School Policies
 This information comes from the Port Charlotte Adventist School Student Handbook.
-ABSENCE POLICY
Medical appointments, emergencies, sickness, and/or death in the family are considered the only legitimate excuses for absences or tardiness.
-ADMISSIONS POLICY (NON-DISCRIMINATORY)
Any student who expresses a desire for a Christian education may apply. The opportunities and privileges of the school are not limited to young people of the Seventh-day Adventist faith. Students of all faiths who live in harmony with the principles and objectives of the school are welcome. (Port Charlotte Adventist School admits students of any race, gender, color, religion, nationality, or ethnic origin to all rights and privileges generally accorded or made available to students).
Students considering enrollment at PCAS should have had a good and regular standing in their previous school(s). Parents of students who need a special educational plan should seek counsel with the administration and staff before enrolling their child.
Age of Admittance
To be enrolled in Kindergarten, a student must be 5 years of age by August 15th of the current school year. To be enrolled in first grade a student must be 6 years of age by August 15th of the current school year. A copy of the birth certificate must be submitted for these students.
-ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE
It is the responsibility of parents or guardians to see that all medical and academic records are in the school office. Parents or guardians must provide the school with the following documentation. (In some instances copies of the originals will be accepted). All documentation must be received before the student will be permitted to attend classes.
For each student, parents or guardians must submit the following:
· Application for admission
· Birth Certificate
· Current immunization record
· Physical examination
Returning Students
All students entering kindergarten, fourth, and seventh grades
are required to have a physical examination dated within 90 days
preceding their first day of school. Documentation is due in the
PCAS school office before the student will be able to attend classes.
New Students
Parents or Guardians must provide documentation of a physical examination. If transferring from a school outside of Charlotte
County, Florida, students must have a physical exam completed
within one year prior to entering PCAS. In addition, all students entering kindergarten, fourth, and seventh grades are required to
have a physical examination dated within 90 days preceding their
first day of enrollment. Documentation is due in the PCAS school
office before the student will be able to attend classes.
· Previous Academic Records
New students only
· Request for Transfer of Official Records
New Students only
Forms requesting transfer of records are available at the
PCAS school office. The previous school must provide
OFFICIAL transcripts.
· References
New Students only
Two references are required. The first reference must come from
the student’s most recent teacher. The second reference must
come from a previous teacher, a guidance counselor, a principal, or a
pastor. Blank reference forms are available in the PCAS school office.
· Payment of registration fee
· Completed and signed financial agreement for payment of tuition, etc.
· If there is an unpaid account from any previous school, satisfactory payment arrangements must be made with that school prior to enrollment at PCAS.
After all forms have been completed and received in the PCAS office, the Admissions Committee will review the student’s complete records. The parents will be notified if the committee has any concerns.
Probationary Period
New Students
All new students are accepted on probationary status for the first nine weeks after enrollment.
-AFTER SCHOOL CARE
After school care is provided only for those students whose parents cannot leave their job to pick up their children when school is dismissed, and have no other recourse but to place their child(ren) in this program. It is not a general babysitting service. Students in kindergarten through 6th grade are eligible to enroll. Unless special arrangements are made, and approved in advance, by the principal and after school care director, students in 7th grade and older are not permitted to enroll.
After school care is provided during the following times:
3:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. – Monday through Thursday
2:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. – Friday
12:00 noon – 5:15 p.m. – on non-holiday related early dismissal days
(students must bring a lunch on these days)
There will be no after school care provided on the days when school is dismissed early for vacation or holiday break.
Students are to be picked up by 5:15 p.m. A late fee will be charged at a rate of $1.00 per minute beginning at 5:20 p.m. Each child is to be picked up by the parent or designated person, and signed out. If parents or designated persons are unable to be there for the pick up, the parent must notify the after school care director in advance as to who will be picking up their child(ren).
After school care charges are listed on page 25 ???
-AMENDMENTS TO THE SCHOOL HANDBOOK
As the school year progresses, there may be changes to the policies, regulations or rules. Students and parents will be notified as soon as possible of any changes. All changes carry the same force as if printed in the School Handbook.
-ATTENDANCE
Students will be excused for verified illness, medical, dental or optometric service, quarantine, and bereavement. All other absences or tardies will be considered unexcused. A written explanation is to be submitted to the teacher within 24 hours after the student has been tardy or absent. If the absence is excused, the student will be given one day to make up missed work for each day of school that was missed.
A student receiving an unexcused absence may not be allowed to make up the schoolwork unless proper arrangements have been made. The school strongly discourages taking students out of school when school is in session. Credit for some schoolwork may be forfeited if the student cannot be in the classroom. Parents of students who are taken out of school need to inform their child’s teacher in writing at least five days in advance.
If a student is ill or will be absent or tardy for any unscheduled reason, parents must send a written excuse and call the school to inform the teacher of the reason their child will be absent or tardy.
A student who is absent more than 10 school days in one nine-week period, for whatever cause, may forfeit that period grade, unless it is evident to the teacher that the student’s work has been satisfactorily completed.
Students will be charged a $10.00 fine for every 5 unexcused tardies during a nine-week period. These fees will be added to the student’s monthly statement.
For grades 5 and above, tardiness will include each individual academic or music class throughout the day.
-AUTOMOBILES/MOTORIZED VEHICLES
If a student is to drive a motorized vehicle to the campus or a student is to ride in a vehicle driven by a student driver, the parents of the student driver and the parents of the student rider must sign the Student Automobile Policy and/or Student Contract. These forms can be picked up in the school office.
-BICYCLES
Bicycles ridden to school must be parked in the bike racks and locked. They are not to be ridden again until the return ride home.
-DAMAGES
Damages to or loss of school property are to be reported at once. Damages or losses resulting from misuse or carelessness will be charged to the student at a minimum of $25.00 per incident. These charges are due upon notification to the parent. This includes, textbooks, which will be billed at the current replacement cost.
-DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE
Student Conduct
The self-government of the student is the objective of discipline. Directing this development without hindering it by undue control is the continued purpose of the school. Development of such behavior is a dual function of the home and school.
Positive behavior is based on respect for self and for others. Students are expected to conduct themselves in an exemplary manner both on and off school grounds. Conduct that is considered detrimental to the reputation of the school is not condoned and will be subject to disciplinary measures. Conduct which usurps the right of other students to be safe, to maintain their self-respect, to study, and to participate in school activities peacefully will be subject to disciplinary measures.
· Each student MUST comply with all school regulations.
· Each student must render prompt service in response to the directions of the school staff and treat all adults with respect and consideration.
· Students must respect the rights of other students by their actions, both physically and verbally.
· Students must not interfere with the learning opportunities of others.
· Students must respect all properties and assume responsibility for using all equipment in a manner that is safe. School equipment and textbooks are expensive. A fee for any deliberate, careless, or irresponsible use of equipment or books will be charged to the parents of the student(s) guilty of such misuse.
· Students must exhibit support for the school’s spiritual goals.
· Students must strive to do their best work.
Discipline
In any group, it is always necessary to have rules to provide for the rights, health, safety, and general welfare of all. In the case of a school, rules not only protect all involved, but they allow the school to do its job of preparing young people to develop self-discipline for their future life. It is the goal of PCAS to practice redemptive discipline.
· If a disciplinary condition or problem develops, the teacher will work with the student.
· If the condition continues, the parents will be notified and a parent/teacher
conference will be held.
· If the problem has not been solved, the principal will be notified. The principal
will counsel and may need to discipline the student. In cases of very serious or continued noncompliance to the school regulations the principal may decide to temporarily suspend a student from school for up to three days. If the principal does temporarily suspend a student from school, the parent and the school board chairman will be notified. Any schoolwork missed due to a suspension MUST be made up promptly. The student may or may not receive full credit.
· If the condition or problem continues, a parent/principal/teacher/student
conference will be held.
-DISMISSAL
The authority to dismiss a student permanently from school rests solely in the hands of the school board; however, in an emergency situation, the teacher may resort to the temporary exclusion of the student from the classroom and refer him/her to the principal for prompt, appropriate discipline. The principal may impose an at home suspension for up to three days while waiting for the board to meet.
Grounds for Dismissal
Some practices are not permitted in a Christian school. Port Charlotte Adventist School does not knowingly accept a student who participates in these practices. Offense in (but not limited to) any of the following activities subjects a student to discipline or dismissal:
· Disrespect to adults or other students in ways that show a lack of respect for them
as persons
· Using and/or possessing narcotics, tobacco, or recreational drugs
· Drinking, handling, possessing alcoholic beverages, or furnishing alcoholic beverages to others
· Using profane, lewd or suggestive language or conduct
· Possessing or accessing obscene literature or pictures
· Dishonesty, including theft, lying, forging of signatures
· Cheating on examinations or class work
· Willful destruction of any school property or vandalism. (A minimum charge of $25.00 per incident will be imposed)
· Improper sexual conduct or conversation
· Leaving the school campus without proper permission
· Continual disrespect, disobedience or non-cooperation with those in authority
· Arson or attempted arson
· Assault or battery on any person
· A bomb threat to any school official, facility, activity or person
· Disorderly Conduct of any kind
· Handling or possessing a weapons – For policy, DISCLIPINE PROCEDURE
In addition, a student may be suspended or dismissed if the guarantor is not meeting financial responsibility.
-DRESS CODE
An excellent school program incorporates all phases of the school experience and includes how the students dress. Port Charlotte Adventist School is a private Christian school, and has established, like many other private schools and businesses, the ‘look’ it desires for members of the school family.
The dress policy of PCAS is designed to provide for the individuality of the student while at the same time promoting cleanliness, neatness, practicality, and modesty. The primary responsibility of the student’s personal appearance rests with the parents. PCAS relies on the parent’s complete cooperation to see that the student adheres to this dress code. A student’s attire will influence his/her attitude, deportment, behavior, and the learning atmosphere. The policy recommends simplicity and common sense, not extreme fads or fashion. If a student arrives at school improperly dressed, the parent will be contacted to bring proper attire to the school immediately.
All clothing must be modest in all situations and for all occasions. All clothing must be clean and neat. At no time should undergarments be visible. No inappropriate patches, holes or ragged edges should be on any garment. All clothing must be worn in the student’s appropriate size.
Shirts
· All students must wear solid colored polo shirts with collars and sleeves
· Each student must have at least one polo shirt which is designated as the PCAS
“uniform” shirt. Student logo shirts must be ordered through the school office at time
of registration
· Logo shirts must be worn on field trips and other designated days
· Shirts must be long enough to cover the top of back pants pocket, shirts longer than
the the bottom of the back pants pockets must be tucked in
· Shirts with logos other than the school logo are not permitted
· It is suggested that students in grades 5 and above have a change of clothing for PE
classes. A “Lion” School Spirit shirt can be purchased for this purpose through
the school office
Pants
· All students must choose dress pants in black, navy, or khaki/tan
· All girls may wear Capri style pants (black, navy, khaki/tan)
· No jeans, low rise hip-huggers, cargo pants or pants with pockets sewn on the outside
may be worn
Shorts, Skorts, Skirts, & Jumpers
· All students may wear Bermuda style dress shorts or uniform style shorts in black,
navy or khaki/tan providing they are no shorter than 3 inches above the knee
· All girls may wear uniform style skorts in black, navy or khaki/tan providing they are 3
inches above the knee or longer
· Girls may wear uniform style skirts or jumpers providing they are 3 inches above the
knee or longer in black, navy, or khaki/tan
Cold weather dress code
Long sleeved polo shirts that meet all other criteria may be worn. Students may wear a solid colored sweatshirt or sweater with no logo other than the school logo over polo shirts. These sweaters and sweatshirts must be of the appropriate size. All other coats & jackets must be removed while inside the building.
Shoes
· All students MUST wear shoes; tennis shoes are preferred
· Shoes MUST have closed toes and a closed back or back strap
· Shoes must have rubber, leather, or plastic soles, wooden or cloth soles are not
permitted
· Slippers or flip-flops are not permitted
· Tennis shoes with socks must be worn during P.E. classes
Hair
· Hair must be neat, clean, and well-groomed
· No extreme color or faddish hairstyles or haircuts allowed
Hats
· Caps or hats may be worn for outdoor P.E. classes only
Jewelry
· No jewelry is to be brought to school
· Jewelry is defined, but not limited to, earrings, bracelets (including identification,
leather-type, friendship, etc.), rings, necklaces, chokers and chains, including chains
which hang from belt loops and/or pockets
· If any of the above items are brought to school, they may be confiscated
· A medical alert insignia is acceptable
· No tattoos of any kind are to be worn
Cosmetics
· Cosmetics that detract from a natural appearance must not be worn at school
· Only clear nail polish is allowed
Unless otherwise stated, the above dress code in its entirety is in effect for ALL school field trips as well as all school sponsored functions, programs and occasions held on or off the school campus.
Formal Occasion Attire Requirements (unless otherwise specified)
GUYS – Formal Attire – This means a dress suit or tuxedo with appropriate shirt and tie and dress shoes.
GIRLS – Formal style dress / complimentary formal shoes
Dresses must have the following designations:
· Modest dresses that have a loose fit – dresses should move freely
· No see-through materials
· Dresses must fit well around the under arm area
· High neck-lines that show no cleavage
· Backs of dresses must not be lower than the bottom of shoulder blades
· Strapless dresses are not permitted
· Dresses with spaghetti straps are not permitted
· Dresses with halter tops are not permitted
· No shawls are permitted
· Dresses with sleeves are preferred, however, sleeveless dresses or dresses with the wider style straps will be permitted, provided the dress meets all other requirements
· No exposed midriff area, even when arms are lifted
· Slits in dress/skirt must not extend above the knee
· Hem line of dresses must be no shorter than below the knee, and no longer than the
the ankle
Dresses must pass the approval of the dress code committee prior to the event.
Light make-up is allowed, including the shimmer powder, but no heavy glitter is to be
worn.
Various situations may arise during the school year in which the dress policy may be amended or revised. Parents will be notified as soon as possible.
If there are any questions regarding appropriate attire and/or grooming for PCAS students, the administration will make the final decision on what is acceptable.
-EMERGENCY CLOSING
If the Charlotte County Public School System dismisses early or closes because of threatening weather, PCAS will also close.
-FIELD TRIPS
Throughout the year, teachers from all grade levels plan field trips that meet instructional goals. Field trips are a part of the learning experience for each student. All students are expected to attend. Students may attend field trips only if there is written parental authorization. All school regulations and policies, including all portions of the school dress code will remain in force. A student’s misbehavior prior to and/or during a field trip will jeopardize participation in field trip activities.
Parents or volunteers who are driving and/or chaperoning for field trips must complete a Volunteer Driver and Chaperone Questionnaire and provide a current copy of proof of
automobile insurance indicating $100,000/$300,000 liability coverage. These documents will be kept on file in the school office. A questionnaire is to be completed each new school year.
-FINANCIAL INFORMATION - see FINANCIAL PLANS
-FORBIDDEN ITEMS – (UNAUTHORIZED) - see WEAPONS
-GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
Communication between home and school is very important. Without proper communication, misunderstandings can develop. To prevent misunderstandings and to provide a mechanism for problem solving, please follow this procedure:
Step 1. If you have a question or complaint about a specific classroom or
school situation, speak directly to the teacher involved.
Step 2. If necessary, speak with the principal. A parent/teacher/principal conference may be arranged. Parents or students may also request a direct appeal to the staff and may appear in person at an officially arranged staff meeting.
Step 3. If further action seems necessary, the principal can arrange for a
conference with the Board Chair and other parties involved to find
a workable solution.
Communicate directly with the person or persons involved. Our goal is to solve problems at the lowest grievance level. Goodwill and cooperation insure that most problems are solved at step one. We ask your support of PCAS and its staff. We also request that conversations regarding grievances be kept out of the hearing of your child and other children.
-GUM, CANDY, AND FOOD
Students must not chew gum or other non-food objects on the school premises. Please, no candy or food other than at lunchtime, unless teacher approved.
A fine of $5.00 will be imposed when caught chewing gum
-HEALTH
· BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGEN POLICY
The school has a policy for handling all material contaminated by blood. This
policy is kept in the PCAS school office and is available for review.
· HEAD LICE
If a student is sent home because of head lice, he/she MUST have clearance
from the school office before returning to the classroom. The head lice policy is kept in the PCAS school office and is available for review.
· ILLNESS
Students should remain at home when they are ill. If a student becomes ill
after arriving at school, the parent will be contacted to pick up the child.
· MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS
All students, both new and returning, who are entering kindergarten, fourth or seventh grade, are to have a medical examination dated no more than 90 days preceding their first day of school. Documentation must be presented to PCAS by their first day
of attendance.
· MEDICATIONS
Written permission from a parent or guardian, including instructions for use,
is required before a student is permitted to take any medication at school, (including over the counter medications). By law, without this written authorization, school personnel are NOT permitted to administer ANY medication, including over the counter medications. ALL medication and instructions must be given to the teacher or office staff for safekeeping. The parent or guardian MUST complete the proper Medical Authorization Form and give it to the teacher or office staff. Blank authorization forms are available in the school office.
· RECESS AND P.E. EXCUSES
Students are expected to participate in P.E. and recess activities. If a student is physically unable to be involved, a note from the parent and/or doctor must be presented to your child’s teacher before the class.
-HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
The school families, the school staff, and the church family are members of the Home and School Association. This organization benefits all individuals through meetings, fund-raising activities, and other programs.
Every successful school has active parent involvement as a part of its program. We are indebted to parents and friends of Port Charlotte Adventist School who donate their time, skills, and monetary donations to our school. Contact the school office or any of our teachers to see how you can be involved.
-HONOR ROLL
Special recognition will be given to those students in grades 3 and above who have achieved the following cumulative grade point averages:
4.0 = Principal’s List
3.5 = High Honors
3.0 = Honors
Classes that may be included are:
Religion History Spelling Math
Computers English Reading Art
Health Physical Education Science Music
Handwriting
-INSURANCE
Students are covered by school accident insurance during school hours and/or while involved in a school function, including off campus field trips. It is the student’s responsibility to report all accidents promptly to the teacher. The school’s insurance is secondary to the parent or guardian’s insurance. The parent or guardian’s insurance is the primary insurance.
-LEAVING CAMPUS
Unless a parent gives permission to the teacher and/or administrative staff, a student is not to leave the school campus before the close of the daily school session.
-LIBRARY BOOKS
Books in the school library must be properly checked out. Books are to be returned within 10 days. If necessary, the same book may be checked out again for an additional 7 days. There is a charge of 20 cents per day for each book not returned on time. Fines not paid by the 25th of the month will be placed on the student’s statement along with a $1 processing fee. The charge for a lost library book is the actual replacement cost of the book, or a minimum of $25.00 per book.
-LOITERING
Loitering on school property is not permitted either before or after school hours. Students arriving more than 15 minutes before school convenes must make advance arrangements with
the principal. Students remaining on the school campus over 30 minutes after school dismisses, without having made prior arrangements, will receive a $20.00 fine for each 15-minute period after the 30-minute grace period. This fine will be due immediately upon notification from the school office.
-LOST AND FOUND
Please put your child’s name on all belongings. Lost and found items must be claimed at the office within two weeks. Unclaimed items will be given to the Community Services of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. PCAS assumes no responsibility for personal items brought to or left at school.
-MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
In the event of an emergency involving a student, the parents will be notified as soon as possible. However, if a parent or guardian cannot be reached, the student will be transported by the Emergency Medical Service (or other appropriate means) for treatment.
-MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS - see HEALTH
-MEDICATIONS
The Charlotte county Department of HRS has very strict guidelines that we must follow if your child has to take medication during school hours. This includes over-the-counter medications. In compliance with these HRS guidelines:
• Parents must supply all medications for their children.
• All medications MUST be in their ORIGINAL CONTAINERS and have the students
name on it.
• All medications for all students (Gr K-12) MUST be kept in the school office at all
times. No student is to be in passion of any medication, prescription or over-the-
counter while on school property.
• All medications must be accompanied by a completed Medical Authorization form
signed by the parent or guardian.
• All prescription medications dispensed at school must have been prescribed for the
student who will be taking it, and have the students name on the container from the
pharmacy.
• All medications will be destroyed upon its expiration date.
-MUSIC POLICY
1. A student has until the end of the first two weeks of each semester to drop music class to avoid having it recorded on the transcript.
2. After two weeks, the parents and student must meet with the director to request
a withdrawal from the organization.
3. If the student withdraws, the grade will automatically become a WF (withdrawal/failure).
-PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
During the school year, conferences are scheduled for teachers and parents to discuss the student’s progress. It is important for parents or guardians to attend these conferences. Other conferences may be set up during the year as the need arises. Either parents or teachers may request a conference to clarify student progress, discuss behavior, or offer potential solutions to problems that may exist.
-PARKING – STUDENT DROP-OFF & PICK-UP
In order to insure that our students are safe and to provide an orderly drop-off and pick-up procedure, Port Charlotte Adventist School asks that ALL students and parents study the printed diagram and instructions and follow them very carefully. Copies of the printed diagram and instructions are available in the school office. PLEASE provide copies of the student drop-off and pick-up procedures to anyone who will be transporting your child to or from school.
-PROBATION
A student will be placed on probation due to unacceptable behavior or failing grades. Probation will begin after a conference is held where the student, parent, teacher and principal have been present. Probation is a period of time for a student to improve behavior and/or grades. A student is placed on probation only after all other steps in the disciplinary procedure have been implemented. If the student fails to correct the behavior and/or improve their grades, the student is subject to dismissal. The period of probation is determined on a case by case basis.
All new students are accepted on a probationary status for the first 9 weeks of enrollment.
-SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
School board meetings are generally held on the third Monday of each month, at 7:00 p.m. in the school, and are open to any parent or church member wishing to attend. However, only the elected board members may vote.
-SCHOOL HOURS
Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Parents that need to bring their children to school before 7:45 a.m. must make prior arrangements with the principal.
Unless your child will be going to After School Care, he/she MUST be picked up by 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and by 2:15 a.m. on Friday. If your child is not picked up within 30 minutes after dismissal, and prior arrangements have not been made, a $20.00 fine per child will be charged for every 15-minute period after 3:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 2:30 p.m. on Friday.
-SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
A weekly newsletter is sent home to inform parents and students of changes in the school calendar and further details of school events. Please encourage your child to give this important publication to you each week. This is our main means of communication in general.
-SCHOOL POLICIES
The principal and the faculty of PCAS are responsible for operating the school on a daily basis. The School Board determines the general policies of the school. It is the PCAS staff that implements the regulations, procedures, and rules that meet the general criteria of the school board.
As the school year progresses, there may be changes to the policies, regulations or rules. Students and parents will be notified as soon as possible. All changes carry the same force as if printed in the School Handbook.
-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
School-sponsored programs, functions and other miscellaneous occasions are a part of the school curriculum. All students are expected to attend. To maintain a consistent example, all school dress codes, rules, and policies remain in force.
-SECONDARY COURSES
All secondary students will be in the same home room. Students in grades 9 & 10 will have most classes of their classes taught by the classroom teacher. Students in grades 11 & 12 will have their classes taught via distance learning through AE21 (Adventist Education for the Twenty-first Century), with the classroom teacher as the facilitator of this process.
See also AE21
-SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS
By implementing a proactive, strategic program, based on a spirit of accommodation and support, students, regardless of their learning, and/or physical abilities, can reach their full potential. The intent is NOT to deny special needs students with mild or moderate disabilities entrance to PCAS, but rather to make better informed decisions regarding the school’s ability to meet the student’s educational needs in our school system.
· School Administration, teacher, and parents of the special needs student will
determine what the needs are during the admission procedure.
· For academic special needs, the student will be referred to the public school/or
a private organization for evaluation. For behavior special needs, the
Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Office of Education (COE) will
be consulted.
· The school in consultation with the COE will develop an Action Plan/Plan
of Intervention, which will include an Individual Educational Plan.
· The classroom teachers will provide remediation along with peer tutoring,
project based learning, and small group studies to enhance instruction.
· Based on the outcome of the remediation plan, the teacher may recommend
additional outside tutoring.
-SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS
· Classroom prayer
· Daily religion class is every classroom
· Weekly chapels
· Bi-yearly weeks of prayer
-STUDENT DROP-OFF & PICK-UP POLICY - see PARKING
-STUDENT LUNCHES
Great care should be taken to provide students with proper nutrition. The diet affects how well a student learns. Parents are encouraged to send lunches of a wholesome nature. The Seventh-day Adventist Church recommends a healthful vegetarian diet. However, if not a vegetarian, it is recommended that students bring only (Biblically) clean meats in their school lunch (see Deuteronomy 14 and Leviticus 11). Drinks containing caffeine are not to be brought to school. Students need to eat lunch, either the lunch provided by their parents or lunch purchased at school.
-SUSPENSION (Discipline) – see DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
-TARDY
Education involves many different facets, and being on time is one that can help all concerned parties begin the day properly prepared, both mentally and physically. Interruptions are very distracting to the classroom teacher and the students. Therefore, in an effort to instill the necessity and importance of punctuality, a $10.00 fine will be charged for every 5 unexcused tardies during a nine-week period. For grades 5 and above, tardiness will include each individual academic or music class throughout the day.
Beginning 30 minutes after school is dismissed; parents will be charged late fees of $20.00 for every 15 minutes that they are tardy picking-up their children. These fees will be added to the student’s monthly statement.
Medical appointments, emergencies, sickness, and/or death in the family are considered the only legitimate excuse for absences or tardiness.
-TELEPHONE
Parents should not make calls to their children except in an emergency. Students will be discouraged from making outgoing calls. The school phones are for school business only. Students must have the permission from their teacher and/or administrative staff before using the school phones. Students bringing cell phones to school must leave them turned off during school hours.
-TESTING
Standardized achievement tests will be given to all students in grades 3 and above according to the policies of the Education Department of the Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
-TEXTBOOKS
All students must bring a Bible to school. All other textbooks for grades K through 8 are provided on a rental basis as part of the registration fee. Students will be charged for books that are written in, or otherwise damaged, or lost.
Textbooks/workbooks must be purchased for secondary students.
-UNAUTHORIZED MATERIALS
Inappropriate items that must not be brought to school include, but are not limited to, skates, skate boards, roller blades, gum, radios, CD’s, CD players, MP3 players, laser pointers, video games, inappropriate books, magazines, pictures or other reading material, knives, fireworks, firearms, matches, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and medications *. If any of the above items (or any other inappropriate item), are brought to school, they will be confiscated. The item may or may not be returned. Contact the principal if there are questions.
See also MEDICATIONS
-VISITORS
We are proud of our school, and visitors are always welcome. Visitors must check in at the school office before proceeding into the building during school hours. Please make arrangements with the teacher and administration before an extended visit to the classroom.
-WEAPONS
Suspension is MANDATORY, with a possible recommendation for expulsion under the following conditions:
A. A student possesses, displays, carries, or handles a firearm or a weapon other than a firearm, such as:
1. A knife, including, but not limited to, switch blade, pen, or hunting.
2. Other weapons, including, but not limited to razor blade, ice pick, or
other pointed or sharp instruments, nunchakas, brass knuckles, Chinese Star, billy club, machete, mace, tear gas gun or other chemical weapons, electronic weapons or devices such as stun guns.
B. A student uses any article or substance as a weapon, including, but not limited to
rock, pen, pencil, or chemicals. Students involved in any of the activities listed
above may also be turned over to local law enforcement authorities by school
officials.
-WITHHOLDING TRANSCRIPTS AND REPORT CARDS
In harmony with the policies of the General Conference Department of Education for Seventh-day Adventists, and the Florida Conference Office of Education for Seventh-day Adventists, no transcripts, diplomas, or report cards will be issued or forwarded to another school until all the charges due to a student’s account, or a family member’s account, are paid in full.
Tuition will continue to be charged until an official withdrawal form is completed and signed by parents, teacher, principal and treasurer.
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