2011-2012
Parents Handbook
PROGRAM:
UIC Sunday School dedicates itself to "Quality Arabic & Religious Education in an Islamic Environment." Our Sunday school helps shape the children's first and lasting ideas about themselves and their religion. It helps preserve their Muslim identity, gives structure, substance, and meaning to basic religious knowledge, and encourages our children's interest in further learning and development of "Future Leaders".
It is our goal to develop in each child a love for Allah (God); the understanding of Islam and to nurture an identity in each child as a confident and faithful American Muslim. We hope to accomplish these goals through instruction in three basic areas: Islamic Studies, Qur’anic Studies and Qur’anic Arabic.
In Qur’anic Arabic, the teacher follows a sequential program in which students develop their reading of the Holy Qur’an. In Islamic Studies, the program emphasizes various themes from basic beliefs to stories of the prophets to moral values and ethics. Verses from the Qur’an are selected according to these themes for children to understand and to memorize as part of our Qur’anic Studies curriculum. Chapters from the Thirtieth Juz’ (Chapter) of the Qur’an are also taught according to age-appropriate meaning.
GENERAL RULES:
1. Everyone is expected to follow directions the first time they are given.
2. Keep hands, feet, and objects to ones’ self.
3. Use appropriate language at all times. Teasing and name calling are inappropriate.
4. Students are expected to show respect for school property. Littering and/or defacing school property is not allowed.
5. All students are to follow the Islamic attire guidelines. Extreme hairstyles, excessive Jewelry and wearing of make-up are not allowed.
The rules and discipline procedures at UIC Sunday School have been established for the protection of all students. Students are expected to respect these rules as the people responsible for carrying them out. Our goal is for each student to learn to be responsible for his/her own actions.
Cleanliness: A code of cleanliness is expected for all students. Hair must be properly combed or brushed. Nails should be trimmed. Clothing should be clean.
Dress Code: Proper dress is the student’s responsibility when choosing appropriate clothing. The following guidelines must be followed to ensure that this privilege will continue. If students are having problems determining whether their clothing is mosque appropriate or not, basically students must dress in clothing that is suitable for prayer and appropriate to be in the Masjid (mosque)
· No short shorts for boys (should be below the knee)
· No short skirts for girls (should be long to cover the ankle)
· No tight jeans or leggings.
· No very baggy pants.
· Long sleeve shirts only for girls.
· Loose fitting clothing.
· All girls should be wearing a Scarf at all times.
If a student does not follow the dress code according to our values, he/she will be given a notice. If, after that, the dress code is still not fulfilled, then the student will be referred to an Administrator.
First Aid: The school will give appropriate first aid to a hurt child. A parent or guardian will be contacted if the school staff feels that immediate medical attention is necessary. If the UIC Sunday School Staff feel that the injury is of an emergency nature, paramedics will be called to the school and a parent or guardian will be contacted.
STAFF:
Staff Growth and Staff development is the key to a quality school. Our Sunday School has qualified and competent teachers to ensure high standards.
One of the most significant factors in providing a quality learning environment for children in a group setting is the number of educated staff available with whom the children can interact with. Our staff provides better supervision and care, also a greater variety of personalities; bring energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to our Sunday School.
To facilitate our operation, we conduct monthly staff meetings for all volunteers and volunteered teachers with the principal. Our on-going meetings discuss the needs of the teachers to achieve success in teaching. We also discuss and cover a variety of topics the teachers will need, such as instruction techniques, classroom management, and discipline.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT:
Parents are the most important people in a child's life. Their love, affection, support and approval are a fundamental need of all children. Because parents are #1 in importance, they are also #1 in the ability to influence and motivate their children. Programs designed with strong parent involvement components produced students who performed better. We encourage our parents to participate in our school events, and to be part of our school community.
Parent Communication: The UIC Sunday School recognizes how important it is for parents to know about what is happening at school with their children. Open communication is the foundation of a pleasant school. Please make use of our motivation to listen by communicating your needs and concerns as they arise. To be able to have a productive meeting, please make an appointment.
Parent-Teacher Conference: Parents may arrange conferences with teachers at any time by calling the UIC Masjid at 225-2212 or by e-mailing the teacher directly. Your child’s teacher’s e-mail is available on our school website.
School Bulletin: Our communication with you will be through our website for your convenience, in addition to the flyers given to students after Zuhr prayer.
POLICIES OF OPERATION
Admission Policies:
The primary concern of UIC Sunday School is always to the benefit of its students. Our main consideration is to ensure that any student admitted is capable of handling the curriculum successfully and happily. We follow the “No Child Left Behind” policy for UIC Sunday School.
School Hours:
There will not be classes during the month of Ramadan, as well as the days of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, as well as other days to be announced.
School hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 1:15 pm every Sunday, from the first Sunday of September through the first Sunday of June (these dates may change due to the Islamic Lunar Calendar with Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr being around this time). We initiate the school every Sunday with a ten minute assembly by reciting a short surah from the Qur’an, as well as conducting a mini Islamic topic discussion, directed by our Imam.
Students will be given a snack time; we provide a snack and a drink to each student. There will be three periods of teaching: Qur’anic Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Qur’anic Studies including recitation, memorization and translation. We end the school with Zuhr prayer which is part of the school and students are required to pray Zuhr before they can go home. We encourage parents to join the Zuhr prayer with their children.
Attendance:
Regular and on time attendance is critical to the maximum achievement of our children. Homework will be posted every week on our school’s website; In the case of an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to make up the missed homework and turn it in on time.
Tardiness: A student is considered tardy if he/she is not in the classroom when classes begin at 10:40; students are however encouraged to arrive at 10:30 to participate in the school assembly conducted weekly. Parents are responsible for getting their children to school on time. When students are tardy they disturb the class and also miss the lesson.
Dismissal: Parents must pick up their child/children from the UIC on time right after Zuhr prayer; students are not supposed to go outside the masjid to wait for their parents. There will be no supervision of the children after Zuhr prayer.
Make-up Work:Students are responsible for getting assignments and making up missed work. The homework will be posted on the school’s website every week. All homework should be made up on time.
Personal Items: For all students, toys, comics, make-up, jewelry, perfume and other items that are not essential for a learning environment are not permitted at the school. If brought to the class, the teacher will take those items from the child, and will have the freedom to determine when the item would be returned to the student.
Lost/Found: A lost and found area will be maintained in UIC. UIC Sunday School will make every effort to safeguard personal belongings brought by the child, but will not be responsible for lost or damaged items. Expensive or irreplaceable items such as jewelry, watches or expensive toys should not be brought to school.
Visiting: Parents are welcome to observe classes but they need to make an appointment with thePrincipal and they must not disturb the classroom with their presence. All visitors must check in at the office before going into the classes.
School Property: Students are expected to keep the school property in good condition at all times to the best of their ability. We will tolerate with students who do not fulfill or apply the rule above. Example: Students writing on the walls, etc will not be tolerated.
ACADEMIC POLICIES:
Class Size and Groupings: The child shall be placed in a group of peers based on age, grade, or Arabic level and/or special needs as determined by the staff.
Homework Policy: Homework is assigned every Sunday. Parents are responsible for providing a quiet, well-lit comfortable place for the child to complete his/her homework assignments. Parents should make sure children give proper attention to neatness and accuracy, as well as completeness. However, parents must not do the children's work for them. Homework is an independent activity in which the child reinforces skills learned at UIC Sunday School. Parents may assist their children in a limited way, but not completing it for them. Parents should be prepared to sign homework papers at the teacher’s request. Parents must also follow through with homework assignments that require their direct involvement and remind students to submit the homework regularly. Along with the books, students must bring a notebook, a folder, and a box of supplies to school every Sunday.
Books: The students will be given books. All the books are loaned to the students for their use during the school year. Books are to be kept clean and handled carefully. Students will be responsible and fined for loss, damage, and/or writing in the books.
Testing: Testing will be done twice a year. Half-yearly exams will be in January and final exams will be in May. Report cards will be sent in the form of a student evaluation in February and June. Parents should not excuse students to avoid tests or project deadlines. Such action is unfair to other students and undermines standards.
Thinkwave: UIC Sunday School is using Thinkwave. This program allows you to check grades and attendance through the internet.
Website Address: http://www.thinkwave.com/
Please contact your child’s teacher to get your Username and Password.
DISCIPLINE POLICIES:
Discipline is considered a direct consequence of a personal choice on the part of an individual. Students are taught that they have the ultimate responsibility for controlling behavior and they should always consider carefully the consequences before they act. Students know clearly that they will be held accountable for their actions at all times. The ability to act responsibly, independent of adult direction, is considered the greatest achievement. Courtesy, self-control, and personal development are desired goals of good discipline. In addition, good discipline will provide a classroom situation conducive to learning for all. Discipline is considered an aspect of moral guidance and not a form of punishment.
A safe and orderly environment is essential to an optimum learning situation for all the children. Our school believes in a positive discipline approach where school, and classroom expectations are discussed and reviewed with the students. Our primary expectation is respect for all involved in the school programs: staff, students and parents.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Administration's Responsibilities
1. Administration should support teachers by holding conferences with disruptive students and, when necessary, with their parents to obtain commitments to improve behavior.
2. Administration should advise students and parents of possible consequences for continued violation of school-wide rules and policies.
The Teachers' Responsibilities
1. Teachers should establish Classroom Rules and Consequences and a classroom management atmosphere, which encourages proper behavior and gives each student the chance to learn.
2. Teachers should assist in the development and enforcement of school rules.
3. Teachers should communicate with parents, and students, regarding student’s performance, recognition of progress and excellence, as well as generating possible solutions to problems.
The Parent's Responsibilities
1. Parents are accountable for seeing that their student(s) is in school.
2. Parents should review all school rules with students to insure that everyone is familiar with the standards that are expected by the school.
3. Parents should cooperate with school staff in enforcing the school’s disciplinary measures when necessary.
4. Parents should reinforce appropriate behavior by students in the home.
5. Parents should develop an interest in the student's academic and other school related activities.
The Student's Responsibilities
1. Students are expected to be in class on time, to be prepared, and to remain in class the entire school day.
2. It is the students responsibility to make up work missed for excused absence, according to individual class policies.
3. Students must behave in the classroom and in the school in a manner that does not disturb or interfere with the rights of others.
4. Students must respect the authority of teachers and other school personnel to enforce school policies and rules.
5. Students will act responsibly when caring for and using school property.
UIC Sunday School dedicates itself to "Quality Arabic & Religious Education in an Islamic Environment." Our Sunday school helps shape the children's first and lasting ideas about themselves and their religion. It helps preserve their Muslim identity, gives structure, substance, and meaning to basic religious knowledge, and encourages our children's interest in further learning and development of "Future Leaders".
It is our goal to develop in each child a love for Allah (God); the understanding of Islam and to nurture an identity in each child as a confident and faithful American Muslim. We hope to accomplish these goals through instruction in three basic areas: Islamic Studies, Qur’anic Studies and Qur’anic Arabic.
In Qur’anic Arabic, the teacher follows a sequential program in which students develop their reading of the Holy Qur’an. In Islamic Studies, the program emphasizes various themes from basic beliefs to stories of the prophets to moral values and ethics. Verses from the Qur’an are selected according to these themes for children to understand and to memorize as part of our Qur’anic Studies curriculum. Chapters from the Thirtieth Juz’ (Chapter) of the Qur’an are also taught according to age-appropriate meaning.
GENERAL RULES:
1. Everyone is expected to follow directions the first time they are given.
2. Keep hands, feet, and objects to ones’ self.
3. Use appropriate language at all times. Teasing and name calling are inappropriate.
4. Students are expected to show respect for school property. Littering and/or defacing school property is not allowed.
5. All students are to follow the Islamic attire guidelines. Extreme hairstyles, excessive Jewelry and wearing of make-up are not allowed.
The rules and discipline procedures at UIC Sunday School have been established for the protection of all students. Students are expected to respect these rules as the people responsible for carrying them out. Our goal is for each student to learn to be responsible for his/her own actions.
Cleanliness: A code of cleanliness is expected for all students. Hair must be properly combed or brushed. Nails should be trimmed. Clothing should be clean.
Dress Code: Proper dress is the student’s responsibility when choosing appropriate clothing. The following guidelines must be followed to ensure that this privilege will continue. If students are having problems determining whether their clothing is mosque appropriate or not, basically students must dress in clothing that is suitable for prayer and appropriate to be in the Masjid (mosque)
· No short shorts for boys (should be below the knee)
· No short skirts for girls (should be long to cover the ankle)
· No tight jeans or leggings.
· No very baggy pants.
· Long sleeve shirts only for girls.
· Loose fitting clothing.
· All girls should be wearing a Scarf at all times.
If a student does not follow the dress code according to our values, he/she will be given a notice. If, after that, the dress code is still not fulfilled, then the student will be referred to an Administrator.
First Aid: The school will give appropriate first aid to a hurt child. A parent or guardian will be contacted if the school staff feels that immediate medical attention is necessary. If the UIC Sunday School Staff feel that the injury is of an emergency nature, paramedics will be called to the school and a parent or guardian will be contacted.
STAFF:
Staff Growth and Staff development is the key to a quality school. Our Sunday School has qualified and competent teachers to ensure high standards.
One of the most significant factors in providing a quality learning environment for children in a group setting is the number of educated staff available with whom the children can interact with. Our staff provides better supervision and care, also a greater variety of personalities; bring energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to our Sunday School.
To facilitate our operation, we conduct monthly staff meetings for all volunteers and volunteered teachers with the principal. Our on-going meetings discuss the needs of the teachers to achieve success in teaching. We also discuss and cover a variety of topics the teachers will need, such as instruction techniques, classroom management, and discipline.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT:
Parents are the most important people in a child's life. Their love, affection, support and approval are a fundamental need of all children. Because parents are #1 in importance, they are also #1 in the ability to influence and motivate their children. Programs designed with strong parent involvement components produced students who performed better. We encourage our parents to participate in our school events, and to be part of our school community.
Parent Communication: The UIC Sunday School recognizes how important it is for parents to know about what is happening at school with their children. Open communication is the foundation of a pleasant school. Please make use of our motivation to listen by communicating your needs and concerns as they arise. To be able to have a productive meeting, please make an appointment.
Parent-Teacher Conference: Parents may arrange conferences with teachers at any time by calling the UIC Masjid at 225-2212 or by e-mailing the teacher directly. Your child’s teacher’s e-mail is available on our school website.
School Bulletin: Our communication with you will be through our website for your convenience, in addition to the flyers given to students after Zuhr prayer.
POLICIES OF OPERATION
Admission Policies:
The primary concern of UIC Sunday School is always to the benefit of its students. Our main consideration is to ensure that any student admitted is capable of handling the curriculum successfully and happily. We follow the “No Child Left Behind” policy for UIC Sunday School.
School Hours:
There will not be classes during the month of Ramadan, as well as the days of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, as well as other days to be announced.
School hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 1:15 pm every Sunday, from the first Sunday of September through the first Sunday of June (these dates may change due to the Islamic Lunar Calendar with Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr being around this time). We initiate the school every Sunday with a ten minute assembly by reciting a short surah from the Qur’an, as well as conducting a mini Islamic topic discussion, directed by our Imam.
Students will be given a snack time; we provide a snack and a drink to each student. There will be three periods of teaching: Qur’anic Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Qur’anic Studies including recitation, memorization and translation. We end the school with Zuhr prayer which is part of the school and students are required to pray Zuhr before they can go home. We encourage parents to join the Zuhr prayer with their children.
Attendance:
Regular and on time attendance is critical to the maximum achievement of our children. Homework will be posted every week on our school’s website; In the case of an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to make up the missed homework and turn it in on time.
Tardiness: A student is considered tardy if he/she is not in the classroom when classes begin at 10:40; students are however encouraged to arrive at 10:30 to participate in the school assembly conducted weekly. Parents are responsible for getting their children to school on time. When students are tardy they disturb the class and also miss the lesson.
Dismissal: Parents must pick up their child/children from the UIC on time right after Zuhr prayer; students are not supposed to go outside the masjid to wait for their parents. There will be no supervision of the children after Zuhr prayer.
Make-up Work:Students are responsible for getting assignments and making up missed work. The homework will be posted on the school’s website every week. All homework should be made up on time.
Personal Items: For all students, toys, comics, make-up, jewelry, perfume and other items that are not essential for a learning environment are not permitted at the school. If brought to the class, the teacher will take those items from the child, and will have the freedom to determine when the item would be returned to the student.
Lost/Found: A lost and found area will be maintained in UIC. UIC Sunday School will make every effort to safeguard personal belongings brought by the child, but will not be responsible for lost or damaged items. Expensive or irreplaceable items such as jewelry, watches or expensive toys should not be brought to school.
Visiting: Parents are welcome to observe classes but they need to make an appointment with thePrincipal and they must not disturb the classroom with their presence. All visitors must check in at the office before going into the classes.
School Property: Students are expected to keep the school property in good condition at all times to the best of their ability. We will tolerate with students who do not fulfill or apply the rule above. Example: Students writing on the walls, etc will not be tolerated.
ACADEMIC POLICIES:
Class Size and Groupings: The child shall be placed in a group of peers based on age, grade, or Arabic level and/or special needs as determined by the staff.
Homework Policy: Homework is assigned every Sunday. Parents are responsible for providing a quiet, well-lit comfortable place for the child to complete his/her homework assignments. Parents should make sure children give proper attention to neatness and accuracy, as well as completeness. However, parents must not do the children's work for them. Homework is an independent activity in which the child reinforces skills learned at UIC Sunday School. Parents may assist their children in a limited way, but not completing it for them. Parents should be prepared to sign homework papers at the teacher’s request. Parents must also follow through with homework assignments that require their direct involvement and remind students to submit the homework regularly. Along with the books, students must bring a notebook, a folder, and a box of supplies to school every Sunday.
Books: The students will be given books. All the books are loaned to the students for their use during the school year. Books are to be kept clean and handled carefully. Students will be responsible and fined for loss, damage, and/or writing in the books.
Testing: Testing will be done twice a year. Half-yearly exams will be in January and final exams will be in May. Report cards will be sent in the form of a student evaluation in February and June. Parents should not excuse students to avoid tests or project deadlines. Such action is unfair to other students and undermines standards.
Thinkwave: UIC Sunday School is using Thinkwave. This program allows you to check grades and attendance through the internet.
Website Address: http://www.thinkwave.com/
Please contact your child’s teacher to get your Username and Password.
DISCIPLINE POLICIES:
Discipline is considered a direct consequence of a personal choice on the part of an individual. Students are taught that they have the ultimate responsibility for controlling behavior and they should always consider carefully the consequences before they act. Students know clearly that they will be held accountable for their actions at all times. The ability to act responsibly, independent of adult direction, is considered the greatest achievement. Courtesy, self-control, and personal development are desired goals of good discipline. In addition, good discipline will provide a classroom situation conducive to learning for all. Discipline is considered an aspect of moral guidance and not a form of punishment.
A safe and orderly environment is essential to an optimum learning situation for all the children. Our school believes in a positive discipline approach where school, and classroom expectations are discussed and reviewed with the students. Our primary expectation is respect for all involved in the school programs: staff, students and parents.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Administration's Responsibilities
1. Administration should support teachers by holding conferences with disruptive students and, when necessary, with their parents to obtain commitments to improve behavior.
2. Administration should advise students and parents of possible consequences for continued violation of school-wide rules and policies.
The Teachers' Responsibilities
1. Teachers should establish Classroom Rules and Consequences and a classroom management atmosphere, which encourages proper behavior and gives each student the chance to learn.
2. Teachers should assist in the development and enforcement of school rules.
3. Teachers should communicate with parents, and students, regarding student’s performance, recognition of progress and excellence, as well as generating possible solutions to problems.
The Parent's Responsibilities
1. Parents are accountable for seeing that their student(s) is in school.
2. Parents should review all school rules with students to insure that everyone is familiar with the standards that are expected by the school.
3. Parents should cooperate with school staff in enforcing the school’s disciplinary measures when necessary.
4. Parents should reinforce appropriate behavior by students in the home.
5. Parents should develop an interest in the student's academic and other school related activities.
The Student's Responsibilities
1. Students are expected to be in class on time, to be prepared, and to remain in class the entire school day.
2. It is the students responsibility to make up work missed for excused absence, according to individual class policies.
3. Students must behave in the classroom and in the school in a manner that does not disturb or interfere with the rights of others.
4. Students must respect the authority of teachers and other school personnel to enforce school policies and rules.
5. Students will act responsibly when caring for and using school property.