Admissions

Student Handbook

Here you will find detailed information such as student conduct, academic assistance, and other items related to student development at Sonshine Christian Academy.

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Education Philosophy

It is an essential belief at the Sonshine Christian Academy that the Word of God is the fundamental source of knowledge and wisdom for the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, …the beginning of knowledge, … and all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hid in Christ.” (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10; Colossians 2:3) Moreover, we adhere to a theistic rather than the humanistic frame of reference for the origins of the universe. We believe, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

It is our contention that a student’s adherence to Christian principles, as taught at SCA, will positively affect his/her relationship with society. We will teach our children to imitate positive role models of inspired teachers who exemplify the love, peace, tenderness, kindness, long-suffering, meekness, and gentleness of Christ Jesus. When children are exposed to those Christ-like characteristics, they will imitate them, and in turn, exemplify them to others contributing to a moral society.

Only after receiving a quality education will students learn and accept their purpose in life. Therefore, Christian education is constitutive to the making of the individual, the preservation of the family and the survival of the nation.

At Sonshine Christian Academy, we offer a Christ-centered educational program that enables each student to acquire knowledge, personal qualities, skills, understanding and the qualifications necessary for students to live and thrive in a multicultural and ever-changing society. The achievement of this philosophy demands emphasis on effective learning within a school culture conducive to this end.

The objectives of the Sonshine Christian Academy are:

  • To provide a Christ-centered educational program, which prepares students to live in a multicultural and ever-changing society.
  • To impress upon students the need to excel academically.
  • To expose students to Biblical Truths on a daily basis and teach its relevance to the past, present, and future life.
  • To mold values around the Word of God so that they are compliant with Biblical teachings.
  • To employ well-trained, certified and spirit-filled teachers who will be exemplary models of the Christian life, and would be sensitive to the spiritual educational and personal needs of the students.
  • To establish and foster an allegiance of students, parents and staff which will share the responsibility of education.
  • To guide the individual to discover and enhance their unique abilities.

Only after learning of God and His purpose for man can we learn of ourselves and our purpose of life.  Therefore, Christian education is essential to the making of the individual, the preservation of the family, and the survival of the nation.

Statement of Purpose

Sonshine Christian Academy exists as a coeducational day Academy for grades PreK-8. It is operated as a nondenominational educational corporation incorporated as a non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Ohio and governed by a member-elected Board of Trustees.

Sonshine Christian Academy will provide a Christ-centered education for the qualified children of the Columbus area and surrounding communities without distinction to race, color, gender, national or ethnic origin or socioeconomic status.

Sonshine Christian Academy has been established for these purposes:

  1. To establish and maintain a private educational institution which will encompass all departments of learning and knowledge with emphasis on developing high moral character, pride and respect for this free democratic society, and a basic understanding of God’s Word.
  2. To provide an educational facility consecrated to God’s glory and a staff devoted to Christian training and scholastic excellence.
  3. To offer a curriculum which, based on a Christian philosophy, is continuously current in subject matter and compliant to the laws of the State of Ohio and the regulations of the Ohio State Board of Education.
  4. To dedicate the work of this learning institution to the personages of Bishop Sandy Dunlap and Mother Emma Dunlap, grandparents of the founder, in appreciation and acknowledgment of their spiritual strength, perseverance, leadership and wisdom.
  5. To impress upon students the need to excel academically, striving for skill attainment at least two levels above national norms in the area of reading and math.
  1. To discipline the student in reasonable and moderate means, training him to become self-disciplined.
  2. To teach students to respect government leaders and the laws of the land and to have pride and respect for this free democratic country.
  3. To provide auxiliary services as needed to supplement the educational program and enable the school to better meet the needs of the student.
  4. To provide a continual program of evaluation to curriculum revision when and where necessary; staying within the philosophy of the Sonshine Christian Academy.
  5. To help the students face life with courage and understanding and a living faith in God that will make him a credit to Christ, his family, his church, his community, his nation and to himself.

Charter and Affirmation

Charter and Affiliation

Our school is fully chartered by the Ohio Department of Education and is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International.

Teachers

Teachers at SCA are all born again Christians fully committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  They also meet the certifications standards set by the State of Ohio and the standards of the school regarding Christian testimony and lifestyle.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Sonshine Christian Academy does not discriminate in its admission procedures on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin or ancestry.

Non-Christians

Students who practice other religions besides Christianity are free to enroll at Sonshine Christian Academy.  However, the life of Jesus Christ and the principles of the Bible will be taught throughout the school program.  Literature and symbols of non-Christian religions will not be allowed on school premises without consent of school administration.

Daily Schedule

MORNING

7:00 A.M.                                             Building Open to all Students

7:00 – 7:20 A.M.                                   Breakfast for Students

7:30 A.M.                                             Classroom Morning Devotion

The building will not open to students prior to times above.

LUNCH & RECESS SCHEDULE

PK3 – PK4                          Lunch & Recess                 10:00 A.M.-10:45 A.M.

K – 2nd Grade                      Lunch & Recess                 10:45 A.M.-11:30 A.M.

3rd – 5th Grade                     Lunch & Recess                 11:30 A.M.-12:15 P.M.

6th – 8th Grade                     Lunch & Recess                 12:15 P.M.-1:00 P.M.

Recess

Recesses are not held outdoors during inclement weather or when the temperature is 40 degrees or below.  Students will be given outdoor recess on as many occasions as possible.  Proper clothing is essential to insure the comfort and good health of your children.

Transportation

The Ohio Department of Education affords three (3) options of transportation to those families living outside a two (2) mile radius of the school.  The options are: school bus, COTA pass, and reimbursement of personal expenses incurred for transporting your child.  Applications for Columbus City Schools’ transportation may be obtained from the school office.  A NEW BUS APPLICATION MUST BE FILLED OUT EACH SCHOOL YEAR. Reimbursement-in-lieu of transportation is provided only if there is no school bus available and no COTA Pass is issued.  The due date for full year reimbursement application is September 29, 2017.  Late applications will be pro-rated from the date of receipt and stipend mailed in the summer.

Academic Program

As students learn to work to please the Lord (Col. 3:23), achievement and grades will reflect that effort. Because each student is different, we discourage comparing one student’s grades with those of another student, especially within the family. Rather, ask whether each student is reaching his or her own potential. Grade cards are available online at the end of each nine-week grading period as designated on the School Calendar.

Grades are explained on the report card. Students who are working below grade level are evaluated with consideration for improved progress. Such evaluations involve the input of the classroom teacher, the remedial reading teacher and/or the academic assistance tutor if applicable.

**SPECIAL NOTE: Access to Report cards will not be released to students who have:

  • An outstanding account balances i.e. latch key of 50.00 or more fees from a previous school year.
  • A class or sports fee due
  • Fundraising money due
  • Outstanding food service account
  • Fees owed for lost or damaged textbooks

PROGRESS REPORTS (K-8th only)

Interim reports are available online at the end of four and a half weeks in the middle of each grading period to inform parents of their student’s progress and difficulties.

ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

A remedial reading teacher is available to work with at-risk students on a limited basis. With parental approval, students recommended for the program are tested and scheduled for small group or individual tutoring sessions outside the regular classroom.

ACADEMIC DETENTION / SATURDAY SCHOOL

Academic Detention is not to be confused with a Disciplinary Detention. The purpose of Academic Detention is to compel a student to take time to do the required work that has been neglected or poorly done.

Academic Detention / Saturday School will be held on Saturdays from 8:00 to 12:00 p.m. Saturday School supervision cost will be $15.00 per student, and will need to be paid by parent or guardian upon arrival. Parents will be notified at least two days prior to the detention. Notices received by the student on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday will be served on Saturday of that same week. Notices received on Thursday or Friday will be served on the Saturday of the following week. Parents must have their child at SCA a few minutes before 8:00 a.m. and pick them up promptly at 12:00 p.m.  An out of school suspension will result if student does not attend an assigned Saturday School. 

PROMOTION and RETENTION

  • A parent or teacher may recommend retention for a kindergarten student if the student is not academically, socially, or developmentally ready for first grade.
  • A student shall be retained in the first or second grade if deficient in reading, or is failing in math and is also exceptionally low in reading. The heaviest emphasis in first and second grades shall be placed on reading.
  • A student shall be detained in all other grades if failing in any two academic subjects. If there is need for an exception to this rule because the student is below average or for other reasons such as social maladjustment, the teacher should confer with the principal.
  • Promotion may be possible upon the completion of summer school. This determination can only be made after completion of the summer school session. Promotion or retention decisions are to be made by the administration.
  • Generally speaking, a student should not be retained more than twice in the first six grades or more than once in the 7th or 8th grades.
  • A student may be detained in any grade at any time, even with low passing grades, if the teacher, principal, and parent agree it will be beneficial to the student.
  • Following sound principles of guidance, it is our policy not to advocate the skipping of grades.

GRADING SCALE

The following grading scale is used for 1st – 8th grade students (Grades Pre-K and Kindergarten use the following reporting system: O=Outstanding, S=Satisfactory, I=Improving, N=Needs Improvement):

100                              O+/A+                         78-79               I+/C+

94-99                          O/A                             74-77               I/C

90-93                          O-/A-                          70-73               I-/C-

88-89                          S+/B+                         68-69               N+/D+

84-87                          S/B                             64-67               N/D

80-83                          S-/B-                           60-63               N-/D-

0-59                 F

An average of at least one grade per week is recorded in each subject area (at least 9 grades per grading period).  Grades are to be earned from the percentages:

Quizzes                                   30%

Tests                                        50%

Homework                               15%

Participation                           5%

Homework

Homework may be assigned as an extension of any classroom instruction.  It may be designed to reinforce basic skills, develop self-discipline and independent work habits, provide growth in research skills, or enhance creativity.  Assignments are designed to meet individual needs.

Teachers may assign homework to supplement classroom instruction. In most instances, if students use their study time wisely during the day, they will have minimum homework to do in the evenings. Homework should not exceed one hour per evening. Students who fail to complete four consecutive assignments will receive an Academic Detention to be served at the teacher’s discretion.

Teacher’s Responsibilities:

  1. Provide assignments which are relevant instruction.
  2. Provide weekly homework packets to be turned in by the end of the week.
  3. Homework will not be assigned as a punishment.
  4. Make assignments clear so that students understand what is expected of them.
  5. Provide adequate time for students to ask questions.
  6. Communicate to students and parents what bearing homework has on grades.
  7. Communicate with parents the homework assignments and expectations.
  8. Communicate with parents when homework is not being completed.

Student’s Responsibilities:

  1. Before leaving class, understand what the assignment is and how to do it.
  2. Write down all assignments.
  3. Complete and turn in all assignments on time.
  4. Find out and complete assignments from all missed classes.

Parent’s Responsibilities:

  1. Find out from teacher if homework is being assigned.
  2. Be aware of what assignments are being made and how they relate to the total curriculum.
  3. Provide daily study time and a place away from distractions.
  4. Supervise student’s eating and sleeping habits so that proper rest and nutrition are provided.

TEXTBOOKS

Students shall be responsible for the care of their textbooks. Elementary and Middle School students must cover their textbooks (Contact the SCA Main Office if you have questions about appropriate book covers). Lost textbooks or those damaged beyond normal usage shall be the responsibility of the student and replacement cost(s) shall be assessed accordingly.  School fees do not cover the total cost of textbooks used.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

A copy of the Sonshine Christian Academy School Supply List may be obtained from the school office.  Please label all supplies/clothing with the student’s name and replenish all supplies during the course of the school year as needed.

Student Conduct

Good discipline is essential if students are to learn.  Discipline is taught and learned with the ultimate goal being self-discipline.  Discipline is concerned with the rules students know and understand and the consequences that occur when they break the rules.

In order to secure orderly conduct, any adult staff member or parent volunteer shall have the authority to correct students and shall be supported by the Administration.  The Administration reserves the right to dismiss a student who, in its judgment, does not conform either to the stated regulations of student conduct or to the expressed principles, policies and programs of the school.

 Student Uniform Discipline Policy / Procedures

  1. Uniform/Dress Code Violation- When student arrives at school, not in proper/correct Uniform (3) Options
  2. Phone Home – student will be kept out of class until parent/guardian brings missing or correct attire to school.
  3. Unexcused Absence – Student picked up and taken home for the school day.
  1. Exemption – Student remain at school, excluded from educational environment/ Activities, (excluding lunch) and receive warning letter, with loss of ‘Dress Down’ privilege for that same week
  • Special Note – Student will lose ‘Dress Down’ opportunities for each uncorrected Violation.

GENERAL STANDARDS

It is the expectation of Sonshine Christian Academy that students will behave in a proper fashion in the classroom and at all school activities. Students who violate the following school standards will be disciplined accordingly.

  • Students are encouraged to live their lives consistent with Biblical standards at school and away, avoiding any conduct that would bring reproach to the individual’s or school’s testimony.
  • Students are to be punctual in attendance to classes, chapel, special programs and appointments.
  • Students are to respect and obey all authority. Disruptive attitudes will not be allowed.
  • Students are the school’s responsibility from the time they arrive until the time they depart on scheduled school days.
  • Destructive and critical attitudes will not be tolerated.
  • Electronics such as radios, CD players, Game Boys, MP3, I-Pods, DVD players, video games, baseball cards, toys or any other items that will create a distraction are not permitted on school grounds except with special permission from the classroom teacher. Cell phones are permitted on school grounds but must be turned off and given to teachers upon arrival to class room.  Cell phones will be confiscated and given personally to the parent if found in use during school hours.
  • Regular playing cards are not permitted at any time.
  • Students are not permitted to leave the school property during school hours without special permission from a parent or guardian and must be accompanied by a staff member or supervising adult.
  • All students are expected to have a positive attitude toward the dress and discipline codes of the school. Students must recognize and acknowledge that they have been granted a special privilege and that there are frequently special sacrifices made by parents to convey this privilege. Students demonstrate their recognition by their behavior and attitude toward SCA, its administration and staff, their fellow students and parents.

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT PURPOSE

To have a clearly defined process for reporting known or suspected cases of abuse or neglect of students.

RESPONSIBILITY

The authority of this policy shall reside with the Board of Trustees.

RESPONSIBILITY

The responsibility for the implementation of this policy shall be granted to the Principal and/or designee.

IMPLEMENTATION

Duty to Report: Any employee who knows or suspects that a child has suffered or faces a threat of suffering any physical or mental wound, injury, disability or condition of a nature that indicates abuse or neglect of a child, must immediately report that knowledge or suspicion to the Franklin county children’s services board or to other local law enforcement.

Knowledge or suspicion of abuse or neglect may be based on an employee’s direct knowledge or observation or may be based on a report of such from a child, parent or third party.

Reports shall be made regardless of whether that abuse or neglect occurred in the child’s home, in the school, or in some other setting.

The duty to report includes the obligation to report immediately to the Franklin County Children Services board or to other local law enforcement knowledge or suspicion that a teacher, administrator, coach, other person in authority at SCA has engaged or is engaging in sexual conduct or activity with a student, including touching for purposes of sexual gratification or arousal.

Reports required under this policy may be made either by telephone or in person.

Employees who report known or suspected abuse or neglect may take or have photographs taken of areas of visible trauma on a child.

Reporting Criminal Activity: The Columbus Police

Department (614-645-4545/911) shall be immediately called if criminal behavior is suspected.

Principal to be Informed: An employee making a report as described above shall also notify the Principal. Reporting to the Principal shall not replace or relieve the employee of the obligation to immediately report to Franklin County Children Services and/or Law Enforcement.

Cooperation with Investigation by Franklin County

Children’s Services or Law Enforcement Agency: Employees shall comply with any request for a written report made by the receiving agency or officer. Investigations of reports of known or suspected child abuse or neglect will be conducted by the Franklin County Children’s Services Board and/or local law enforcement. Employees must cooperate in such investigations, but should not undertake any independent investigation or other action that might interfere with investigations by these other agencies.

Referral to Board of Trustees: If a report of known or suspected child abuse or neglect relates to alleged actions on the part of a SCA employee, the Principal must immediately contact the Board of Trustees Chairperson to consider a process for internal review of the matter and to consider the possible need for appropriate personnel action. Referral to the Board of Trustees is in addition to the mandatory reporting required by this policy.

Confidentiality: Information concerning alleged child abuse of a student is confidential information and is not to be shared with any unauthorized person. A staff member who violates this policy may be subject to disciplinary action. 

CELL PHONES / ELECTRONIC DEVICES

We strongly discourage the students from bringing cellular phones and /or electronic devices to school. However, we do know that students will have cell phones; therefore, the following rules will be enforced.

  1. Students are not permitted to use their (nor any other student’s) cell phones during school hours. If you need to reach your child please contact them through the school office. Should your child need to reach you (emergency only) they will be permitted to use the office phone.
  2. Students must check their phones in with the Dean of Students upon arrival to school. It can be picked up by that student at the end of the day.
  3. Any students caught using their cell phone during school hours will face their phone being confiscated. Cell phones will not be returned to the student until the end of the same day. Students will receive a written warning and the parents will be notified. At the next offense cell phone will be confiscated, parent will have to pick it up at the close of the day. A third offense will result in a suspension/or loss of being able to bring cell phone to school.
  4. IPods, electronic games and all other electronic devices should not be brought to school unless given permission by the teacher for special use. The same discipline procedures will apply to electronics devices.

SCA will not be responsible for lost or stolen cell phone/electronic devices. We greatly appreciate your attention to this matter as we strive for educational excellence.

WHAT IS CYBERBULLYING?

Cyberbullying is bulling that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites.

Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.

WHY CYBERBULLYING IS DIFFERENT?

Students who are being cyberbullied are often bullied in person as well. Additionally, students who are cyberbullied have a hard time getting away from the behavior.

  • Cyberbullying can happen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and reach a student even when he or she is alone. It can happen any time of the day or night.
  • Cyberbullying messages and images can be posted anonymously and distributed quickly to a very wide audience. It can be difficult and sometimes impossible to trace the source.
  • Deleting inappropriate or harassing messages, texts, and pictures is extremely difficult after they have been posted or sent.

Please take note cyberbullying will not be tolerated if it affects the educational process of SCA.

Cyberbullying may result in expulsion.

CLASSROOM STANDARDS

It is the responsibility of the student to respect the teacher’s authority and decisions at all times. Respect for authority is required regardless of whether or not the student agrees with the teacher’s decision or instructions. The teacher is solely responsible for conducting the class – not the pupil!

  • Students must be prepared and ready for class work by having all needed supplies on hand in the classroom.
  • Students are not to disturb other classes in session.
  • The teacher dismisses students after the bell has rung.
  • Students are not to bring toys to school, except for special classroom projects and occasions

HARASSMENT POLICY

In accordance with federal and state laws and school policy, Sonshine Christian Academy WILL NOT TOLERATE HARASSMENT AGAINST ANY STAFF MEMBER OR STUDENT.

This policy prohibits harassment on the basis of sex, race, national origin, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation.  Harassment is defined as slurs, jokes, intimidation or any verbal or physical attack directed at someone’s sex, race, national origin, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation.

For purposes of implementation and enforcement of this policy, harassment shall be deemed to occur only when the alleged conduct is so severe, persistent or pervasive, that it materially and adversely affects a student’s ability to benefit from an educational program or activity, or creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile or abusive educational or employment environment.

ALL students will be told to keep their hands, feet and mouths to themselves.  If this simple rule is followed, there should not be a danger of harassment charges being brought forth against your children.

Keeping ones mouth to themselves includes touching someone else with the mouth or saying things to people that can be defined as slurs, jokes, intimidation or any verbal attack directed at an individuals race, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation.  Please remind your children to follow the rules and stay out of trouble.  Thank you for your cooperation with this matter.

INFRACTIONS

A conference between the student and teacher, Dean of Students or Principal will handle infractions of the discipline and/or dress codes. A written report, letter, or phone call will be directed to the parents. Parents may be asked to come to school for a conference. All such infractions will be documented and where a pattern of infractions are identified, additional disciplinary action will be imposed.

Students and parents are expected to support the spirit and intent of SCA disciplinary and dress codes rather than just the letter of such codes. Students and/or parents of SCA students who are unwilling to accept and support these higher standards of conduct should find other educational institutions suitable to their life-styles. To reiterate, the opportunity to attend Sonshine Christian Academy is a privilege. 

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

While it is our goal to focus on the student success plan and SCA guidelines, there are times when we need to help students solve problems, make better decisions, improve academic excellence, and/or be more respectful.  Our first and foremost goal is to make sure that each child is safe and has access to a positive learning environment.  Therefore, it is sometimes necessary to use the discipline procedures to help redirect behavior to keep the student and our school safe.  The following describes the LEVELS I, II, and III offenses.  PLEASE NOTE THAT HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, AND BULLYING ARE AGAINST THE LAW AND HAS MORE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES.

LEVEL 1:  Minor Offenses

The staff deals with minor offenses when they occur.  When dealing with minor offenses, staff members attempt to make it a teachable moment, to help the student become more successful.  A behavior referral form may be initiated for minor offenses.

  • Class Disruption/Interference
  • Out of Class Disruption
  • Defiance
  • Profanity
  • Truancy
  • Tardiness/Absences
  • Cheating
  • Theft
  • Inappropriate Use of Technology
  • Physical Aggression (Shoving, Pushing, Kicking, Spitting)

The staff deals with minor offenses as they occur.  We will attempt to help the child or children problem solve and resolve conflicts.

LEVEL 2:  Major Offenses

  • Defiance
  • Truancy
  • Fighting
  • Detention Refusal
  • Theft
  • Alcohol/Tobacco
  • Vandalism
  • Drugs
  • Assault
  • Weapons
  • Gang Activity
  • Inappropriate Use of Technology
  • Physical Aggression (Shoving, Pushing, Kicking, Spitting)

The Dean of Students/Principal deals with severe offenses as they occur.  Habitual infractions lead to further intervention and more severe consequences.  Severe offenses affect the safety and welfare of student and staff and cause a disruption the educational process.  A behavioral referral form will be initiated for severe offenses.

LEVEL 3:  HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, BULLYING

SCA is firmly committed to having a positive educational and work environment that encourages respect, dignity, and equality for students, patrons, parents/guardians, applicants, volunteers, contractors, and employees.  We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying in SCA’s education or working environment, regardless of whether the discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying is based on conduct that is adult to student, student to adult, student to student, adult to adult, male to female, female to male, male to male, or female to female.

Discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender/sex, age sexual orientation, or disability are prohibited.  Harassment includes: a) hostile work or educational environment, b) sexual harassment, c) malicious harassment, and d) intimidation, or bullying.

Hostile environment includes the following conduct, if the conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s educational or work environment through unwelcome or uninvited sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, unwanted derogatory comments, slurs, jokes, cartoons, pictures, gestures, innuendos, and other unwelcome or uninvited verbal or physical conduct of a sexual orientation, or disability.

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome or uninvited sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexual comments, cartoons, innuendos, and other unwelcome or uninvited verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature if (1) submission to the conduct is made a term or condition, implied or explicitly, of obtaining an education or employment; or (2) submission to or rejection of that conduct by an individual is used as a factor in decisions affecting that individual’s education or employment.

LEVEL 3:  HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, BULLYING (Continued)

Malicious harassment includes malicious and intentional conduct based on a person’s perception of another’s race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability that:  1) causes physical injury; or 2) causes physical damage to or destruction of property; or 3) threatens a person or group of persons and places the person(s) in reasonable fear of harm.  Words alone do not constitute malicious harassment unless the context surrounding the words indicates that the words are a threat.

Intimidation, and bullying means any intentional written, verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to being shown to be motivated by any characteristic, (race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender sexual orientation, or mental or physical disability), or other distinguishing characteristics, when the intentional written, verbal, or physical act:  1) physically harms a student or damages the student’s  property; or 2) has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; or 3) is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or 4) has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

Reprisal, retaliation, or false accusations against anyone reporting or thought to have reported discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying is substantiated.  False accusations are prohibited and will be treated as a serious violation of this policy.   Classroom teachers will provide and complete initial training about discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying annually, or as directed by Principal. The teacher, Dean of students, or principal may deal with harassment, intimidation, bullying offenses as they occur.  Habitual infractions lead to further interventions and mire severe consequences.  Harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying offenses affect the safety and welfare of student and staff and cause disruption to the educational process.  An infraction sheet will be initiated for harassment, intimidation, and/ or bullying offenses.

CONSEQUENCES:

Level 1:

  • Written referral
  • Saturday School
  • Detention
  • Task Incentive
  • Student Discipline Essay
  • Parent/Child Teacher Meeting
  • Classroom Loss of Privileges
  • Verbal Warning
  • CONSEQUENCES:  Level 1 (Continued)
  • Telephone call Home
  • Email Home
  • Written Letter of Apology
  • Apology Classmates
  • Counseling

Level 2:

  • Written Referral
  • Short-Term Suspension
  • Long-Term Suspension
  • Expulsion
  • Emergency Expulsion
  • Law Enforcement Referral
  • Counseling/Child Welfare Referral
  • Interagency/Intervention Referral

Level 3:

  • Short-Term Suspension
  • Long-Term Suspension
  • Expulsion
  • Emergency Expulsion
  • Law Enforcement Referral/Report
  • Behavioral Referral Forms

Behavioral referral forms may be issued for Levels I, II, and III offenses.  Parent contact will be made by phone if necessary.  School personnel will disburse copies describing the offense.  Behavior referral forms must be returned the next day, otherwise, students may receive additional consequences.  Conferences may be scheduled with parent, teacher/specialist, student, Dean of students, and/or principal. Behavior plan contracts, interventions referrals, student/teacher/parent assistance team meetings, counseling, or legal actions may initiated 

Conduct Grading

Each grading period, students will be graded in conduct. The highest possible conduct grade is 100%.  The minimum satisfactory grade is 70%.  The following will be enforced:

  • Student receiving a grade below 70% will be given a warning 1st.
  • Student receiving two consecutive conduct grades below 70% will warrant a parent conference.
  • A student is not eligible for Honor Roll if conduct grade is below 80%.
  • A student can not participate in athletic programs if conduct grade is below 70%.
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