Academics:

Curriculum:

In a broad sense, curriculum includes all the experiences children have at school. We try to integrate the courses we teach in order to help students see connections among the things that they learn.

KNCS generally follows the curriculum suggested for use in all General Church Schools.

At KNCS there are two grades to each classroom. The two grades are usually treated as a unit. The classroom follows a curriculum that alternates year by year; for example, following the first grade curriculum one year and the second grade curriculum the next. In subjects where knowledge given in one year is prerequisite to that taught the following year, especially math and foreign language, the grades are taught separately.

Attendance:

Absence and lateness are serious impediments to any school program. Lateness and absence is recorded. (See also Middle School rules.)

Evaluation and Records:

1. Report Cards: Reports are sent to parents twice a year. Grades 5-10 are given letter or numerical grades as well as written comments. Grades K-4 are given written comments. The grading system is as follows:

Excellent	90 - 100	A
Good	80 - 90	B
Fair	70 - 80	C
Poor	60 - 70	D
Fail	0 - 60	F

2. Oral Conferences: In addition to report cards, oral conference between teacher and parent are scheduled twice each year.
3. Standardized Tests: Each year students in grades 3-8 take the IOWA tests, which measure how well students perform in certain basic skill areas in relation to students throughout the United States and in the General Church system.
4. Student Records: These are collected and maintained throughout each child's schooling. A student's records include:
   1. Report cards, including grades, comments and attendance
   2. Standardized tests
   3. Medical and dental records
   4. Results of any special testing, such as psychological or other tests
   These records are confidential, but parents are free to inspect their own children's records at any time.

Homework:

Homework serves many purposes. Any given assignment may include the following:

1. Reinforcement and extension of what has been covered in school.
2. An opportunity to be creative.
3. Practice in responsibility and independent work.

Average homework amounts are as follows, though any given night may have more or less:

• Grades 1 & 2 - 15 minutes 3 days per week
• Grades 3 & 4 - 30-45 minutes
• Grades 5 & 6 - 45-75 minutes
• Grades 7 & 8 - 75-120 minutes
• Grades 9 & 10 - 100-180 minutes

These guidelines do not assume a particular skill level so much as they assume good habits. Having a routine of a regular time and a reasonably quiet place to do homework will save students much time and frustration. Parents can do a lot to help their children develop efficient work habits. We hope that students' time at home will not be dominated by homework and that they will have time to play, follow their own interests, and do things with the rest of the family.

See also “Homework in the Middle School.”

Taking Tests at Home:

Often the need can arise for the administration of a test or quiz at home, as make- up from an absence or for a failed grade. Staying after school sometimes presents problems for students and parents as well as teachers, so your willingness to help make this work is appreciated.

Guidelines for giving your son or daughter a test: A test should be administered by a parent (or other adult) only, not a sibling. You should be present for the time that the student is taking the quiz, and be sure that all books and papers have been put away before he or she begins. The test itself will come in a sealed envelope. There will be an envelope inside to seal the completed test into, with a place for you to sign. By signing, you confirm that the test arrived in a sealed envelope, that the test was given according to the guidelines, and that you sealed the envelope after the test was completed.

Cheating:

Cheating can be a temptation to students. For this reason we are including a few reminders on what constitutes cheating.

1. On homework: Asking for help from teachers and parents when stuck on homework is very useful. Working on homework with a friend is sometimes permissible, depending on the teacher and the subject (see individual instructor). However, a student must hand in only his or her own work. Students must not lend their papers or homework to another student, or copy each other's work. Both the lender and the copier are guilty of cheating.
2. On tests and exams: Using any information other than that which is supplied by the teacher or that which is from the student's own mind, during a test, quiz or exam is cheating. This includes looking at your neighbor's paper, whispering, or otherwise supplying the answers. Discussing questions or answers with someone who was absent and has not yet taken the test is also cheating.

Behavior Policy:

The moral development of a child is the foundation of his or her spiritual development. Moral concepts, such as honesty, industry, courtesy, and friendship, are learned in the classroom, sports field and social times at school as well as at home. It is essential, therefore, that an atmosphere of charity and order conducive to learning be maintained in schools.

To this end the staff attempts to teach students continuously about expected behavior, both in the classroom and outside of it. We try to guide students in their relationships with each other, as well as with adults, while allowing for their freedom. We aim to cultivate the warm personal relationships with students that are necessary for trust and guidance.

The Ten Commandments form the basis for the school standards of behavior. The school staff together sets guidelines that apply to the whole school .The classroom teacher makes policies for her classroom. Systems of rewards or progressive consequences are used. An effort is also made to make consequences immediate, rather than delayed. We try to work closely with parents to support a child in amending his behavior.

Social Events:

Generally speaking student social life is the realm of the home. However, there are occasional social events that involve the school. Here are two general principles regarding these events:

1. Age Groups: There is an effort to include all age groups in social events as much as possible, and certainly everyone within an age group.
2. Chaperons: Any school event for young people should be chaperoned in a manner acceptable to the school principal. (See Protection of Children above.)