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1 SCA STUDENT HANDBOOK TABLE OF CONTENTS I. SCHOOL FOUNDATIONS Disclaimer 3 School History 3 Mission Statement 3 Vision Statement 3 Core Values 3 Educational Philosophy 4 Statement of Faith 4 Governance and Leadership 5 Accreditation 6 Colors 6 Mascot 6 II. GENERAL INFORMATION Admissions Policy 6 School Hours & Office Hours 7 Drop-Off 7 Pick-Up 8 Early Drop-Off / Late Pick-Up 8 Extended Care 8 Attendance 8 Excused and Unexcused Absences 8 Excessive Absences 9 Tardiness 9 Student Sign In and Out 9 Illness 10 Medications & Safety Policy 10 Child Abuse and Neglect Policy 10 Lunch Procedures 11 Mid-Morning Snack 11 Lost and Found 11 Delays, Early Closing, and School Cancellations 11 Parent-Teacher Fellowship 12 Booster Club 12 Visitors 12 Volunteers 12 Class Parties 12 Off-Campus Lunches 13 III. ACADEMIC PROGRAM Curriculum 13 Grade Reporting and Parent Communication 13 Grading Scale 13 Honors, Advanced Placement, College Credit 14 Grading Policy & Conduct Scale 14 Agenda/Assignment Pad 15 Guidelines for Quizzes & Tests 15 Homework, Quizzes, and Tests 15 Incomplete/Late Work 16 Exams 17 Student-Teacher Ratio 17 Drop/Add Policy 17 Revised June 2016 2 Honor Rolls 17 Academic Probation 17 Promotion Guidelines 17 Graduation Requirements 19 Transcripts 20 Review of Student Records 20 Confidentiality of Student Records 21 Academic Societies 21 Student Government Association 21 IV. STUDENT LIFE Chapel 21 Field Trips 22 Student Internet Usage 22 Computer Usage Policy 22 Student Drivers 22 Locks and Lockers 23 Textbooks 23 Additional Fees For Classroom Resources 23 Withdrawing from School 23 Scholarship 23 Hall Passes 23 Dress Code 24 Dress for Physical Education – Upper School 26 Dress for Major Social Event 28 Dress code for All School-Sponsored Events 28 V. STUDENT CONDUCT Searches and Questioning of Students 29 Drug Testing 29 Disciplinary Goals 29 Disciplinary Action 30 Disciplinary Probation 31 Description of Consequences 31 Cell Phones and Electronic Devices 32 Student Relationships 32 Public Display of Affection 32 Respect and Courtesy 32 Prohibited Statements 32 Truancy 32 Cheating 33 Off Campus and Online Behavior 33 Bullying 34 Conflict Resolution 34 VI. APPENDICES A. Student Pledge 36 B. Statement of Cooperation 37 C. Student Driver Form 38 D. Illness Policy 39 E. Accident Form 40 F. Conference Request Form 41 G. Educational Record Review 42 H. Field Trip Permission 43 I. Internet Acceptable Usage Policy 44 J. Student Disciplinary Action 45 Bible Verses & Acknowledgement of Receipt 46-51 Revised June 2016 3 SCA DISCLAIMER Suffolk Christian Academy, (SCA), strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in this student handbook distributed by Suffolk Christian Academy or information stored on the web pages. The Suffolk Christian Academy handbook should not, as a whole or in part, be construed as a contract itself. This handbook is not intended to be comprehensive and is advisory only to guide students, parents, and faculty of Suffolk Christian Academy. The school reserves the right to make changes or exception to statements in this handbook at any time, without notice. Final interpretation of all school rules and regulations are left to the discretion of the headmaster. All authorized amendments to this student handbook will be communicated to parents and should be read in conjunction with the Student Handbook to which it refers. PART I. SCHOOL FOUNDATIONS SCHOOL HISTORY Suffolk Christian Academy was originally established as First Baptist Christian School in 1988 when First Baptist Church expanded its Weekday School ministry to include first through third grades. FBCS added fourth grade in 1990, fifth grade in 1992, sixth grade in 2002, seventh grade in 2003, eighth grade in 2005, ninth grade in 2006, tenth grade in 2007, eleventh grade in 2008, and twelfth grade in 2009. First Baptist Christian School was independently incorporated in December 2012 and the name was changed to Suffolk Christian Academy. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE The purpose of the Corporation shall be to operate schools and other related agencies on the elementary and secondary levels, training students in accordance with these fundamental goals of education: Our students will have a Christian worldview derived from a well-developed knowledge of the Bible. Our students will demonstrate godly character as a result of their commitment to Christ. Our students will possess the academic skills sufficient to excel in today’s society and continue as life-long learners. Our students will be equipped to engage their culture through Christ-centered living, service to others, and building the kingdom for the glory of God. TATEMENT MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Suffolk Christian Academy is to glorify God by partnering with parents to provide a biblically-based educational program that trains and nurtures children to become fully devoted followers of Christ. VISION STATEMENT Our vision is to become the premier Christian school in the western Tidewater area, offering a comprehensive, college-preparatory school with top-quality academic, spiritual, athletic, and fine arts programs. We will graduate young men and women with the keen intellect, deep faith, life skills, and biblical worldview necessary to live a life of Christian service, leadership, and citizenship. CORE VALUES Core values are a set of guiding principles that guide the school in fulfilling its mission. They are shared values that endure over time and collectively create the desired culture of the school. Biblical Worldview We will teach students to view all of life from a biblical perspective. A biblical worldview provides us with a philosophical system that unifies all academic disciplines and thus influences our decisions regarding curriculum, instruction, and co-curricular programs. (Col. 1:17; Col. 2:3-4, 8; 2 Cor. 10:5) Integrity We will strive to be honest, ethical, and above reproach in all relational and operational matters, to include policy development, financial practices, parent relations, grading practices, and disciplinary actions. (Prov. 10:9 11:3, 19:1, 28:6) Revised June 2016 4 Academic Excellence We are committed to providing an excellent academic program that challenges each student to reach his fullest potential. (Matt. 25:14-30; Col. 3:23; 1 Cor. 10:31) Nurture Our school will be a place where every student is loved and is taught to love others. (Matt. 22:39; Col. 3:14; 1 John 4:19-21) Whole-Child Development We will provide a balance of learning opportunities that seek to develop students intellectually, spiritually, physically, and socially. We will resist the temptation to neglect any of these areas. (Luke 2:52; Luke 10:27; 1 Cor. 3:16-17; Ex. 35:30-36:7) EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY Foundation of Educational Philosophy Believing that the Bible is God’s inerrant and infallible revelation to mankind, Suffolk Christian Academy consults Scripture for guidance in developing a philosophy of education. In doing so, we find that the Bible speaks very clearly regarding the education of children. Thus, we need not appeal to secular philosophies that are prevalent in contemporary culture. From the biblical passages that refer most explicitly to the instruction of children, we draw the following conclusions regarding the nature of the learner, the goal of Christian education, and the responsibility for educating children. We will strive at all times to ensure that the school’s policy and practice flow from our philosophy of education. (References: 2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Pet. 1:19-21; Ps. 119:89) Nature of the Learner Every child is created in the image of God, and has intrinsic value as a result. Man is created for God’s glory and is commanded to worship Him. At the same time, man lives in a fallen state as a result of sin. Man’s sinful condition alienates him from God and renders him unable to worship God properly, live righteously, understand spiritual things, and recognize that all truth in creation reveals the Creator. Thus, the child is not naturally inclined to seek or achieve the aims that the Bible requires. (References: Gen. 1:26; Is. 43:7; Gen. 3; Rom. 3:23; Rom. 1:18-25; 1 Cor. 2:14) Goal of Christian Education Christian education is ultimately concerned with training children to become adults whose lives are wholly devoted to God. This involves, at the least, leading the child to a restored relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, and instilling in the child a thorough-going Christian worldview that brings biblical Christianity to bear on every area of life. The well-trained Christian mind will not divide life into sacred and secular categories. Rather, the believer will view work, worship, relationships, and use of resources as spiritual decisions. Consequently, the believer will endeavor to do all things with excellence, as unto the Lord. (References: Deut. 6:1-9; Ps. 78:1-8; Prov. 22:6; Col. 2:2-3, 6-8; Col. 3:23) Responsibility for Educating Children We believe that the primary responsibility for educating children rests with parents. We acknowledge that there is no such institution as the Christian school to be found in the Bible. The school derives its authority from the parents and serves to assist them in their God-given responsibility of training their children. Therefore, Christian schooling is best understood as a collaborative effort to disciple the children of Christian parents. It is imperative that parents agree with the school’s philosophy, support the school’s mission and policies, and involve themselves in the school’s activities. (References: Eph. 6:4, Deut. 6:1-9; Prov. 22:6) STATEMENT OF FAITH We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative, inerrant Word of God. (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21) We believe there is one God, eternally existent in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.