New Families

Whether it’s volunteering in your child’s classroom, joining a parent prayer group, attending special events on campus, or supporting our arts and athletics programs through the Friends of the Arts and Athletic Boosters, there are many ways to participate in community life at DC.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PARENT VOLUNTEERS

A number of our annual events and volunteer opportunities are described below. Additional offerings will be detailed in our weekly DC-Connect email communications.

ALL-SCHOOL CHAPEL
All-School Chapels are held at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. This well-loved tradition at DC provides a special time of worship for our entire school community. All alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends of DC are invited to attend. All School Chapels begin at 8:30am in the lower gym at the Upper Campus. 

THE ANNUAL FUND FOR DC
The Fund for DC raises $1.3 million each year from individuals and families within the DC community to support the operating needs of the school, ensuring among other things that we can maintain our beautiful campus, provide generous financial aid, pay competitive salaries, and keep tuition costs at a reasonable level.

DC ATHLETIC BOOSTERS
All parents of DC athletes are considered to be a part of the Athletic Booster organization. A Booster parent leadership team coordinates all volunteer activities and raises extra funds to support athletic program. MORE INFORMATION

DC COFFEES
Please join DC’s Head of School and various administrators for coffee and a time of fellowship and discussion on select mornings throughout the school year.

DC FAMILY PICNIC AND DEDICATION SERVICE
Join the entire DC Community for a Family Picnic. The picnic is followed by a Dedication Service which features a time of prayer and praise and new employee testimonies. This event takes place during the first week of school and is a long-standing tradition at DC.

FRIENDS OF THE ARTS (FOTA)
DC Friends of the Arts supports students and faculty in all areas of the arts because we believe that God-given creativity is to be celebrated and nurtured in every student, all to His glory. Friends of the Arts (FOTA) accomplishes this through volunteering, promoting, fundraising, advocacy and prayer. MORE INFORMATION

LOWER SCHOOL GRANDPARENTS DAY
Lower School Grandparents Day is a highlight of our school year. This event takes place in April at the Lower Campus. Grandparents attend a special program and have the opportunity to visit classrooms. Volunteer opportunities and sign-ups will be communicated by Homeroom Parents or from the Lower School Parent Volunteer Organization (PVO).

MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL GRANDPARENTS DAY
This event usually takes place in October and provides a unique opportunity for students in grades 6-12 to share lunch with their grandparents in addition to giving them a personal tour of the Upper Campus. Parent volunteers are needed to help assemble and serve lunches. Volunteer opportunities and sign-ups will be communicated via email from the Middle and Upper School Parent Volunteer Organization (PVO).

MOMS IN PRAYER GROUPS
DC moms are encouraged to join our Moms in Prayer group that gathers weekly at both our Lower and Upper Campuses to pray for the needs of our school community.

PVO – PARENT VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION
The Parent Volunteer Organization work within all three of DC’s academic divisions (Lower, Middle, and Upper) provides opportunities for parents to assist teachers and staff both in and out of the classroom as well as assisting with special school sponsored events. MORE INFORMATION

ACSI

Association of Christian School International
This organization serves Christian schools across the United States and around the World. DC has had a close working relationship with ACSI for many years and a number of our Heads of School have served on the national board of ACSI.

ANNUAL FUND

The Annual Fund for DC provides unrestricted monies that bridge the gap between tuition revenue and ongoing operating expenses like salaries, curriculum, campus maintenance, technology and financial aid. The practice of generous giving through The Annual Fund is long-standing, and we continue to marvel at the Lord's faithfulness in meeting our financial needs.

BAL

DC's Upper School Athletic Program participates in the Bicentennial Athletic League.

BOOSTERS

DC Athletic Boosters is a group of DC parents that supports our outstanding DC KNIGHTS athletic programs. Its purpose is to help raise extra funds and serve in various capacities to assist our athletic programs. Every parent once enrolled is invited into the DC Boosters program!

CAFE

The DC Café offers breakfast and lunch to all students, faculty and staff on the Upper Campus. Located on the lower level of the DeMoss Center, the Café provides refreshment and a place for students to fellowship in the DC Commons. All purchases must be made via a debit account established with the Business Office.

CHROMEBOOK

Chromebooks are personal laptop computers that run on the Chrome Operating System. Chromebooks are designed to be used while connected to the Internet and support applications that reside on the Web, rather than traditional applications that reside on the machine itself.

DC-CONNECT

DC-Connect is a weekly email sent to all current parents, faculty, and staff that contains important news and information for members of our school community.

FACTS FAMILY ONLINE

FACTS Family Online is DC’s online portal for students and parents. Students and parents can access the DC school directory, class assignments, grades, and announcements.

FOTA - FRIENDS OF THE ARTS

FOTA supports students and faculty in all areas of the arts because we believe that God-given creativity is to be celebrated and nurtured in every student, all to His glory. FOTA accomplishes this endeavor through volunteering, promoting, fundraising, advocacy, and prayer.

Google workspace for education

Google Workspace for Education is a special setup of the popular Google Apps, tailored specifically for educational institutions. Every Middle and Upper School student has an @dccs.org Google account.

THE HONOR CODE

A school-wide Honor Code was adopted in the 2017-2018 academic year. This code is implemented across all three academic divisions in developmentally appropriate ways and provides clear expectations for student conduct with the express goal of shaping our community around positive, aspirational goals and reinforces DC’s core values of Scholarship, Excellence, Servanthood, Community, Impact, and being Rooted in Christ.

JUNIOR KNIGHTS SPORTS PROGRAM

The Junior Knights program allows our lower school students to participate in a variety of intramural and instructional sports clinics. All opportunities are communicated to lower school parents via emails and flyers.

JUNIOR/SENIOR

The Junior/Senior Formal takes place each May. The junior class is responsible for planning this event.

LIVERPOOL SOCCER CLUB

The Liverpool Soccer Club is a DC parent run travel soccer program for boys and girls ages 8-14.

LOWRIE HALL

Lowrie Hall is the former Strawbridge family mansion located on the Upper Campus. It is named after Dr. Roy W. Lowrie, Jr. who served as DC’s first headmaster from 1954-1980.

KEYNOTER

The Keynoter is DC’s biannual publication for current families, alumni, alumni parents, and other friends of the school.

KNIGHT TONES

The Knight Tones are a select vocal group composed of upper school students.

ONE CALL NOW

One Call Now is a telephone and email messaging service used by DC to quickly reach parents with urgent school news such as school closings, delays and early dismissals.

Pickup patrol

This service automates end of the day transportation, while giving parents the convenience and flexibility to make changes to their children’s plans.

PVO

As a parent of DC you are a part of our parent volunteer organization. All parents are encouraged to participate in the PVO. The PVO carries out our core values as we serve our faculty and students. It is a great way to get involved and meet other families and students.

PIAA

The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association is the state organization that governs all athletic activities of public schools. Private schools may join and thereby participate in all state playoffs. DC joined this organization effective September, 2002. DC is a member of the BICENTENNIAL ATHLETIC LEAGUE.

SAIL - Schools for Applied and Innovative Learning

SAIL provides opportunity for students to engage with authentic problems and current issues, and to develop the agency to work toward solutions that impact their communities and the world for Christ. SAIL courses are grouped into three different schools: the School for the Arts, the School for Humanities and Entrepreneurship, and the School for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

U SHOP

The U SHOP sells gently used uniforms and school spirit wear and is located in Lowrie Hall on the Upper Campus.

Absences

Please notify the Lower School Office of your child’s absence before 9:00am by calling (484) 654-2400 x1514.

Parents may email teachers directly for missed assignments. Parents who need to take students out of school during the day must come to the Lower School Office to sign them out and must also sign them back in upon return to school.

Chapel

Each week students enjoy a special chapel time. Students participate in chapel as a class and host special programs. If you are planning to attend, please check with the office for special events and schedule changes. Your students teacher will communicate the times when your child’s class is presenting throughout the year.

EXCEL After School

Students are provided with a safe place to stay and play after school.  It is ancillary to the school program and designed only for children currently enrolled at DC. Please visit the Early Childhood Center pages for more information about Excel After School.

ECC students must be picked up at dismissal time or registered in Excel After School. Students who are not picked up by 3:30pm will be taken to after school care.

Lunch & Recess Schedule

The students will eat lunch in their classroom.

Outdoor Education

Students participate in a variety of field studies and visit our outdoor learning spaces regularly. Students learn stewardship by caring for the various aspects of the school grounds including vegetables, sunflowers, and butterfly gardens. 

Pick Up Patrol

This service automates end of the day transportation, while giving you the convenience and flexibility you need to make changes to your children’s plans.      

STEM

STEM education is an approach to learning that integrates the concepts found in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM lessons incorporate 21st century skills of problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. Students will build foundational skills through active inquiry and exploration. Building on a natural sense of curiosity, our youngest students will be encouraged to create, problem solve, and investigate as they make real world connections to new learning.

Visiting/Security

For the safety of our students and school community, the Lower School is a secure building. All visitors must sign in and out via the main office when visiting school.

Absences

Please notify the Lower School Office of your child’s absence before 9:00am by calling (484) 654-2400 x1514.

Parents may email teachers directly for missed assignments. Parents who need to take students out of school during the day must come to the Lower School Office to sign them out and must also sign them back in upon return to school.

Chapel

Each week students enjoy a special chapel time. Chapels are held Wednesdays for grades 1 - 2 and on Fridays for grades 3 - 5. Students participate in chapel as a class and host special programs. If you are planning to attend, please check with the office for special events and schedule changes. Your students' teacher will communicate the times when your child’s class is presenting throughout the year.

After School Enrichment

As part of our EXCEL after school program, there are many after school enrichment programs available including: chess, school newspaper, robotics, street hockey, nature explorers, cooking, and more. These generally take place immediately after normal school hours.

excel after school

Homework help is provided daily for care and enrichment after normal school hours. It is ancillary to the school program and designed only for children currently enrolled at DC. Please visit the Lower School pages for more information about Excel After School.

Lower school students must be picked up at dismissal time or registered in Excel After School. Students who are not picked up by 3:30pm will be taken to after school care.

FACTS Family Online

FACTS Family Online gives families with students in grades 3-5 online access to academic information including assignments, grades, and progress reports. With your unique ID and password, you can view academic records for your student. Other users cannot access your family’s information. You can log in by accessing the FACTS Family Online page at dccs.org/FFO.

Lunch & Recess Schedule

Lunch varies from class to class; first and second grades have lunch at 11:30am and recess at 12:00pm. Fifth grades have lunch at 12:00pm and recess at 12:30pm. Third and fourth grades have lunch at 12:30pm and recess at 1:00pm.

Outdoor Education

Students participate in a variety of field studies and visit our outdoor learning spaces regularly. Students learn stewardship by caring for the various aspects of the school grounds including vegetables, sunflowers, and butterfly gardens. Fourth graders monitor and care for our bluebird trail. Learn more about our Outdoor Education program.

Pick Up Patrol

This service automates end of the day transportation, while giving you the convenience and flexibility you need to make changes to your children’s plans.    

STEM

STEM is an integral part of the science curriculum taught once a week to grades K-5. Students learn the engineering design cycle, and apply critical thinking skills to solve real world problems. Learn more about our STEM program.

Visiting/Security

For the safety of our students and school community, the Lower School is a secure building. All visitors must sign in and out via the main office when visiting school.

Attendance

All student absences and late arrivals are to be reported through PickUp Patrol by 8:45am. If your student is absent or will be arriving late to school, the PickUp Patrol is the application you need to use to communicate your students’ attendance to the Middle School office. Your student is to sign in at the Middle School Office upon arrival.

All student plan changes and dismissals are to be reported through PickUp Patrol by 1:30pm. In order to communicate to the Middle School Office, your students’ transportation and dismissal plan, parents are to make their changes in PickUp Patrol in order for their student to depart from campus.

After School Activities

The Middle School day ends at 3:00pm Students are to be in the Library by 3:15pm doing their homework until they leave campus. All MS students must be picked up by 5:30pm. MS students should not be anywhere else on campus, unless they are involved in an after school club or sport.

Athletics

Middle school students have many choices when it comes to after school sports. We offer fall, winter, and spring sports teams. In the fall we offer flag football, soccer, field hockey, and cross country. The winter season offers basketball and cheerleading, and the spring season has lacrosse, track & field, baseball and softball. Most sports offer a more competitive "A" team and a slightly less competitive "B" team. The majority of sports are inclusive, but some do have cuts. All of the DC coaches have a passion for young people and a desire to see them Honor God, Develop Character and Pursue Excellence. Middle school students are required to participate in one school sport per academic year.

Cell Phones

Cell phones may be brought to school, but must be turned off during school hours. Students are to keep their cell phones in their lockers. Emergency calls can be made to or from the Middle School office.

Chapel

Middle School Chapel is on Fridays at 10:55am. Parents are always welcome to attend chapel. On occasion chapel will be moved to another day of the week depending on the schedule. Check with the middle school office for the official chapel schedule.

Directory

The school directory including current families, students, and school faculty and staff can be found in FACTS Family Online (formerly RenWeb) under School-Directory.

FACTS Family Online

With your unique FACTS Family Online ID and password, you can access your student’s academic records, homework assignments, and family accounting information. This information is private and is not available to other users. You can log in by accessing the FACTS Family Online page at dccs.org/FFO. First time users will be instructed on how to activate your password protected account.

Fine Arts

God, the “master artist,” has used men and women to nurture students’ dramatic, musical and visual art training. Our highly dedicated faculty provide space for our students to explore while also stretching them in skill and technique. Student artists are taught to recognize the discipline and dedication needed to truly honor God with their craft. Our students are encouraged to pursue a variety of mediums, with the opportunity to follow a specific sequence of courses to truly develop their artistry.

Grading System

Report cards are recorded on a letter grade system. Numerical equivalents:

A=100-90%
B=89-80%
C=79-70%
D=69-60%
F=59% or below

The top three points in each letter category, except F, receive a plus(+) and the bottom three receive a minus(-).

Honor Code

I will be honest.
I will be responsible.
I will be respectful.
I will practice servanthood.

Honor Roll

The Honor Roll is determined at the end of each report period located on the bottom left of your student’s report card. An average of A or above is necessary for highest honor, A- for high honor, and B for honor. A student is not considered for the honor roll if he/she has a grade lower than C- in any subject or more than one C in any subject.

Keycards

ALL Middle School students are required to have their keycard on their person during the school day. A replacement keycard will cost $25.

Lockers

Students will be assigned lockers and combinations. Students are responsible for the care of their lockers.

Lunch/Café

Students eat lunch daily in the DC Café and have the option to purchase food or bring their own lunches. Students must pay for their purchases through their café account. Students purchasing through their café account must have a balance to cover each purchase; students will not be able to purchase through their account if there is a zero or negative balance. No provision is made for refrigeration. Students should not use glass containers for their lunches.

Schedule

The school day begins at 8:15 am and end at 3:00 pm. Our schedule is an A/B Day block with 4 classes meeting everyday for 75 minutes on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and 70 minutes on Thursday and Friday. Student schedules can be viewed via FACTS Family Online.

Summer Reading

Each middle school student will be required to read teacher assigned books from his or her grade level. Most books are provided by DC.

Visiting/Security

Please remember that all visitors must check into the Main Office Reception area in Lowrie Hall in order to receive a visitor’s badge. This badge must be worn during your time on campus.

Absences

If your son or daughter is sick or will not be in attendance on any given day, use Pick Up Patrol and submit any changes to your student’s attendance. Absences, late arrivals and early dismissals are all recorded here. Please send an email to eneal@dccs.org if you are having trouble with Pick Up Patrol. You should send a note with your student when they return to school with the reason for the lateness or absence. Their absence is marked unexcused until a note/email is presented. A Pre-Excused Absence Form is required prior to a student being absent for 2 or more days for a planned event. Please refer to the DC Student and Parent Handbook for more details.

Arrival and Dismissal

Please have your student sign in at the Upper School Office if he/she is late to school in order to receive a pass to class. A note from a parent/guardian is required when signing in late. Similarly, if your student needs to leave school early for a doctor’s appointment or other reason, be sure to update Pick Up Patrol and we will inform teachers concerning early dismissals. Sports team dismissals do not need a note. Please see the DC Student and Parent Handbook for clarification on excused & unexcused absences.

Athletics

Upper school students have many choices when it comes to after school sports. We offer fall, winter, and spring sports teams. In the fall we offer football, soccer, field hockey, cross country, tennis and golf. The winter season offers basketball and cheerleading, and the spring season has lacrosse, track & field, baseball, and softball. All of the DC coaches have a passion for young people and a desire to see them Honor God, Develop Character, and Pursue Excellence.

Cell Phones

Cell phones may be brought to school, but must be put away and silenced during class, corporate gatherings, lunchtime, PRT,  etc. Emergency calls can be made to/from the Upper School Office (610)353-6522 x2205.  Please refer to the DC Student and Parent Handbook for more details regarding cell phone use.

Chapel

Upper School Chapel is every Thursday in the DeMoss Auditorium. Students sit with their assigned advisory groups.

Directory

The school directory including current families, students, and school faculty and staff can be found in FACTS Family Online (formerly RenWeb) under School-Directory.

FACTS Family Online

With your unique FACTS Family Online ID and password, you can access your student’s academic records, homework assignments, and family accounting information. This information is private and is not available to other users. You can log in by accessing the FACTS Family Online page at dccs.org/ffo. First time users will be instructed on how to activate your password protected account.

Fine Arts

God, the “master artist,” has used men and women to nurture students’ dramatic, musical and visual art training. Our highly dedicated faculty provide space for our students to explore while also stretching them in skill and technique. Student artists are taught to recognize the discipline and dedication needed to truly honor God with their craft. Our students are encouraged to pursue a variety of mediums, with the opportunity to follow a specific sequence of courses to truly develop their artistry. Take advantage of our fine arts program and plug into Upper School band, choir, visual arts and/or theatre.

Grading System

Report cards are recorded on a letter grade system. Numerical equivalents:

A=100-90%
B=89-80%
C=79-70%
D=69-60%
F=59% or below

The top three points in each letter category, except F, receive a plus(+) and the bottom three receive a minus(-).

Honor Code

As a student at Delaware County Christian School, I commit to pursuing a life of honor and integrity that is characterized by honesty, respect for all people and property, gratitude towards my parents, teachers, and peers, and responsibility for my actions. My commitment to this code reflects my respect for the mission and core values of Delaware County Christian School, and the calling of the Christian to glorify God in all things.

Honor Roll

The Honor Roll is determined at the end of each report period located on the bottom left of your student’s report card. An average of A or above is necessary for highest honor, A- for high honor, and B for honor. A student is not considered for the honor roll if he/she has a grade lower than C- in any subject or more than one C in any subject.

Keycards

All upper school students are required to have their keycards with them at all times during the school day. Replacement keycards are $25.00.

Lockers

Students will be assigned lockers and combinations at Orientation Night. Students are responsible for the care of their lockers.

Lunch/Cafe'

Students will be eating lunch in the café and may either purchase their lunches or bring their own lunches. Students must pay for their purchases through their café account. Students purchasing through their café account must have a balance to cover each purchase; students will not be able to purchase through their account if there is a zero or negative balance. No provision is made for refrigeration. Students should not use glass containers in their lunches.

The Schedule

The school day begins at 8:10am and ends at 3:00pm. Wednesdays have a different start time of 8:40am. If students participate in the fine arts program, their day may begin as early as 8:00am on Wednesdays. Individual student schedules may be accessed via FACTS Family Online.

Student Drivers

Parking spaces are limited. Student drivers must have a parking permit to park on campus. Permits are obtained through the Upper Campus Parking Form.

Summer Reading

Each upper school student will be required to read the assigned books listed on the website according to his/her grade and course level. The summer reading books are provided to the students by the school. Pick up your summer reading books in the Upper School Office. Remember to check the website for any assignments due before the school year begins.

Visiting/Security

Please remember that all visitors must check into the Main Office Reception Area in Lowrie Hall in order to receive a visitor’s badge that is to be worn during your time on campus.