Parent/Student Handbook

I. INDEX

Academy Hours
Attendance Policies
Drop Off & Pick-up of Students
Messages, Visits, and Deliveries
Health and Safety
Chapel
Lost and Found
Lunch Program
Field Trips
Student Council
After School Sports
Library
Parent Service Program
Room Parent Duties
School Directory
School Photos
Textbooks and Supplies
Home Textbook Purchases
The Family Envelope and the Eagle Newsletter
Yearbook
Reenrollment of Continuing Students
Admission Policy
Curriculum
Grading System
Report Cards
Honor Roll
Promotion and Graduation Policy
Academic Probation
Achievement Testing
Assignment Planner
Homework
Buddy System
ACSI Academic Meets
Conduct and Discipline
Financial Policies

II. GENERAL INFORMATION

Academy Hours

Students are NOT permitted on campus before of after the school hours unless they are under the direct supervision of a staff member or parent. Parents who drive to work early or who are attending a conference or a meeting may not leave the child(ren) outside in a hallway, in the patio area, gymnasium or playground. The parent must make prior arrangements for the care of their child(ren) before and after the regular Academy hours listed above.

Regular school attendance is necessary to develop the character qualities of diligence, responsibility and good scholarship. It is also required by law. The Academy expects students to have regular attendance, to arrive on time, to notify the office of illnesses or other absences and when absent, to complete missed assignments by the specified due date. Please remember that the loss of instructional time in the classroom lessens the academic success of each student.

Absences 

• Notification: Please notify the office by 9:00 A.M. of absences by telephone (925-838-9622) or with a written note.  If the parent has not called in an absence and the teacher has marked the child absent, the school office will call the student’s home to determine why your child is not at school.  If you know the night before that your child will not be attending school the next day, please call and leave a message on the office voicemail.
  
  
• Excused absences:  Due to illness, medical appointments, or bereavement. Please make every attempt to schedule medical appointments outside of school hours.
  
  
• Unexcused absences:  Include family outings or vacations, events, extra-curricular sports, shopping trips, hair appointments, etc.
  
  
• Returning To School After an Illness:  All students must be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school.
  
  
• Chronic Absences:  Chronically absent students will be referred to the Administration.

Off-Campus Appointments

• Parents should schedule their children’s medical/dental appointments outside regular school hours.
• Any student arriving late or leaving early for any reason must be signed in or out in the office by a parent or responsible adult. No students are permitted to sign themselves out.
• The office must be notified in writing if someone other than the parent is taking a child out of  school early.
• Parents should wait in the office while the teacher is notified.  Parents will pick up their child at the office so that classes are not interrupted or disturbed by a parent standing at the door. 
• It is the student’s responsibility to notify the teacher in advance when a class will be missed. 

Tardiness 

• Late Arrival:  Late arrival to school disrupts class activities for all students and causes the child to start the day already behind in his/her academics.  Parents are asked to assist the Academy in teaching their children the importance of promptness.

• All Late students:   All students who are late to school must report to the office to receive an admit slip.

• Excused Tardy:  An excused tardy requires a parent note or visit to the office. Excused tardies are situations beyond the student’s control, i.e. car trouble, traffic problems, etc. 

• Unexcused Tardy:  An unexcused tardy is when a student arrives late due to circumstances within the control of the student and/or the parent.  These circumstances include arriving without a note, sleeping late, late carpools, parent tardiness, student problems, sibling problems, pet problems, etc.

• Consequences for Unexcused Tardiness (per quarter):

                        1st & 2nd                Unexcused Tardy will be considered a warning. 
                        3rd                           Unexcused Tardy will receive a detention in grades 6-8 and/or other appropriate                                                          discipline.

Make-Up Class Assignments, Homework & Tests

• Requests for Class Assignments & Homework:  Requests for makeup class assignments and homework for your child due to illness, medical appointments or bereavement must be requested by calling the school office no later than 9:00 am.  The homework list will either be sent with a sibling or will be ready for pick-up after 3:15 pm outside of the school office.
• Class Assignments & Homework Due Date:  For daily class assignments, students have one day for each day of an excused absence to make up the missed class assignment. Class assignments and homework should be completed as soon as possible after a student returns to school.  The one-for-one due date extension does not apply to long term assignments/projects.
• Make-Up Tests:  Tests missed because of an excused absence will be made up at the teacher’s discretion.  The student is responsible to find out from the teacher when the missed test will be taken.

Family Vacations or Trips

• Prior to leaving on family vacations or trips, a written notice must be turned into the teacher requesting assignments, at least three days in advance. The school office must also be notified.
• In grades 6-8 each teacher must have a written notice.
• Family vacations or trips made without the three day notification are considered unexcused and missed assignments, homework or tests may not be made up.
• All missed assignments, including tests, are due on the day of return to the classroom.
• The re-teaching of concepts missed during the absence is the parent’s responsibility, not the teacher’s.  Therefore, if you choose to take your child out of school, the risk of a subject grade being lowered is possible. 
• Teachers cannot copy textbooks and homework. Therefore, not all assignments can be provided. It will be the student’s responsibility to get class notes from a classmate and ask teachers for any additional assignments missed given while they are away in an effort to know what was missed.

General  Procedures

AM Drop Off:

• No students are to arrive on campus before 8:00 am.
• Please observe the 3-5 mph speed limit driving though the school parking lot and the posted speed limit or slower when driving on West El Pintado. To prevent traffic backup, please follow the guidelines provided at the beginning of the school year.
• Parents are encouraged to participate in a carpool with other families. This will greatly reduce the amount of cars arriving at school at one time.
• Please use the MAIN ENTRANCE to the parking lot when dropping off students.  As you enter the lot turn right and follow the curve left and stop along the sidewalk for unloading.  After the children are safely on the sidewalk, pull forward and turn left to exit out of the lot.  Please pay close attention when exiting the parking lot. Expect cars coming from both directions.
• DO NOT PASS VEHICLES IN THE DROP OFF AREA. Please wait for your turn.
• Do not use the north parking lot for dropping off your child.

PM Vehicle Pick Up:

Use the NORTH entrance to the parking lot when picking up your child with your vehicle.  Place your family ID nametag in the front right corner of your car or hold it up so that the teachers can see which carpool name to call out.

1) Cars PREFERRED – We request that all families pick-up by car rather than walking by foot  into the courtyard. If you must pick-up by foot, then park on the south side of the     lot and walk behind the Ministry Center to get your child.
2) PLEASE NO CELL PHONES – Once the car line has started moving, cell phones may not be in use.  This is for the safety of all children and staff.
3) PLEASE DO NOT PARK ON EL PINTADO RD.   For after school pick-up, do not park on either side of El Pintado Road.
4) PLEASE do not park in the north parking lot during pick-up. 

PM Patio Pick Up:

• Use the MAIN ENTRANCE to the parking lot and park on the south side of the lot.
• Walk around the south side of the Ministry Center to the patio and wait for your child.
• Return to your car via the same pathway.

Grades K-5
At Drop Off:

• Line up in the patio area with their class when the signal is given
• At 8:30 am, pledge to the American flag followed by prayer.
• Proceed with their teacher to the classroom.

At Pick Up:

• AM Kindergarten classes are dismissed at 11:45 am with supervision to the patio.

• PM Kindergarten through 5th grade stand in line with their class waiting carpool pick-up. Any student not picked up by 3:20 pm will be checked into the homework club.  (Note:  The Big Toy is off limits at dismissal time.)
• Students in K-5 that carpool with 6-8th grade siblings or friends may stand with older student/sibling at 3:20 pm to wait for their ride instead of checking into the homework club. If they have not been picked up by 3:25 pm, the entire carpool will be checked into the homework club.  Parents are asked to send a note to the school office stating that a younger student(s) will be carpooling with an older student/sibling.  Please list the names of the students in the carpool and call the office if there are any changes.

Grades 6-8
At Drop Off:

• Students may not arrive on campus before 8:00 am.
• Students may go to their homeroom at 8:00 am.
• Students should be seated and ready to begin first period class by 8:10 am.  

At Pick Up:

• Dismissal time is 3:10 pm. Dismissal on minimum days is 12:20 pm.
• Wait in line for pick-up. Lingering on campus unsupervised is not permitted. 
• Students not picked up by 3:25 pm must check into the homework club.

Messages and Deliveries
Occasionally it is necessary to get a message or some article to a student.  All messages and deliveries from parents to students are to be relayed through the school office.  Parents may not go directly to the classroom because this disrupts the learning of all the students.

Visiting the Classroom
If you plan to visit the school, in order to keep classroom interruptions to a minimum, we ask you to phone the school office to schedule a time.  Visitation will not be allowed during the first or last weeks of school.  All visitors must register in the office.  Appearing at a classroom door is disruptive to the entire class. Parent visits in the classroom will be pre-arranged for specific times and purposes.

Health and Safety

Illness :  If a child becomes ill at school, he/she will be isolated if possible.

PARENTS WILL BE NOTIFIED AND MUST MAKE PROVISION FOR THE CHILD TO BE PICKED UP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, BUT NO LATER THAN ONE HOUR AFTER NOTIFICATION.
Do not send a child to school with an illness because you will be called to pick him/her up.  We expect all children who are well enough to be at school to participate in all activities, including recess in the morning, lunchtime and in the afternoon.  Children must be supervised at all times, and therefore cannot stay inside during outside play periods.

If a child displays any of the following symptoms, he/she must be kept at home:
1.  Fever.
2.  Diarrhea.
3.  Nasal secretions that are thick, yellow or green and accompanied by a fever.  Cloudy or colored nasal secretions may indicate an allergy.  Please check with your doctor to rule out infection.
4.  Sore throat with fever or throat spots.
5.  Cough accompanied by fever, chills and the coughing up of green or yellow mucous, vomiting or nausea.
6.  Eye drainage of any type.  This should be checked by a doctor to rule out infection.
7.  Unusual rashes should be checked by a doctor to rule out bacterial infection.
8.  Child not feeling well, showing signs of lethargic behavior and/or crying.
9.  Head lice.

The child may return to school after illness when:
1.  No fever for 24 hours.
2.  Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea has subsided for 24 hours.
3.  Appropriate doses of antibiotic have been given over a 48 hour period for any type of strep or bacterial infection.
4.  Child is feeling well again and normal behavior has returned.

Medications
All medications sent from home (including vitamins, aspirin substitutes, prescription medications, etc.) must have parents’ written instructions and signature and be kept in the school office to be administered by school personnel.  All prescription medication must be clearly identified and must include written instructions as to dosage from the doctor or be in the original prescription container.
Note: **Students allergic to bee stings must have bee sting kits in the office. 

Immunization
Students must be up-to-date on their immunizations before they can be admitted.  There is no grace period.  California State law requires all students to be immunized according to its standards.  Compliance must be obtained before school begins.  Children entering Kindergarten must have 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine, 2 doses of measles containing vaccine and a TB booster will be recommended if it has been 5 years since their last dose.  The immunization requirements change frequently, please check with your doctor if you have any questions.

Accidents
If your child has an accident, you will be  notified to pick up your child as soon as possible. All available assistance will be given your child, but our care limitations are limited.  Please maintain changes of address, telephone numbers, etc. so you can be reached quickly in the event your child becomes ill.  Every teacher and staff member is First Aid and CPR certified for the protection of your child.

Accident Insurance
Accident insurance for students, while at school or at a school sponsored activity, is provided by CPC.  This is intended to be secondary to the family’s own medical plan and is not 100% coverage.

Emergency Preparedness Plan

Fire and earthquake drills are practiced at regular intervals as required by law.  It is essential that when the first signal is given everyone obeys orders instantly and quietly follows the prescribed route of evacuation.  A disaster preparedness plan has been developed and emergency supplies are stored on site.

1.   All children will be evacuated to the blacktop area and will be grouped together by grade level. 

2.   An emergency Student Release Area will be set up on or near the green backboards on the blacktop.

3.   Parents should be prepared to walk to the Academy to pick up their children in the event of an emergency (earthquake, fire, power failure, freeway disaster, flood, etc.)

4.   Parents are to proceed to the Student Release Area on the blacktop or other designated area.  Staff members will assist parent in signing out/releasing children.  A signature will be required before any child is released to a parent or authorized adult.  Authorized adults are those listed on the Emergency /Disaster Student Release Form.  No exception will be made.

5.  Please do not call the school or church, as we must have the lines open for emergency calls.  Every effort will be made to disseminate information regarding the nature of the emergency to parents via the Honeywell Instant Alert System and school website (www.srvca.org).  Parents should keep this in mind when designating emergency phone numbers.  Turn to KCBS 740 AM for news from the Office of Emergency Services.

6.  We are prepared to care for your child(ren) in crisis situations.  If you are not able to reach the school, we will care for your child(ren) here.  We will also be in touch with various local emergency services.  SRVCA has adequate supplies of emergency food, water, and first aid on campus.

7.  It is important to discuss our Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Plan with your child(ren),spouse, and your designated caretakers.  Your child(ren) should know who would be picking them up    should you not be able to in the event of an emergency or disaster.  Please reassure your child(ren) that they will NEVER be left alone.
 
8.   Shelter in Place:  Children and staff will be notified of any Shelter in Place situation and will be secured in their homerooms/work areas until an official ALL CLEAR is given.  Parents arriving at school before the ALL CLEAR is given may wait in the gym or in their vehicle.

9.   Parents are asked to assist the staff in maintaining a safe environment for their child(ren) by remaining calm and helping staff in any way necessary.

10. Please inform SRVCA immediately if you have any change of phone numbers or email so we can update our records.  Also, it is imperative that you update your Honeywell Instant Alert profile with any changes.

In order to assist the students of SRVCA in their spiritual growth a weekly chapel is held for all grades.  Each class will have several opportunities to lead in the Chapel opening exercises.  This involves leading the flag salute and prayer followed by worship music, sharing scripture, skits, instrumental numbers, etc.  Speakers may include pastors, youth pastors, Christian musicians, Christian teachers, professional Christian athletes, Missionaries, Children’s Ministers, etc.

Students must enter quietly and sit with their class in the assigned rows.  Appropriate chapel dress is required.  Students should give their attention to the speaker or leader in front of the sanctuary.  Parents are invited to attend chapels.  We encourage parents to dress as appropriately as their children.  When younger siblings are in attendance they should sit quietly in the back of the sanctuary with their parent(s).

K-5 chapel generally takes place in the CPC sanctuary at 8:45 – 9:30 am on Fridays.  Junior High chapel takes place at 11:45 -12:30 on  Wednesdays in the Sanctuary.  Times, places, and dates of Chapel may change from time to time, therefore please watch for announcements in The Eagle newsletter.

Any articles found will be placed in the “Lost and Found” located outside room 200. Unclaimed articles are sent to a charitable organization quarterly, so it is suggested that students look for their lost belongings as soon as possible. All outer clothing that is removable must be labeled with the child’s name.

Students have the option of bringing a sack lunch to school every day or ordering in advance from the school’s hot lunch program.  Information about the hot lunch program will be sent home in the family envelopes during the first week of school and/or in June prior to summer vacation.  The office does not supply money for students to buy a hot lunch.  If a parent brings the child’s lunch to school, the parent should bring it to the school office, not the classroom.

We will be using the community and surrounding area as an educational resource to extend and enrich our curriculum.  When a field trip has been planned and approved, the teacher will notify you.  Drivers are responsible for a group of students from the class, therefore siblings are not allowed on these trips.  No exceptions will be made.  The teacher will determine who will ride in each car and room assignments for overnight trips.  Cars are expected to be well maintained and have the proper number of seat belts.  Drivers must follow speed limits and prove they are insured. The first driver back to SRVCA is responsible for supervising students until the teacher returns.

End of the year pool parties are school functions.  No guests or siblings are allowed. Certified lifeguards are required and are the responsibility of the sponsoring classroom parents.

Outdoor Education (6th grades)
Each year 6th grade spends 3-4 days at Outdoor Education.  This experience is part of the curriculum and attendance is mandatory.

Washington D.C. (7th & 8th grades-every other year)
Every other year the seventh and eighth grades will go to Washington D.C. Deadlines for payments are provided by American Christian Tours.  Students have the opportunity to participate in fund raising events during the year to lower the cost per student.  All fundraising must be submitted to the principal for approval at least one month prior to the planned date. Monies raised by students who leave the school before the actual trip will not be refunded, but will be divided among the students who participated in the same fundraisers.  Trip participation is mandatory.

Student Council

Two representatives each from 6th through 8th Grades and elected officers make up the Student Council.  Officers are elected from 7th and 8th Grades.  Both representatives and officers must have a 2.5 GPA and adhere to exemplary behavior standards.

After School Sports

SRVCA is a member of the Bay Area Christian School Athletic League (BASCAL).  Our Junior High students participate in the following sports:  Softball (boys and girls), Basketball (boys and girls), Volleyball (boys and girls), Soccer (boys and girls) and Track (boys and girls).  Failure to field a full team may result in the Academy’s withdrawal from all League competition.

Any student participating in after-school sports must maintain a 2.0 or better average.  Participation in after school sports is a commitment families make and must honor.

Library

SRVCA’s library has over 10,000 books. Reference materials, fiction and non-fiction books are available for the students use.  Each grade usually visits the library once a week.  Contents of the library are reviewed and new books are added each year.  A Parents’ Shelf is also available with Christian books and tapes concerning parenting, marriage and family life.  The librarian hosts a book sale at the beginning of the year in which parents may buy books that are then donated to the school in their child’s name.  One to two book fairs are held during the school year.

We require that every family represented at the Academy contribute volunteer time to service. Your time, talents and resources are indispensable and provide a wonderful means of modeling the commitment we have to work together.  Your service commitment can be satisfied from several areas of service on campus.  Parents may choose to pay $500.00 in lieu of service hours.  Non-completion of service hours will result in billing of the service fee.

Please Note:  The following is a general guideline for Room Parent responsibilities. Duties will vary with each grade. You will work closely with the teacher to help with classroom needs and special events.

• Contact teachers after registration to set an August date for the parent/teacher coffee.
• Organize and set up class parties.  (Teachers will give a list of parties.)  Delegate responsibility so each family is signed up to help at one party.
• Arrange for field trip drivers as the teacher directs.
• Make phone calls as needed for the teacher and PTF.
• Collect money from parents for teacher gifts.  (Christmas, birthday and end of year.)
• Serve as liaison between PTF and parents.  Work with PTF to encourage all families to attend the annual PTF fund-raiser.  Help promote this PTF fund-raiser.
• Help organize Teacher Appreciation Week.
• If a room is needed for a special event for the class, please coordinate with the school office.  They will assist you in completing the Room Request and Room Set Up forms.  If the event cancels or the date changes, please inform the office as soon as possible.

• A school telephone/address directory will be prepared and made available as soon as enrollment is complete. 
• This can be used for carpooling and other school activities.
•  It is confidential and may not be used for solicitation purposes.

School Photos

Every SRVCA student will have an individual picture taken whether or not a photo package is purchased.  This picture will be used in the school yearbook and for student identification purposes.  Students will also be photographed with their entire class in a group photo.

Students are required to take care of each textbook checked out to them.  Caring for these materials is part of their educational experience.  Students are required to keep a book cover on each of their hardback textbooks.  Teachers may require softbound books to be covered with clear contact paper.  In accordance with board policy and State law, the Academy reserves the right to withhold a student’s records and transcripts until loaned materials are returned, or fees are paid in full for lost materials and/or damage to equipment, furniture or facilities.  This may include, but is not limited to lost textbooks, lost library books, damage to desks, lab equipment, lockers or buildings. Students will furnish their own Bibles, notebooks, paper, pens and pencils.   Lost or destroyed textbooks will be paid for in advance at the replacement cost plus shipping.

Home Textbook Purchases

Parents of 4th-8th grade students may optionally purchase textbooks for use only at home, thereby saving the child from having to carry home several heavy textbooks. The Academy office will coordinate these purchases during the first weeks of September. The books become the property the parent and can be resold the next year to upcoming students.

Each week a family envelope will be sent home via the youngest student in a family.  This brown envelope is to be returned Thursday morning signed by a parent.  The family envelope will contain The Eagle newsletter with information on all upcoming events and school functions, testing dates, picture dates, etc.  We regard this method of communication as an opportunity for children to learn and practice responsibility.  Please make it a practice to hold your child accountable for delivery.  Extra copies are available on the wall outside of the school office.  We also have The Eagle posted on the school website www.srvca.org

A school yearbook is published annually for every student.  It contains the highlights of the school year and provides wonderful memories. The cost is included in your tuition.

III. ADMISSION POLICIES

Reenrollment of Continuing Students

Currently enrolled students will be offered the opportunity to reenroll during the month of March each year.  Continuing students who reenroll in March have priority over new students applicants until the end of the month. If a current student has not reenrolled by the first day of April, the continuing student drops down to the same priority level (III) as new students.  Students with a current outstanding account balance will not be offered reenrollment for the next year until the outstanding balance is paid.

San Ramon Valley Christian Academy (SRVCA) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality or ethnic origin. However, we do reserve the right to prioritize applicants based on any of the following:

• The family must agree with the Statement of Faith and be active in a Christian church
• Receipt date of the fully completed application and applicable fees
• A sibling currently enrolled in or graduated from SRVCA
• Children of employees of CPC, SRVCA and of current members of Community Presbyterian Church
• For Kindergarten, enrollment at CPP in the year prior to entering Kindergarten
• Family interview and completion of the Pastor Recommendation Form
• Birth date and the boy to girl ratio in a class
• Readiness for Kindergarten
• Academic readiness for grades 1-8 based on SRVCA testing and standardized testing
• Student’s current school ‘s Confidential School Recommendation Form
• Priority Group I:  children of Academy teachers, staff and Board members
• Priority Group II: siblings of current students, CPC members and staff, students who did not pass the previous year Kindergarten Readiness Testing
• Priority Group III: all other new student applicants
• Priority Group IV: all students who were offered admission but declined it

Parent and Student Commitments

Each parent and student is expected to sign their agreement with the Parent and Student Commitment forms. The Parent Commitment form will be signed at during registration and the Student Commitment form at the beginning of the school year.  This will be passed out in class and/or in the Family Envelope.   Sample copies are in the appendix.

IV. ACADEMIC POLICIES

Curriculum

In line with our Philosophy of Education, we emphasize the following growth areas:  Spiritual, Academic, Social and Physical. The curriculum is based on God’s Truth.  The Bible, the word of God, is the ultimate source of truth in all subjects. The subjects taught are:  Bible, Reading, Language Arts, English, Math, History and Geography, Science, Music, Art, Computer, and Science.  Through a seven-year curriculum plan, each subject is reviewed and materials are updated.

The classrooms of Kindergarten through fifth grades are self contained and traditional in structure. Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade classes change rooms and teachers for different subjects.  Each Junior High class is assigned a homeroom teacher. The homeroom teacher is whom the student should go to for questions general in nature.

Music

The curriculum at SRVCA includes classroom music instruction twice weekly to all elementary (Kindergarten - 5th Grade) students.  Classroom music includes singing and music theory.  The children are expected to participate in the various programs that their class is involved in.  In order to audition for a speaking part in the Christmas musical, a student must have a 2.0 or above grade average.

Art

Art instruction in K-5 occurs once a week.  Students will learn art techniques, theory and history in a fun and enjoyable learning environment.  Students demonstrating excellence will have the opportunity to have their work adjudicated in the ACSI Art Festival.

Computer

The computer lab is equipped with 25 computers.  Students in grades 1-8 receive instruction. Programs presently available include:  Mavis Beacon (typing lessons), Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Front Page, Encarta and the Kid Pix.

Spanish

Students in grades 1-6 receive Spanish instruction twice a week.  Kindergarten has Spanish once a week. The emphasis is on enjoying the language.  Grades 7-8 receive instruction four times a week, and is more academic in nature covering Spanish 1 course work used in high school.  Students may enter Spanish II in high school with teacher approval.

Hands-On Science

Students will experience activities and projects designed to teach and reinforce science concepts and principles form a kinesthetic learning style. 

Physical Education

Students receive instruction one to five times weekly in physical activity ranging from developing gross motor skills to fine skills needed for sports or games.  The participation and appreciation of each student is emphasized; students are taught to be positive and to encourage one another no matter what skill level they have.  Beginning with first grade, students participate each year in the President’s Physical Fitness Award program.

Kindergarten
Grading at the Kindergarten level is on a broad range basis due to the developmental variances of young students.  The Academy has specific performance expectations in academic, social and physical domains. The progress of Kindergarten students is described in two broad range levels:
                                               

Citizenship and Work Habits are described using these performance descriptors:
                                                                                               

Grades 1-3  A performance grade is used in grades 1-3. During the second semester of 3rd grade, the teacher will begin the transition from performance grades to letter grades.  The following symbols and descriptions are used:

Grades 4-8   The traditional letter grades based on percentages are used in grades 4-8. The following scale will be used in calculating grades.    

                                                                                                          (revised 01-14-04)

Report Cards

Students will receive a grade report each quarter. The first quarter report card will be presented at the Parent/Teacher conference.  The second, third and fourth quarter report cards will be sent home with the students. (Third quarter conferences will be scheduled at the discretion of the teacher or parents.) 

Honor Roll: Grade 6-8

The Honor Roll is determined at the end of each quarter.  All letter grades on the report card will be included in the calculation of the student’s grade average.  The Honor Roll requires a 3.5 grade average or higher based on the above listed scale.  Grade point averages will be weighed proportionate to the amount of instructional class time.

Promotion Requirements K- 3rd Grades: The student must satisfactorily complete the core subjects for the specific grade level.

Promotion Requirements 4th - 7th Grades:  Five out of six core courses must be passed for the year: Language Arts/Reading/Spelling (averaged), Math, Science, Social Studies, Bible, and Spanish. One or more D’s per quarter will result in the student being placed on academic probation.  Failure to pass five out of the six core courses for the year may cause a student to be retained or make up the failed course work during the summer.  

Graduation Requirements 8th Grade:  Each student must pass the six core courses:  Bible, Math, Science, Social Studies, English and Spanish. Failure to pass the six core courses may cause a student to be retained, not graduate, or to make up the failed course work during the summer.  All 8th grade students must participate in a 20-hour service project.  All graduating students are required to attend the ceremony.

Academic probation is defined as that period of time in which a student will be evaluated by his/her teachers and school administration in order to monitor a student’s academic progress or when a student receives a D or F in one or more classes a student will be placed on academic probation for the next grading period. 

New Students:  New students to the academy may be placed on academic probation.  New students to junior high will be on probation for one quarter with reassessment by teachers and principal at that time.  It is the policy of SRVCA not to admit students who cannot succeed in this school.
Grades 4-5:  A student is placed on academic probation if he/she receives a D or F.
Grades 6- 8:   A student is placed on academic probation if he/she receives a D or F in one or more courses or when a student’s GPA falls below an average of 2.0.

• Parents are required to secure tutoring if their child is on academic probation.  A list of tutors is available in the office.  Failure to secure tutoring may result in the student leaving SRVCA.  This is to be determined by the principal and the child’s teachers.
• Make-up work is done during the summer.  A committee made up of middle school teachers and the Principal will review special cases.
• A student with repeated quarters of probations will be reviewed by the teachers and administration to determine continuance at the Academy.

The Stanford Achievement Test 10 is given to all grades during the month of April to measure the progress of the students and benchmark standards for our continuing accreditation.  The Otis-Lennon School Ability Test is also taken by the 3rd, 5th and 7th grade students to compare achievement to ability.  Results of both these tests are sent home to parents.  Test results indicate that SRVCA students average in the top twenty-five percent when compared to the national norms.  Every student must be present during this week of testing.  Vacations should not be taken during this testing time.

Students must have the assignment planner with them in every class.  This planner is an important means of communication with parents.  The student is responsible to fill in the planner with the daily assignments.  Missing or incomplete assignments will be noted in a periodic progress report. 

Homework and Independent Reading
Homework and independent reading assignments begin in kindergarten and become progressively more extensive each year.  Homework reinforces concepts taught in class, prepares students for classes the following day, and provides an opportunity for students to learn and practice good study habits, including organization, time management, and studying for tests.  Reading, both orally and silently, is an essential part of becoming a successful student.  It allows students to experience a myriad of exciting people, places, and events within the cover of a book.  Both homework and independent reading are vital links in the learning chain.  An average student should expect to do a certain amount of focused homework and a certain amount of independent reading within the following guidelines.  Your child’s teacher will provide more details at the beginning of the school year.

Grade                   Homework                                 Reading
      K                      10 - 20 min. per day                10 - 15 minutes per day
      1                      15 - 40 min. per day                10 - 20 minutes per day
      2                      20 - 45 min. per day                15 - 20 minutes per day
      3                      30 - 50 min. per day                15 - 20 minutes per day
      4                      40 - 60 min. per day                20  - 30 minutes per day
      5                      60 - 90 min. per day                20 - 30 minutes per day
      6                      90 - 120 min. per day              400 pgs. 1st quarter,
                                                                                   500 pgs. – 2nd quarter,
                                                                                   600 pgs. – 3rd quarter,
                                                                                   700 pgs. - 4th quarter
      7                      90 - 120 min. per day              800 - 900 pages per quarter
      8                      90 - 120 min. per day              900 - 1000 pages per quarter

Please note that these guidelines are for the “average” student.  Not all students work at the same pace.  Some students may take more than the average amount of time and some students may take less than the average amount of time.

These guidelines are intended to help families at SRVCA to plan and schedule extra-curricular activities.  There may be times throughout the year when a student will struggle with a particular concept and will need to spend extra study time at home in order to master the material.  There may also be times throughout the year when important school projects will require some extra time and effort.  Using time wisely during the week and planning ahead will help alleviate last minute pressures.  Generally homework is not assigned on weekends.

Students are expected to complete all assignments given and parents are expected to share in the responsibility to see that the work is done and turned in.  It is important that parents talk with their child’s teacher if more than the suggested time is consistently needed to complete the work assigned.  The teacher will offer suggestions on how to encourage your child to be more focused and productive during the homework time, and will work with the family to meet each student’s academic needs.  Here are some additional guidelines that should be used to get the most out of homework time:

1.  Parents should see that the student has an organized and complete assignment  planner.  An assignment planner is provided for grades 4-8.
2. Be sure the student is provided with a quiet, secluded study place.  Check ventilation, lighting, heat, etc.
3.  Keep distractions to a minimum.  Televisions and radios should be off, and no phone calls should be made during study time.
4.  The hours reserved for study should be planned and followed as consistently as possible to be effective.
5.  Parents should monitor work being done making certain the student is actually working.  The majority of school children need this accountability.
6.  Provide all necessary tools and materials for work including paper, pen or pencil, rulers, books, compasses, crayons and other helps.
7.  Provide reinforcement and encouragement during study time.

Older grades are paired with younger grades to participate in a buddy system.  We believe this promotes school spirit, encourages acceptance of differences, provides students with the opportunity to be and to interact with Christian role models, and promotes cooperation between age groups.  The emphasis is to be on fellowship, not gift-giving.

In addition to the normal Academy curriculum, selected students will also have opportunities to be challenged and encouraged in their academic development by the ACSI Academic Meets.  Some of these are highly competitive events,  and some are individual adjudications to develop personal excellence.   Student participants will be selected on the basis of the highest performance in each meet area.  These academic meets may include the following:

• Speech Meet
• Creative Writing Festival
• Art Festival
• Leadership Conference
• Math Olympics
• Math League
• Spelling Bee
• Piano Festival



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V.  CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE

Philosophy

The school and home must be parallel in disciplinary philosophy for moral training to be effective.  Only a philosophy based on God’s Word is acceptable to Him.  The following guidelines are the basis for discipline at SRVCA:
           
1. The responsibility and authority to discipline comes from God. (Ephesians 6:1-4)
2. The standard of conduct has been set by the life of Christ. (I Peter 1:16)
3. Christian love is at the heart of all discipline.  Correction and chastening are as much a part of that love as encouraging and leading.  Firmness must be balanced with love.  Firmness minus love becomes harsh, whereas love without firmness is sentimentality. (Proverbs 3:11-12)
4. All discipline is designed to show the students their sinful will, lead them to trust Christ and to become self-disciplined children who want to do God’s will.  (Gal. 3:19-24)



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Good Habits

SRVCA’s desire is to cooperate with the home so that good habits are formed within students.  These include:
1.Cheerful obedience to authority (parents, teachers, yard duty supervisors, room mothers, custodians, etc.) is obeying willingly and immediately.
2. Respect and courtesy for others (students, teachers, substitutes, visitors, etc.) is being quiet in class, raising a hand to speak and not interrupting others. 
3.Responsibility is doing the assigned and expected tasks.
4.Cooperation with others is being considerate of others while playing and working at school and on the playground.
5.Cleanliness is putting all trash in trash cans, picking up paper on the floor and grounds, keeping one’s desk neat and dressing neatly.
6.Truthfulness is being honest in all that is said and done.
7.Respect for property is taking care of school and personal possessions.
8.Punctuality is being prompt in attendance and assignments.
9. Morally good conduct is showing a Godly example in recreation, social relationships and language.



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Handling Parent Concerns

As in any organization, questions and complaints may arise.  There is a godly way to handle these problems in a Christian school.  Matthew 18:15-17 says,

“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you.  If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.  But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” NIV

• Keep the matter confidential.   The very pattern of sharing the problem only with those directly involved establishes the principle of confidentiality.
• Keep the circle small.  The first step and most often the only step needed in solving a person-to-person problem is for one of the two people involved to initiate face-to-face dialogue.  Most problems are solved at the two-person level.
• Be straightforward.  Sometimes it is difficult to be straightforward and tell someone the very heart of the matter, but restoration and improvement can only come when the issues are lovingly, yet clearly presented.
• Be forgiving.  Once the matter is resolved we should wholeheartedly forgive and restore the person whose fault has offended us.

During school hours all SRVCA students are under the care and supervision of SRVCA staff.  Concerns or problems involving SRVCA students should be directed to the appropriate teachers and/or school administration.



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Parent Responsibilities

1. Read and understand the discipline policy.
2. Encourage students to practice appropriate behavior and abide by school discipline policy.
3. Support the staff and administration in the application of the policy.
4. Accept timely responsibility for your student’s transportation from detention as a consequence of your child’s behavior.
5.  Accept responsibility for payment of costs associated with in-school suspension as applicable to the student.
6. Participate in necessary conduct  related conferences when needed.



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Rules and Guidelines

• Once on campus, walk bikes to the bike racks and properly lock them up.
• Skateboards, scooters, roller blades and bikes may not be brought on campus.
• A student may not leave the school grounds without parent’s permission given to his/her teacher.  Parents must check student in and out of the school office.
• No ball games on the patio or around the ministry center.  Balls should not be bounced on walls, windows or rooftops.
• Radios, cassette, DC, and MP3 players, electronic devices, laptops or valuables are not to be brought to school.
• No weapons of any kind, including toy weapons, are allowed on campus or field trips.  This includes guns, knives, fireworks or explosive devices.
• Respect the rights and property of others and the Academy.
• Rough play, spitting, hitting or fighting is not allowed.
• Profanity, vulgarity, gossiping or name-calling will not be tolerated.
• Students may not verbally threaten or harass other children or staff.
• No loud voices, playing or running in the halls.
• Chewing gum is not permitted on campus.
• No student is to be in the classrooms without an adult.
• Any room, including the gym, is off limits except when a teacher or yard duty supervisor is present.
• Cheating will not be tolerated.  Suspension or expulsion may result.
• Pick up any litter whether it belongs to you or not.
• SRVCA does not encourage students to carry cell phones.  Students are not to turn on cell phones during school hours and their use during school hours is prohibited.



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Lunchroom Rules

• Students should speak softly.
• Students are to speak respectfully to all supervisors and obey their instructions.
• Students may not run in the lunchroom, building or hallways.
• Once a student chooses a seat he must remain there until dismissed unless a supervisor gives permission for him to move.
• Students are to eat their own food and keep their hands to themselves.
• Students will finish eating their lunch in the lunchroom, not outside.
• Students will pick up their own trash upon dismissal and push in their own chair.
• Students who are appointed as table monitors will wipe off tables thoroughly gathering the crumbs etc., into the cloth, not dropping it onto the floor.  Messy chair seats should be wiped off also.



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Playground Rules

• No talking back to anyone.  No vulgarity, profanity or name-calling.
• No pushing, hitting or aggressive play such as wrestling, tackle football or play fighting.
• No misuse of the restroom.  Students must acquire a restroom pass in order to go to the restroom.  Grades K-2 must go in pairs. 
• No interrupting games.
• No spitting.
• No organized games are to be played on the Big Toy and no running or walking on the slide.
• No improper use of equipment such as, bouncing balls against the walls or swinging on the tetherballs.
• Students may not retrieve a ball from outside the fenced areas.
• No throwing of anything except balls.
• No playing or loitering in unsupervised areas such as the quad or around the Ministry Center.
• Any maliciously destroyed property must be replaced, at student’s expense.

Consequences for Misbehavior on the Playground K-5

• First offense:  bench time – five minutes.
• Second offense:  bench time – ten minutes
• Third offense:  entire recess and written note to the classroom/homeroom teacher

Note:  Dependent upon the infraction, the student may be sent to the Principal as the first step.  Attendance at SRVCA is a privilege.  A student whose conduct or attitude, in or out of school, is in opposition to the basic principles and purpose of the school or who maliciously destroys school property may be suspended or expelled from school.



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Classroom Rules

• Each teacher will be giving a conduct grade.  Built into the system are both immediate and cumulative consequences for inappropriate or unacceptable behavior.
• Each teacher has four scripture-based classroom rules rooted in the principles stated from the verses below and expects the students to abide by the principles stated in those rules.

1 Peter 2:17 Show proper respect to everyone:  Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, and honor the King.
Philippians 2:14-15 Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the uiverse.
Ephesians 4:25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
Ephesians 4:26  “In your anger do not sin”;  Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.



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Junior High Rules

Gym use at lunch

• Monday- After all PE classes are over and an aide is in gym
• Tuesday – No use because of Prime Time
• Wednesday – After all PE classes are over and Mr. Shaffer is in gym
• Thursday – Only with an aide
• Friday – Only with an aide

Locker rooms

• Off limits until 1:15 pm when the whistle is blown by aides.
• After changing, go to the gym, or the numbers outside for class.  Do not linger in the locker room or hallway.
• After class, change back into your school clothes, and go to your next class.  Go up the stairs located by the school office; sit quietly outside the room until it is time for you to enter.

Lunchtime

• The patio may be used for eating and studying providing students do not disturb others.
• After eating, students must go up to the playground beyond the flagpole unless you already have books and are prepared to study.
• Remain downstairs until 1:15pm.
• Before eating lunch, JH students should use the restrooms in Junior High wing.
• After eating, JH students should use the restrooms in K-2 wing.

Steps in Disciplining JH Students

1.  Instruction:  Instruction is the teaching of expectations, limits and/or boundaries.  All teachers go over classroom and school rules at the beginning of the school year and review them as necessary.

2.  Warning:  The adult in authority tells the student that an infraction has occurred and warns that the next violation will result in disciplinary action. 
Note:  If the teacher deems the infraction serious, the warning step may be skipped and correction may follow immediately.

3.  Correction: This is the firm action that must be taken to be consistent with the instruction and warning.



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General Consequences

Correction by a teacher may result in a conduct report being filed.  Depending on the severity of the offense, a report will indicate “Warning” or “Detention”.  Warnings and detentions will have an effect on the student’s conduct grade for the quarter.  Two copies of this report will be sent home with the student.  One copy is to be signed and returned.  The other copy is kept at home.
Any of the following may result from a student’s behavior:

• Verbal warning given.  Every effort will be made to talk to the student privately.
• Parents called to report the behavioral problem.
• “Notice of Discipline” form sent home.  Depending on the severity of the offense, the form will indicate “Warning” , “Detention” and/or other combination of disciplinary measures.  Receiving a “Notice of Discipline” will affect a student’s conduct grade.  The white copy must be signed by the parent(s) and returned the following day to the teacher who issued the report.  The yellow copy is to be retained by the parents.  Failure to return this form will result in further disciplinary actions.
• After school detentions are on Mondays for 50 minutes with teacher supervision.
• For serious infraction, a Disciplinary Referral may be given to the student.  This level of discipline involves the Principal directly. 
• For serious discipline issues, some of the above steps may be skipped at the discretion of the Principal, resulting in suspension or eventual expulsion.

Steps of Discipline
Infraction	Action	Consequence
I. Minor Infractions: Not following established rules Tardy to school or class Talking out of turn Not on task Not obedient  Not considerate of others     Disrespectful to persons and property Dress code and hair violations Arguing with teacher or a person in authority Other infractions of a similar nature	Verbal warning	Any of the following: counseling rebuke warning
	Various Teacher Disciplines	Any of the following: counseling / warning card pulled time out loss of privilege detention call to parent and other appropriate discipline
	Notice of Discipline: white copy signed  and returned next day yellow copy retained by parent	All of the following: call to parent counseling / warning Any of the following: verbal or written forgiveness restitution (if needed) detention and other appropriate discipline
II. Serious Conduct Infractions: Willful injury to another person Threatening bodily injury (Assault) Inflicting harm (battery) and /or fighting Cheating Lying Forgery Stealing Vandalism of any property Profanity or obscenity Disrespect to teachers, staff or other adults              (of a severe or intentional nature) Special circumstances of an unusual nature Active or passive rebellion toward authority Bringing a weapon to school Sexual harassment Other infractions of a similar nature	Disciplinary Referral: white copy signed  and returned next day yellow copy retained by parent	All of the following: call to parent counseling / warning Any of the following: Written apology Verbal forgiveness and reconciliation Monetary Restitution Detention Service activity Suspension Recommendation for Disciplinary Probation Dismissal from the Academy
III. Disciplinary Probation Chronic misbehavior or rebellious attitude(s) Very serious behavior or attitude problems Automatic with the 3rd Disciplinary Referral	Notice of Probation: Parent conference with thePrincipal and teacher Notice of Probation delineates the specific behaviors / attitudes to be corrected within a specific time period, usually 9 weeks. On the last day of each week during the Probation period, the teacher will evaluate the student against the specific behavior/attitude to be corrected.	One of the following: End of Probation –behavior corrected Continue Probation – behavior only somewhat improved Dismissal from the Academy – behavior clearly not  improved
IV. Dismissal Failure of all reasonable measures and steps of correction Failure of Disciplinary Probation Severe discipline issues which endanger other students and staff in an obvious manner Obvious rebellion against the policies, principles, rules and authority of the Academy.	Letter of Dismissal Parent conference with the   Principal and teacher Letter of dismissal presented to the parents Dismissal finalized	No further attendance or participationin Academy classes or activities.



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VI. FINANCIAL POLICIES

Donations and Gifts

Tuition and fees cover the cost of education for the basic instruction for the students.  However, to improve instruction, develop new programs or expand existing ones, donations are welcomed from parents and friends of the Academy.  In addition to personal giving, the Academy also welcomes matching corporate giving, which may be available from an employer.

Because SRVCA is a ministry of Community Presbyterian Church, a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, all gifts are IRS tax deductible. When making out your check it should be payable to “CPC for SRVCA”.  You may designate how you want it used in the following manner; Library, Computer, Faculty Fund, general contribution, etc.  Please inform SRVCA of your donation to assist our bookkeeper in maintaining an accurate record.



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Financial Aid

Each year a portion of the operations budget is allocated for financial aid for helping families who are experiencing problems paying tuition.  This financial aid is granted on the basis of need rather than scholarship.  To apply for financial aid, families must submit an application.  The Finance Sub board then grants financial aid based on the data and any other pertinent information.  To continue financial aid, students must meet at least the minimal SRVCA academic and conduct standards. The School Board anticipates that when a family is able to repay the aid given, it will reimburse the school, enabling the school to continue helping families.  Applications are due the last school day of June.  Financial aid is not given to any family which has an outstanding balance from the previous year.



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Delinquent Accounts
• When an account becomes 15 days past due, a late notice will be sent and a $25.00 late charge will be assessed. 
• When an account becomes 25 days past due, a follow up letter will be sent. 
• When an account becomes 30 days past due for tuition and/or fees. a representative from the Academy will make telephone contact anytime.  Fifteen (15) days will be given to either pay the account in full or submit to the Principal for Committee approval a written payment plan outlining full settlement of the account.
• If after 45 days the account is not current or a written payment plan outlining full settlement has not been received or there has been no adherence to a repayment plan, the student(s) will either be suspended from attending the Academy  or the student(s) will be dropped from the Academy rolls and not allowed to attend class until the account is current as described below.