and recognition of synonyms, antonyms and homonyms.

 

In areas of History and Geography, continents, the 50 states and oceans of the world are studied while learning about our America through the lives of people such as Columbus, William Penn, Louisa May Alcott and Laura Ingalls Wilder.

 

Science explores the world of plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates, while studying about earth, space, and conservation.

 

Arithmetic challenges the student in the areas of number place values, multiplication tables 0 – 12, English and metric measures, fraction terminology, geometric shapes, and other areas of mathematical computation.

 

The area of Health is so very, important as it educates the child in diet, nutrition, exercise, cleanliness, first aid and courtesy.

 

FOURTH GRADE PROGRAM

A Beka allows the fourth grade student to continue learning in a systematic, exciting, organized way.

 

The Bible portion includes lessons on salvation, the Life of Christ, God’s Word, and Paul.

 

Language Arts includes sentence structure, recognizing and using all eight parts of speech, diagramming sentences, dictionary skills, book reports, creative writing, and many other skills activities.

 

The Social Studies curriculum is the history, government, and geography of New Jersey.  Studies include the Lenape Indians, European explorers, colonial NJ, and New Jersey becoming a state.

 

Science explores plants, animals, matter, earth and space.

 

Arithmetic challenges the student with place values, Roman numerals, fractions, factoring, introduction to decimals, equation solving, and other areas of mathematical computation.

 

The area of Health is important at this level to the child’s expectations of his/her own self worth.  Topics of discussion include personal hygiene, physical fitness and interpersonal relationships.

 

The subjects of Spelling, Reading, and Penmanship are also included.

 

FIFTH GRADE PROGRAM

The Fifth grade A Beka is an exciting one.  Portions of this are listed below.

 

The Bible portion continues its lessons on salvation while presenting lessons on the life of Moses, Joshua, Judges, Ruth and David.

 

History and Geography are studied through an intriguing view into the beginning of civilization, and the expansion of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome from that point.

 

In Science, students will explore and discover facts relating to vertebrates and invertebrates, matter and energy (mechanical, heat, chemical and nuclear), earth and space navigation, electricity, and also the importance of using our natural resources wisely.

 

Math curriculum includes the solving of story problems, factoring, all operations involving decimals, equation solving, graph, and scale drawings and basic geometric shapes.

 

Language arts include reading, vocabulary building, penmanship, and spelling and language skills.  These skills encompass capitalization, sentence structure, creative writing, parts of speech, book reports, and research papers.

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM

Grades 6 – 8 each are housed in a homeroom for the start of the day.  Students attend eight periods of forty minutes daily.  Classes include the following traditional academic subjects: Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, and Literature.  Enrichment areas or Art, Physical Education, Instrumental Ensemble, Computers, Spanish and Home Economics are also included.

 

Extra curricular activities include soccer, Art Club, Drama Club, Literary Club, 4 – H, Safety Patrol and others as interest and leadership develop.

 

Bible is taught three times a week formally, but it is incorporated in all disciplines through the A Beka program.  Students attend chapel on a weekly basis.

 

Enhancing the program are special class trips Sixth graders spend, three days at Spruce Lake Christian Outdoor School studying all of creation with the emphasis on the Creator.  Seventh graders go back in time experiencing life in an 18th century New England seaport and sleeping on an authentic whaling ship.  In eighth grade students journey to Washington D. C. to spend three days learning about our nation’s capitol and to appreciate our Christian forefathers sacrifices to fulfill God’s plan for America.

NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES

 

Note:

Under provisions of the Manual Standards for Child Care Centers (N.J.A.C. 10:122), every licensed child care center in New Jersey must provide to parents of enrolled children written information on parent visitation rights.  State licensing requirements, child abuse/neglect reporting requirements: 1–by reproducing and distributing to parents this written statement, prepared by the Bureau of Licensing in the Division of information in its own handbooks, brochures or other informational materials.  In keeping with this requirement, the center must secure every parent’s signature attesting to his/her receipt of the information.

Bureau of Licensing (609) 292-1018

 

Our center is required by the State Child Care Center Licensing Law to be licensed by the Bureau of Licensing of the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services {DYF’S}.  A copy of our Current license must be posted in a prominent location at our center.  Look for when you’re in the center.

 

To be licensed, our center must comply with Manual of Standards for Child Care Centers (the official licensing regulations).  The regulations cover such areas as: physical environment/life safety, staff qualifications, supervision and child/staff ratios; program activities and equipment; health, food, and nutrition; rest and sleep requirements; parent/community participation; administrative and record keeping requirements and all others.

 

Our center must have on the premises a copy of the Manual of Standards and make it available to interested parents for review.  If you would like to review a copy just ask any staff member.  Parents may secure a copy of the Manual of Standards for Child Care Centers, for a nominal fee, by writing to DYFS Bureau of Licensing, One South Montgomery Street, CN717, Trenton, NJ 08625.

 

We encourage parents to discuss with us any questions or concerns about the policies and program for the center or the meaning, application or alleged violations of the Manual of Standards.  If you suspect our center may be in violation licensing standard, you are entitled to report them to the Bureau of licensing.  Of course, we would appreciate your bringing these concerns to our attention, too.

 

Parents are entitled to review the center’s copy of the Bureau of Licensing’s Inspection/Violation Reports on the center, which are issued after every State Licensing inspection of our center.  Let us know if you wish to review them and we will make them available for your review.

 

Our center must post its written statement of philosophy on child discipline in a prominent location and to make a copy of it available to parents upon request.  We encourage you to review it and to discuss with us any questions you may have about it.

 

Our center must offer parents of enrolled children ample opportunity to participate and observe the activities of the center.  Parents wishing to participate in the activities or operations of the center should discuss their interest with the center director, who can advise them of what opportunities are available.

 

Parents of enrolled children may visit our center at any time without having to secure prior approval from the director or any staff member.  Please feel free to do so when you can.  We welcome visits from our parents.

 

Our center must inform parents in advance of every field trip, outing, or special event away from the center, and must obtain prior written consent from parents before taking a child on each such trip.

 

Anyone who has a reasonable cause to believe that an enrolled child has been or is being subjected to any form of hitting, corporal punishment, abusive language, ridicule, harsh, humiliating or frightening treatment or any other kind of child abuse, neglect or exploitation by any person, whether working at the center or not, is required by State law to report the concern to the DYFS Office of Child Abuse Control, toll free at 1-800-792-8610.  Such reports may be made anonymously.

 

Parents may secure information about child abuse and neglect by contacting:

Community Education Office

Division of Youth and Family Services

One South Montgomery Street, CN717

Trenton, NJ 08625