Handbook of Forestdale S.D.A. School

K - 9 Education

For school year 2003 - 2004

School phone# (207) 674-2934

SCHOOL BOARD

The School Board generally meets the second Monday of each month, 6:00 pm, at Ledgeview.

TEACHERS

HOME & SCHOOL (PTA)

OUR WEBSITE

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(pages correspond to printed handbook)

HISTORY

Forestdale Seventh-day Adventist School is operated by the Woodstock Seventh-day Adventist Church in connection with the Northern New England Conference Office of Education. The school first opened on Tuesday, December 6, 1932 and has been in continuous operation ever since. The first teacher was Carl O. Franz. Originally the school met in one room--the middle room of the school. At first the larger, or front room, served as the church. Since 1951, when the present Woodstock Church was built, Forestdale School has made use of the front room. In 1993, a classroom was added to meet the needs of a growing enrollment. From 1946 to 1959 it served as a Junior Academy offering grades 9 and 10. During the 1988-89 school year grades 9 and 10 were held in Thurlow Hall Memorial Building, adjacent to the school. Tenth grade was discontinued and ninth was re-instated in the 1998-99 school year. Kindergarten was added during the 2001-02. Hundreds of students have attended Forestdale School since 1932.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America has operated a system of elementary and secondary education since 1872. Forestdale Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School is accredited through the Northern New England Conference Office of Education, and the Atlantic Union Conference Office of Education, respectively, and is evaluated on a continuous basis. It is also a Maine State approved private school. The school is located one and one-fourth miles northeast from the intersection of State Route 26 and Andrews Road in Woodstock Township, Oxford County (see back page for a map and more information)

We are pleased that our school is continuing to be a light in the community. Our unofficial motto is "The Little Red Schoolhouse in the Valley providing all of God's Children Christian Education."

To learn more about Adventist Education worldwide see http://education.gc.adventist.org/

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PHILOSOPHY

Christian education is Christ centered; a likeness to Christ in character is the aim of Seventh-day Adventist education.

It is the endeavor of Forestdale School to provide the setting, the inducement, and the opportunity for the individual conversion-growth experience. It is the purpose of the school to assist the home and the church, stressing intellectual, physical and character development which can culminate in service to God and man.

It is the purpose of the school to teach obedience to its principles. An atmosphere is provided in which the students may become acquainted with Jesus as the Christ. No religious test is required of any student upon entering. It is expected that all who present themselves for enrollment assert their respect and honor for the religious principles on which the school is founded.

OBJECTIVES

As Forestdale School approaches the ideals expressed in the preceding philosophy, the following behavior should be evident:

A. Religious Objectives

1. A student will understand and adopt Scripturally based philosophy and standards by demonstrating virtues of kindness, unselfishness, patience, cooperation, etc.

2. Voluntary participation in church religious activities.

3. Engage in private devotions.

4. All students will decide to have and maintain a personal relationship with Christ.

B. Intellectual Objectives

Students will develop an intellectual excellence that portrays:

1. An understanding of God as Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer of mankind.

2. The ability to think independently.

3. A mastery of the use of the tools of learning.

4. An ability to cope with the practical problems of life.

C. Vocational Objectives

Students will appreciate the dignity of labor and demonstrate a sense of economic values by:

Enjoying manual labor and other occupational activities provided by the school and church.

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2. Striving for excellence in workmanship in assigned tasks.

3. Developing initiative, self-reliance, and reliability through work experience.

D. Social Objectives

As students develop Christ-like personalities and characters, they will:

1. Regard others as worthy of respect.

2. Manifest Christian attitudes of propriety and respect in all social relationships.

3. Consider other points of view.

4. Respect the property of others.

5. Exercise self-control and self-discipline.

6. Conduct social functions which adhere to Biblical principles.

E. Health Objectives

Recognize that in order to maintain good health which is a balanced relationship between mind and body, students will:

1. Exercise temperance and moderation in all aspects of life.

2. Enjoy wholesome outdoor recreation and daily physical activity.

3. Obtain adequate and regular rest.

4. Practice principles of nutrition.

5. Develop regular habits of cleanliness.

WHO MAY ATTEND

Any student in Kindergarten to nine who expresses and demonstrates a sincere desire for a Christian education and who pledges to live by the widely known standards of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is welcome.

Attendance at Forestdale School is a privilege and not a right. In order to safeguard the scholarship and moral atmosphere, the school reserves the right to request the withdrawal of any student whose presence is deemed detrimental.

Every parent and student will be expected to be familiar with the school rules and regulations. Violation of them may forfeit one's enrollment.

ENTRANCE AGE

The school board highly recommends that the parents be the

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child's teacher for the first seven years of his/her life. By school board vote, a child six years old by the first day of school may be accepted into Forestdale School. A child not yet six at the opening of school may be admitted if he/she turns six by October 15 and has at least an average Stanine score of five (5) or a Percentile rank of fifty (50) on their Readiness test.

All perspective first graders will be given a Readiness test. Parents will be advised as to the results of the testing and the recommendations of the teacher. These tests will be given in the spring. All students admitted will be accepted based upon school board approval.

KINDERGARTEN

Forestdale has established a Kindergarten program which is incorporated with grades 1 & 2. Children are to be five by October 15 and meet board approval. A full day program is provided but preapproved flexible scheduling will be considered.

COURSES OFFERED

Textbook and teaching materials are approved and comply with current standards designated by the Atlantic Union Conference Office of Education and the North American Division Office of Education. Instructional time for all the subjects meet or surpass the minimum standard required by State law. Daily morning worship, weekly chapel with the pastor, two to three yearly "Weeks of Prayer" (weeks of

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spiritual emphasis), and class work for AJY (Adventist Junior Youth; Adventurers and Pathfinders), are also offered. Choir and chimes, which may require additional hours beyond regular school hours (i.e. Christmas, church, and graduation programs), is part of the music instruction. Piano and guitar lessons are taught in conjunction with the school program as an extra-curricular activity. Children 6-9 years of age are encouraged to join the Woodstock Fireflies Adventurer Club. Children 10-15 are encouraged to join the Woodstock Whitetails Pathfinder Club. Both groups are world-wide, church sponsored, co-educational organizations similar to Cub and Scout Clubs. Optional baptismal classes are also conducted at the school each year by the pastor.

EIGHTH GRADE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Upon the graduation of 8th grade, the student must have completed the following required subject areas:

Bible/Religion

Mathematics

Language Arts (English, Handwriting, Spelling)

Reading

Physical Education

Science/Health

Social Studies

Fine Arts

Practical Arts

A diploma issued from the Atlantic Union Conference North American Division of Seventh-day Adventist Education will be given to each student.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

The following rules and regulations are to be known and observed by all students of Forestdale School. Failure to comply with any of the rules and/or regulations listed below will result in disciplinary action which may include possible suspension.

All pupils are expected to use language befitting a follower of Christ.

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This excludes careless, slang, abusive, and vulgar language, common discourtesies and/or taking God's name in vain.

2. Dishonesty and theft will not be permitted. This includes falsehoods, willful deception regarding violation of school regulations, cheating on tests, or anything else designed to lead one away from truth.

3. Possession of firearms, fireworks, or any lethal weapons will not be allowed.

4. Indulging in unbecoming or suggestive conduct, possession of comic books, obscene literature, etc. is not permitted.

5. Students should not attend places/events where the influences may be found to be detrimental to the school or its reputation. Such places may include: dances, motion picture theaters, pool halls, etc. Questionable TV programs, videos, and music that do not build for Christianity are also discouraged and should not be a part of a student's classroom conversation.

6. Children's lunches are expected to conform with the highest Adventist standards, which includes vegetarianism, moderation of sugar intake, and decaffeinated beverages.

7. The possession and use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs, on or off the school premises, are forbidden.

8. Students are to maintain a cooperative, constructive attitude, and are encouraged to attend church each Sabbath.

9. Willful or thoughtless destruction or defacing of school property is considered a misdemeanor. The offender will be required to repair, replace, or otherwise make restitution for misdeeds, in addition to any other disciplinary action.

10. Boy-girl relationships will be discouraged. Obvious expressions of such are not allowed.

11. Gambling games and substandard literature is forbidden.

12. The wearing of jewelry or the use of noticeable make-up and cosmetics is not allowed.

13. If a student must stay inside during recess or physical education class for any reason a note must be presented to the teacher stating the reason.

14. A child contracting a communicable disease should not be encouraged to attend school until the contagious stage of the disease has terminated.

15. Abusive and aggressive behavior will not be tolerated.

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16. All school books written in by students or otherwise abused or lost are to be paid for by the parent.

17. Absence from the school premises is not permitted at any time during the regular school day, without a request in person or in writing from a parent or guardian. This applies also to early dismissal of individual students.

18. All students are expected to follow and respect general class room procedures as set forth by the teachers.

MEDICAL/HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

As required by State and Federal laws, all students must have proof of immunization and proof of age before entering or transferring to any school. A Certificate of Immunization signed by a doctor showing immunization against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, measles, polio, mumps, and rubella is required unless a waiver has been signed by a parent or guardian. An official Certificate of Birth is required for student files also. Medical/Physical examinations are required by all new students as well as those entering Kindergarten, the first (1st) grade (unless they have proof of an exam from Kindergarten, fourth (4th) grade, and seventh (7th) grade. Forms are available at the school.

SCHOOL HOURS & ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL TIMES

School begins at 8:00 am. Dismissal is at 3:00 pm on Monday through Thursday, and at noon (12:00 pm.) on Fridays. Parents are expected to provide/arrange for transportation to and from school. Students should arrive between 7:45 and 7:55, and be picked up within ten minutes of dismissal; otherwise there may be no one supervising them. When students arrive in the morning, according to the time specified above, they should enter the building and appropriate classroom. Students not picked up within 15 minutes following dismissal time will be required to do school work until their transportation has arrived.

ABSENTEEISM-TARDINESS

When children are well, they belong in school; when they are

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sick, they belong at home. When they return to school, verification of the reason for their absence is required. Upon return to school after an -absence, a student must bring a note from the parent including the days absent and reason for the absence. I f a pupil is absent as many as seven (7) days out of a nine week period, for whatever cause, they may forfeit their period grades unless it is evident to the teacher that their work has been satisfactorily made up. In all circumstances, teachers appreciate notification of absences at the beginning of the day (please phone before 8 am or after 8:15 am).

While at school a child is expected to participate in all school activities (physical education classes, outdoor recesses, etc.) unless the school receives a doctor's note explaining the reason for non-participation and the duration of this permission. Teachers cannot dispense medication (including aspirin and cough drops) without parental permission. Likewise students are unauthorized to have such medicines in school without proper notification (Please note "Policy for Administering Medicines to Students" on page 14 of this handbook.).

Three unexcused tardies will be considered equivalent to one unexcused absence and in the event of three unexcused absences per grading period the parent will be required to appear before the school board. A second offense will result in contacting the local district attendance officer. The only legitimate excuses for absences are:

A. Personal illness

B. Professional health appointments that cannot be made outside of the regular school day

C. Observance of a recognized religious holiday when the observance is required during the regular school day

D. Family emergency situations

E. Personal or educational absence submitted in writing and for which approval has been granted in advance (of the absence).

SNOW AND CANCELLATION DAYS

Forestdale School will open on scheduled days whenever possible. In the event of hazardous conditions, listen to local radio and television stations regarding announcements. The following stations will carry school cancellation announcements:

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Radio WOXO 92.7 F.M. Norway

TV WGME Ch. 13 Portland

TV WCSH Ch. 6 Portland

Forestdale School will also maintain a parent phone list to notify you of other unexpected situations, should they arrive. Parents will be given a copy of this at the beginning of the school year and are asked to call each name on their list in the event of such a situation.

GRADING SYSTEM

Grading scales and procedures will be in harmony with accepted denominational procedures. Parents and teachers are urged to work closely together on student progress through such means as conferences or by appointments. Parents of students whose grades or conduct are below standard will be notified half way between marking periods, or before, by the teacher. Standardized tests (ITBS) are given annually. Parent-Teacher Conference meetings will be scheduled shortly after each of the first three grading periods. Notices and arrangements will be made prior to the meetings.

HOMEWORK

Children, especially in the upper grades, are expected to do homework as part of their total educational experience. Homework assignments supplement, compliment, and reinforce classroom teaching and learning. Assignments will vary according to teacher preference, student ability and participation during school hours to accomplish work, and subject matter. It is our belief that homework does the following:

1. Develops responsibility.

2. Extends formal learning to the home.

3. Gives parents the opportunity to participate in their child's learning.

4. Provides an opportunity for the reinforcement of basic skills, and

5. Gives children experience in working on long-term projects.

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STUDENT FILE RECORDS

Academic, attendance, birth, immunization, and health records are maintained on each student. Legal documents of adoption, custody rights and limitations, medical-health restrictions, etc. must be provided in order to be properly respected. A legal parent or guardian may look at these records as stated in the U.S. Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, Public Law 93-380, as amended by Public Law 93-568 and 94-142. Under these laws it is the parent/legal guardian's lawful privilege and obligation to:

1. Notify schools of a transfer.

2. If desired, obtain a copy of the records at cost, and

3. An opportunity for a hearing to challenge the content of the records be provided.

For students transferring to another school from Forestdale, we maintain the policy as set by the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventist Education, that all transcript requests of academic credit be withheld until student accounts are paid, or satisfactory financial arrangements have been made.

EARLY DISMISSAL POLICY

Academics must receive priority over extracurricular activities. Participation in extracurricular activities that require repeated early dismissal will be based on five criteria:

1. Students must qualify with a GPA of 2.0 and no D's or F's for the quarter before the activity begins.

2. If a grade drops to a D. or an F, or withdraws failing (WF) from any subject, the student loses eligibility for the rest of the quarter.

3. Students and their parent(s) must fill out a request form and submit it to the school board at least one month prior to the start of their activity.

4. Students must receive permission from the school faculty.

5. Students must receive permission from the school board.

If the request for Repetitive Early Dismissal is approved, the student is in the parents' charge at the time he/she signs out and is no longer under the jurisdiction of Forestdale School.

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STUDENT DISCIPLINE POLICY

The following 5 stage Discipline Policy is the framework that will be followed when a breakdown in the Rules and Regulations has occured. It is at the discretion of each teacher to enact this system when they feel it is necessary. Obviously, an extreme case might require a different course of action. The stages are designed to be followed 1-5 unless the severity of the infraction is such that one or more stages need to be omitted. The purpose of this policy is twofold:

1. to state consequences of poor behavior

2. to encourage good behavior in each student Stage I, II, & III forms will be discarded at the end of the school year whereas Stage IV & V forms will become a part of the students permanent record.

Stage I

If repeated offences and classroom discipline has failed, a form will be sent home explaining the infraction and will require signatures from the Parent, Student, and Teacher. Optional consequences will be listed.

Stage II

If Stage I has been unsuccessful in correcting the problem, the teacher will notify the parent by phone and will send home the form stating the infraction and requiring signatures from the Parent, Student, and Teacher. The Principal will be notified. Consequences will be listed on the form.

Stage III

If Stages 1 & II have not corrected the problem then Stage III will follow the above actions and the School Board Chairperson will be notified. Consequences will be listed on the form and may include up to a 3-day suspension.

Stage IV

The above Stages will be followed and School Board action will be required. This action may include a mandatory suspension for a minimum of 3 days and a maximum of two weeks. The consequences will be listed on the form.

Stage V

If Stages I-IV have been unsuccessful the School Board may take action to expel the student for the remainder of the school year. This action would take place only after all possible avenues of correction have been tried.

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DRESS REGULATIONS

Dress regulations have the support of the teachers, school board and church, and will be enforced at Forestdale School. Correct principles in dress should be included just as carefully as any other principles of Christian living. A frivolous wardrobe never teaches economy. A negligent one impairs self-respect; and an inappropriate one awakens self-consciousness. The following principles represent our standards: simplicity, appropriateness, modesty, healthfulness. Simplicity bars extravagancy and profuse ornamentation. Modesty will regulate the type of material and style of the clothes. Healthfulness should characterize the entire wardrobe. In addition to these principles the following standards have been adopted for our school:

All clothing should be clean, loose-fitting, and neat. The teachers reserve the right to make decisions regarding what they view as inappropriate as a situation may arise. Parents and/or students should inquire beforehand if they have any questions regarding the inappropriateness of a particular attire.

Young Men: A hair style should be chosen which is clean, well-groomed, out of the eyes, and above or at collar length. Shirts should be dressy with sleeves, free of inappropriate or questionable pictures, slogans, and writing. Christian, church related, nature and most place names would be considered acceptable. Pants should be clean, loose-fitting and neat.

Young Ladies: blouses must be modest and follow the same guidelines as the boy's shirts. Pants must follow the same guidelines as the boys. Dresses, culottes, and skirts, including slits, should come to the knee. Dresses should have sleeves.

POLICY FOR ADMINISTERING MEDICINES TO STUDENTS

Before any medicine may be administered in school, the School Board requires the written request of the parent/guardian which shall give informed consent for such administration by the classroom teacher. This request shall be accompanied by the written order of the prescribing physician.

Medicine must be delivered to the school in its original container

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and given to the classroom teacher immediately upon student arrival to school. The container should include clear dosage instructions.

Students shall not be permitted to self-administer prescription medicine in school except under very special circumstances-as requested and described by the student's physician (such as in the case of a responsible, adequately instructed asthmatic/allergic student given special permission to carry an inhaler and self-medicate).

The written order of a prescribing physician/dentist shall be reviewed by the classroom teacher when first presented to the school, and should include (a) the diagnosis; (b) a specific dosage; (c) the time at which the medicine is to be administered; (d) the length of time for which the medicine is prescribed--no longer than for the current school year; and (e) any possible side effects of the medicine.

When the teacher believes that the prescription fails to provide sufficient information, he/she will ask the parent/guardian to obtain the specific information needed. It is the parent's/guardian's responsibility to obtain the information needed.

All medicine will be kept in a locked cabinet maintained by the principal or the classroom teacher.

The principal/classroom teacher shall maintain a record including the request, the details of the dosage and timing of medication, and a notation of each instance of administration.

Students are NOT to have any medication on school property without a doctors signed note presented to the classroom teacher. This includes non-prescription and prescription medication. All other medication will be confiscated by the teacher and returned to the parents upon request.

The School Board discourages the administering of medicines on school premises. The parent should confer with the doctor to allow for the student to receive all prescribed doses at home, when possible. However, when the doctor deems medicating during the school day to be necessary for the student's health and attendance in school, it may be done in the school by the parent, or in accordance with this policy by the school staff as permitted by law.

The School Board disclaims any and all responsibility for the effects of any medication given as prescribed by the student's physician. For purposes of this policy, "medication" shall include all medicines

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prescribed by a physician/dentist, including over the counter medicines.

This policy is for the safety of all students attending Forestdale School and for legal liability for the staff who are asked to administer medicine.

FIELD TRIPS

All students will be required to have written permission from a parent or guardian before they will be able to go on a planned field trip off school property. Permission slips regarding the time and nature of field trips will be given to parents prior to such events. Exception: at the beginning of the school year parents may provide permission for their child(ren) to go on supervised nature/fitness walks in the local area surrounding the school grounds through the year at undesignated times. Vehicles used in field trip transportation must have minimum $100,000/$300,000 Liability (Bodily Injury), $50,000 Liability (Property Damage), and minimum $5,000 Medical Payment auto insurance.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION & PAYMENT POLICY

Registration (Once-a-Year)

To cover the cost of purchasing textbooks, photocopy supplies, library books, media materials, and magazine subscriptions, a registration fee of $175.00 is charged each year for each student. If the registration fee is paid after registration day, $200.00 is charged. In addition to above, parents/students must provide such items as a personal Bible, paper, pencils, notebooks and other minor supplies as indicated by supply lists provided by the individual teachers.

1. Tuition is paid in 10 monthly payments.

2. Each family will receive a "tuition coupon booklet".

3. Payments are due on the first of each month.

4. A $10.00 credit is given for payment received before the 10th of month.

5. Overdue accounts past 10 days will receive a letter.

6. Overdue accounts past 60 days will receive a visit.

7. Checks should be made payable to "Forestdale SDA School", and

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should be sent to:

Leanna Wisnosky

Forestdale SDA School Treasurer

P.O. Box 21 Main St.

West Paris, ME 04219

8. Leanna Wisnosky's phone number is 674-2219 and her e-mail is wisnosky@megalink.net

Monthly Tuition (10 months)

Grades K - 8	Tuition Charge	Church Subsidy	Parent Responsibility
For families that are non-Woodstock SDA Church member - 1 child	$ 175	-0-	$ 175
For families that are non-Woodstock SDA Church member - 2 to 4 children	$350	-0-	$350
For families that are Woodstock SDA Church member - 1 child	$175	$50	$125
For families that are Woodstock SDA Church member - 2 to 4 children	$350	$150	$200
Grade 9	Tuition Charge	Church Subsidy	Parent Responsibility
Full-time students	$ 200	-0-	$ 200
($50 discount if another family member enrolled at full tuition)
Part-time students	$ 400 per subject per year

In recognition of individual difficulties, it remains the intention of the school board and its board to make specific, and confidential, arrangements to assist each family to meet its obligations.

If, for whatever reason, tuition payments (or individual arrangements) are not being met, the following actions will be instituted:

At 30 days non-payment-a reminder from the treasurer

At 60 days non-payment-a reminder from the board chairperson

At 90 days non-payment-your student(s) will no longer be enrolled

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The above schedule is for non-payment of a bill. Considerations will continue to be made on an individual basis for partial payments when accompanied by a letter of explanation, and a written request for an alternative arrangement. When no such arrangements have been requested and approved, full payments are expected.

Every opportunity still remains for our children to obtain the Christian education they deserve. At the same time every bill incurred by our school deserves to be paid while there is still an opportunity.

PARENT-TEACHER CONCILIATION PROCEDURE

On the occasion a parent may question an action or policy of a teacher, the following conciliation procedure, based on Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 6, is suggested for resolving these problems. The objective of both parent and teacher is to resolve the problem on an informal basis if at all possible, and then on a formal basis if such efforts do not succeed.

Step 1: Parent should talk with the teacher involved on an informal basis.

Step 2: If the problem is not resolved the parent should talk to the principal on an informal basis (This step would be skipped if the teacher is also the principal).

Step 3: If the problem is not resolved on the school level, the parent then contacts the school board chairperson who will attempt to resolve it on an informal basis.

Step 4: If the problem is still not resolved satisfactorily the parent then contacts one of the school board members for a full school board review.

Step 5: Lastly, if the problem is still unresolved the parent may contact the Conference Superintendent of Schools.

STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE

Student accident insurance is provided automatically for all students when they enter school. The coverage is provided by a blanket policy issued through the Northern New England Conference Office of Education, and is voluntarily paid for by Forestdale School through registration fees. If you would like information regarding student insur-

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ance, or a summary of insurance benefits, please contact a school staff member or call the conference office. Please note that the school insurance is for coverage of accidents incurred by students only during school hours or school-related activities, and not for accidents that occur at home or other places.

In the event of an accident at school, please obtain from

your child's teacher an Accident Claim Form to be completed by the teachers, parents, and doctor. This form should be returned with itemized bills or itemized receipts to the school for processing. Claims must be submitted within 90 days from the date of injury.

EMERGENCIES/MEDICAL CENTER TREATMENT

During registration a form entitled Continuing Consent to Treatment and Health Insurance Information will be provided for you to complete. This form provides the school with information regarding parental preference of doctors, consent to have emergency medical treatment given, and information on other insurance policies in the event of an emergency situation. A list of this information is maintained by each teacher and is taken with your child's teacher on all field trips.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

A transfer student will be tentatively assigned to a grade on the basis of the most recent progress reports available. Student cumulative records will be requested from the school from which they are transferring. If a question arises regarding a student's level of achievement, further evaluation will be made to clarify grade placement. Such evaluation may include standardized tests as well as informal assessment. When a student transfers to another school, their records will only be released when a written request, signed by a parent or legal guardian has been submitted, and when financial obligations have been appropriately met.

HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION (PTA)

The Home & School Association is an organization to advance the cause of Christian education in the home and the school and to develop Christian character in all its members and their dependent children. Any adult member of the church, or patron of the school who

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is willing to do what they can to advance the purpose of the association, may become a member. The association assists in providing informative and enrichment programs as well as financial support. In the past it has been involved with the selling of fruit and cookbooks, as well as holding yard sales. It has been active in providing hot lunches during the winter, assisting in the publication of a school yearbook, a monthly newsletter, and providing field trip transportation. The School Store, providing wholesome and processed health foods, is open Tuesdays from 1:00-5:30 p.m. in the basement of Thurlow Hall. It is operated by Burna Wilson and her family--providing a great benefit to both students and constituents.

The Home & School Association officer(s) are listed on page one of this book.

ASBESTOS

In order to comply with Federal Regulations of the Asbestos Hazardous Emergency Response Act (AHERA) the school building was inspected for the presence of asbestos during the 1988-89 school year. It was found that asbestos was present in the school. According to AHERA regulations you are to be notified of the presence of this asbestos. This serves as that notice. A management plan, which details all of the pertinent information pertaining to the asbestos, is available at the school. The school is monitored every three years according to state requirements.

HOLIDAYS

Each year the following National holidays will be observed:

Labor Day (1st Monday in September)

Columbus Day (2nd Monday in October)

Veterans Day (November 11)

Thanksgiving Day (Last Thursday in November)

Christmas Day (December 25)

Civil Rights Day (3rd Monday in January)

Presidents' Day (3rd Monday in February)

Memorial Day (Last Monday of May)

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CALENDAR

The calendar is provided on a separate sheet. Forestdale's calendar is based upon State of Maine regulations and the Northern New England Conference school calendar. It is our desire that parents and students coordinate their vacations with the school vacations. Parents/students seeking additional personal vacation time need to carefully consider the Absenteeism Policy listed in this handbook. If a student's absence is unavoidable, then arrangements with the teacher(s) need to be made well in advance.

DIRECTIONS

The school is located on Perkins Valley Road which runs parallel to Route 26 and (with Cushman Road) forms a loop between the villages of Bryant Pond and West Paris.

Directions from the South (South Paris, ME): Go northwest on Route 26 8.5 miles and turn right onto Andrews Road. Go 1 mile and turn left onto Perkins Valley Road. Forestdale is 1/4th mile on your left.

Directions from the North (Bethel, ME): Go southeast on Route 26 13.5 miles (through the towns of Locke Mills and Bryant Pond) and turn left onto Andrews Road. Go 1 mile and turn left onto Perkins Valley Road. Forestdale is 1/4th mile on your left.

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INDEX

Absenteeism/Tardiness.....................................................8-9

Achievement Tests (ITBS)/Grading System......................10

Admittance (Who May Attend/Entrance Age)...................4-5

Asbestos...........................................................................19

Calendar............................................................................20

Courses Offered................................................................5-6

Directions to the School....................................................20

Directory (School Board/Teachers/Home &School)..........1

Discipline..........................................................................12

Dress Regulations.............................................................13

Emergencies/Medical Treatment.......................................18

Entrance Age/First Grade..................................................4-5

Excuse Slips (Absenteeism/Tardiness)...............................8-9

Age/First Grade................................................................4-5

Excuse Slips (Absenteeism/Tardiness)..............................8-9

Field Trips.......................................................................15

Financial Information.......................................................15-17

First Grade/Entrance Age.................................................4-5

Grading System...............................................................10

Graduation Requirements (8th Grade).............................6

History of School.............................................................2

Holidays..........................................................................19

Home & School Association (PTA).................................1, 18-19

Homework......................................................................10

Hours (Arrival/DismissalTimes).......................................8

Immunization (Medical/Health Requirements)..................8

Insurance.........................................................................17

Kindergarten....................................................................5

Medical/Health Requirements..........................................8

Medicine (Administering)................................................13-15

Parent-Teacher Conciliation Procedure............................17

Permission Slips (Field Trips)..........................................15

Philosophy & Objectives of the School.............................3-4

Physical Exams (Medical/Health Requirements)...............8

Registration.....................................................................15-17

Rules and Regulations.....................................................6-8

Sickness/Absenteeism......................................................8-9

Snow and Cancellation Days............................................9

Student Records..............................................................11

Suspension (Rules and Regulations).................................6-8

Tardiness/Absenteeism.....................................................8-9

Transfer Students.............................................................18

Transportation (Arrival and Dismissal Times)...................8

Tuition.............................................................................15-17