Administration
The Multigrade Classroom
Curriculum
The Adventist multigrade curriculum enables learners to develop a life of faith in God, and use their knowledge, skills, and understandings to serve God and humanity.
Classroom Management
A well-planned behavior management and organization system is key to creating a classroom conducive to learning, while establishing norms of behavior that help each child feel safe and protected.
Professional
Development
Ongoing learning opportunities for teachers, staff, and administrators are provided by professional development products and experiences.
Classroom Management
Administration
Being a Seventh-day Adventist teaching-principal is an awesome opportunity and responsibility to serve God, change lives, and further the mission of the world church.
Standards
Standards are what learners should know (content) and be able to do (skills), and serve as the framework for curriculum development.
Finances
“Whether we recognize or not, we are stewards, supplied from God with talents and facilities, and placed in the world to do a work appointed by Him.” —E.G. White, Education, p.137
Each spring the board approves a budget for the following school year. The finance committee or an ad hoc committee comprised of at least the treasurer, board chair, principal/teacher, and possibly the pastor, should develop a budget to present to the full board.
Budget preparation should include a review of financial statements for the previous three to five years to determine an average trend for the various budget line items (both income and expense). Enrollment trends and projections should be considered when developing income projections. Adjust the income and expense entries until they are balanced, or income exceeds expenses. Your Local Conference may have budget guidelines, forms and/or policies.
The school treasurer will present the proposed budget to the board. They will need to respond to the board’s questions and be ready to make adjustments. After the board approves the budget, it should be presented to the constituency for approval. Once the constituency approves the budget, send it to the Local Conference Office of Education.
Income line items in the budget include, but are not limited to:
Expense line items in the budget include but are not limited to:
Since money is tight in most schools, fundraising is often what makes the purchase of needed materials and equipment possible. Most Home and School Associations will help with planning and organizing fundraising programs.
Selling a variety of commercially prepared items is one way to raise money. There are thousands of companies who send fundraiser brochures to schools. Choose carefully, and get board approval, prior to implementing any of these programs.
Do not rely solely on commercially prepared fundraisers. Brainstorm with colleagues, the Home and School Association, and the board to develop ideas that will work for your school. Some ideas to consider are newspaper drives, bottle/aluminum can collections, school yard sales, white elephant auctions, car washes, international food fairs, talent shows, or work-a-thons.
Scrip is a fundraiser that generates revenue through purchases that church members and school families would make anyway. Schools receive a percentage of the “scrip” purchased.
Other companies provide cash or merchandise for various proof-of-purchase coupons. These projects require long-range planning. Determine the items desired and set a goal. Enlist the assistance of the church, community, family, and friends in collecting the proof-of-purchase coupons. Companies that participate in such programs include:
A word of caution: Selling some items, such as candy, may be controversial for a variety of reasons. Be sure to know the community before proposing a fundraiser so that you are fairly certain it will be acceptable.
Many purchases made for the school are exempt from certain taxes when a tax-exempt number is provided at the time of purchase. Contact your Local Conference Treasurer for tax-exempt information. Adhere strictly to using the tax-exempt number for school purchases only.
When there is a school building or renovation project, be available to participate in whatever way is needed. Generally, the principal/teacher is asked to be a part of the building or renovation committee that oversees the project. It is important to demonstrate support for the project by participating in meetings and work bees. Use diplomacy when communicating your ideas.
Join the Adventist Multigrade Facebook group.