MUTUAL ACCEPTANCE

 

         Through Christian education, JMS brings together persons from a variety of backgrounds/life experiences, striving to find a common unity in Christ.  God has created each child as a unique individual with special abilities.  He has placed each child in a family to help him develop into the person God intends.  Therefore, we feel a great need to show respect and acceptance for all persons, regardless of their physical appearance, and/or academic ability.

         Parental cooperation in developing acceptance and respect for others at JMS is expected.  Parent attitudes and communication (verbal and non-verbal) greatly determine a child’s respect for others, including respect for his teacher and acceptance of the teacher’s authority in the classroom.

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 ADMISSIONS

 

         Parents who desire for their children the kind of education JMS can provide are invited to apply for admission of their children.

         JMS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, or other school administered programs.  However, because of the school’s mission to raise up children with a Christian world-view, at least one parent must have a testimony of personal faith in Christ and a commitment to regular church attendance.

         During the month of March, which is the initial registration period, the following priority qualifications will be followed for admission:

 

1.   Qualified returning students.

2.   New students from families with children enrolled the previous year.

3.   Children of parents who have been JMS association members for one or more years.

4.   Children from official supporting congregations (Cross Roads Mennonite, Delaware Mennonite, Lauvers Mennonite, Lost Creek Mennonite, and Cedar Grove Brethren in Christ).

5.   Others.

 

         When a student is registered and admitted into school, parents or guardians automatically become members of the association with the responsibilities and rights that go along with such membership.

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Admission Procedures for New Families

1.      Parents should ask for the application packet which includes: JMS Constitution, JMS Handbook, family application, student application (one per child), Memo of Understanding and Commitment, Commitment to JMS Fundraising Endeavors, Tuition Aid form, and any other applicable forms.

 2.      Parents should familiarize themselves with the content of the constitution, read the handbook, and commit to supporting the rules and guidelines as stated therein.

 3.      Students in grades 5–12 must read the handbook, and agree to abide by school rules.

 4.      Parents should complete and return the family application and student application admission form (along with the required registration fee) on or after March 1 for the following school year. 

 5.      After the school receives the completed application forms, a reference form will be sent to the family’s pastor to verify church involvement.

 6.      Upon receipt of the pastor’s reference, an interview with the parents (and students entering grades 5–12) will be arranged for new families.

 7.      A student must perform satisfactorily on an entrance test or show evidence of capability to do the course work.

8.      At the conclusion of the interview, parents will have signed the Memo of Understanding and Commitment and the Commitment to JMS Fundraising Endeavors.  Students in grades 5–12 will have signed a pledge of obedience.

9.      Upon acceptance, parents will need to complete:

·        Health History (for children beginning school or partially enrolled home-school students).

·        Authorization for release of school records (for those transferring from other schools).

·        Certificate of request for loan of textbooks.

10.  All students are accepted on a provisional status.  At the end of the first marking period, each student’s academic progress, attendance record, and behavioral pattern will be reviewed to determine if the child should continue at the school.  This process will be repeated at the end of the second marking period if the situation warrants.

11.  A transfer will not be admitted after the first marking period unless unusual circumstances exist or the family has just moved into the area.

12.  The parents must agree that:

·        the school has full discretion for the grade placement of children.

·        they will meet all tuition and other financial obligations

·        they will willingly support the school in prayer and in lending practical help as required by the school.

13.  Families transferring their children from private or Christian schools must have settled all financial obligations at the previous schools.

14.  Acceptance or rejection of applicants is by written notification.

15.  JMS believes that its biblical role is to work in conjunction with the home to mold students to be Christ-like.  On occasion, the atmosphere or conduct of a particular home may be counter or in opposition to the biblical lifestyle or unable to support the moral principles of the school. In such cases, the school reserves the right, within its sole discretion, to refuse admission of an applicant, institute certain redemptive disciplinary steps, or discontinue enrollment of a student.