Below is the text from our most recent update to the student/parent handbook (06/06/2002).  Changes will be reflected here as time permits; meanwhile, if you have specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact the office at (843) 650-2829.  Please do note an update to our dress code in the form of our uniform policy.

CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Student/Parent Handbook - Policies and Procedures

(06/06/02)

WELCOME

We welcome each student and parent to the academic school year before us and trust that this handbook will be helpful in acquainting you with Calvary Christian School.

We pray that our association this year with each student and his parents will be one of mutual understanding and respect.  Our purpose in establishing this Christian work is not to build a “better” school but to build “better” citizens at a time when our country and the cause of Christ so desperately need young men and women to take a firm stand for the Christian-American way of life!

FORWARD

Calvary Christian School stands without apology for the Bible, and its standards are an integral part of our regulations.  It is understood that attendance at Calvary Christian School is a privilege and not a right.  Any student who does not conform to the standards and regulations of this school may forfeit this opportunity.  The administration may at any time request the withdrawal of any student who in the opinion of the administration does not fit into the school philosophy or refuses to conform to the rules and regulations.  It is the hope and desire of the administration that each student will have a strong respect for the philosophies and aims of Calvary Christian School.

A MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR

The purpose of Calvary Christian School is to assist you as parents in training your children.  It is the desire of each staff member that every student who passes through the doors of our school will have benefited from his experience at Calvary.  We desire for them to benefit:

1.        Spiritually - Our school is first a Christian school.  The spiritual emphasis of the school is of far greater importance than its academic stand in the community.  However, academic excellence should characterize a Christian school.  The Bible is the center of our curriculum.  It is my prayer that Calvary Christian School will never degenerate into an institution of learning only.  It is more important to train a child how to live than how to make a living.

2.        Morally - Developing Christian values is vital if young people are to grow and become responsible adult citizens.  Dress codes, personal habits, and leisure time activities are a part of the overall program of developing Christian character through moral training.

3.        Educationally - The purpose of Calvary Christian School is to teach the basic fundamental skills of reading, writing, spelling, and mathematics. We strive for an environment that will be distinctively Christian and provide an opportunity for learning.  A controlled atmosphere is necessary to accomplish these goals that are covered in this handbook.   We seek your prayers and help to make this a productive and rewarding part of your child’s life.

Mr. John A. Gregory

Administrator

HISTORY

In 1974, under the leadership of Robert S. Weeks and John A. Gregory, Calvary Christian School was founded as a ministry of Calvary Bible Church.   Initially only kindergarten through second grade was offered, and later, grades three through twelve were added.  Enrollment steadily increased over the years resulting in ever-expanding academic, fine arts and sports programs that provide a well-rounded education.

PURPOSE

The goal of Calvary Christian School is to give each student the maximum knowledge of the various subjects and the essentials of culture in the light of God’s Word.  “That in all things He might have the preeminence” (Col.  l:l8).  Even though knowledge is factually the same for the believer and unbeliever, no subject can be taught in its truth if the Originator is ignored.  Recognizing that spiritual truths are spiritually discerned, only teachers who have personally accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord can possibly teach in a way pleasing to God.  Consequently, only a Christian school with born-again teachers can give a child the education God expects in keeping with His instruction in Proverbs 22:6:  “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”  Our entire school program is designed to help parents fulfill this command of God.  Any parent with different educational and spiritual expectations for his child is likely to be dissatisfied with Calvary Christian School.

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Calvary Christian School admits students of any race, national, or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to the students at the school.  It does not discriminate on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and athletic or other school administered programs.

ACADEMICS

Calvary Christian School is a member of the South Carolina Association of Christian Schools, and the American Association of Christian Schools.  The administrative staff and the instructional staff of Calvary Christian School are well qualified to perform their work.  Achievement tests administered annually show our student body to be performing above the national average.  Students who have done well here move easily into other private and public schools locally and across the nation.

CURRICULUM

At Calvary Christian School we recognize that Jesus Christ is the source of all knowledge and that according to Proverbs 10:14, “Wise men lay up knowledge.”   The Bible is the guide for life; therefore, Bible study is a recognized part of the curriculum of Calvary Christian School.  All students have a Bible class that includes Bible study, Bible memorization and practical Christian training.  In our elementary, junior high, and high school we use the Bible programs developed by Bob Jones University and Child Evangelism.  In the Bible classes and chapel, students are required to use the King James Version of the Bible.  In the elementary school, the A Beka® curriculum developed by Pensacola Christian College and the BJU Press® curriculum developed by Bob Jones University are used.  These curriculums place a strong emphasis on phonics, reading comprehension, and math.  They are superior academic programs enhanced by the Christian philosophy we feel necessary for our students.

The high school program is a college preparatory curriculum with textbooks selected to best enhance each subject area.  Where possible, we use textbooks by the above-mentioned Christian publishers.  Music, speech, and computer skills along with other electives are available to our high school students.  A well-rounded sports program for both young men and young ladies is also offered with competition in soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball, and softball.

HOMEWORK

Believing that homework is an integral part of the school program, each teacher is at liberty to give homework to aid each student in advancing work.  THEREFORE, EACH STUDENT IS EXPECTED TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE HIS HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS EACH DAY.  Homework may be given for the following purposes:  drill, practice, remedial reasons, and individual projects relating to school studies.  Continued failure to complete homework assignments will result in disciplinary action and ultimately in dismissal.

GRADING/PROMOTION

Even though the grade or subject is passed with a seventy percent or above average, every student at Calvary Christian School is expected to work up to his potential.  Students failing to achieve this grade level will be retained in the same grade level or will have to repeat the subject failed, as is the case in the secondary.  The grading key is as follows:

A+     100-99	B+     92-91	C+     85-83	D+    75-73
A         98-96	B       90-89	C       82-79	D      72-70
A-        95-93	B-      88-86	C-      78-76	F       69 or below

PROMOTION OR RETENTION

Students in grades one and two must pass reading and math in order to be promoted to the next grade.  Any student in grades one through eight who earns two “F’s” for the year will be retained.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

High standards of conduct are required of all those associated with Calvary Christian School.  Calvary Christian School expects that its students live above reproach showing respect to God, country, family, faculty, and fellow students.  Therefore, lying, cheating, theft, and profanity will not be tolerated.  Constructive suggestions are welcome, but GRIPING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.  Anyone who will not cooperate spiritually, morally, or scholastically will be required to withdraw.

SCHOOL POLICIES

1.     Students should be in classes scheduled for them unless ill or excused by the office.  Only the administration, not faculty or staff, may grant permission for the student to leave the campus.

2.     Medical and dental appointments should be scheduled after school hours when possible.

3.     Students should remain in class until the teacher dismisses the class.  Leaving class before dismissal by the teacher, not the bell, may be considered skipping class.

ROCK MUSIC POLICY

The purpose of a Christian school is to build into a young person the proper spiritual and academic direction for life.  Since rock music is a part of the counter-culture which seeks to implant seeds of rebellion in young people’s hearts and minds, Calvary Christian School considers listening to this kind of music to be detrimental to the spiritual, moral and intellectual life of a young person.  Therefore, the policy of Calvary Christian School is that students not listen to any kind of rock music, including so-called “Christian rock.”  Listening to rock music on any of the school grounds or at any school-related activity could be grounds for suspension or expulsion.

DRESS

All students and faculty are required to dress in a manner consistent with a separated Christian testimony.  Through our clothes, make-up, and hairstyles, we either draw attention to ourselves or we magnify the Lord.  Extremes in fashion are discouraged for boys and girls alike because they tend to draw attention to the individual rather than to the Saviour we are called to serve.  The standards defined below will be upheld at all school activities  (i.e. school programs, ball games, choral programs, etc.).

Calvary Christian school realizes that personal tastes and standards vary and we respect that; however, in order to have our students display an acceptable Christian appearance we feel that the following standards are necessary.

ALL STUDENTS

1.        Students should not wear “flip-flops” or shoes without backs.

2.        Regular school dress should be worn for all activities unless otherwise announced by the administration.

3.        Since room temperatures are carefully monitored, coats and heavy outerwear should not be worn in the classroom.

4.        Beginning with the 2002-2003 school year, uniforms are required for grades 1-12. Uniforms must comply with the dress standards for boys and girls. Pleas see supplemental materials on uniforms concerning companies and ordering.

BOYS

1.        Boys should wear socks with their shoes.

2.        Boys in all grades should wear collared shirts.  All buttons except the top button must be secured.  All shirts must be tucked in.

3.        Boys are not to wear any type of jewelry with the exception of watches or rings worn on the fingers.

4.        Pants designed for use with a belt must be worn with a belt.

5.        Boys are to have their haircut regularly, not allowing it to become long.  Hair is to be kept off the eyebrows and neatly tapered off the collar and off the ears.  Sideburns are not to be below the middle of the ear.  No extreme hairstyles are permitted.

6.        Kindergarten boys may wear tailored shorts.  All other boys should wear long pants.

GIRLS

1.        Girls in grades five through twelve should wear skirts that cover the knees when standing or sitting. 

2.        Girls in kindergarten through grade four should wear dresses or skirts no shorter than one inch above the knee.

3.        Clothing is not to be tight, suggestive, immodest or revealing.   Low-cut necklines and crop tops are not appropriate for school.  All tops should be long enough to permit a lady to raise her arms above her head without exposing her abdomen.  If necessary, buy the clothing a little large.

4.        Girls should wear no more than one earring per ear.

5.        No extreme hairstyles and no unusual hair coloring are permitted.

The administration will be the final judge on any item in question concerning dress and hair codes.

PROHIBITED ARTICLES

Tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, narcotics, dice, electronic games, pagers, playing cards, knives, guns, matches, explosives of any kind, skateboards, radios, magazines, music CDs, that are not related to class work are not permitted on school property.    Books, catalogs, or any other materials not directly related to a course of study are not to be brought to school!

All policies (rules and regulations) apply to students attending any school-sponsored function.

CLASSROOM

In the classrooms of Calvary Christian School, these fundamental rules must be followed:

1.      No student should be out of his seat without permission.

3.     All students are to address adults as Mr., Mrs., or Miss, never by first name.  Out of respect for the administration and faculty, we ask the parents to set the example in this regard when speaking with or about the school personnel.

4.     Negative attitudes and responses will not be tolerated.

All policies (rules and regulations) apply to students attending any school-sponsored function.

CONDUCT/DISCIPLINE

Any student not complying with the above standards is subject to immediate removal from class, and any student consistently in conflict with any policy of the school will be asked to withdraw.  Calvary Christian School uses both positive and negative discipline to instill in students behavior patterns and attitudes that will produce self-disciplined lives.  Discipline is administered in love as a preventive or corrective measure, and each student is dealt with according to his grade level.

VISITORS

Visitors and parents should go to the main school office for permission before visiting or observing classes or other facilities.  We request that visitors be modestly attired.

TELEPHONES

The telephones in the school offices may be used by students before school or during lunch only with the permission of the administration.  Cellular phones are discouraged, but they are permitted provided they are turned off.  Use of cell phones while on campus is subject to approval by faculty or staff.  Pagers are prohibited.

ILLNESS, INJURY AND MEDICATION

No child who has a communicable disease or illness will be accepted for enrollment.

A child who is ill should be kept at home until the illness has passed.  Assignments may be sent home to help the student keep up with his work while recovering.  If a student is injured, the school will try immediately to reach the parent or guardian.  In the meantime the school will take the necessary steps that seem reasonable to care for the injury.  Parents will be called if the child’s temperature is 100⁰ or above or if the student is vomiting.  With a note from the parents, the office may give a prescription medication at the directed time.  No student will be allowed to take any medication on his own while at school.

MEDICAL NOTE:

The South Carolina Code of Laws, 1976 and Regulation 61-8, no child shall be admitted to any public, private, or parochial school, grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12), or any child development program under the control of the Department of Education without first presenting a valid SOUTH CAROLINA CERTIFICATE OF IMMUNIZATION.  To be valid, the South Carolina Certificate of Immunization must be signed by an individual licensed to practice medicine, surgery, or osteopathy or his/her authorized representative  (Health Department or family doctor).  For the welfare of your child and others in the school, all children who are sick must be kept at home.

CANCELLATION DAYS

If school is to be canceled due to inclement weather, you will be advised by way of the local radio station WRNN (99.5 FM) as soon as that information is available.

STUDENT/PARENT AGREEMENT CLAUSE

It is the policy of Calvary Christian School that each student and parent read carefully and signs the statement of cooperation before enrollment for the school year is complete.  By signing this statement full cooperation with the rules and regulations of the school is expected.

ATTENDANCE (All Grades)

It is important to be at school on time every day.  Tardiness and absences affect the student’s grades; therefore, it is suggested that you not use school days for vacations, trips, business and doctor’s appointments.

Please make a special effort to be at school on time every day.  This will result in a better education for your student.

Please note the following particulars concerning attendance.

·          A student must be present at least half of the school day (four periods) to be counted present.

·          Excuses must be submitted in writing upon returning to school.  Excuses may not be accepted when submitted more than one week after the absence.

·          If students have ten unexcused absences during the school year, Calvary Christian School reserves the right to retain the student at the same grade level.  (A high school student may lose credit for any course in which he accumulates ten unexcused absences.)

·          The nine weeks grades may be reduced two points for each unexcused absence.

·          A student with an unexcused absence the day of an exam may not make up that exam.

·          All work missed will be given one day per absence to be made up.

·          Tests missed due to personal illness must be made up within three days.

·          Any student who is absent will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities on that day (i.e. ball games, programs, outings, etc.) without special permission from the principal.

·          Special excuses are discouraged and are not always approved.  The student must have a “C” average and no failing grades.  Special excuses will not be given if the total absences for the year will exceed ten.

·          No student will be allowed more than five days for special excuses. (See note on secondary division sheet.)

The following are considered by the administration to be excused absences.

·          Personal illness with a doctor’s excuse.

·          Personal illness with an excuse written and signed by the parent.

·          Death in the immediate family.

·          “Special” excuses (i.e. vacations, work, etc.) may be permitted with the principal’s approval.  Written arrangement must be made at least one week in advance through the office.  A student or parent is responsible for making arrangements with the teacher(s) concerning make-up work prior to the time out of school.

The following are considered by the administration to be unexcused absences.

·          Illness of a family member.

·          Failure to receive advance permission for “special” days.

·          A death that is not in the immediate family

TARDIES TO SCHOOL

Three unexcused tardies to school within a nine-week grading period will count as one unexcused absence.  Grades in all subjects will be lowered two points. If a student leaves school early (except for personal illness or a serious emergency) twice within a nine-week grading period, the absence will be unexcused.   All students must have a proper written permission and must sign out in the main office in all cases.

ABSENCES AND TARDIES FOR SECONDARY DIVISION

The following is for clarification of particulars for grades 7-12.

.     All absentees must bring a written excuse stating clearly the reason for absence on the day they return to school.

.     Special excuses are subject to administrative approval.  The student must have “C” average and no failing grades.  No special excuses are given if the total absences for the year exceed ten.

.     Students are only allowed special excuses for five days.

.     After ten absences (excused or unexcused) the student must have a doctor’s written excuse or the absence will be counted unexcused

.     Any student with twenty absences within one school year is subject to retention.

.     Each quarter (nine weeks) grades will be lowered 2 points in all subjects for each unexcused absence.

.     The school administration reserves the right to determine each case of absence or tardy.

Please note the following concerning unexcused absences.

·          The nine weeks grades will be reduced two points for each day absences are unexcused.

·          A student with an unexcused absence the day of his exam may not make up that exam.

Please note the following concerning tardies.

·          Three unexcused tardies to school reduces all grades two points.

·          A tardy means that a student is not in his seat at the time the bell begins to ring.

·          If the student is late for homeroom or class, he is considered tardy regardless of the reason.                                             

·          If the student is detained by a teacher or the school office and has a pass from that authority, the tardy will not be recorded.

·          Running out of gas, over-sleeping, weather problems, personal difficulties, etc. are considered unexcused tardies.

Decisions concerning excuses will be made in the high school office for grades 6-12 and by the student’s teacher in grades 1-5.

NON-PAYMENT OF TUITION OR OTHER SCHOOL FEES

In the event of withdrawal, transfer, or expulsion, the parents are responsible for full payment of tuition and other fees.  Full payment of tuition and other fees must be made through the end of the calendar month.  The school reserves the right to withhold report cards and student records until tuition and other fees has been paid in full.  By signing either the student handbook agreement, the initial application for enrollment, or an application for re-enrollment, you are authorizing the school to withhold report cards and other records until tuition and other fees have been paid in full.

KINDERGARTEN DIVISION

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION

1.        K-3 students must be 3 years old by September 1.

2.        K-4 students must be 4 years old by September 1.

3.        K-5 students must be 5 years old by September 1.

4.        Registration forms must be filled out along with a signed statement of cooperation.

5.        Proper health forms must be turned into the office before the child can be admitted to class.  Horry County Health Department requires that students entering kindergarten furnish a certificate of immunization.

KINDERGARTEN HOURS

ARRIVAL

·          School hours are from 8:10 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.  Each student should be here on time.  Your child should not be left at the school before 7:40 a.m.  Students will be considered tardy if not present by 8:10 a.m.

·          Drop off your child only at the glass doors at the front of the kindergarten building.  On the first day of school and each day thereafter, a teacher or staff member will be there to make sure each child gets to his class.

DISMISSAL

• Dismissal is at 11:50 a.m. Students who stay all day will be supervised by a day care worker after the dismissal time. Students who go home at 11:50 a.m. will be taken to the front of the kindergarten building. Drivers are to circle around the line with the first car stopping at the glass double doors. The teachers in charge of the children will open the car door and assist the child. NO CHILD IS PERMITTED TO CROSS THE PARKING LOT ALONE.
• In order to aid the staff worker during the first few weeks of school in getting your child to the correct car, please place a 6” X 8” card with your child’s name clearly printed on it in the right hand side of the windshield of your car.

STUDENT PICK UP

For the safety of your child, a handwritten note is required from the parent or guardian if there is a change in who will be picking up your child. Please state in the note the name of the person picking up your child. In the event of an emergency, you may call the office to notify of any change of persons authorized to pick up your child. We will not release a child to anyone without a note or a phone call. When no note is sent or phone call received, we will keep your child in the office until we can reach you to verify the person picking up your child. There will be no exceptions. Please, make a note on the teacher’s information card if you will be car-pooling and with whom. Your child will not be allowed to leave with another child without a note from you.

CHECKOUT PROCEDURE DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

Parents wishing to pick up a student during class hours should do so through the school office. The school secretary will call the student to the office. PLEASE DO NOT DISRUPT THE CLASS BY GOING TO THE CLASSROOM. In order to pick up your child from daycare please first stop by the school office.

ABSENCES

All students should be in class every day unless they are ill or excused by the guidelines listed under ATTENDANCE in the general handbook. Please send a note of excuse to your child’s teacher the day he returns to class.

ILLNESS AND INJURY DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

• If a child becomes ill during the school day, you will be called immediately. Please do not send students to school who have, during the previous night, experienced a fever, sore throat, diarrhea, or vomiting. Please give them time to recover.

·         If a child is injured during the school day, you will be called immediately. In the meantime the school will take the necessary steps to treat the injury in a reasonable manner.

DISCIPLINE

Kindergarten students are taught that it is right to obey. Rules are explained very carefully and ample time is given for the student to learn what is expected. Positive reinforcement is used as much as possible to accomplish this. At times a stern look or a reprimand is given. Continued disobedience and acts of rebellion will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal.

DRESS CODE

We expect our kindergarten students to adhere to the school dress code, which is found in the general section of this handbook on page 3.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

1.        On the first day of school, do not walk your child to his room. A teacher will be there to make sure that your child gets to his class.

2.        Let the teacher know any situation that might affect your child’s behavior or performance in class. (i.e. upset stomach, bladder problems, etc.)

3.        MARK THE CHILD’S NAME ON ALL PERSONAL BELONGINGS, such as coats, sweaters, gloves, caps, and books.

4.        If you wish to talk to your child’s teacher, please arrange for a private conference by calling the office. Do not meet the teacher before or after school or detain her from her responsibilities.

5.        Do not negate or "tear down" what is taught or established by the teacher or the school in front of your child. If you have a question or problem, please discuss it with us.

6.        The children may not bring any toys to school.

7.        A book may be brought for a teacher to read to the class at her discretion. Please have the child’s name in it.

8.        When your child brings his papers home in his plastic bag, please send the bag back the next day. New bags will be given only as needed. If a bag is lost or deliberately destroyed, there will be a charge of 10 cents for another bag. You may give your child a bag from home only if it is the lock type.

9.        Please dress your child warmly in cold weather. We try to go out if just for a few minutes.

10.     Please do not bring any children under the age of six to the kindergarten graduation.

ELEMENTARY DIVISION

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

Students in grade one are to be dropped off and picked up in front of the kindergarten building.  Students in grades two through six are to be dropped off and picked up behind the gym unless there is a kindergarten or first grade student riding with them.  When a car transports either a kindergarten or first grade student along with other upper grade students, these students are to be dropped off and picked up in front of the kindergarten building. 

SPECIFIC POLICIES

1.        Hair notices will be sent home on Fridays.  The student’s hair must be cut before entering class the next week.

2.        Always go directly to the office when picking up your child early.  We must ask that the parents not go to their child’s classroom for any reason.

3.        All students in grades one through six must be dropped off at the designated areas.  Parents are asked not to park and walk your child to class.

4.        Lunches are on a pay as you go basis.  It is our policy not to charge any food in the lunchroom.  Grades one through three cannot buy carbonated drinks.

5.        The elementary division follows all attendance guidelines listed under attendance in the general section of this handbook on pages 4 and 5.

HOMEWORK

1.        There will be a reasonable amount of homework given to students of all grades.

2.        All homework must be done neatly and correctly and on the exact paper specified by the teacher.

3.        Parents will be notified if homework is not turned in or is repeatedly unacceptable.  Discipline will be administered as necessary and zeroes or reduced grades may be given.

DRESS CODE

Elementary dress code is listed under DRESS in the general handbook.

DISCIPLINE

Calvary Christian School uses both positive and negative discipline to instill in elementary students behavior patterns and attitudes that will produce self-disciplined children.  Discipline is administered as a preventive or corrective measure.   The purpose of discipline is to bring about a change in the student’s behavior.  The disciplinary procedures listed below are in order of severity, but may not always be used in this order.  Some violations may require more immediate and severe action such as suspension or expulsion.

1.        Teacher conferences with student.

2.        Student is separated from the class.

3.        Student is denied recess, “fun time”, or game time.

4.        Student writes sentences.

5.        Teacher conferences with parents.

6.        Student is sent to office.

7.        Principal conferences with student.

8.        Parents come to school to administer corporal punishment.

9.        Principal conferences with the parents.

10.     Student is suspended for one, two, or three days with possible conference with parents and administrator.

11.     Student is expelled from Calvary Christian School.

PROMOTION OR RETENTION

Students in grades one and two must pass reading and math in order to be promoted to the next grade.  Any student in grades one through eight who earns two “F’s” for the year will be retained.

DISMISSAL

A student may be dismissed or expelled from school at any time he is found out of harmony with the rules and policies of the school.  Decisions in these matters are the full responsibility of the administration and future reviews, and appeal cannot be considered.

REASONS FOR DISMISSAL

1.        Parent will not cooperate with the administration of the school.

2.        A student’s conduct, attitude, negative influence, or lack of effort makes it inadvisable for the student to remain in C.C.S.

3.        Continual failure to achieve academically or continual lack of effort

4.        Drugs or alcohol (use, association, or possession)

5.        Threats to teacher or staff member

6.        Destruction of school property

7.        Forcible entry into any building after school hours (includes entering any unlocked window or bus)

8.        Obscene gestures and language directed at the faculty or staff

9.        Immorality

These policies have been established in an effort to help protect your children.

SECONDARY DIVISION

(Grades 7-12)

PHILOSOPHY OF DISCIPLINE

Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”  Discipline at Calvary Christian School is not designed to be burdensome, but rather to be a stepping-stone to an objective.  A well-disciplined life is a happy, productive life.  In order to provide an environment conducive to learning and to help the student develop self-discipline, external discipline is necessary.  It has often been observed that students are most happy and secure when they are in an environment where the rules are to be kept.

DISCIPLINE

When a student desires to please the Lord, discipline will not be resented, but accepted as in his best interest.  A student’s attitude toward discipline is an indicator of his maturity.  Therefore, a mature student realizes that there is a reason behind each rule even though he may not understand it at first.  If a rule is not understood and a student honestly would like an explanation, he may see the principal or the high school supervisor for an explanation.

SPECIFIC POLICIES

HOMEWORK

Failure to complete homework assignments will result in a zero recorded for a daily grade.  Students who miss work due to absence will be given one day per absence to make up the missed work.  Teachers may, at their discretion, allow other missed homework assignments to be made up. 

HALL PASSES

All students must have a hall pass to be outside of the classroom during class for any reason.  Passes to miss a class must be obtained prior to the class period the student is to miss.  The pass must be approved and signed by the teacher.  It is the student’s responsibility to see that this procedure is followed.  Failure to comply, may result in an unexcused tardy or absence and demerits.

DRESS AND HAIR CODES

The secondary dress and hair codes are listed under DRESS in the general section of this handbook on page 3.

BOY-GIRL RELATIONSHIPS

Students are expected to refrain from any public displays of affection and to maintain, at all times, a relationship with the opposite sex that is above reproach.

CARS

Students who plan to drive to school must obtain permission from the high school office in advance.  Driving to school is a privilege that may be revoked at any time that the student demonstrates an unwillingness to assume the responsibility of that privilege.  The following regulations must be observed.

1.        All student driven cars are to be registered in the high school office.

2.        Students are to park in the student parking lot, and the cars are not to be moved until the students leave for the day.

3.        Cars are to be locked while parked on the school grounds.  They are not to be occupied during school hours.  As soon as students arrive at school, all riders must leave their car and go to their designated waiting areas.  Students may not go to their cars during the school day without a pass from the faculty or administration.

DEMERIT SYSTEM (Grades 7-12)

The administration expects students at Calvary Christian School to be well disciplined and to maintain the highest standards of behavior at all times.  The demerit system has been chosen as a guide for discipline on the secondary level.  Failure to comply with the codes and regulations of the school will result in the issuing of demerits according to the written guide below.  A teacher or other school personnel may recommend demerits to the administration that will make the final decision.  Demerits are kept on a student’s record through the first semester at the end of which fifty percent of the total demerits will be dropped.  A list of most violations covered by the demerit system follows.  Each category gives a list of numbers that indicate the number of demerits per offense.  Violations not listed will be assessed at the discretion of the administration.

Violation	Offense #
	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th	Thereafter
Tardiness	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
Disorderly Conduct	1	1	1	3	3	3	5
Talking/Communicating	1	1	1	3	3	3	5
Trash/Littering	1	1	1	3	3	3	5
Hall violation	1	1	1	3	3	3	3
Dress/hair code	1	1	1	3	3	3	5
Unprepared for PE	1	1	1	3	3	3	5
Failure to follow instructions	1	1	1	3	3	3	5
Candy, food or gum	5	5	5	5	5	5	10
Fighting	5	5	5	5	5	5	10

More Serious Offenses

Violation	Offense #
	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Thereafter
Disobedience	5	5	5	10	10
Disrespect	5	5	5	10	10
Vulgarity or profanity	10	15	20	25
Skipping Class	15	15	20
Stealing	25	25
Smoking (anywhere)	25	25
Pornography/Lewd Material	50
Drugs/alcohol (anywhere)	50     (Grounds for immediate expulsion from school)

The following action will be taken for students accumulating the indicated number of demerits.

 5 demerits        Warning letter sent home

10 demerits       Letter sent home and detention hall assigned

20 demerits       Letter sent home and detention hall assigned

  30 demerits       Letter sent home, probation, one-day in-school suspension, and 2 points off nine-week grade for each class.  Student may no longer participate in extra-curricular activities of the school (including all athletics, banquets, class parties, field trips, outings, etc.) nor any student body office.  Student must sit alone and not talk at lunch, and he may not associate with any other student who is on probation.

40 demerits       Letter sent home, two-day suspension from school

50 demerits       Grounds for expulsion from school

DISMISSAL

A student may be dismissed or expelled from school at any time he is found out of harmony with the rules and policies of the school.  Decisions in these matters are the full responsibility of the administration and future reviews and appeal cannot be considered.

REASONS FOR DISMISSAL

1.        Parent will not cooperate with the administration of the school

2.        A student’s conduct, attitude, negative influence, or lack of effort makes it inadvisable for the student to remain in Calvary Christian School.

3.        Continual failure to achieve academically or continual lack of effort

4.        Drugs or alcohol (use, association, or possession)

5.        Threats to teacher or staff member

6.        Destruction of school property

7.        Forcible entry into any building after school hours (includes entering any unlocked window or bus)

8.        Obscene gestures and language directed at the faculty or staff

9.        Immorality

10.     Accumulation of 50 demerits

These policies have been established in an effort to help protect your children.