The objective of a Christian school is to teach children how to live and equip them for success. The Bible verse in Proverbs 22:6 admonishes adults to train up a child in THE way he SHOULD go.
A Christian school is an extension of the home in training young people. The school staff works closely with the parents to train the whole child.
Attendance at this school is a privilege and not a right. The goal of this school is to train youth of every ability in the highest principles of moral character, self-discipline, individual responsibility, personal integrity, and good citizenship. This school stands without apology for high standards of morality and wisdom.
BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES
One of the basic reasons why parents enroll their children in a Christian school is to obtain an education grounded in moral values. This school uses the A Beka Book curriculum, which includes Scripture memory passages and references to God and Jesus Christ--all designed to help students develop moral character, a sense of accountability, and wisdom in their lives. Standards of personal conduct, school polices, and curriculum continues to build the students’ sense of responsibility and integrity.
APPLICATION
Parents wishing to enroll their children in Spirit of Life Christian Academy should call the school office at (910) 592-9591 to make an appointment to tour the facilities and to discuss the school and its program.
NONDISCRIMANATORY POLICY
The Spirit of Life Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded to or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.
ADMISSION
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A student is admitted to Spirit of Life Christian Academy on the basis of a personal interview, examination of the student’s past record and availability of openings. The school reserves the privilege to refuse admittance to anyone without defining reasons and of suspending or expelling anyone uncooperative with the overall purpose and program of the school.
A student is enrolled after completing the application process, being notified of acceptance, and having paid the registration fee, materials use fee, and first payment of tuition.
1. Obtain registration packet from school office. This packet includes: a. Application b. Medical History Form c. Financial contract d. Release of records
2. Submit the completed forms and pay all fees.
3. The application will be reviewed. An interview with the family and student will be requested.
4. Upon admission, testing may be conducted to assess the student’s academic level.
5. It is generally the policy of the school board to discourage the transfer of junior high and high school students from the public schools, unless the student proves to be of exceptional Christian character, and has a strong desire to be at the academy. Experience has taught us that older students must be committed to the decision to transfer for reasons of Christian conviction. We are not able to provide counseling and support needed in the classroom setting for students who are in rebellion against authority or have turned their backs on spiritual issues. The choice of a Christian school must be a positive rather than a negative step in the mind of the student.
6. All first year students at Spirit of Life Christian Academy shall attend on probationary status for the entire first year and may be subject to dismissal at the discretion of the principal for violation of school conduct code and policy (spirit and intent) as interpreted by the principal.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSALThe school day begins promptly at 8:15am. Students are to go to class and not return to their cars until 3:00pm. School doors are locked until 8:05am. All students arriving before this time should be dropped off at the designated area no earlier than 7:45 AM. At 8:10am each morning, a bell sounds alerting students that classes are to begin in five minutes. Students should proceed directly to class. All classes dismiss at 3:00pm Monday through Thursday; on Friday, classes will dismiss at 1:00pm. Please pick up your child no later than 15 minutes after dismissal. Teachers are on duty immediately after school dismisses in order to assist departing students. In normal circumstances, students are not to be in the building shortly after the dismissal bell without permission. If student is not picked up 15 minutes after dismissal time, a fee of $10.00 each time they are late being picked up, will be added to your monthly statement.
Please exercise extreme caution when delivering and picking up your child each day. Drive slowly and watch for other children.
OFFICE
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School office hours are 8:00 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Thursday and 8:00 am to 1:30 pm on Friday. Parents are welcomed; however, when a visit to the classroom is desired, everyone should check-in at the office first. REFRAIN FROM GOING DIRECTLY TO THE CLASSROOM. If a parent wishes to talk with a teacher, he should arrange for a private conference with the teacher, before or after school. Lunches, homework, books, and other items should be left in the school office to be delivered to the student. AGAIN, DO NOT GO DIRECTLY TO THE STUDENT’S CLASSROOM. Only in rare emergency situations are students allowed to go to the office at any other times.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Spirit of Life Christian Academy is an outreach ministry of the Spirit of Life Church of God and is not supported by the church. The school neither solicits nor receives any state or federal assistance. Parents and friends are encouraged to make tax-deductible gifts to the school whenever possible.
PARENTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE PROMPT IN SCHOOL PAYMENTS, WITH PAYMENTS DUE ON THE FIRST OF EVERY MONTH. The school cannot be faithful in paying its debts unless parents are faithful in paying their school bills on time. Accounts 15 days past due are considered delinquent with a $25.00 late fee assessed. Students with delinquent accounts may be asked to withdraw. The school will assess $25.00 on all returned checks. All records will be withheld until all school fees are paid. Only students whose school bill from the previous year is paid in full by August 1, will be eligible to enter school in the fall. The school will withhold the diploma and transcript from any graduating senior who has failed to pay all school bills in full. Should tuition accounts become 30 days past due, your student will be withdrawn.
RE-ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
Students currently enrolled are given first opportunity to enroll for the next year. Re-enrollment information, including the tuition rates for the coming year, is sent out the first of April. Parents have until April 15 to respond. After April 15, classroom vacancies will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. The re-enrollment information makes provision for your choice of payment.
ATTENDANCE
Spirit of Life Christian Academy’s attendance policy is based on three objectives: (1) to comply with state compulsory attendance laws, (2) to promote organizational efficiency, and (3) to provide Christian character training. Prompt and consistent attendance is necessary to realize all the educational benefits to which the students are entitled. Thus, we request that medical and other necessary appointments not interfere with class attendance if possible. Parental cooperation with our policy is essential - and appreciated.
Students are to miss no more than 30 days for a school year. Any student who is absent 15 days or more during a semester may not pass that semester’s work.
EXCUSED ABSENCES
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Students who miss one or more classes for the reasons below will receive an excused absence and will be allowed to make up work without penalty: (a student has 2 days to complete work missed for each day absent.)
Personal illness Death in the family Doctor’s appointment Quarantine Severe weather Transportation breakdown
Students are required to bring a written excuse from home the day they return to school after an absence. The absence will be considered unexcused until the note is provided.
Students are to check in through their teacher with absentee notes. They are also to check into the office if they come to school at any time after 8:15 am or if they leave school at any time during the school day. Students coming to school after 11:45 am or checking out before 11:45 am are to be counted absent for the day. In order to be counted present, a student must attend school for one-half the time covered by the school day (at present, the school day is 6 hours and 30 minutes). A student absent for any reason cannot participate in or attend any school function on the day of the absence without permission from the principal.
EXTRAORDINARY ABSENCES
Under extraordinary circumstances, parents may believe it highly advantageous to take their child on a special educational trip. Special prior permission must be granted by the Principal to classify the absence as an “extraordinary absence”. Each request for an extraordinary absence should be made at least three days before the absence is to occur. THE PRINCIPAL SHALL MAKE A JUDGMENT AS TO WHETHER THE ABSENCE SHALL FALL UNDER THE EXTRAORDINARY CATEGORY. Students granted an extraordinary absence will be allowed to make up all class work. The number of extraordinary absences may not exceed 5 days in one school year. Thereafter, the absence shall be considered unexcused.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
Examples of unexcused absences are: suspension, shopping, hunting, fishing, baby-sitting, alarm failure, missing ride to school, entertaining friends, work, etc. Unexcused absences will result in zeros in all classes and students may make up missed work in detention. Excessive unexcused absences may result in dismissal from school. No refunds on tuition are made because of absences.
TRUANCY
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Absence without permission of the parents is considered truancy. The penalty for truancy is a one-day suspension, and the Truancy Officer will be notified after a student misses 10 consecutive days.
Absences not classified as “Excused” or “Extraordinary” are classified as “Unexcused” and may result in truancy action.
TARDINESS
Tardies are disruptive to the classroom and have an adverse effect on your child’s educational process. Promptness is expected. It is a measure of your school citizenship. Unexcused tardies will result in a grade of zero given for the class or classes. Five unexcused tardies will result in disciplinary action being taken and will increase for each five consecutive tardies. The disciplinary action will result in the form of detention given to In School Suspension. For repeated offence during a nine week period a parent/teacher conference will be scheduled.
The final authority in all matters of attendance rests with Spirit of Life Christian Academy.
EARLY RELEASE POLICY
Recognizing the need for some students to generate income through after school employment and recognizing the positive contribution of employment upon the development of a student, Spirit of Life Christian Academy attendance policy provides for early release of qualifying individuals.In order for a student to be considered for early release, the following requirements must be met:
1. The student must be a junior or senior on academic balance.
2. The junior/senior must be taking enough units of credit to total 21 from grades 9-12.
3. Full tuition will be required. No tuition refund will be granted for early release.
4. Privileges will be considered on a month-to-month period based on academic balance.
5. BOTH PARENTS MUST SIGN THE EARLY RELEASE REQUEST FORM.
6. The school reserves the right to revoke the privilege at any time.
EARLY RELEASE FOR SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS
The school understands that from time to time, a student will have an appointment during school hours. In order for a student to be released early for a scheduled appointment, the following requirements must be met:
1. The student must provide a note from the parent or the parent must call ahead of the scheduled release time.
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LUNCHES
Students should bring a lunch from home. There will be no lunches prepared by the teachers; however, there will be a microwave for your child to heat his/her meals such as soup, spaghetti, ect. The purchase of soft drinks, juice, and snacks will be available. Teachers will designate assigned eating areas for their students.
In order for a student to be able to leave for lunch, the following requirements must be met:1. The student must be in grades 11 – 12 and on academic balance.2. Privileges will be considered on a month-to-month period based on academic balance.3. BOTH PARENTS MUST SIGN THE LUNCH RELEASE REQUEST FORM.4. The school reserves the right to revoke the privilege at any time.
ILLNESS/MEDICATION
School personnel are prohibited by law from prescribing or administering internal medication at their discretion. If a student must take medicine during the school day, it may be administered only with written parental and/or physician approval sent from home or through contact with a parent at the time of need. Minor scratches and abrasions can and will be treated by the school staff. If your child has an apparent rash when he leaves home for school, please send medication from home to take care of it. School medical supplies are for emergencies only.
When a student has a temperature above 100 degrees, fever-indicating contagiousness, and parents will be notified to pick up their child from school.
LOST AND FOUND
Articles will be kept in the lost and found for thirty days. Unclaimed items become the property of the school and will be disposed of at the discretion of the school. Efforts will be made to return items to their owner. The school encourages students to mark all personal items brought to school.
STUDENT VALUABLES
Students are cautioned not to bring large amounts of money, cameras, or other valuables to school, and if they wear glasses or watches to keep track of them at all times. Students are responsible for their personal property.As a rule, pocket calculators should not be brought to school. Calculators are to be used only with special permission from the teacher, and as with other valuables, the student is responsible should the calculator be lost.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
When necessary to CLOSE SCHOOL because of bad weather, please tune in to News Channel 5, New Channel 6, or News Channel 11 on your television to find out if the school will be closed
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or delayed. If our school name is not listed in the closings or delays, we will resume a regular schedule.TELEPHONE
Telephones are for SCHOOL BUSINESS ONLY and are not to be used by the students. In case of an emergency, with special permission from his/her teacher and the office staff, the school secretary will contact parents.
VISITORS
Classroom visits by parents and students are welcomed. All visitors should come by the school office to secure a visitor’s pass to attend class.
Visitors must abide by school rules in conduct and modest dress while visiting the school. Visitors are not permitted to visit during days of major examinations.
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
All buildings, facilities, grounds and equipment of Spirit of Life Christian Academy are considered God’s property. Respect for the appearance and care of the property is expected of students helping to keep it clean and in good repair. Careless or willful damage to school property will not be tolerated. Students and/or parents, whether willful or accidental due to misuse, must pay for all damage.
SOLICITATION
Solicitation is forbidden at school and school-related activities without administrative approval. This includes the selling of items, distribution of political material and the circulation or petitions.
DRIVERS EDUCATIONDrivers Education is not offered here at the school but can be taken at any school in the county at no charge. Upon completing the course, we will supply the student that meets the academic requirements with one Drivers Eligibility Certificate, so that a driver’s permit can be secured. A $5.00 charge will be applied if an additional certificate is needed.
PARKING PERMITS
Students that have a driver’s license may drive their vehicle to school. In order for a student to drive their vehicle, a student parking permit may be secured at a cost of $5.00 per permit. This will help us to identify whose vehicle is parked on our school grounds to insure proper safety. The permit will be required to hang on the student’s rearview mirror while on school grounds. If the permit gets lost, a new one may be purchased from the school office. There will be a designated parking area for student drivers.
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FUNDRAISERS
The Spirit of Life Christian Academy will conduct 3 fundraisers this school year. See Fundraiser Schedule Sheet attached. Since we are a non-profit school, it is imperative that we have fundraisers to buy the necessary items that the school may need. This is why it is necessary that each family of the school participate in each fundraiser. If you do not wish to participate in any of the fundraisers, a one time fee of $250.00 will be required. If you do participate in fundraisers, your sales must profit at least $250.00. Your sale means “profit”. If your sales do not profit at least $250.00, we will bill you for the difference.
CELL PHONE USE
Students are not permitted to use a cell phone in the school building before or during school time. After school, students should not use cell phones until they have left the school building.
Any use of a cell phone in school during school hours by a student will result in disciplinary action. If a student brings a cell phone to school, the cell phone must be secured in the student’s book bag and must be turned off. If a student brings a cell phone to class or the phone rings while in a student’s book bag, the teacher will initiate disciplinary action and the phone may be confiscated for the remainder of the day. (Confiscated phones may be returned by the administration to parents upon request. Students whose phones have been confiscated may be asked not to bring a cell phone to school in the future.)
Note: “Forgetting” to turn off the cell phone is not an excuse.
Use of a cell phone during a test for any reason (i.e. text messaging, photos) will automatically be considered cheating, and appropriate academic and disciplinary action will be taken in the sole discretion of the administration.
No taking of or other use of cell phone photographs is permitted during the school day. Particularly, no cell phone photographs are permitted in the restrooms at any time. Violation of this prohibition is a serious discipline offense.
Parents who need to contact their child during the school day for emergency purposes should use the school’s normal emergency contact process and call the main school phone number. School staff will assist parents in communicating with their child in appropriate emergency situations. Parents should not consider their child’s cell phone as a means of contacting their child for any reason during the school day.
Note: These guidelines were formulated after careful review of school cell phone policies across the State and the country.
Wireless communication devices include, but are not limited to, cellular phones, paging devices, two-way radios; CD/MP3 players, electronic games and any new electronic wireless communication device that may become available to the general public in the future are not allowed during the school day.
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ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Spirit of Life Christian Academy is an A Beka Book curriculum school, offering foundational basic skills that will benefit every child. Core curriculum is provided throughout the school.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten classes at Spirit of Life Christian Academy offer a delightful learning experience for your five year old child(ren). It is an enjoyable educational program designed to give your child a firm foundation for a lifetime of learning. Academic training includes reading, phonics, cursive writing, writing complete sentences, counting, adding, and scripture memorization. The kindergarten program finishes at 1:00 daily and you are welcome to pick up your child at that time. However, if you are unable to do so, they will go to the 1-3 grade class and will either have a craft, color, do puzzles, or go outside for a while and will then have “rest time”. They will not have to go to sleep but will have to lay down and rest. In June, we will have Kindergarten Graduation. You will be charged a $25.00 graduation fee for the cap, gown and tassel.
Grades or Levels
At the elementary level, primary emphasis is placed on the fundamentals. Besides training students in the basic skills they will need all their lives, our program instills the character qualities, which incite life-long learning. Spirit of Life Christian Academy uses a Christian curriculum, which is perhaps the finest available anywhere. The daily curriculum includes English, Math, Bible, Science, Social Studies, Spelling and Penmanship. Extracurricular activities, such as field trips, class programs, and electives for the high school level are available.
College-Prep Graduates of the program have attended hundreds of colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher learning.
TESTING
In addition to regular course tests, Spirit of Life Christian Academy annually administers the following tests: for grades K-12, the Stanford Achievement Test.
Other tests and information are made available to students, and will be administered at designated times (PSAT, ACT, SAT, etc.).
GRADE REPORTING
Report cards must be picked up by a parent each nine weeks to give the teacher the opportunity to give parents and students an indication of the progress being made. Each student is evaluated in two areas -- academic and conduct. The grading system is explained on the report card.HONOR ROLL
An honor roll is based on the following qualifications:
“A” honor roll - Academic Balance and average of 93-100 “B” honor roll - Academic Balance and average of 85-92
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TRANSCRIPTS
The school will provide student transcripts upon request once at no charge. Additional transcripts will be provided at a charge of $5.00 for each copy.
INFORMATION
Please make sure that the office has a correct phone number and address for you at all times. From time to time, you will be getting a “phone tree” message with pertinent information from the school. We also need your correct phone number in the event that we need to contact you about your child during the day.
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COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY PREP COURSE OF STUDY
The Honors program includes the standard college preparatory courses plus additional attainment of the very highest quality preparation for a college education. The following courses are recommended:
English 4English I English IIEnglish III English IV
Math 4Algebra I Algebra II Geometry Advanced Math
Social Studies 3 World History (A school may replace these coursesAmerican History with its country’s history, form of U.S. Civics (1/2 credit) government, and economic system.)Economics (1/2 credit)State History (1/2 credit)(Students will need to take state history if they have not previously completed it.)
Science 4Physical ScienceBiology ChemistryPhysics
Typing 1Speech 1/2Foreign Language 2Physical Education 1*Electives (World Geography ½ credit elective) 4 1/2
Minimum Total Credits - 28
* Health required to be ½ credit of the 1 credit.
COLLEGE TECH PREPARATORY COURSE OF STUDY
Students who choose this category are those who have the ability to prepare for college. Careful consideration should be given to the entrance requirements of the colleges one plans to attend. Courses will vary among students. Candidates and parents to select specific courses that need to be completed in high school to meet specific college entrance requirements should reference college catalogs.
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SAMPLE COLLEGE PREPARATORY COURSE OF STUDYThe following course of study is adequate to prepare most students for college studies.
English 4English I English II English III English IV
Math 3Algebra I (R)Geometry (R)Algebra II (R)
Social Studies 3 World History American History U.S. Civics (1/2 credit) Economics (1/2 credit) State History (1/2 credit) (Students will need to take state history if they have not previously completed it.)
Although not recommended, this course of study is the minimum course for a standard high school diploma.
Seniors lacking more than one credit necessary for graduation will not be permitted to participate in commencement exercises. Students who lack only one unit must make arrangements to earn the credit in an approved summer school program before participating in commencement exercises. Spirit of Life Christian Academy cannot be responsible for inconveniences caused by a senior failing courses during the last days of school.
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SAMPLE GENERAL COURSE OF STUDYRequired = (R), Optional = (O)
At present, the following electives are available for students in grades 9-12:
Accounting Physical Education IIArt MusicDrawing Basics American LiteratureBritish Literature Basic Computer LiteracyConsitution, The Spanish I & II French I & II SpeechGeneral Business TypingHome Economics DramaWorld Geography
ACTIVITIES INFORMATION
Spirit of Life Christian Academy sponsors a wide range of out-of-class activities to augment the excellent in-class learning program. The purpose of these activities is to provide opportunities to apply knowledge and skills, and especially to further direct and develop the training of the student. We encourage participation in extracurricular activities with parent’s consent.
Among the list of activities to be promoted by the school are the following:
Soccer CheerleadingGirl’s Volleyball Co-ed SoftballBoy’s Basketball Field Trips
We do require any of our students who attend activities in which Spirit of Life Christian Academy is a participant, whether at home or away, to abide by the school conduct and to dress modestly. We ask that parents and adults by always conscious of their dress and conduct at school events in order to properly represent our school and to provide an example for the parents.
All students who participate in any activities must be on academic balance. The principal must approve any exceptions.
CHAPEL
Students and staff will be required to attend chapel services each week. Students will be participating as speakers, special singers, choral singers, skits and etc. Guest speakers will address the students from time to time on various subjects of interest. Students’ parents and other guests are invited to attend chapel services. During school revival week, chapel will take place daily.
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PARENT/TEACHER FELLOWSHIP (PTF)
Parents and/or guardians are encouraged to join the Parent/Teacher Fellowship. This organization is designed to give interested persons a greater voice in the school, promote school spirit, give direction to fund raising programs, coordinate volunteer efforts, and provide general input and support to the school. The memberships elect their own officers.
CONDUCT INFORMATION
Spirit of Life Christian Academy is distinctly a CHRISTIAN school. Its purpose is to assist the home in training up a child into Christ likeness. Toward that end, certain expectations have been established regarding student behavior. Thus, discipline is positive training that equips children to meet the demands, challenges, and responsibilities of life. It is of paramount importance that the home and school cooperate fully with one another. If questions arise, the parent should first contact the teacher. A parent should never undermine any aspect of the program and should, therefore, NEVER make derogatory remarks about a teacher or the school in the presence of their child, to others students, or to other parents. To do so not only violates Scripture and ethics, but tears down the credibility and authority of the teacher. Even further, it diminishes the submission of the child to all types of authority and weakens his confidence in Christian education. Through proper channels, something constructive can be done about all problems.
No conduct code can address every infraction in standards of conduct that can occur. These regulations are not intended to be exhaustive, but to provide GENERAL GUIDELINES for acceptable behavior. Administration has the responsibility for and final authority to enforce the intent and spirit of the conduct code. The conduct code purposes to:
1. Reveal God (1 Cor. 10:31).2. Create and maintain a climate that allows the school to function decently and orderly
(1 Cor. 14:40)3. Teach students submission to authority (1 Sam. 15:23)4. Instill the values of Christian character (Romans 8:29)5. Promote and instill self-discipline
GENERAL CONDUCT
Students should always conduct themselves in a manner above reproach. Disorderly conduct is not conducive to developing Christian character and will not be tolerated. Physical contact and verbal impropriety will not be tolerated. Use of radios, record players, and recording equipment must be approved in advance. Students should not bring any type of music onto campus without approval from the office. Notebooks, and other supplies depicting rock groups, crude graffiti, occult art, ect., are not acceptable on the basis of unbecoming the Christian lifestyle.Each teacher establishes specific rules of conduct for his/her classroom to promote orderliness. These rules may vary depending upon the teacher, class size, and grade level. Minor infractions of classroom or school rules will be dealt with appropriately for the specific situation.
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STUDENT LIFE
Spirit of Life Christian Academy considers the following infractions to be major violations of conduct:
1. Disrespect to teachers or other adults associated with the school. Disrespect may be expressed in a variety of ways including refusing to follow directions,
insulting remarks, arguing, or gestures indicating disgust. This rule applies to any school activity, on and off the school grounds.
2. Profanity -- spoken or written.3. Fighting -- except in self-defense in which you did nothing wrong in word OR
action to provoke the other person.4. Skipping class or leaving school grounds without prior permission5. Bringing offensive literature or music to school6. Vulgarity, offensive language or signs7. Smoking8. Gambling9. Writing on or otherwise defacing school property10. Cheating -- in addition to other penalties, the student cheating is to be given a
zero for the work in question and his parents will be notified.11. Lying12. Vandalizing school property13. Any act of insubordination14. Drinking at or away from school15. Possession of any dangerous weapons16. Any offense related to drugs; possession, selling, consumption, etc.17. Stealing at or away from school18. Any conduct determined by the school to warrant positive action19. Physical contact between members of the opposite sex must be avoided.20. Students reporting to class late and without a parent’s note will be disciplined
appropriately.21. While on school property or on field trips, the dress code is to be maintained.22. Disorderly conduct away from school may result in dismissal.23. Any exception to any rule must be approved by the principal by prior notice.
The penalty for major violations will be administered according to the specific situation. The penalty may include Scripture writing, suspension and/or expulsion. Spirit of Life Christian Academy reserves the right to expel a student for any major violation of the conduct code, whether on school grounds or not. No student will be expelled permanently without being allowed the opportunity to appear before the school board.
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DISCIPLINE
If your child does come home complaining about a policy or discipline, please follow this procedure:
1. Give the staff the benefit of the doubt.
2. Realize that your child’s reporting is emotionally biased and may not include all the information.
3. Realize that the school has reasons for all rules and that they are enforced without partiality.
4. Support the administration and call the school for all the facts.
This school is dedicated to the training of children in a program of study, activity, and living that is Bible-centered. We believe that “all things should be done decently and in order” and that our students should be taught to accept the responsibility to “walk honorably before all men.”
Here, a discipline is maintained which is firm, consistent, fair, and tempered with love. Our staff maintains standards of behavior in the Learning Center through kindness, love, and a genuine regard for the student. However, when disciplinary action becomes necessary, it is firmly carried out, tempered by good judgment and understanding.
Students are reminded that God expects us to be disciplined in all areas of life:
“Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is the well pleasing unto the Lord.” Colossians 3:20
“Let every soul be subject unto higher powers...” Romans 13:1
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves...” Hebrews 13:17
“For the commandment is a lamp: and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.” Proverbs 6:23
“He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.” Proverbs 10:17
“Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” Proverbs 19:18
“foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” Proverbs 22:15
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DETENTION
The paramount rule is “do right; do not disturb.” Demerits are given for disturbances or broken rules. Three or more demerits in one day result in detention time as follows:
When a student receives a detention, a “Corrective Action Notice” is sent home with the student and is to be signed by the parents. The next day the slip is returned and detention time is served.
Demerits are an indication that a student may need direction in the development of principles of character in his/her life. Conferences with the supervisor, principal, and parents are sometimes necessary to assure this growth.After a student receives 3 detentions in one month, the student will then be suspended for a period of 2 days. Upon the receipt of further detentions, the suspension period will be lengthened. If the problem continues to exist, then the student will be permanently expelled.
DISCIPLINE POLICY BEFORE EXPULSION
Parents, we will continuously be expressing genuine Christian love and concern to your child/children this year. If in the unfortunate and rare occasion expulsion is warranted, the following sequence will be followed:
1. Issue demerits for violating school policy2. Assign scripture or detention3. Talk with child, being specific about steps he must take to remain in school4. Conference with parents about specific deviant behavior5. Suggest corporal correction to be administered by the parents6. In-School Suspension (ISS). The student is to be isolated from other students during
the school day, breaks, lunch, and other activities.7. Suspend the child.8. Suggest that parents may want to withdraw the child and transfer him/her to another
school.9. Expulsion
(Special Note: Expulsion is permanent. It goes on the child’s record. It is serious business.)
DISCIPLINARY POLICY CONCERNING DISRESPECT20
Disrespect to authority is a major violation. According to the Bible in Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. We expect every student to abide by this scripture in all school functions. If a student should choose to be disrespectful the following disciplinary actions will be taken:
1. Fist offence will be a two day suspension with a written apology and a meeting with the parents.2. Second offence will be a five day suspension with a written apology.3. Expulsion.
STANDARD OF DRESS
The Biblical basis for our dress code is 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
Spirit of Life Christian Academy has set as standard of dress that school uniforms must be worn by all students.
ADVANTAGES OF WEARING UNIFORMS
1. Uniforms contribute to higher academics. Students have less concern for their dress and concentrate more on academics.
2. Uniforms contribute to greater self-control in students. A sharp-looking, neat student will tend to act that way; a sloppy appearance tends to foster undisciplined character.3. Uniforms reduce clothing costs and make it easy for students to know what to wear each
day. Quality uniforms can often be worn from one to three (or more) years. Instead of a wardrobe of “regular” clothes for school, one or two uniforms are sufficient.
4. Uniforms build espirit de corps.5. Uniforms eliminate competition in dress. Peer pressure regarding clothing is minimized.6. Sharp uniforms command respect. They relay a message that your school is professional.7. Sharp uniforms can help to improve the student’s self-image and give him a sense of
personal worth.8. Uniforms standardize the dress code. They eliminate conflict over what students can and
cannot wear.9. Modest uniforms help students learn to dress appropriately, preventing immodest apparel
and slovenly appearance at school.10. Uniforms help establish a pattern of life whereby students may select other appropriate
clothing throughout life. They can help build convictions on what kind of clothing is modest, conservative, and appropriate.
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DRESS CODE
Dress Code for all students – Kaki and Navy pants only. Any solid color three-button shirts. Belts are required to be worn at all times. Tennis shoes or leather shoes may be worn.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE
All students should dress in a manner that is modest and that will glorify God. All students should keep their hair neat and clean. Guys hair should be neatly cut, collar length or above and over the ears with no wild cuts and designs or colors placed into the haircut. Guys are not allowed to wear earrings.
Girls are expected to have no wild haircuts or colors placed into the hair. Girls should not wear excessive makeup or jewelry.
Students (male and female) are not allowed to wear nose rings or tongue rings.
Special Activities:
Students who attend official school activities after school hours (either on or off campus) must wear clothing consistent with the school standards set by the principal.
CLASSROOM RULES
General:
A student is not permitted to communicate or be out of his/her seat without permission. He/she should not turn sideways or around in desk or tip back in his/her desk.
Activities not related to prescribed material are not to be conducted in/at a students desk unless privileges have been earned.
Personal questions should be asked on break time.
Gum is not allowed on school property.
Electrical outlets are for approved school equipment only.
Media Station:
Computer-related academics are completed in the classroom media station. Students will be required to purchase and maintain specified computer disks.
**The policies and procedures contained in this Student Handbook are subject to change and addition, if need should arise at any time during the school year.
