2005-2006 Parent-Student Handbook
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
We believe that most of today’s education is “man-centered” and leaves out the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. We believe that education is to be “God-centered” in that the “education of the redeemed man in Christ is never complete, never adequate, until he is prepared to see the world, history, science, literature, social institutions, and his own life through the eyeglasses of the Scriptures and is, thus, informed to help shape his environment, family, profession, art, business, and government to conform to the teachings of God’s revealed will.”
*(Borrowed from Dr. Norman E. Harper, Making Disciples)
The
purpose of
ORGANIZATION
EDUCATIONAL STATEMENT
“The philosophy of the classroom today
is the philosophy of the government tomorrow.” Abraham Lincoln
Education must be applied to a person as a whole, whereby the individual learns, understands, and becomes committed to God’s truth, learning how to apply that truth to his life. Authentic Christian education also acquaints the student with the “non-Christian world- and life-view” found abundantly in the world, and equips him with tools necessary to confront and challenge these views, facilitating the development of the “Christian world- and life-view.” This educational process fortifies a student’s thinking, allowing him to “bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (II Corinthians 10:5b).
In some cases, the school will use “secular” textbooks in its efforts to confront issues; but first the students will be taught to view the text from a Christian perspective. Because all truth is God’s truth, we gain much from the “secular” world, but ultimately it is to be screened and viewed through the eyeglasses of Scripture. We work to prepare the child, not merely for intellectual performance or for getting a job, but to develop his God-given gifts to advance God’s kingdom – whatever vocation he enters.
Using various teaching strategies based on the latest research in brain-based learning, PCA strives to meet the needs of every learner.
In planning lessons, goals, and objectives, teachers utilize multiple resources including textbooks, technology, hands-on experiences and the source of all truth, the Bible. Through the incorporation of Foundations and Frameworks, a teaching model for higher level thinking skills and critical thinking, Christian values are developed at every grade level across the curricula in the context of Biblical truth.
DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
1. The Bible—The Word of God
a. The Bible is God’s written revelation of Himself to man that man may understand, know, believe, and follow after God.
b. The Bible is the inspired Word of God (II Timothy 3:16).
c. The Bible is not a human product, though man was involved (I Peter 1:20-21). God used the writers with their own style, personality, vocabulary, talent, and culture and so supervised and guided them that what they wrote was exactly what He intended to be written.
d. The Bible itself claims to be the Word of God: “Thus saith the Lord.” (Isaiah 1:2; Jeremiah 1:2; etc., over 2,000 times; Exodus 24:3, 4; Hebrews 1:1; Luke 24:44; the testimony of Jesus – Matthew 5:17, 18; and John 10:35).
e. Being the very Word of God, the Bible is our only authority for life – our rule of faith and practice (II Timothy 3:14-17).
2. The sovereignty of God—The personal triune God of the Bible is the supreme and absolute controller of all that happens (Westminster C.O.F., III. I.). In all His works of creation, providence, and redemption God orders all things for His own glory (Romans 11:36; Ephesians 1:11-12; Matthew 10:29-31; Prov. 21:1; Romans 8:28).
3. The creation of all things out of nothing (Genesis 1:1; Hebrews 11:3; Isaiah 44:34)
4. The creation of man
a. The dignity of man – made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26, 27)
b. The purpose of man – to glorify and enjoy Him forever (I Corinthians 10:31;
Colossians 3:23)
5. The sinfulness of man—Sin has affected man throughout, even to the extent that he is unable to come to God. He is naturally sinful (Psalm 51:5; Genesis 6:5), defiled in his mind and conscience (Titus 1:15), unable to understand the truth of God (II Corinthians 2:14), deaf (John 8:42-43), and blind (II Corinthians 4:4). Man is not just sick with sin; he is dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1).
6. God’s gracious plan of salvation must be totally of the Lord (Jeremiah 13:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7).
a. God sovereignly chose to save some men from the penalty they deserve, namely death, which is separation from God (Romans 6:23). Being sinners, none deserve it (Romans 3:10-12), but God in His love and grace gives the gift of eternal life to a number which no man can count (Revelation 7:9-10; Romans 8:28-30; II Thessalonians 2:13; Ephesians 1:3-4).
b. Not only did God choose them, but He planned the means by which they would be saved; namely through the death of His Son Jesus, the Christ (Matthew 1:21; Acts 20:28; John 10:14-15, 26-28).
7. The Work of the Holy Spirit—By the gracious working of the Holy Spirit, the believer is being continually and wholly renewed after the image of God and is enabled to die more and more unto sin and to live unto righteousness. Back to top
ADMISSIONS POLICY
Therefore, at least one parent
must be a professing Christian, adhering to the basic precepts of historic,
orthodox Christianity, and attend a
local church regularly. A written
endorsement, on the application form,
from the local church is required.
With regard to academic considerations, if a child has exceptional abilities or needs, the Admissions Committee will determine if placement at PCA is appropriate. Each situation will be examined thoroughly after testing is completed. Exceptions to this policy can only be made by the Admissions Committee and Board Members.
ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES
New Students
1. Contact the school office to receive an application.
2. Return the completed application form along with the non-refundable registration fee.
3. Arrange for the parents’ interview with school board and administration.
4. Arrange for the applicant to be evaluated if appropriate.
5. PCA will notify the parents in writing of the decision regarding acceptance.
6. Parents and students must attend the school/PTF orientation meeting in August.
1.
Complete
a re-enrollment form and pay non-refundable registration fee.
2.
Pay
non-refundable matriculation fee on or before June 1.
STUDENT
REQUIREMENTS
1.
A child must have reached the age of four years by
September 1 of the fall in which he/she would be entering pre-kindergarten. All pre-kindergarten students are
admitted on a six-week trial basis.
2.
A child must have reached the age of five years by
September 1 of the fall in which he/she would be entering kindergarten.
3. A child must have reached the age of six years by September 1 of the fall in which he/she would be entering first grade.
4. If a child has successfully completed the previous school year, and his/her school work and behavior compare favorably to the comparable grade at PCA, the child will be placed in the grade for which he/she is applying. However, if there is evidence to show that the child may not be adequately prepared for the next sequential grade level, he/she may repeat the previous grade.
5. All requested records (health form, birth
certificate, immunizations, school transcripts, etc.) must be submitted by
September 1.
PCA seeks to honor God by taking a
serious approach to education. Our
conviction is that the educational atmosphere of our school is enhanced when
student appearance is neat and orderly.
At the same time, the rules in our dress code reflect our attempt to
maintain a balance between student comfort and the structured atmosphere that
we desire. We try to make the rules easy
to understand and to enforce.
PCA dress code is based on a
“menu” format. Students choose
from the clothing items listed below for their normal school dress every day of
the week. There will be special dress
days during the school year, but students and parents will be informed of these
well ahead of time. Please select
clothes for comfort and freedom of movement.
Boys: Solid navy or khaki slacks or shorts (“cargo” pants/shorts with multiple pockets are not acceptable); solid white, red, dark green, or navy collared long- or short-sleeved knit shirts or collared white oxford style shirts. Plain white tee shirts only may be worn under shirts.
Girls: Solid navy or khaki slacks, shorts, jumpers, skirts, or culottes/capris pants; solid white, red, dark green, or navy collared long- or short-sleeved shirts, or collared blouses. Sleeveless tops are inappropriate. Modesty requires shorts, skirts, etc, be below mid-thigh. Shirts must be buttoned appropriately without showing undershirt or bodice.
Winter Wear: Solid white, red, dark green, or navy sweaters, turtlenecks, sweatshirts, or PCA sweatshirts. Multi-colored sweaters are not appropriate. Solid colored corduroy slacks, skirts, and jumpers in navy or khaki are acceptable during cold weather. Coats should be as plain as possible.
Please label all clothes with your child’s name on the inside.
Denim fabrics are not appropriate.
Shirttails must be tucked in and belts worn with garments that have belt loops.
Footwear: Proper footwear, fully laced or fastened securely on the feet, is necessary for safety. Sandals are not acceptable.
Required dress for field trips, chapel, and school programs: Monogrammed field trip shirt (provided), khaki bottom, unless otherwise indicated.
Physical Education: A P.E. uniform for grades K full-day through grade 8 is mandatory for students on P.E. days. The uniform consists of solid navy, black, khaki, or dark green gym shorts (below mid-thigh); P.E. T-shirt (purchased from the school office for $6, sweatshirts for $10, and shorts for $10), socks; and supportive athletic shoes. Students are responsible for making sure they have their P. E. uniforms on the appropriate days. Solid colored sweats may be worn for P.E. only in the winter for warmth.
Dress Down Day Attire: There are special times when students may earn “Dress Down Day” privileges. The following are guidelines for clothing that may be worn on designated dress down days:
v For safety reasons, shoes and socks should be the same as on regular school days. No sandals, boots, high heels, open-toed or open-backed shoes.
v Shirts may be untucked if designed for this, although the length may not be excessive. No sleeveless shirts. Girls’ shirts must be long enough to cover stomachs when arms are raised. Shirts should not have inappropriate language, slogans, or reference to bands or other entities which do not promote Christian values.
v Cargo pants may be worn.
v Hats may be worn outside. They may not have slogans or emblems which do not promote Christian values.
Boys hair length should not be beyond the eyebrows. Students may not wear jewelry to school that pierces the body with the exception of girls wearing pierced earrings.
We recognize that families have different
convictions about the specific interpretation of neatness and modesty; yet the
school reserves the right to make judgment calls regarding such issues and
expects total support from students and parents. Parents are responsible to send their
children to school wearing clothing that conforms to the spirit and guidelines
of the dress code.
Children not adhering to the dress code will receive up to two written warnings. The third warning will result in the child being sent to the school office to call home for appropriate clothing.
Sources for dress code items: Most department stores, including Target, Wal-Mart, Sears, J. C. Penney, or Lands End.
SCHOOL HOURS
The normal school day is:
Pre-K and Kindergarten Half Day
8:10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Elementary and Junior High
8:10 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.
ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES
Arrival Procedures: All students are to be unloaded at the “Drop-Off Zone.” Drop-off Zones are designated and explained at the orientation meeting. Normal supervision of children begins at 7:45 a.m. If the need arises for early drop-off, the parent must come inside the building and sign their child into the extended care program. Students will be expected to follow the instruction of the safety patrols. Parents wishing to park and walk their students to class may do so for the first week only. This allows a transition period for both student and parent and decreases the separation anxiety. Parents are not to enter the building after the first week without signing in at the school office and securing a visitor’s pass. Students are expected to be in class and ready for instruction by 8:10.
Departure Procedures: All students will be picked up at the first “Drop-Off Zone” (under the portico) at 3:10 p.m. All students should be picked up promptly at school dismissal time. After 3:15 students will be checked into the extended care program and the parent charged accordingly.
Car Pool Procedures: To insure the safety of all students, all cars must load and unload in the designated official loading and unloading zones. For the safety of your children, parents should make any car pool changes before their child comes to school. The child should arrive with a written notice to the teacher with any changes in car pool. The teacher will be notified of any emergency changes that need to be made that day.
EARLY CHECK-OUT PROCEDURES
If a student is to be checked out early from school, parents must first come to the school office to sign their child out before taking him/her off school grounds. A student with an illness or other emergency will be taken to the office and the parents will be notified. If a student has a doctor’s appointment, he should be given a note from home advising the teacher that he will need to leave during the day. No child will be released during the school day until the parent makes a request, in writing, or speaks directly to the principal/designee.
STUDENT PROTECTION
Children will be
dismissed from school only to parents or someone designated by the parent as authorized
to pick up their children. Parents
wishing to have children ride home with someone other than previously
designated must send a note to the school office explaining the arrangements
for the day. The notice should be made in writing unless an emergency warrants a
verbal request.
Regular attendance is a key element of a quality education. Learning that takes place during the school day cannot be recaptured by simply making up work. Therefore, PCA enforces the following attendance policy:
1. If a student is absent, please call
the school office before 7:45 a.m. on each day of absence. Prior notification is requested whenever possible.
2. Upon returning to school, the student must bring a note from home stating the reason for the absence. An absence is considered unexcused until it is verified as excused.
3. Excused absences are:
v illnesses
v family emergencies,
v church retreats,
v doctor/dental appointments when unable to be scheduled after school hours
Unexcused absences will result in a zero for each class period/assignment missed. After the third unexcused absence, the parents/guardians will be contacted to schedule a conference with the teacher and/or principal/designee.
Students may not be promoted if absences exceed 15% of the total number of school days (26 days), or if absences exceed 20% (35 days), due to extraordinary circumstances:
v hospitalization or illness of student, parent/guardian with appropriate documentation
v death in the student’s, parent’s/guardian’s immediate family with appropriate documentation
v court ordered visitation with appropriate documentation
v parent’s/guardian’s unforeseen documented military deployment or exercise
4. Family vacation times or “fun days” should not be scheduled on school days especially during spring testing week. Extenuating circumstances must be presented to the Student Affairs Committee if an excused absence is to be considered.
5.
Tardiness has obvious consequences. Tardy students must report to the
school office before going to class. Any
student arriving after 8:15 must be signed in by a parent at the school office.
Following the fifth (5th)
tardy in a quarter, students will receive 30 minutes of detention for each
tardy thereafter. Since detention
requires adult supervision, families will be billed $8.50 per half hour of
detention.
6. Make-up work is to be given for excused absences only. The responsibility rests upon the student to get the assignment(s) upon his return. One day of makeup time will be permitted for each day of excused absence.
PCA reserves the right to dismiss a student for the following reasons:
1. Failure to make satisfactory progress.
2. Behavior and/or attitude problems which show little or no improvement and/or which compromise the progression of learning.
3. Failure of parents to meet financial obligations.
SELECTION OF TEXTBOOKS AND
LITERATURE
“True religion affords government
its truest support. The future of the
nation depends on the Christian training of our youth. It is impossible to govern without the Bible.”
George
Washington
A Christian education in a Christian school must complement the efforts of the Christian home and the church in nurturing Christian children. Parents are encouraged to become familiar with the textbooks and literature used in the classroom.
It is not the aim of PCA to isolate our students from materialism, violence, racial intolerance, war, and hatred, but rather to confront these issues within the structure of the Christian school. Textbooks and literature are selected to support and enhance our approach to Christian education and to make our children sensitive to both good and evil in the world. Our teaching techniques educate our children in truth in the areas that confront their faith.
This is a special service of worship held weekly for our students and faculty. Chapel provides an opportunity to praise our Lord through song, instrumental music, and testimony; to become more knowledgeable of His Word through the study of Scripture, through sermonettes, dramatizations, and films; and to share prayer and fellowship together in His name. Parents are invited to attend chapel at any time.
HOMEWORK
A substantial body of research has shown that homework is essential if students are to acquire certain study skills and achieve independence in the learning process. Homework requires students to take responsibility for transporting their textbooks, handouts, etc., and to organize their assignments. Homework also trains students to accurately record directions and to manage their time at home so they can get their work finished. As students progress through school, they will do increasingly more of their studying as homework and less of it as class work. Therefore, it is important for teachers to familiarize students with the demands of homework, and to teach them the study skills necessary for its successful completion.
Students in all grades will be assigned reasonable amounts of homework at the discretion of the teacher. The average student might expect a daily homework load of 30 minutes in grades K-2, 45 minutes in grades 3-4, 60 minutes in grades 5-6, and up to 90 minutes in grades 7-8. Please note that this does not include long-term or ongoing assignments, such as reviewing math facts or spelling words, science/history projects, book reports, research papers, etc. If difficulty arises because of the amount or difficulty of homework assignments, parents should contact the teacher. An assignment book will be provided to students in grades 1 - 8. Homework assignments are also published on the school’s web site.
FIELD TRIPS
Because learning
can sometimes best occur in places other than school, your child’s
teacher will arrange for stimulating field trips throughout the year. Details will be announced in advance and an
Annual Field Trip Release/Emergency Medical Form will be given at the beginning
of the school year. If for some reason a
parent does not want the child to go on a particular trip, please speak
with the teacher to make other arrangements.
If the teacher has not been contacted, an absence will be considered
unexcused. Siblings are not permitted on field trips even if the parent is a
driver or chaperone.
Parents must be Covenant Care trained and
background checked to be a driver and/or a chaperone.
STUDENT PERFORMANCE
Weekly Friday Folders
Folders containing the student’s work are sent home with the student each Friday afternoon. Included in the folder is a sheet designed for teachers to give comments, a weekly conduct report, attendance, and tardies for the week. Students are to review their folders with their parents, then return the folder on Monday with a parent’s signature.
Mid-term and Interim Reports
Mid-term reports are sent home during the middle of each quarter for every student in grades 1 – 5. In grades 6 - 8, interim reports are sent home twice per quarter.
Report Cards
Report cards are sent home with each child at the end of every grading period (see calendar at the end of this handbook for dates). Parents should sign and return report card envelopes within three days of receipt.
The evaluation of students’ achievements is one of the important functions of the classroom teacher. The following grading scale is used:
94-100 A Excellent
85-93 B Very Good
75-84 C Average
65-74 D Below Average
64-Below F Failing
O Outstanding
S Satisfactory
N Needs Improvement
U Unsatisfactory
Promotion Policy
Elementary (Grades K-1):
Promotion to the next grade level is contingent upon achieving a final grade of Satisfactory or above in the areas of Language Arts and Mathematics.
Elementary (Grades 2-6):
Promotion to the next grade level is contingent upon successful completion of the required course work. Students must achieve a final average of C or above in
v Mathematics
v
v English
v and an overall average of C, including science and social studies
Junior High:
Promotion to the next grade level is contingent upon students achieving a yearly average of C or above in
v English
v Mathematics
v and a final grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 which is calculated using English, mathematics, science, social studies, Spanish, and Bible.
Honor
Roll:
“A” and A/B” Honor Roll
recognition is given at the close of each grading period in grades 2-8. Students must receive a B or above in the
core subjects including Spanish and Bible.
An S- or below in any resource class, i.e. art, music, PE, technology,
or in conduct, will eliminate a student from earning honor roll
recognition. Perfect attendance is given
once at the close of the school year.
Grades in middle school will be recorded
on report cards using only the numerical scale.
The desire is for each child to be placed in the best situation emotionally, academically, spiritually, and physically. After conferring with the parents, the school has the authority and responsibility to make final decisions concerning the readiness, promotion, and retention of students.
The truth that a child is made in the image of Christ makes the implementation and interpretation of aptitude and achievement testing very critical to be placed in the proper perspective. These tests have limited value. They are not a measure of the value, worth or intelligence of a child; rather they are but one assessment of the achievement of a student at his/her grade level. Each spring students at each grade level are given the Stanford Achievement Test. Results are reported to the parents with the admonition to use them discreetly when sharing them with their children. Results are one measure used to help determine placement and promotion.
CLASS PARTIES
Class parties will be scheduled at the discretion of the teacher, homeroom parent, and principal. Parties are generally held during the last hour of the school day and are 30-60 minutes in duration. An end-of-school celebration will be held at a time designated by the administration in accordance with the school calendar. Special treats may be sent from home to celebrate your child’s birthday. Please make advance arrangements with the teacher. Birthday presents and party invitations cannot be exchanged at school.
Lost and Found is kept in the school office. Parents and students are urged to come any time and look over articles that have been turned in. Items in Lost and Found are cleared out and given to the Clothes Closet every four weeks. Lost textbooks will be kept in the principal’s office at all times.
All parents and grandparents are invited to participate in
the Volunteer Parent Program.
Opportunities will be given for every family to become actively
involved. A point system will help
implement parent involvement. This will
be explained by the PTF advisory board.
Invitations are extended to work as a room parent in the child’s
room, a helper to the child’s teacher, a worker in our library, or for
general help as needed in the school
PARENT/TEACHER FELLOWSHIP
The Parent/Teacher Fellowship is an auxiliary organization devoted to promoting the school, and maintaining open and effective communication between the school staff and parents. Membership is open to all parents and teachers. Meetings for business, information, and interchange are scheduled on the calendar. Attendance is expected from all families.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
The key to the covenant relationship with parent and teacher is communication. Awareness, sensitivity, and frequency are the keys to successful communication. Parent-teacher conferences serve to unite the school and home in the child’s best interest. Information that is shared should be helpful, specific, and useful to the building up of the student, parent, and/or teacher. Communication should echo the spirit in I Thessalonians 5:11 which says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
A report card conference day is established in the first quarter during which parents will attend a mandatory conference. Report cards will be given at that time. No report cards will be distributed prior to the conference day. After the first quarter, conferences are mandatory only if the student is in jeopardy of failing or at parent request. When possible, both parents are encouraged to attend, but only one is required. Students may be present, at the discretion of both the teacher and parents, in order to see the parents and teacher working together to help them learn to be a thoughtful seeker of Truth and obedient follower of Christ.
CLASSROOM VISITS
Parents are welcome at the school and may schedule a visit to observe a classroom in operation at any time by calling the school office. It is understood that these visits are subject to approval by the classroom teacher and the Principal and that you may be asked to schedule a different day for your visit. On the day of your visit, please register at the school office and get a visitor pass before going to the classroom. Parents are requested not to go directly to the classroom during the day. Should you need to have something delivered to your child (lunch, homework, clothes, etc.), please have it marked clearly with his/her name and grade and leave it at the school office. It will be delivered at a time that does not interfere with classroom routine.
LUNCHES AND SNACKS
Lunches will be eaten in the picnic pavilion unless there is inclement weather during which other arrangements will be made. Students may bring lunches, or lunches may be purchased through our Parent-Teacher Fellowship organization. A monthly menu is provided from which to choose. Payment is made in advance for the month based on daily choices. There will be no provision available for any student in the academy or extended day program to warm up food in the church or school microwaves. Students in grades PreK-6 may bring a snack to eat during their morning break. We request that you send food which is nutritious and healthy for this snack. Please avoid “junk food” such as candy, cookies, cakes, etc. Carrot sticks, fresh fruits, peanuts, celery sticks, and cheese are some good alternatives. No carbonated beverages will be allowed for snack. Carbonated beverages may be brought from home and/or purchased from the drink machine in the kitchen for lunch in grades 6-8 Monday through Friday, and for grades PreK4-5 on Friday only.
HEALTH CARE POLICIES
Students who become
ill during the school day will be taken to the office. If a child’s temperature reaches 100
degrees, he/she will not be allowed to remain in school. If the child seems ill, he/she may be removed
from class even though the temperature has not reached 100 degrees. Parents are asked to cooperate with the
school in minimizing the spread of communicable diseases among the children.
Prescription and non-prescription drugs
If your child is under a doctor’s care and has been instructed to take prescription or non-prescription drugs, the following procedures must be followed:
Prescription Medicine:
1. All medication will be kept in locked storage in the school office. Students will not be allowed to keep any medication in their possession during the school day. They (or the parents) must bring it to the school office first thing each morning and pick it up (if it is to go home daily) at the end of each school day.
2. Medicine must be in the prescription bottle as prepared by the pharmacist. The label must bear the doctor’s name, name of the drug, date, the directions for the amount, and the frequency of administration. A signed request from the parents must accompany the medication. Forms are available in the school office. Any changes in the above orders must be in writing to the principal and signed by the parent.
3. Medication will be dispensed only by personnel designated by the principal. Students are not allowed to self-administer any medication.
Non-prescription Medicine
Non-prescription medication must be in the original container and accompanied by a signed request from the parents, stating the child’s name, dosage, times to be given, and reason for use. The medication will be dispensed by either the designated office personnel or the classroom teacher, at the discretion of the principal. Students are not allowed to self-dispense any non-prescription medication. Non-prescription drugs also include ointments, cold tablets, lotions, cream, and cough medicines, including cough drops. Students requiring on-going non-prescription drugs, such as allergy medication, should bring a note from a physician. Alteration to this policy may be made only with the approval of the principal.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
Philosophy
The purpose of discipline at PCA is to teach each student to achieve obedience, respect, and responsibility in an atmosphere where he is happy and secure. Self-discipline for every child is a priority goal at PCA. The school strives to motivate and encourage each child in his mental and physical development as well as the development of Christian character. Therefore, adherence to school standards for academics, behavior, and dress is essential if the student is to be successful. It must be remembered that self-discipline can only be achieved as the school and the home work in harmony with one another. PCA believes that the Bible clearly instructs parents to “bring the children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Therefore, we seek to cooperate with the parents in obeying this biblical directive. The word “discipline” is defined as “to mold the character, instruct by exercise, to put or point in an exact direction.” Love and forgiveness will be an integral part of the discipline of the student, and discipline will be administered in light of the student’s problem and attitude. The vast majority of the discipline problems are to be dealt with at the classroom level.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Students at PCA are expected to abide by a certain Code of Conduct. All conduct in situations related to PCA is expected to bring a worthy reflection on our Christian school, its students, and its parents. This Code of Conduct will guide the student in his self-discipline; in his respect for school authority and school property; in his academic responsibilities; in his social relationships; and in his general behavior during all school functions. It is the aim of the School Board Ministry Team, the administration, and the faculty to promote, through policies and regulations, the highest possible standard of Christian conduct in an atmosphere conducive to good learning.
The following are some of the specific behaviors expected at PCA:
1. Students are to respect the authority of the teachers as well as other staff members and demonstrate that respect in all interactions.
2. Students are to display courtesy, kindness, and consideration to all adults and fellow students.
3. Care of school property is expected. Therefore, parents and/or students are responsible for the replacement of, repair of, or payment for non-accidental damage to such.
4. Students are to observe proper dress at all times.
5. Students are expected to keep the school facilities and grounds in an orderly state.
6. Good manners should be displayed at all times. Therefore, spitting and other such inappropriate actions are not acceptable. Gum chewing is also prohibited.
7. Writing, reading, or the passing or receiving of personal notes is disruptive to the learning process and will not be tolerated.
8. Student initiated “clubs” are discriminatory and result in hurt feelings. They will not be tolerated.
9. Items such as water pistols, matches, and the like are dangerous and are not permitted.
10. Radios, CD and cassette players, or electronic games are not allowed.
11. Gambling in any form is prohibited.
In general, students will be required to abide by these rules and all other regulations established by the school in the course of their education.
Possession or use of illegal items, i.e. weapons or facsimiles thereof, alcohol, tobacco, narcotics, etc. at school or school functions will automatically result in referral to the principal and the proper authorities as appropriate.
To improve communication with parents regarding student discipline, sixth – eighth grade students follow a demerit system. Students and parents will be given written information on PCA’s demerit system at the beginning of the school year.
Students will utilize various forms of technology in the classroom, library, and technology lab. Parents and students must sign an Internet Acceptable Use Policy before students are permitted to access the internet at school. Any inappropriate use of technology may result in the loss of the privilege and/or further discipline including suspension or expulsion.
OFFICE VISITS
There are certain basic behaviors that may necessitate a visit to the office and discipline by the principal, rather than the teacher. (Certain situations may allow for conferencing with the teacher before being addressed by the principal.) These behaviors are:
1. Disrespect shown to any staff member.
2. Dishonesty in any situation while at school, including lying, cheating, plagiarism and stealing.
3. Rebellion – i.e. outright disobedience in response to instructions.
4. Fighting – i.e. striking in anger with the intention to harm the other person.
5. Language or gestures considered to be obscene, vulgar, or profane, as well as taking the name of the Lord in vain.
6. Harassment–
conduct, whether intentional or unintentional, that subjects another person to
unwanted attention, comments, or actions because of race, national origin, age,
sex, physical characteristic, or disability robs the person of dignity and is
not permitted.
During the
visit to the office, the principal will determine the nature of the
discipline. The principal, under the
authority of the Session, will make discipline decisions consistent with
biblical guidelines for the purpose of restoration. If a student is sent to the office on a
disciplinary referral, the following
accounting will be observed.
1. On the first office visit for discipline, a parent will be contacted by phone and given the details of the visit. The parents’ assistance and support in averting further problems will be sought.
2. On the second office visit for discipline, the student will be assigned one or more afternoons of after-school detention. Since detention requires adult supervision by a teacher, families will be billed $8.50 per half hour of detention.
3. On the third office visit for discipline, a parent will be contacted by phone and requested to immediately come and pick up the student from school. The student will be readmitted to school the next day only if accompanied by a parent/guardian to the office to be signed in. The student must also have a written letter of apology to the teacher and/or other persons if appropriate.
4. On the fourth office visit for discipline, the student will receive 3 days of out of school suspension (OSS). A meeting with the student, parents, principal, and appropriate teachers will be necessary prior to the student returning to school. Upon returning to school, the student will be placed on six weeks probation. Any infraction during that time will result in expulsion.
The preceding is a summary of disciplinary procedures. As the list progresses, the severity of the procedures obviously becomes greater. However, this is not a list of disciplinary steps to be rigidly followed. It is simply a list of procedures providing the Academy with a series of options to be applied according to the conduct and attitude of the student. If the situation requires, a student could be suspended or expelled without prior offenses.
Administrator’s
discretion is in effect for the management of this discipline plan.
Discipline is beneficial when it results in correct behavior and
attitude. The final responsibility falls
on the student. Discipline is for the purpose of godliness (1 Timothy 4:7);
therefore, it demands a self-examination under Scripture. Its ends, so far as it
involves judicial action, are the rebuke of offenses, the removal of scandal,
the vindication of the honor of Christ, the promotion of the purity and general
edification of the church, and spiritual good of offenders themselves. (The Book of Church Order of the Presbyterian
Church in
If a child is
dismissed for disciplinary reasons, the parents will be held responsible for
the remainder of tuition due for the semester.