At ATCCS, we recognize that Jesus Christ is the source of all knowledge and that according to Proverbs 10:14, "Wise men lay up knowledge."

The Bible is the guide for life; therefore, Bible study is a recognized part of the curriculum of ATCCS.  In the Bible classes and Chapel, students are required to use the King James Version of the Bible.

At ATCCS, we believe it is more important to train a child how to live than how to make a living.  However, you can do neither in a confused atmosphere.  The Christian environment is vital not only for developing Christian character through moral training, but also, to reach the academic excellence that should characterize every school.
 

Parents wishing to enroll their children in ATCCS must adhere to the School's philosophy and policies set forth in this manual.  If this would be difficult for any reason, the Administration asks that you refrain from registering.

We enroll all students with the understanding that all regulations will be followed.  Failure to abide by the rules and regulations could result in dismissal.


AGE REQUIREMENTS
K-4 students must be 4 years old prior to October 1.
K-5 students must be 5 years old prior to October 1.


Horry County Health Department (DHEC) requires that students entering Preschool and Kindergarten furnish a South Carolina Certificate of Immunization, a copy of their birth certificate, and a social security card.  These forms must be turned into our office before the child can be admitted to class.


A student application package is secured from the office.  It should be filled out completely and returned with the non-refundable registration fee.  All fees –Books, SCACS, and Insurance are due upon enrollment.  First month's tuition due August 1.

A.T.C. Christian School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, color, national origin, religion, or race.


The school requires a parent helping out in any way or attending any school function to follow the same standard of dress and conduct as is required of our students and teachers.


Please understand that profanity on the school grounds is not allowed.  As we attempt to teach and train children in a Christian environment, we must all endeavor to set a Christian example.  Also, out of respect to our rules and standards, we ask that all parents and visitors be modestly attired when visiting or observing classes or other facilities.


REGULAR SCHOOL DRESS IS TO BE WORN FOR ALL ACTIVITIES UNLESS OTHERWISE ANNOUNCED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
 

Tuition is divided into ten (10) monthly payments beginning August 1 through May 1 of the school year - August being due at time of enrollment, along with Book fee, SCACS, Insurance and non-refundable Registration fee.  Parents, if you wish, you may pay your child's full year's tuition upon enrollment and receive a discount (see price list).

1.   MONTHLY PAYMENTS:  (K-5 & up) are due the 1st day of each month.  They are late after the 10th.  A late fee will be charged if payment is not received by the 10th.

2.   WEEKLY PAYMENTS:  Daycare age (children 2, 3, & 4 years old) are due in advance each Monday and are late on Friday.  If not paid until the next Monday, a late fee will be added (see price list).

3.   AFTERSCHOOL DAYCARE:  For children staying in daycare after school hours, a fee up to 5 days is required.  From the 6th day, a full month's fee is required (see price list).  School closes at 5:30 p.m.  Please remember the staff have families and need to leave promptly at closing.  Late pick-up after closing hours will be an additional charge per each five (5) minutes.  Same rule applies at 11:30 (1/2 day) and 3:10 (see price list).

AN ACCOUNT IN ARREARS FOR THE 2ND MONTH OR WEEK (WHICH EVER APPLIES) IS GROUNDS FOR THE CHILD TO BE HELD IN THE OFFICE UNTIL ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE WITH ADMINISTRATION TO CLEAR BALANCE.

4.   HEADPHONES:  Each child (K-4 & up) is issued a set of headphones and will be responsible for taking care of his/her own set.  If for some reason the headphones are damaged by the child when he/she could have prevented the damage, then the parent will be held responsible for replacing them.

5.   SPECIAL OFFER!!  Any parents of Preschool & K-4 (Daycare age children) may pay monthly instead of weekly which will save money.  Same rules will apply as #1 above.

6.   CONCERNING HOLIDAYS:  In an effort to keep our overall annual rates as low as possible, the usual rates will apply during the holidays.

7.   DROP-INS:  Only 2, 3, 4 year olds may be dropped in during school hours.  School age children thru 8th Grade are received in afterschool daycare only.  All drop-ins must adhere to the dress code policy and are subject to all rules and regulations set forth in this manual.  Payment must be made up front.  See price list.

8.   EARLY PICKUP:  Students must be signed out in the office when leaving early.  A student who leaves before 10:30 a.m. will be counted absent that day.

9.   WITHDRAWAL:  In the event of withdrawal, transfer, or expulsion, the parents are responsible for full payment of tuition and other fees.  By signing the student handbook agreement, the initial application for enrollment, or the application for re-enrollment, you are authorizing the school to withhold report cards and other records until tuition and other fees have been paid in full (see also page 8, item 8.)



Students attending ATCCS are expected to live above reproach, showing respect to God, our country, family, faculty, and fellow students.  NO lying, cheating, theft, nor profanity.  Anyone not cooperating will be required to withdraw.  The following fundamental rules must be followed in the classrooms:
1.   No student will be out of his/her seat without permission.
2.   No student will speak out in class without permission.
3.   All students are to address as Mr./Mrs. or Miss - never by first names.  Out of respect for the administration and faculty, we ask the parents to set the example in regard when speaking about the school personnel.
4.   "Back-talking" will not be tolerated.


At ATCCS, we try to teach responsibility along with good habits.  It is every student's responsibility to keep a daily homework assignment notebook.  Each day's assignment page is to be signed by parent when the student has finished and parents have looked over it.  These notebooks must be returned the next morning for the next day's assignment.


We realize that often times when a child is transferred from a public school environment to the more structured environment of a Christian school, it takes time to adjust and learn the rules.  Therefore, at ATCCS, new students will always be given ample time to learn what is expected of them.

However, continuing to disobey the rules willfully will be dealt with by the Administration.  If it's deemed necessary by the teacher, corrective discipline (spanking) will be administered by the Director or her Assistant, the Principal or his Assistant.

All rules and regulations apply to students attending any school-sponsored function.


The purpose of a Christian school is to build into a young person the proper spiritual and academic direction for life.  Since rock music is a part of the counter-culture, which seeks to implant seeds of rebellion in young people's hearts and minds, ATCCS considers listening to this kind of music to be detrimental to the spiritual, moral, and intellectual life of a young person.

Therefore, the policy of ATCCS is that students not listen to any kind of rock music, including so called "Christian rock."  Listening to rock music will be considered an infraction of the rules and could be grounds for suspension.


Cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, any narcotics, dice, electronic games, playing cards, knives, guns, matches, explosives of any kind, skateboards, magazines, radios, and books, etc. not related to class work are not permitted on school property.  Again, no books are to be brought to school unless they relate to a specific course of study!
 

Parents, we at ATCCS believe that our outward appearance is a reflection of our heart and mind, and it will either draw attention to ourselves or it will magnify the Lord; therefore, we teach and encourage our young people to learn and practice this principle. NOTE:  After third offense, children will not be allowed to attend class until dress code is met.

ALL STUDENTS BE NEAT (including 2, 3, & 4 year olds - also see page 9)
-   Tattoo’s of any kind are against school policy.
-   Students should not wear "flip flops," slides, sandals, or open-toed shoes.
-   Hair must be kept away from eyes and bowl-cut or punk hairstyles are not acceptable - girls or boys.
-   No wording monster designs, Power Rangers, Teletubbies, Ninja Turtles, Bart Simpson, Rug Rats, Toy Story, Pokemon, Harry Potter, Bratz & Power Puff Dolls, Yu-gi-oh, Mighty Beanz, strawberry shortcake or any of the like.  All these and unwholesome slogans, wording, advertising, or pictures are unacceptable on student supplies, shoes, etc.

BOYS
-   Students in all grades (K-5 and up) are to wear collared shirts tucked in pants (shirts without collars are not acceptable).  All buttons except the top one must be secured.
-   No tank top shirts.
-   All boys must wear long pants with the exception of Kindergarten and Preschool boys who may wear knee pants covering knee.  NO BAGGY PANTS.
-   All boys must wear belts with pants that have belt loops and socks with their shoes.
-   Watches are the only jewelry permissible.
-   Hair is to be kept trimmed regularly.  It is to be kept off the collar and ears and above the eyebrows.  No extreme hairstyles will be permitted, INCLUDING "RAT TAILS."  No bowl or out of the ordinary haircuts will be permissible.  Haircut notices will be sent home when deemed necessary.  Students will have 3 days to comply.
-   No unwholesome writings or pictures on clothing.

GIRLS
-   All girls (1st Grade and up) are to wear loose-fitting dresses or skirts 1 inch below the knee.  All splits must come below knee.
-   K-4 and K-5 can wear dresses (covering knee), or long pants, or knee pants (covering knee - loose fitting only) may be worn with the exception of each Wednesday which will be practice and Chapel days
-   Preschool (2-3 yr olds) – Can wear dresses or knee pants pull-ups only (above knee acceptable).  Part of our routine during the course of the day is spent with regular scheduled trips to the bathroom.  Some of the children have problems with belts, suspenders, and galluses and they tend to fall into the "john"; therefore, we ask that you please work with us on this and when purchasing school clothes in the future, please buy pull ups only.  Also, no snaps at the crotch, please (see also page 9).
-   No unwholesome writings or pictures on clothing.
-   No sundresses, sleeveless or open- backed blouses, slacks, shorts, or culottes.
-   Modest jewelry, please. (Only one of any piece)

All these children will need a small receiving blanket to cover with at naptime.  Large blankets are not acceptable and NO pillows, please.
 
ABSENCES:
1.   Sickness with a doctor's excuse is an excused absence and will not be counted as one of the 10 days allowed.
2.   Sickness without a doctor's excuse, but having an excuse written and signed by the parent is still an unexcused absence by Law and will be counted as one of the 10 absences allowed.
3.   Absences (3 days max.) concerning a death in the immediate family only will be excused -parent, brother, or sister.
4.   Tests missed due to sickness must be made up within three (3) days.
5.   School begins at 8:05a.m.  After 8:05, K-5 & up must stop by the office for a tardy slip for admission to class.  Three tardies make one unexcused absence.  As class should not be interrupted, parents of Preschool children coming late should leave the child at the preschool door.

Children leaving early must be signed out in the office.  A child leaving before or arriving after 10:30 a.m. will be counted absent.

BY LAW, A STUDENT CAN HAVE ONLY 10 UNEXCUSED ABSENCES.  A DOCTOR'S EXCUSE MUST BE FURNISHED FOR EACH ABSENCE THEREAFTER.  IF A STUDENT HAS OVER TEN (10) UNEXCUSED ABSENCES DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR, THAT STUDENT MUST BE RETAINED AT THE SAME GRADE LEVEL.


Students may bring their own or purchase lunch at school.  Many nourishing foods can be put into a lunch box.  A few suggestions are:  Peanut butter and jelly (listed as a good health food) and fruits and vegetables such as oranges, apples, celery, carrots, cucumbers, etc. (already sliced and bagged).

Only foods purchased at school will be heated in microwave oven.  Breakfast, lunch, and snack items will be available to the students at a reasonable cost.  Breakfast will not be served after 7:45 a.m.  Items available are as follows:

Pizza         Pizza Pockets      Soup         Sausage Biscuits
Ravioli      Sandwiches          Burgers      Potato Chips   
Corn Dogs      Soft Drinks          Milk         Fruit (Cut-up)
Cookies      Candy Bars          Juice         Peanut Butter Crackers

Menu and price list will be made available at the beginning of the school year.  Charges are limited and should be paid weekly. 

*Students who purchase their lunch from school will be given miscellaneous items such as ketchup, mustard, a napkin, etc.  Otherwise, they need to pack these items with their lunch.
 

1.   ARRIVAL:  Any students arriving late must report to the office for a tardy slip.  Please park your car in front of the church and walk your Preschoolers (2, 3, 4 yr. olds) to the back door. Please leave them promptly to help the staff keep order.  Make sure all children, regardless of age, are inside the building before leaving.   

2.   DISMISSAL:  If your child is to leave school with someone not on pickup list, please send a note or call the school. Change office paperwork asap for add-ons.  If you wish to meet with a teacher, call the office to arrange for a conference.  Classes should not be interrupted nor teachers detained from their responsibilities.  Dismissal time is crucial and parents should wait out front for the students unless there’s business in the office.  Halls should be kept free and clear with as little disturbance as possible.  Also, early dismissals can hinder a child’s progress.  Please consider when scheduling doctor’s appointments, etc.

3.   PLEASE DO NOT negate "tear down" what is taught or established by the teacher or school in front of your child.  If you have a question or problem, please discuss it with the administration.

4.   PERSONAL BELONGINGS:  Please mark the child's name on all coats, sweaters, gloves, caps, books or other such articles that are brought to school.

5.   PLEASE DO NOT allow your child to bring any toys to school unless it's requested by the teacher for "Show & Tell", etc. 

6.   PLEASE DO NOT allow your child to bring a second book to class until the first one has been returned.  A book may be brought for a teacher to read to the class at her discretion.  It must have the child's name on it. 

7.   HOMEWORK is an important part of your child's learning process.  Please see that your child's homework is done neatly and correctly.

8.   DRESS CODE CHECKS:  Our teachers do not make the rules, but they are responsible for helping to carry them out.  Regular dress code checks will be made by the teachers & your child may be sent to the office. Please do not get upset with the teachers for doing their job.  Bring any complaints to the office.

9.   PURCHASING SUPPLIES: Please remember when purchasing notebooks, lunchboxes, booksacks, pencils, clothing, or any other item that Bart Simpson, ninja turtles, rock stars, wrestlers, Power Rangers, Rug Rats, Teletubbies, Toy Story, Pokemon, Harry Potter, Bratz & Power Puff Dolls, Yu-gi-oh of any kind, Mighty Beanz, strawberry shortcake, or of the like are NOT acceptable

10.   MEDICINE:  Please sign it in with instructions for administering and leave the medicine in the office in a ziplock labeled with child’s name (with measuring spoon).  Medicine and/or notes should not be sent to school with children in bookbags. WITHOUT signed form, medicine will NOT be administered. If giving on a weekly basis, it must be signed in each week.  All medicines (refrigerated medicines will be stored in office fridge) to be picked up in the office by an adult until 4:30 PM.  From 4:30 until closing, it will be left in the Daycare for adult pick up.  PLEASE NO HARD CANDIES –cough drops, sore throat pops, etc.

11.   RETURNING AFTER ILLNESS:  Please do not send your child to school when during the previous night he/she has experienced: fever, sore throat, diarrhea or vomiting.  Please give him/her time to recover before returning to school.
 

I hereby give A TOUCH OF CHRIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL permission for my child to take part in all school activities, including bus trips, sports activities, and school sponsored trips away from the school premises.  I also believe that discipline is necessary for the welfare of each student as well as for the entire school.  I hereby give my permission for my child's teacher and/or other agent of the school to make and enforce classroom regulations in a manner consistent with Christian principles and discipline as set forth in the Scriptures, including corporal punishment (spanking) if deemed necessary by school authorities.

Should legal action, for any reason, be taken against A TOUCH OF CHRIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL or its agent should incur to defend itself against such action.

In case of an accident or illness, I hereby request the school to contact me at the following number.  If the school is unable to reach me, I hereby request the school to call my physician and to follow his instructions.
______________________________________________________________________
PARENT'S NAME            PHONE #               PHYSICIAN'S NAME         PHONE #

If it is not possible for the school to call my physician, the school may make whatever arrangements it deems necessary.

I UNDERSTAND THE FOLLOWING FACTS:
1.   Registration, SCACS, and Insurance are non-refundable.
2.   Payment dates will be strictly enforced according to the financial statement of page 3 of this Manual.
3.   Excessive tardies and/or absences will add to failure and ultimately dismissed.
4.   Negative actions and attitudes may lead to dismissal.
5.   Violation of rules established in our Policy Manual will be followed through with discipline in all cases.
6.   All monies owed to the school must be paid before records will be released.                     Students are responsible for library books checked out of the Bookmobile and for payment for any lost or damaged books.
7.   I agree to cooperate with the school in the matter of policies set forth in the Policy Manual.  I realize that an uncooperative spirit on my part, or the part of my child(ren), could lead to dismissal and, if the time comes when I cannot support the policies of A  TOUCH OF CHRIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, I will not try to change the school, but will quietly withdraw my child(ren).
8.   Students pulled out of ATCCS will not be eligible for re-enrollment as bad habits are sometimes formed and children fall behind in our academic program.  Special cases will be considered.  (For example: Such as when a family moves to another area.)

I HAVE READ A TOUCH OF CHRIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL'S POLICY MANUAL AND DO PLEDGE MY FULL COOPERATION WITH THE RULES AND REGULATIONS FOUND THEREIN.


Parent's Signature_______________________________    Date__________________

Student's Signature______________________________    Date__________________
PRESCHOOL & K-4 INFORMATION
(Also, see ALL STUDENTS on page 5.)


Breakfast is served until 7:45 a.m.  Those children arriving late should have breakfast at home.  Please try to avoid sending sweets (candy bars, sweet cakes, etc.) to school for the children’s breakfast.
           
At lunch the daily menu includes foods such as spaghetti, pizza, hot dogs, soup, sandwiches, fruits (bananas, applesauce, fruit cocktail, etc.) and vegetables.

A 2:00 snack is provided.

Milk & juices are provided daily in the program.


All Preschool & K-4 children nap after lunch and will need a small receiving blanket to cover with.  Large blankets are not acceptable and no pillow, please.


Girls may wear dresses (covering knee), long pants, or knee pants (covering knee - loose fitting only) with the exception of Wednesdays, when we require the girls to wear dresses for Chapel and practice days.

When wearing long pants or knee pants, both boys and girls in this age group  (2, 3, & 4 year olds) need pull-ups only.  Scheduled trips are made to the bathroom during the routine course of a day and some of the children have problems with belts, suspenders, and galluses. They tend to fall into the "john"; therefore, we ask that you please work with us on this (when purchasing school clothes in the future), and buy pull-ups only.  Snaps at the crotch, sundresses, sleeveless & open-backed tops, tank shirts, or shorts are unacceptable.  No unwholesome pictures or writing on clothing.

Boys may wear long pants or knee pants (covering knee).  Rattails nor out of the ordinary haircuts are acceptable.  Boys are to have their hair neat, off the collar. 

Parents, we ask that you please come modestly dressed when dropping of and picking up your children.


Fees due weekly in advance each Monday.  If not paid by the next Monday, a late fee will be added (see price list).

If choosing to pay monthly, fees will be due on the 1st, late after the 10th and a late fee will be added (see price list).  By paying monthly, the fifth week is free. 

Payment is required for all school holidays, except one week during Christmas break.  Payment will not be due that week if account is up to date.  If account shows a balance due, payment will be required for that week.
Chapel will be held on the second Wednesday of the month.  All girls are required to wear their dresses each Wednesday, as Wednesdays will also be practice days in the Sanctuary.


Graduates (K-4 & K-5) with unpaid balances will not be allowed to march without arrangements being made through the office by either both parents or guardian.  Also, part-time students in K-4 are not allowed to march in Graduation. 


"South Carolina Association of Christian Schools"

The South Carolina Association of Christian Schools (SCACS) provides the Christian school with many benefits and services.  Most importantly —credibility, mutual assistance, good public relations, and legislative strength, keeping us informed of the laws targeted against Christian education and using every means it has to fight the evils of our day.

Through SCACS, Christian schools also have access to: college scholarships, speech/music/academic and Bible competition, essay contests, achievement and standardized testing programs, and much more.

The fact that many of you have sacrificed to place your children here with us, having pulled them out of the public school system, tells us you are concerned parents.  We, in turn, have tried hard to keep our prices down and will continue to do all we can to help.

Even though it will cost our school hundreds of dollars a year to be a part of the SCACS, we want the best for our students (your children).  Not only does SCACS provide many benefits and services as stated above, but the organization is also dedicated to promoting and protecting the Christian school.  Thank you for helping us to do all we can to give your children the best quality in education as well as to protect their future by supporting SCACS.
            
       ATCCS must inform parents that all students must now show proof of accident insurance in school files.  The school requires all students to carry accident insurance through the South Carolina Association of Christian Schools (SCACS).


In the event of bad weather, follow the TV or radio announcements and do as Horry County Schools do.  If they close, start late, or close early, we do the same.



A TOUCH OF CHRIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (ATCCS) IS REGISTERED BY THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.                              (rv’d 2/14/07)