SCHOOL HANDBOOK

Tardies: All tardies over fifteen minutes to a class will= be considered an absence in that class. Every third tardy results in a daily workcrew. Tardies are not carried over to the next nine-week grading period. Persistent tardiness will be handled by the teacher. If the pattern does not change, the student will be referred to the administration for appropriate measures to be taken.

Late Stay

There is no structured after-school program for grades nine through twelve. Students= are restricted from the upstairs and hallways after 4:15. Students must get the= ir books by 4:15. If they must stay, then they are expected to conduct themsel= ves in accordance with school rules and regulations. We cannot be held responsible for situations developing after school hours on school property. Please pick your child up after school as soon as possible.

AUTOMOBILES ON CAMPUS =

Anyone driving on campus must drive carefully. Students or visitors driving recklessly, may have their privilege to drive on campus rescinded. Upon arr= ival to school, the student is not to return to the car until dismissal. Students must park in specified areas. Parking around the perimeter of the building = is reserved for faculty and visitors. Parents of both driver and passengers mu= st provide written permission before students may transport other students.

BETA CLUB

Members of the Beta Club are selected on the basis of attitude and involvement at school, and community service (some students may have limited community service, and this will be taken into consideration). Members are chosen by a committee = and must maintain a 3.0 grade-point average.&n= bsp; There is a one time fee of $13 for inductees. There are two community services required per school year.

BOOK BAGS

Book bags may be used to transport books and clothes to school for school use, b= ut they must be small enough to be stored in the student's locker. No exceptions! Athletic bags will not be stored b= y the school and must be stored in the student's locker.

BUILDING AND GROUNDS

All students are expected to use the facilities carefully. Abuse of any buildin= g, its equipment, or its furniture will require repair at offender's cost.

CELL PHONES

If cell phones are brought to school, they MUST be turned off and left in the stude= nt’s locker for the entire day. Any communication should be conducted through the office during the school day.=

COLLEGE CREDIT

Grace offers qualifying students the opportunity to graduate with twenty-six hour= s of college credit through the joint enrollment program. Eligibility for this program requires acceptance and enrollment at Chattanooga State, an ACT sco= re of 19 or above, and a GPA of 3.0 or above. See Academics.=

COLLEGE DAYS

Seniors are allowed 2 excused absences during the school year to visit prospective colleges. Prior approval must= be obtained through the guidance office and all college days must be taken bef= ore May 1^st.

COMPLAINT PROCEDURE =

Matthew 18:15-16 gives us a clear model of how we should handle complaints, conflic= ts or disagreements. "If your brother sins against you, go and show him h= is fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so t= hat every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." It is our intention to be a support to the home. However, = in any organization there are always going to be disagreements and misunderstandings. If an apparent conflict arises, the parent should contact the teacher or staff member involved. If the problem remains unresolved, on= ly then should the principal be contacted. It is amazing how quickly things can become clear or resolved when the people directly involved are contacted. We welcome parent input through appropriate channels.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

Corporal punishment is not used on the middle/high school level.

DATING

Dating on the middle school level is not permitted at school functions. Girls and = boys may socialize together, but not in a dating capacity. During the middle sch= ool years it is important to have fun as a group and enjoy group activities rat= her than become serious with one particular person.

Senior high couples are to remain part of the total school program. Appropriate behavior is expected on campus and at school functions.

DISCIPLINE POLICIES

The basic approach to rules at Grace Baptist Academy is to trust students and to grant freedom to the greatest extent that student behavior will allow both individually and corporately. Rules at Grace Academy are used as tools to b= uild and instill responsibility. The ultimate goal, however, is that we follow t= he Biblical mandate, "Let everything be done decently and in order,"= I Cor. 14:40. The following guidelines are deemed necessary in providing a sa= fe and orderly learning environment and in establishing a spiritual climate wh= ere students make strong decisions to stand for Jesus Christ.=

We believe that a true relationship with Jesus Christ should change every area= of school life. It is our belief that disciplining and discipling are necessary for the physical, intellectual and spiritual growth of the students. We bel= ieve school discipline should be an extension of home discipline— complementing, reinforcing, and sustaining home training by providing an environment that consistently focuses on the biblical objectives of godline= ss.

Students must be willing:

CONSEQUENCES: The standard policy for handling this category of offenses may include a ve= rbal warning with an incident report written or may result in serving a daily workcrew and notification of parents by letter. Continual misconduct will result in a parent/school conference and/or possible suspension.=

D. Attitudes: A student who does = not want to be at Grace Academy or intentionally damages the reputation of the school may be asked to seek his/her education elsewhere.<= /p>

DISCOVERY PROGRAM

The Discovery Program, affiliated with the National Institute for Learning Disabilities (NILD), is provided to meet the needs of our students with learning differences. Students meet individually with an educational therap= ist who designs a program to remediate their particular needs. The therapists a= nd classroom teachers work together to develop strategies that will enable gre= ater success with regular academic classes.

Limited openings are available each year. Students are admitted to the Discovery Program only after completion of initial testing battery. There is an annual fee above the regular tuition.

DRESS CODES

Uniforms are required for all Grace Academy students and must be purchased at the sc= hool approved uniform store. All clothing is to fit properly and modestly. Girl's skirts need to be knee length.

Modest slacks or loose-fitting jeans are acceptable dress for supervised functions after school hours. Shorts worn for after school activities should be walki= ng shorts that are longer than finger tip length when arms are down at side= s. Shorts for participation in athlet= ic practices are to be P.E. shorts or team-issued shorts.

Shirts should be tucked in at all times. Socks must be worn at all times. Hats are= to be taken off indoors at all times.

All outer wear worn during the school day must be part of the official uniform.=

Each year a sheet with the required items for uniform dress will be provided.

The boys' haircuts are to be neat and trim. The hair should be off the collar in the back, a= bove the eyebrows in the front, and off the ears on the sides. Hair should have a neat tapered appearance and not have long curls behind the ears or the nape= of the neck. Boys are to be clean shaven. Earrings are not allowed to be worn = on any part of the anatomy.

The dress and appearance regulations are not designed as a test of spirituality, but are guidelines that we believe are essential in effecting proper educat= ion and building Christian character. No radical fashions will be allowed.=

Casual days may be announced periodically. The dress for casual days is not intend= ed to be sloppy, but to give the students an opportunity to have a relaxed dre= ss day. Ragged clothes or tight fitting clothing is not acceptable.=

Appropriate attire for events such as Jr./Sr. Banquet, Sports Picnic, etc. will be communicated to the students from the principal’s office.

DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS <= /span>

Violation consequences: = ;

1. = Student warned and corrections made.

1. &nbs= p; No deduction= s will be allowed for absences from school.

2. &nbs= p; LATE CHARGES: Monthly payments received after the tenth of each month will be charged a $= 10 late fee.

3. &nbs= p; NO REFUNDS: = All fees and tuition payments are non-refundable. The exception is for a parent moving out of the community or a student asked to withdraw.

4. &nbs= p; There will b= e a charge of $10 for any check returned due to insufficient funds. The parents must come to school and pay cash, cashier's check, or money order to make up for a returned check.

5. &nbs= p; In case of a student's withdrawal from school, all payments must be made through the calendar month.

6. &nbs= p; Final averag= es are not recorded and transcripts reflect incompletes for the semester or school year until the entire school bill is paid in full.

7. &nbs= p; Accounts six= ty days in arrears are brought before the full school board for appropriate action.

A separate sheet is provided each year to explain charges made for both tuiti= on and fees. That itemized list is available upon request in the school office= .

GRADING SCALE

A+ =3D 99-100 B+ =3D 91-= 92 C+ =3D 83-84 D+ =3D 75-76 F =3D 69 & below

A =3D 95-98 B =3D 87-90 C =3D 79-82 D =3D 72-74

A– =3D 93-94 &nb= sp; B– =3D 85-86 C– =3D 77-78 D– =3D 70-71

GRADUATION POLICY

Students who do not meet all academic requirements to obtain a diploma must meet the following criteria in order to walk during the graduation ceremony:

1. &nbs= p; The student = must be missing no more than 1/2 credit for graduation.

2. &nbs= p; The student = must be enrolled in Grace's Summer School to complete the missing 1/2 credit.

3. &nbs= p; The student = must have paid all of the Summer School fees.

4. &nbs= p; The student = must have had a grade of 60% or better for the 1/2 credit in question.

There is a graduation fee required for graduates.

GUIDANCE SERVICES <= /p>

The guidance counselor and teachers are here to provide students with spiritual counseling in finding God's plan for their lives, in developing appropriate life goals, and dealing with personal problems. In addition, the guidance counselor organizes and maintains cumulative records and transcripts, and k= eeps students, parents, and faculty informed of student progress. Another service provided is assisting students in scheduling classes and preparing for graduation. The guidance counselor is also responsible to gather, dissemina= te, and assist in understanding information about all aspects of post-secondary education. Further, the guidance counselor organizes, administers, and interprets a comprehensive testing program, including I.Q., achievement, vocational aptitude, and vocational interest tests. Last, the guidance counselor encourages close communication between home and school and provid= es parent/teacher conferences as the need arises.

HARASSMENT

John 13:35 says, "By this shall men know that ye are my disciples, if you h= ave love one to another." It is our goal to have an environment where individuals can blossom free from harassment. We have zero tolerance for the harassment of students, teachers, or staff members. Racial, sexual, emotion= al or any other type of harassment will not be tolerated. See Discipline Polic= ies.

HEADPHONES

Headphones are not to be brought to school or used on the school campus. They are also not allowed for field trips or athletic trips.

HOMEWORK

Homework is a vital part of education. Students will be given the opportunity to enh= ance their learning through homework. We believe that regular church attendance = is a valuable and necessary part of a child's training. Homework will normally n= ot be assigned on Wednesday night. High school dual enrollment classes may req= uire some homework on church nights. Parents of students who are out of school f= or a prolonged period of time should call fellow students, the office, or teache= rs to get homework assignments. Zeros are given for work not turned in or made= up.

HONOR CODE

Students are required to sign an honor code, which states: "On my honor I have neither given nor received help on this test or assignment.

HONOR ROLL:

An honor roll is compiled after each grading period and is determined by the followi= ng qualifications for academic subjects.

A Honor Roll - All grades must be As

A/B= Honor Roll - All grades must average B with no Ds or Fs

"Incompletes" on a report card, not made up by the time the honor roll list is determined, will disqualify the student from the honor roll for that grading period.

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD SUCCEED IN SCHOOL

1. &nbs= p; Have an enthusiastic attitude towards school work. Teach your child to be positive about learning.

2. &nbs= p; Provide your= child with a suitable learning environment. This includes a quiet, well-lit place= to study and proper tools, such as pencils, pen, paper, books, and dictionary.=

3. &nbs= p; Be sure your schedule includes sufficient time for study. Proper rest is also very important.

4. &nbs= p; Be consisten= t in holding your child accountable for their responsibilities. Good discipline originates in the home.

5. &nbs= p; Arrange for = prompt and regular school attendance and encourage full compliance with school procedures. Recognize the teacher represents the parent while the child is = at school.

ILLNESSES

Students needing to take medicine during the school day must have a written note from their doctor and a clearly marked prescription on the medicine bottle to be kept with our school nurse. Since the Health Department does not allow us to refrigerate medication, please do not send those needing refrigeration to school. Permission to give Tylenol may be noted on the Student Information Card. Tylenol will be availab= le only in the school office for emergency situations.

INCOMPLETES

Incompletes are occasionally issued on a report card due to missed work. If an incomple= te is issued on a report card, it must be made up before the end of the next grading period. The missing work should be completed in a timely fashion. W= ork which remains unfinished at the end of the next grading period will be give= n a zero. Any exceptions to this policy will be considered by the academic committee.

LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS

Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds without written permission un= less accompanied by parent or parent-approved individual. Parents or guardians m= ust sign the "sign-out" sheet before the child leaves school. Upon the student's return, he/she must report to the office. Permission to leave = will be granted only for doctor/dental appointments or emergencies. The Favo= rite Market and Golden Gallon are off limits before and during school hours and = are off limits to middle school students before and after school.

Parents may take their children to lunch off campus, but must have them back by the time their next class resumes or they will be considered absent. This rule = will also apply to chapel on Thursdays. Chapel is required.

LIBRARY

Books may be checked out for one week. Overdue charge is five cents per school da= y. Students will also be charged for damaging or losing a book. While a student owes money to the library, he will not be permitted to check out books. Students will be held responsible for books until they are returned to the library. Books are considered lost after four weeks, and in such cases the librarian will notify the office to add the cost of the book to the student account. The cost of any lost book found and returned during the school year will be credited to the student's account.

LOCKERS

Each student will be assigned locker space. Locks will be issued by the school, = and made available through the high school office. Lock combinations should not be sh= ared with other students. Student should use their locks! All locker decorations must be approved by the student's homeroom teacher. Nothing is to be placed= on the outside of lockers. The administration retains the right to inspect loc= kers at any time. Personally owned locks are not allowed. Any locker changes must be made th= rough the office.

LOST AND FOUND<= /p>

Items misplaced (lost) at school are placed in Lost and Found. Lost and Found ite= ms may be redeemed for a fee. Monies are used by the organization operating th= e Lost and Found. After a period of time, Lost and Found materials are disposed of= in appropriate ways.

LUNCHES

Hot meals, chips, ice cream, and assorted drinks will be available for purchase. Students who bring sack lunches may also purchase milk or other refreshment= s.

The lunch program is a service to the students; therefore, the school will not tolerate any misconduct in the lunchroom. Cutting in line is not allowed. At dismissal time, each student will be responsible to see that his/her lunch = area is clean. No student will be dismissed until the area is inspected. Grades = six -eleven must eat their lunches in the lunchroom.

MENTORING PROGRAM

All students in Middle School and High School are required to have a mentor to = aid each student with spiritual growth and accountability. Requirements and guidelines for th= is program will be given out through the Bible classes.

MUSIC PROGRAM

Private instruction is available for students on piano, brass, woodwinds, and percussion. Students contract with the designated teacher for fifteen thirty-minute lessons per semester. The tuition for the semester is $195. T= his can be divided into monthly payments and added to the student's school bill. All band members are urged to take private instruction. <= /p>

GA Varsity Band

The Varsity Band is available to students in grades nine - twelve. Younger stud= ents may be placed in Varsity Band at the discretion of the director. Placement = in the band is accomplished by auditions.&nbs= p; Attendance and promptness to all rehearsals are required.

*All performances are required. =

MUSIC STANDARD <= /p>

It is the desire of this ministry that the music listened to by our students have= a positive impact on their lives and draw them closer to the Lord. We also do= not want to offend other children of God or cause someone else to stumble as a result of our choice of music. With that in mind, we feel compelled as a sc= hool to provide some direction. Rather than dealing with particular styles of mu= sic, we determine that music on our campus and at functions involving our studen= ts be Christ honoring in its lyrics, that the musical arrangement enhance the message rather than detract, and finally that the lifestyle of the performe= rs enhance the faith we hold essential.

Paul stated well in Philippians 4:8; "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things = are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

It is our conviction that the popular dance forms of today do not contribute to a pure and wholesome lifestyle. The bodily movements and physical contact pro= mote activity we certainly cannot condone. Therefore, dancing on our campus or dances sponsored for our students will not be acceptable.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Members of the National Honor Society are selected on the basis of scholarship, character, service, and leadership. Members are chosen by a scholarship committee and new inductees must maintain a 3.4 grade-point average or abov= e. A student may be dropped from membership if he/she fails to maintain all of t= he required qualifications. Students already inducted from a previous school a= re automatically members of our school chapter.

OFFICES

The school office, out of necessity, becomes a hub of school-related activities. Parents are always welcome to come by the office and may have the office secretary communicate with their student(s) in emergency situations. We ask that parents come to the office before visiting any classroom.

Books, homework, lunches, and other items may be left in the school office to be delivered to a student. In situations where a change in transportation is involved, please contact the office by 2:00 p.m. or as early as possible. Students should come by the school office for business purposes only. =

ORIENTATION

Prior to the opening of school each fall, we hold a parent orientation. Because we t= hink this session is essential for proper school/home relationships, attendan= ce is required. Parents unable to attend must contact the school to set up= an alternate meeting.

PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS

Boosters

The Boosters are composed of parents interested in the sports program of the sc= hool. Both the Boosters and the VIPs choose projects which will support the schoo= l's overall operation.

&= nbsp; &nbs= p; =

VIPS

The VIPs is a group of mothers who meet monthly to plan fundraisers for their yearly projects. Fundraisers include a booth at the Fall Festival, Christmas Craft Shop, a garage sale and the weekly bake sales.

Moms In Touch International

Moms In Touch International is a group of mothers who meet to intercede for our children through prayer, and to pray that our schools may be guided by bibl= ical values and moral standards.

PARENT PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENT

In effort to keep tuition costs from going any higher, and to gain valuable pa= rent involvement, parent participation is required. All families are asked to gi= ve either five hours of their time or $50.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

Grace Academy teachers are encouraged to keep close contact with parents regarding the academic, social, and spiritual growth of each student under their care= . To facilitate this contact, parent-teacher conferences may be set up throughout the school year. If this time is not adequate, a private conference may be scheduled by the parent or teacher.

At any time in a grading period a teacher may submit a Concern Sheet Report on students expressing their concern over a student's attitude or conduct. If = more than one teacher submits a Concern Sheet in a given grading period, all teachers will be polled to determine if special counsel or help is needed. = The head of discipline or the guidance counselor will arrange a parent/student/school conference. At the conference the concerns and expect= ations will be communicated. Please = feel free to make special appointments after school with your student 's teacher= .

PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION

Parent-Teacher Organization meetings are considered an important part of the education of = your student(s). The meetings develop a rapport between student, parent and teac= her. In some programs the students will perform for the parents and demonstrate = what is being done in the classroom.

On other occasions special speakers and parent-oriented lectures will be scheduled to help in the important task of child training and development.

The PTO dates will be available the beginning of each new year. Because proper education demands a great deal of time, please mark your calendar and put f= orth the needed time. Each year officers will be elected by the PTO. A member wi= ll also be elected to represent the PTO on the school board.

PARTY POLICY

Parents are reminded that they will be informed of official school activities throu= gh official school channels. For the protection of their student(s), parents should inquire carefully into other non-school functions and the individuals responsible before allowing their student(s) to attend.

All parties taking place after a major school function need to be approved by t= he administration.

REGISTRATION/SCHEDULING OF COURSES

Registration for courses by returning students is completed by the end of the school yea= r. When space is limited, student placement in a course will be based on the o= rder of payment of the registration fee.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards are mailed home to provide the parent with an accurate indication of = the progress made by each student. The academic grade reflects the actual work = done on homework, quizzes, projects, and examinations.

Grace Notes

Grace Notes (progress reports) are mailed home about halfway through each nine- w= eeks grading period. Any grade of C- or below will be listed on this report. Par= ents may call teachers or the guidance counselor to make inquiries regarding the= se grades and/or to request a conference with teachers to further discuss student's progress.

RESIDENCE

A student must reside with his/her parent or legal guardian unless special arrangements, due to extenuating circumstances, have been made between the legal guardian and the school administration.

RETREAT

Each fall at the beginning of the school year, a school retreat will be planned.= The program is designed for faculty and students to get acquainted in a friendl= y, spiritual atmosphere. Many barriers between students and teachers can be br= oken down as they get to know each other in a non-academic surrounding. Spiritua= l, social, and physical needs are the focal point of this retreat. Attendan= ce at the retreat is required. Any absence must have written approval from= the administration prior to the retreat.

RULES AND PROCEDURES

School-wide Rules and Procedures

A. &nbs= p; Students mus= t at all times show respect to their teachers and their peers.=

B. &nbs= p; Students mus= t refrain from any behavior, verbally or physically, that might disrupt instruction. =

C. &nbs= p; Students mus= t keep their hands to themselves.

In addition to the above guidelines each teacher is responsible for establishi= ng, communicating, and enforcing the classroom regulations and procedures they = deem necessary.

CONSEQUENCES: Teachers will develop and post their own system of discipline or other penalties. They may also assign daily workcrews, remove students from the class, or refer students to the person designated by the principal. The gen= eral procedure is for teachers, on the second offense, to have a conference with= the offending student. A phone call may then be made to parents. Further violat= ions may require further action and a parent conference at school to regain admittance to the class.

STUDY HALL

Study hall is an important part of the school day and students must use time wise= ly. Students are to come to study hall with study materials and are to be activ= ely studying.

TESTING

Grace Academy has a program of testing designed to measure the students' abilities and progress. The results of the testing are used to aid the teachers and administration in improving the curriculum. Students in all grades are given achievement tests in the spring of each year to measure their progress in reading, English, math, science, and social studies. Grace Academy uses the= new Stanford Achievement Tests.

In addition to the achievement tests, students in grades four , seven, and ten= are given the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test. This test provides us with a sch= ool ability index that is compared to higher achievement score.

Tenth graders will take the PLAN (a preliminary ACT) and eleventh graders will ta= ke the PSAT (a preliminary SAT). ACT and SAT packets and information will be g= iven to juniors and seniors for national testing.

TEXTBOOKS

Textbooks are provided for the students by the school. The books are numbered and classified according to wear. The book rental fee does not produce enough capital to replace each book each year. Therefore, each book should be cove= red by the student. Book covers are NOT to be taped to the inside of the book. Contact paper is not to be used to cover a book. Damaged or lost books must= be paid for by the student.

VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN =

These honors are limited to students who have attended Grace Academy for at least= two years of their high school careers. These honors are determined after first semester of the Senior year.

VISITORS

All non-students on campus must have prior administrative approval and must obt= ain a visitor's pass from the school office. Visitor's dress and appearance must meet regular school standards. We restrict visiting to those considering our school for future enrollment.

VOLUNTEERS

We are always in need of parents and grandparents who will volunteer their time in numerous areas, such as teacher aides, helping stuff envelopes, work projec= ts related to the school grounds, and fundraisers. Please let the offices know= if you can be of help.

WEATHER POLICY

Our area TV stations and WMBW radio will announce our school closing. The phone numb= er is #209-1100. Our box number is #7025.

WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURE<= /p>

Since the number permitted in a class is tightly controlled and one student's admission will undoubtedly preclude someone else from attending, parents enrolling a student in Grace Academy must sign a contract accepting financi= al responsibility for the year and are responsible for the tuition through the last month their child is enrolled.

Parents wishing to withdraw their student(s) from school must come by the office to sign dismissal forms. The office will send transcripts to the new school al= ong with other permanent information only after all rental books and other obligations are taken care of, the withdrawal form for grades six-twelve has been signed, all textbooks turned in, locker cleaned, and the lock returned= .

Please give as much withdrawal notice as possible so that those on waiting lists m= ay be notified of the upcoming opening.

Any student dismissed from school for disciplinary reasons will not be eligible= to re-enroll until the following year and only after meeting with and receivin= g a positive recommendation from the principal and supervisor where they last attended.

&= nbsp;

&= nbsp; When you work with the large number of students and parents that we have at Grace Baptist Academy, you can count on different opinions at times. Yet, every family and organization= must have rules and standards to give order to their world. We expect students and families to= be in line with our mission as a school, and to abide by the policies set forth by our school board and administration, in attitude as well as action. While there are times we can agree= to disagree, it is not healthy for the student, family, or our school to have = an atmosphere of conflict. It is= a privilege, not a right to be a part of the Grace Academy family. If the school deems it necessary, = it can and will remove students, or students who have parents which do not support= the school can and will also be removed. Parental support is crucial in accomplishing the ministry of Grace Baptist Academy.