Whole School Agreements & Handbook
The Farm School Vision, Mission, and Values
Mission
The Farm School’s mission is to provide an academic education, inspiration, and nurturing to students for them to develop the courage, skills, and self-confidence needed to create the life of their dreams and add to the good in the world.
The Farm School strives to:
Nurture a lifelong love for learning and a deep sense of hope for the future.
Kindle the spirit of creativity and imagination in all aspects of learning and living.
Inspire in each child the courage to express their unique qualities, to use their voice, and trust that they are valued, heard, and acknowledged.
Cultivate empathy and respect in order to maintain a peaceful learning environment
where each child feels safe to connect with themselves, other people, and the
the environment with integrity and authenticity.
Recognize that mental and emotional well-being must precede academic expectations and tasks.
Empower children to develop the necessary communication skills needed to problem-
solve, collaborate, and generate creative solutions to obstacles in life and learning.
Embolden students to be competent researchers who use critical-thinking skills when
approaching personal, local, or global challenges
The Farm School Agreements
The following agreements are intended as a guide to help us build a culture of respect, trust, support, and encouragement.
We agree to:
- Treat ourselves and each other with kindness and respect.
- Respect and honor each other even when we disagree.
- Not use force or threats in order to coerce a person against their will.
- Keep our school a safe place where each of us can be free from fear of emotional and physical violence.
- Communicate with each other about our needs and feelings in a clear and effective way.
- Listen to one another, honoring our words and feelings.
- Honor and follow through with our commitments and respect our time together. We agree to inform others when we are unable to uphold such commitments.
- Adhere to Covid guidelines and leave our learning spaces cleaner than we found them. During clean-up time we agree to contribute until the room is clean. We will also make an effort to clean up as we go along.
- Be mindful of our physical interactions. If asked to stop the interaction, we will immediately STOP.
- Never ever touch another person in anger or without their permission.
- Be helpful. If we see someone in need, offer support.
The Farm School Philosophy of Education
The Farm School honors the great responsibility placed on the staff by families, to create a loving, nurturing environment, where we all learn together. As a community school, the parents, students, and staff share their ideas to enhance the school.
The Farm School, as the religious school of The Farm Spiritual Community, does not allow gun or weapon play and teaches the values of conscientious objection to war.
The Farm School culture is based on respect, transparency, accountability, and honest communication. Self-confidence and creative thinking are encouraged. Bullying, harassment, or belittling are never acceptable.
The Farm School provides principled and family-centered education that covers the critical academic skills and emotional needs of the students and is creative and full of love and respect to contribute to happiness in life for all the students.
The Farm School offers a documentable, developmentally appropriate, hands-on, academic program that integrates the arts in all academic spheres, from kindergarten through 12th grade. We meet the academic standards as outlined in the Tennessee state educational guidelines using a creative curriculum.
The Farm School classrooms of multi-age groupings of children, provide a heterogeneous mix in which children can collaborate and socialize. These inter-age relationships strengthen the school community. The multi-age classroom provides opportunities for all individuals to learn from each other, at times leading, sharing, or serving as role models. It also develops an appreciation of differences.
The Farm School recognizes that mental and emotional well-being must precede academic expectations and tasks, but also recognizes that in some cases, there are limitations to our involvement.
The Farm School’s daily activities encourage students to express their unique qualities and to use their voices to express ideas and opinions. A peaceful learning environment is maintained in order for students to always feel safe.
The Farm School aims to inspire lifelong learning and enable students to create their paths and be of service to the world.
Parent/Legal Guardian Agreements
A parent/legal guardian is required to attend the 2 PT (Parent/Teacher) Conferences each year.
If they are unable to attend the stated day per our school calendar, they are required to schedule a time to meet with the teacher(s) within a week of the PT Conference date on our school calendar.
PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Assoc.) involvement and volunteer hours are required of all Farm School families.
At the first PTSA meeting of the school year, a chairperson and secretary will be decided.
PTSA will meet once a month at a regular time. One family member is required to attend each meeting.
Fundraisng, field trips, outdoor experiences, parties, preparing food, and school show performances are a few ways parents can be involved.
Other Policies
Clothing
Students are to be dressed with a top and bottom article of clothing that covers them in an appropriate way. Clothing with vulgar or violent messages is prohibited. All students are required to arrive each day with shoes and weather-appropriate gear. Shoes are optional unless on the wooden stage or in the woods.
Students are required to wear a helmet when riding a bike, skateboard, pogo stick, or any other activities that may cause a head injury.
Sick Child
The purpose of this policy is to create the safest and healthiest environment for our students, staff, school, and community. Students and faculty will be asked to remain at home if they have any of the following (but not limited to):
Fever– Person may return when they have been fever free for 24 hours, without medication. (A fever is indicated at 100 degrees.)
Diarrhea/Vomiting-Person may return when symptom free for 24 hours.
Strep Throat-Person may return after they have been on antibiotic treatment for 24 hours.
Conjunctivitis(pink eye)-Person may return 24 hours after treatment and eye is clear of discharge.
Communicable diseases(flu, chicken pox, etc.)-Person may return when cleared by a medical provider.
Head Lice–Head lice is very common among children. To prevent an outbreak at the school, the following guidelines will be used.
- Parents should routinely check their child, at least once a week.
- If a case of lice is suspected, a staff member will check the student using a friendly attitude, without blame. The student will be reassured that lice are a problem for everyone, not just them.
- If lice is discovered on a student or staff member, that person is required to stay home until treated. Since lice have become resistant to the old poisons used for many years, herbal treatments work better. Two recommended treatments:
Lice Ladies EVICT/All-Natural, Non-Toxic, Fast Acting Lice Treatment Mousse/homeopathic Formula / 1 – 4 oz Foam applicator
Lice-Nil Natural Head Lice Treatment Oil Kit – Kills Super Lice & Eggs – Guaranteed To Cure Lice – Safe, Non Toxic & Pesticide Free
- In a case where a student needs to be sent home, teachers and staff will provide the student with extra care and support to help alleviate any feelings of stigmatization.
- When lice is discovered, all students and staff in the classroom will be required to wear a head covering and practice social distancing until everyone is clear of lice and nits.
The class will be checked on Friday afternoon and then re-checked on Monday morning until class is given the all-clear.
- In the case of a lice outbreak in the school, lice checks will be conducted at the beginning of each day for all students and staff. Everyone in the school must wear protective head coverings until the outbreak is cleared up.
If a student shows symptoms of an illness during the school day, a parent/guardian will be called to come pick up the child immediately. In the case of a communicable illness, the parent/guardian will need to inform the student’s teacher in order for the staff to follow an appropriate course of action to help to minimize the spread of the illness.
If students are out for an extended period of time, families can request that work be sent home by teachers. Please allow up to 48 hours for teachers to supply the requested material.
Electronic devices (computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, television, etc.)
The Farm School staff recognizes the need for children to develop the necessary skills to navigate technology and utilize its creative potential. We are also aware of the risks and dangers social media can expose students to.
All Farm School students, (except Kindergarten) are issued a Chromebook and a passcode with their individual email account (student’s name@thefarmschool.community). Students can share documents with their parent/guardian through Google Docs. Teachers will periodically assess how and when technology is being used to provide the best possible learning outcomes for the changing needs of students.
Electronic devices (computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, television, etc.)
The Farm School staff recognizes the need for children to develop the necessary skills to navigate technology and utilize its creative potential. We are also aware of the risks and dangers social media can expose students to.
All Farm School students, (except Kindergarten) are issued a Chromebook and a passcode with their individual email account (student’s name@thefarmschool.community). Students can share documents with their parent/guardian through Google Docs. Teachers will periodically assess how and when technology is being used to provide the best possible learning outcomes for the changing needs of students.
Cell phones
Cell phone use is not permitted during class. Students are required to place their cell phones in their personal classroom cubby during class time. If students use their cell phones during class:
First offense: Phone not to be used for rest of day.
Second offense: Prohibited to bring cell phone to school for 3 school days.
Third offense: Prohibited to bring a cell phone to school for 1 week and parent/guardian is contacted.
Outside Activities
- Students will not leave the play area so teachers will know where they are at all times.
- When tree climbing, no more than two students are in a tree at a time. Students are not to stand on a branch smaller in circumference than their arm.
- Students are not to cross the road without their teacher or without permission from their teacher.
- Students are not to handle snakes or spiders since there are venomous varieties of both.
Food Agreements
Lunch – recess
- The Farm School staff will provide specific times and a space for children to eat lunch and snacks.
- In order to stay healthy, students will wash their hands before eating and food cannot be shared.
- It is preferable that lunch should be ready to eat without needing microwave preparation. If a lunch requires use of the microwave, the student MUST be able to achieve the preparation without adult help.
- Students with good lunches are envied by students who do not bring a good lunch. We know parents are busy, but please provide a yummy, nutritious lunch. Kindergarten and elementary students also have snack time, which should be an item that does not need to be microwaved.
- Cooking of raw meat in The Farm School kitchen is prohibited.
- High School students can leave the school campus during lunch only after they have turned in the Off Campus Lunch Permission form that is available in the office. Students must be back at school at the appointed time or this privilege will be revoked.
Additional Information and Suggestions regarding Food
We ask that parents/students limit the amount of sugar and caffeine in lunches and snacks. The aim is to keep students focused and not distracted by too much sugar or caffeine in their system. Remember, teachers do not need the issues that can arise from a student reacting to sugar/caffeine overload.
Teachers encourage your child to drink plenty of water during the school day. Every student must have their own water bottle that can be refilled during the day. Water bottles cannot be shared. Water bottles should be a reasonable size for students to keep at their desk or seat.
School Closing
The Farm School may close when weather or other conditions leave the school building unsafe or make travel to and from the school unsafe for a large number of students. The decision to close school will usually be made during the morning of the day in question.
Parents will receive a text message as soon as the decision to close has been made. (Be sure the school has your correct cell phone number for closing text messages.)
When in doubt, check the website at www.thefarmschool.community or call the school after 8:30 and ask. If the school is open and you decide to remain home, document your at-home day as described in the “attendance” section of this document.
Attendance
Students attending The Farm School are required to attend school for 180 days during each school year.
- Each student may miss up to and including 5 days a semester
- 5 tardies equal 1 absence
- Any absences beyond 5 days will require a meeting with the school director
Please plan any vacation or trips during school breaks (see attached school calendar). If you cannot avoid missing school days, please give the teacher a 2 week notice to be able to prepare the schoolwork they will be missing.
School hours are 8:30 am – 3:30pm; Doors are open at 8:15am.
Arrival: Arrival begins at 8:15 and all students should be at school by 8:30. Everyone must wash their hands and get ready for the day. High school/middle school homeroom and K-6 circles start at 8:30.
Punctuality is an important life skill for students to learn. The practice of arriving/departure at school on time and being punctual gives students a tool they will use as they navigate life. A student being 5 minutes late for one week is 25 minutes of class time missed and adds up to 900 instructional minutes lost each school year.
Departure: Pickup is at 3:30, the teachers have end of day cleanup as well as paperwork after students leave. Please pickup on time. If something does come up where you will not be at pickup by 3:30 please contact the school or the student’s teacher.
Conflict Resolution (Staff/Parent)
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- If a student is not adhering to the school agreements previously listed, and a conflict arises, the person/persons will meet with a member of the leadership team to discuss the conflict. If a student or students are causing a disturbance during class, they will be withdrawn from the class or situation, and will immediately meet with a member of the leadership team. The conflict will be addressed and a workable solution will be sought. If a workable solution cannot be found, parents will be brought into the discussion.
If a conflict resolution cannot be found, and student expulsion is being considered, a meeting with the student, parent, and Farm School Board will be required.
Conflict Resolution Between Faculty and Parents
The faculty of The Farm School strive to be as available and accessible to you as possible. If, at any time, you are dissatisfied with the actions of one of our staff, please, as a first step, speak to that staff member. If you are unable to resolve your conflict through that conversation, please contact the Leadership Team and let them know the nature of the conflict. If your conflict is with the Leadership Team and help is needed, contact the Farm School Board members, Schoolboard@thefarmschool.community
- If a student is not adhering to the school agreements previously listed, and a conflict arises, the person/persons will meet with a member of the leadership team to discuss the conflict. If a student or students are causing a disturbance during class, they will be withdrawn from the class or situation, and will immediately meet with a member of the leadership team. The conflict will be addressed and a workable solution will be sought. If a workable solution cannot be found, parents will be brought into the discussion.
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Admissions and Notification Process
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- The Farm School’s processes for the admission of new students. Under no circumstances do we discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, or sexual orientation. All students interested in attending will fill out an application and enrollment forms if accepted. As we aim to have a 10/1 ratio in each class, enrollment acceptance is based on availability among many other factors.
Version: June 2022