Intermediate Grades (4th-6th)

At Tri-State Christian we believe that each child is a unique and special creation of God. Because of that, we recognize that children learn in different ways and at different rates.  We desire to provide a rich learning environment, through interactive learning experiences and age appropriate teacher directed activities.  Students will be encouraged in their spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and social development.  Luke 2:40 “And the child (Jesus) grew and became strong, filled with wisdom.  And the favor of God was upon him.”

 

academic

Grading Scale

Intermediate Grades (Fourth through sixth):

            A+      100-98

            A         97-95

A-             94-92

B+       91-89

B          88-86

B-         85-83

C+        82-80

C          79-77

C-             76-74

D+      73-71

D         70-68

D-            67-65

F          64-0

Homework

At Tri-State Christian School we believe homework is a part of a student's educational experience but do not intend for it to interfere with family and church time. Therefore, we encourage parents to take an active role in supporting their child's learning by encouraging him/her to complete all assignments in a timely fashion. 

Extended school absences for family holidays or family needs will not have homework assigned, but students are expected to keep up with quizzes, tests, and projects.  They are also responsible for knowledge taught while they are absent.

Homework is not assigned on Wednesday night. Wednesday is church night and we respect this family time.

Intermediate Department (fourth through sixth grade): When homework is assigned there will be an average of no more than 30 minutes per night. 

 

Progress Reports and Report Cards

Progress reports for Kindergarten through sixth grade are issued quarterly for students with grades S- or below in primary and C- or below in intermediate.

Report cards are issued for primary and intermediate departments at the end of each quarter.

In order to check report cards or progress reports online you may go to the Renweb School Management Software web site (www.renweb.com).

 

Arrivals and departures

Elementary students, K-6th grade, enter and leave through the front door of the school building, not the lower level or side exits.  Exceptions are made for younger students who are riding with a High School student.  They may leave through the lower level doors.

In inclement weather Kindergarten – 6th will be allowed in the upper entrance area.

 

ATHLETICS

Fifth and Sixth Grade sports

See secondary department under extra-curricular activities in the handbook or contact the athletic director for more information.

 

communication

Newsletters and Memos

TSCS sends memos and newsletters home with the youngest child

 (K through 6th grade). Please check your child’s book bag and folders each day. 

 

Phone calls

Phone messages will be given to Pre-K through 6th grade.

 

discipline

If a student misbehaves or fails to follow procedures, the school will respond and action will be taken.

·         Discipline starts in the classroom with the teacher and the student.

·         Disciplinary matters will be discussed with the student and their parents will be notified. 

·         A student and his/her parent may also receive an anecdotal note describing the nature of the infraction. 

·         The student may be denied recess time, given special tasks to do, or assigned to stay after school. 

·         Students will be sent to the Principal when needed.

·         Conferences with the parents, teachers, students, and Principal will be held to resolve frequent or serious problems.

 

dress code

Appropriate dress and good grooming are expected of all students. If a student is inappropriately dressed, a teacher or staff member will speak to him/her and suitable action will be taken. 

à         Clean, neat and modest.

à         No cut offs with frayed ends.

à         No flip/flops

à         Boys' hair length should not exceed shirt collar.

à         Consistent with the school's philosophy.

à         No hats or other headgear-male/female.

The school dress code is in effect at all school activities, including plays, concerts, and sporting events.

 

Events

Fifth Grade Earth Day

Fifth grade students participate in a county wide 5th grade Earth Day celebration that includes storytelling and a live raptor presentation in April.

Fourth Grade Conservation Day

In the spring, fourth grade students visit different environmental stations at Palisades State Park in the fall.

Sixth Grade Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education is a unique experience provided for the sixth grade students at Tri State Christian School. To supplement our hands-on science learning and to connect with our novel study, My Side of the Mountain, the students have the opportunity to spend three days and two nights at Living Waters Bible Camp in Westby, Wisconsin. They will participate in true "outdoor education" with programs covering such topics as rocks and geodes, soil erosion, archery, gold panning, trout habitat and a planet journey. As well, there will be plenty of time for bonding as a class over meals, sports and campfires. If the students wish, they will also have the chance to sleep out on the top of the mountain or in covered wagons. It is a wonderful opportunity and the students always have a tremendous time! The cost is about $100 per student, which covers meals, accommodations and programs at camp, as well as mileage and gas for the journey. Students are encouraged to begin raising money early for the trip, which is scheduled in late April or early May. 

Sixth Grade Veritas Groups

See secondary department under spiritual in the handbook.

general school information

Assemblies

Throughout the year there will be special programs provided for the elementary grades from outside sources and by the secondary department.

Computer Use 

Students may use the computer facilities here at TSCS when it pertains to academics. Students may not use computers to check email, play games or browse the Internet for any purpose other than academics. Students will be supervised at all times. Also, students may not make any changes to the computers unless directed to by the instructor. Any students found to have been misusing the computers will lose the privilege of using school computers. 

Field Trips

Each class may take one field trip per semester and one class picnic at the end of the year.

 

Lockers

Lockers at TSCS are loaned to students to store essential educational materials and supplies during the school day. Because lockers are the property of the school, TSCS reserves the right to inspect lockers at any time with or without notice.  Because TSCS cannot be responsible for personal belongings, students are encouraged to only bring essential items to school and take precautions to protect their belongings. Students are expected to keep their lockers clean. If students wish to lock their lockers, keys are available. A deposit of $10 fee is required and is refunded at the end of the year when the key is returned to the office.  Posters, decorations, etc. on the inside should meet appropriate TSCS and Christian standards.  The outside of the locker should have nothing attached to it unless it relates to school spirit or special occasions. The hallway is not an appropriate place to store personal belongings.  Items should not be placed on the top of the lockers.  No open food or beverages are to be left in locker. Items of food found inside the locker or items on top of lockers will be tossed out.

Recess and Nonscheduled Time

All students in Kindergarten through sixth grade have a daily outdoor recess (weather permitting).  Please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately for cold weather conditions – including snow pants, hats, mittens, and boots. Student must have appropriate outerwear to play on the playground. All students will go outside for recess unless they have a note from home.

During recess and lunch, students are expected to stay in assigned, visible areas and not leave campus.  All students are expected to follow the direction of the playground supervisor.  When weather permits, students may play on the soccer field and the playground.  Parents of elementary students dressed inadequately for recess may be called to bring appropriate additional clothing.

Students may not play in or near any building or near any parked vehicles.

The following activities are specifically forbidden on the playground: snowball throwing, tackling (including tackle football), and other forms of aggressive behavior.

 

tardiness

Being at school on time is very important for students to begin their day properly.

When a student is late to school, the student must check in at the school office.  The school office will issue a tardy pass for the student.  The following would then apply for excessive tardies per quarter.

·        Five tardies per quarter results in a letter sent home to parents.

·        Continued tardies per quarter results in contact from the Principal to establish a plan of correction.

transportation

Your child’s safety is important to us.  Please inform the teacher of transportation plans.  TSCS wants to insure that all students are leaving school property with the right designated driver. Teachers walk their students outside at the end of the day. If there are any changes to your plans notify your child’s teacher.

Dubuque and Galena buses and car pool parents drop off and pick up students in front of the school. A designated play area is available for students. Cars enter one direction and continue through drop off area to exit on Chetlain Lane. Do not leave vehicles unattended or parked in the drop off lane in front of the building.  School buses and school vehicles need to get through.