PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

AT-WILL STATEMENT

The following policies and procedures cover a broad range of topics.  They are not intended to create a contract, nor are they to be construed to constitute a contract, expressed or implied, between Pike Christian Academy and any of its employees.  It is to be clearly understood that Pike Christian Academy is an “at-will” employer and any employee may be terminated at any time, with or without cause.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

The following policies also represent the most recent expression of the school board of Pike Christian Academy in order to provide for equitable and consistent treatment of employees.  To assure that Pike Christian Academy achieves and maintains the purpose of this policy manual and to assure the organization’s continued ability to meet its needs and those of its employees under changing conditions, Pike Christian Academy reserves the right to modify, augment, suspend, or revoke any and all policies, procedures, practices and statements in this manual at any time.

NON-DISCRIMINATION

“The governing board of the Pike Christian Academy school located at 400 Clough St in Waverly, Ohio, 45690 has adopted the following racial nondiscriminatory policies.”

“The Pike Christian Academy school recruits and admits students of any race, color or ethnic origin to all its rights, privileges, programs and activities.  In addition, the school will not discriminate on the basis of race, color or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational programs and athletics/extracurricular activities.  Furthermore, the school is not intended to be an alternative to court or administrative agency ordered, or public school district initiated desegregation.”

“The Pike Christian Academy school will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or ethnic origin in the hiring of its certified or non-certified personnel.”

DEFINITIONS

The terms for employee TYPE shall be interpreted as follows:

REGULAR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES:

                        Are those employees who work the customary number of hours weekly (at least 30 hours) and who maintain continuous regular employment status.  Under special conditions (illness, etc.), a full-time employee may work less than 30 hours weekly for a specified short term (3 month maximum) without losing full-time employee benefits.       

REGULAR PART-TIME EMPLOYEES:

                        Are those employees who work less than the customary number of full-time hours weekly (30 hours).          

2

EXEMPT EMPLOYEES:

                        Are those employees who are paid a fixed salary on a weekly, monthly, or annual basis rather than an hourly wage and meets the criteria for exclusion from the wage and hour laws (e.g., administrative or professional).  An exempt employee does not receive overtime for hours worked over 40 hours per week.

ADMINISTRATOR JOB DESCRIPTION

The overall responsibility of the school administrator is to provide leadership for Pike Christian Academy in accordance with the mission, philosophy, policies, and procedures adopted by the school board.  Although it is difficult to create a comprehensive list of the administrator’s activities, some specific responsibilities of the administrator are listed below.  They reflect the fact that the administrator oversees all the personnel, students, academic, and financial affairs of the school, preschool, and latchkey programs, as well as cooperating with the school board to provide vision, guidance, and public relations for Pike Christian Academy.

            Activities relating to personnel include:

1.  Supervise all staff, enforcing guidelines in the employee handbook, contracts, and job descriptions.

2.     Manage personnel affairs including securing staff, developing contracts and job descriptions as needed, evaluating performance, and recommending continuance, dismissal, or discipline of staff.

3.     Meet regularly with staff to ensure coordination of programs and quick problem resolution.  Plan and lead staff meetings as needed.  Plan and lead pre- and post-school year teacher orientation and debriefing sessions.

4.     Oversee the carrying out of the assigned curriculum at each grade level and provide for the review of curriculums each year or more frequently as needed.

5.     Provide for staff development through ACSI Teacher’s Conventions, teacher in-services, and other opportunities as deemed necessary or appropriate.

6.     Develop a list of qualified substitute teachers and procure suitable replacements for teachers when they are absent.

7.     Oversee and participate in regularly scheduled staff devotional time.

Responsibilities relating to students and PCA families include:

1.     Assist in establishing and implementing procedures for the admission of students, including interviewing parents, arranging student placement exams, consulting with teachers as to appropriate grade placement, and providing school tours.  Make the final decision on admission or non-admission of students.

2.     Supervise all students in academic and disciplinary areas.  Enforce all guidelines and policies, and follow procedures as outlined by the school board.

3.     Conduct exit interviews whenever a student is withdrawn from PCA.  Record reason for withdrawal in the student’s file.

3

Responsibilities relating to financial affairs include:

1.     Maintain an awareness of the school’s financial condition, and be a good steward of the school’s finances.

2.     Enforce financial policies, especially regarding delinquent tuition.

3.     Authorize all purchase orders.

4.     Coordinate and oversee use of auxiliary funds.

5.     Coordinate the school’s participation in the state Administrative Cost Reimbursement Program.

6.     Purchase all curriculum needed by teachers, based on their inventory and requests. Purchase all other school supplies and equipment, with the exception of cleaning, maintenance and office supplies.

Responsibilities relating to the school board include:

1.     Attend all school board meetings.

2.     Submit a written monthly report to the board briefly covering the school’s financial condition, enrollment, activities, and any issues that need to be brought to the attention of the board.

3.     Facilitate the work of the Board and PCA administration by the submission of requested reports, documents, suggested polices, etc. for the operation of PCA.

4.     Notify the board promptly of any situation that could cause great concern or needs immediate attention.

Other responsibilities of the administrator include:

1.     Develop and maintain an effective student recruitment program.

2.     Provide long range planning.  Develop yearly calendars and maintain schedule of all school events.

3.   Prepare schedules for all teachers and duties (i.e. recess, lunch, etc.)

            4.   Coordinate special events and oversee fundraising activities.

            5.   Coordinate activities of Parent-Teacher Fellowship.  Encourage parent                                 volunteer programs.

            6.   Authorize contracts to agencies or persons outside the school.

7.   Oversee the development and updating of school policy manuals for employees, parents and students.

8.   Coordinate the public relations programs of the school including development of brochures, contacts with media, parades, etc.                       

9.   Coordinate the special education services of PCA.

          10.   Attend fall and spring ACSI District Meetings, the ACSI Teacher’s Convention in the fall and the ACSI Administrator’s Conference in the spring, as well as other ACSI  training deemed necessary or appropriate.            

11.     Plan Closing Ceremonies, providing for the appropriate recognitions of students, staff, and volunteers.

12.     Attend extracurricular activities. Although attendance at every event is encouraged, in the case of extracurricular which occur frequently for a period of time (i.e. basketball, quiz bowl, etc.) attendance is not required at all such events, but at least at one of each team.

13.     Supervise latchkey program.

14.     Provide weekly chapels for each grade level (preschool, elementary, & middle school). 

15.     Establish communication methods necessary to keep faculty, students,  parents, and the Board informed of the school’s activities.

16.     Keep records of attendance of staff and students, injuries to students or staff,(including Bureau of Workers Compensation paperwork), and any other records required by State guidelines or the Board.

17.     Be sure all conditions are met to maintain necessary licenses – preschool, school chartering, and food services.

18.     Take care of (or make arrangements for the care of) maintenance, repairs and security needs.

19.     Maintain professional relationships with and among faculty, staff, the Board, parents, students, and the community.

20.     Develop and coordinate all athletic and other extracurricular programs of PCA.

21.     Oversee administration of annual standardized testing.

22.     Oversee the compilation of honor roll lists and forward to the local newspaper.

23.     Other duties as assigned by the board of PCA.

TEACHER JOB DESCRIPTION

1.     Teach subjects and classes as assigned using curriculum, supplementary materials, field trips, special guests, etc., to enhance them and integrating Biblical principles.

2.     Attend and participate in the following:

a.     Morning devotions.

b.     Teacher’s meetings.

c.     Evening programs if involving his or her students.

d.     ACSI Convention.

e.     Other events as assigned.

3.     Do recess, lunch, and other supervisory duties as scheduled.

4.     Complete paperwork including the following:

a.     Report cards (6 times per year-elementary: 4 times per year-middle school).

b.     Interim reports – middle school only, and by the request of the parent.

c.     Grade records for permanent file.

d.     Inventories of classroom equipment/supplies/books.

e.     Records of attendance.

f.      Administration and scoring of achievement (or Proficiency) test.

g.     Daily logs for Administrative Cost Reimbursement Program.

h.     Honor roll lists.

i.      Purchase orders for auxiliary funds requests, curriculum needs, and classroom supplies.

j.      Other paperwork as assigned or requested.

5.     Buildings/classroom cleaning and repair.

a.     Be responsible for daily tidying of classroom area.

b.     End-of-year cleaning of classroom area.

c.     Assist in overall cleanliness of facilities.

d.     Promptly report repair needs to the administration.

6.     Plan parties at designated holidays (elementary).

7.     Maintain proper classroom discipline according to established policies, and refer students to the administrator for additional discipline as indicated in discipline policy.

8.     Be available to any parents or students who wish to have a prearranged conference before or after school.

9.     Hold conferences with parents of each student twice yearly.

10.  Participate in weekly chapels (including conducting chapels as assigned).

11.  Maintain a close personal walk with the Lord.

12.  Observe the Matthew 18:15-17 principle in conflict resolution, avoiding a negative, critical spirit.

13.  Carry out any other specific duties as assigned.

14.  Serve the Lord with gladness, doing your work heartily as unto the Lord, rather than serving men.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

All employees are to be Godly examples to the students both in and out of school.  The following are examples of violations, which list is not all-inclusive, but to serve as examples only, which would be considered grounds for disciplinary measures up to and including dismissal:

1.     Drunkenness.

2.     Pre-marital or extra-marital affairs.

3.     Illegal drug use or trafficking of drugs.

4.     Participation in immoral acts such as but not limited to homosexuality, gambling, illegal operations.

5.     Practice of witchcraft or new age practices.

6.     Use of inappropriate language.

7.     Falsifying school records.

8.     Unauthorized use or removal of school property.

9.     Originating false statements or reports concerning the school or its associates.

10.  Physically or verbally abusing a student.

11.  Refusal to perform a job assignment that is not illegal, immoral, unethical or hazardous.

12.  Breech of confidentiality.

13.  Improper use of the Internet.

14.  Carrying any weapons.

15.  Physically fighting.

6

CONFIDENTIALITY

All employees will be exposed to circumstances that may require discussion of sensitive information.  Therefore, each employee is to refrain from discussing school matters or student situations with others outside of the family involved and/or school personnel involved.  Furthermore, at no time shall students of PCA be exposed to conversation or grades regarding another student, teacher, or family.

EMPLOYEE HOURS

                               Classroom teachers  7:45 a.m. –  3:20 p.m.

All staff is expected to report to devotions from 7:45 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.  Teachers are to be in their classrooms by 8:00 a.m.

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY

While it is expected that employees who are ill stay at home to recover, frequent absences and tardiness create a strain on others and can be detrimental to the classroom.  We depend on your being at work on time each day.  The employee should call the office as soon as he/she anticipates being late or unavailable for work.

PERSONAL/SICK DAYS

Full-time hourly (full-time is a minimum of 30 hours/week) and salary employees will receive 6 paid sick days and 3 paid personal days each school year.  Sick days not used can be carried over to the next school year but an employee can only accumulate a maximum of 12 sick days.  Unused personal days will be bought back by the school at the end of the school year for $45.00/day. Hourly employees may accumulate comp time that must be used during the same pay period or at least by the next pay period. Hourly employees attending field trips with their child, that attends PCA, are not required to use a personal day for that day missed.  They will be paid for their regular work hours for the day.  In addition to personal and sick days, all employees will be allowed up to 5 paid days off for jury duty each school year. (adopted 8/2007)

BENEFITS FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES

Full-time hourly employees receive 12 paid holidays (New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, 2 Days for Thanksgiving and 2 days for Christmas) per school year. If the school is in session on one of these paid holidays such as Columbus Day or Veterans Day, a paid holiday will be inserted elsewhere in the school calendar.  All full-time employees with receive ½ off of preschool or regular school tuition for their child attending PCA.

BENEFITS FOR PART-TIME EMPLOYEES

Employees averaging 10-19 hours a week are entitled to 2 sick days, 1 personal day, and 3 paid holidays throughout the school year.  Employees averaging 20-29 hours a week are entitled to 3 sick days, 2 personal days and 6 paid holidays throughout the school year. All part-time employees will receive a prorated discount on preschool or regular school tuition for their child attending PCA. This discount will be based on the average weekly hours worked by the employee.

OVERTIME PAY

All overtime must be approved by the administrator.

ACCIDENTAL AND LIFE INSURANCE

PCA pays for an accidental and life insurance policy for each full-time employee.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE

All PCA employees are expected to have good personal habits and to be well groomed. As Christian role models, our outer appearance should reflect a Christ-like lifestyle.  Thus, a teacher should never violate the student dress code while engaging in any school function.  In addition to those guidelines, teachers are held to an additional standard:  jeans are permitted only on special occasions as designated by the administrator, and shorts are not permitted. 

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Your attitude toward parents will often influence what they think about PCA.  Therefore, it is important that you always present a positive, caring, and professional Christian image. Please guard yourself against having conversations anywhere that might be overheard by others and give a negative impression of our school.

MEDICAL INSURANCE

PCA will pay $116.67/month ($1400.00/year) toward medical insurance for any employee.

WORKER’S COMPENSATION

If you are injured on the job, you may be eligible for worker’s compensation.  Please notify the administration immediately in writing if injured on the job.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Full-time employees are entitled to 50% off tuition for all legal dependents.  Part-time employees are entitled to a prorated discount based on the average number of hours worked.       

GRIEVANCE POLICY

Employees are expected to use the principles set forth in Matthew 18:15-16.  First, make personal contact with the school personnel to discuss the problem or concern.  If a resolution is not reached then, secondly, submit in writing the grievance to the Administrator with a copy to the other party involved.  The Administrator will schedule a conference no later than three working days after receipt of the statement of grievance.  If the grievance remains unresolved by the Administrator, the issue shall be referred to the School Board.  The School Board shall be the final authority for resolving the grievance situation.

8

TEACHER EVALUATION

Each teacher will receive at least one annual announced performance appraisal, and possibly one unannounced evaluation, which will become a part of his/her personnel file. 

EMPLOYEE HARASSMENT POLICY

This school is committed to maintaining a work environment in which all individuals treat each other with dignity and respect, and is free from all forms of intimidation, exploitation and harassment, including sexual harassment.  This school is prepared to take action to prevent and correct any violations of this policy.  Anyone who violates this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.

      A.  Definition of Harassment:

“Harassment” including “sexual harassment,” means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual  favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a nature that shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of his/her race, color, national origin,  gender, disability or age, made by someone from or in the work setting, under any of the following conditions:

1.     Submission to the conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a term or condition of an individual’s employment.

2.     Submission to, or reflection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis of employment decisions affecting the individual.

3.     The conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual’s work performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

4.     The conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance, or otherwise adversely affects an individual’s employment opportunities.

5.     Submission to, or rejection of,  the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding benefits and services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through this school.

     B.  Confidentiality:

Every effort will be made to protect the privacy of the parties involved in any complaint.  However, the school reserves the right to fully investigate every complaint and to notify appropriate government officials as the circumstances warrant.

     C.  Protection Against Retaliation:

It is against the school’s policy to discriminate or retaliate against any person who has filed a complaint concerning harassment or has testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in any investigation, proceeding, or hearing concerning harassment.

     D.  Procedure For Investigation of the Complaint and For Taking Corrective Action:

When the administrator receives a complaint, he or she will direct an investigation.  If the investigation confirms the allegations, prompt corrective actions shall be taken.  The individual who suffered the harassing conduct shall be informed of the corrective action taken.  In addition, any employee or student found to be responsible for harassment in violation of this policy would be subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination/expulsion.  The severity of the disciplinary action will be based upon the circumstances of the infraction.

CORRECTIVE/TERMINATION PROCEDURES

If an employee is not performing the given objectives of his/her position satisfactorily, the Administrator will adhere to the following procedure:

A.  First Session:

      The Administrator is to outline in writing the specific areas of concern.  These areas of concern will be discussed with the employee and an attempt will be made to discern the root attitudes or problems.  The Administrator will seek to scripturally counsel the employee accordingly.  The employee should be encouraged to respond from his perspective.  The employee and the Administrator will have a time of prayer together at the beginning and the end of the conference.  The employee has the right to request a third party, mutually agreed upon, to be present during the meeting.

Within three working days, the Administrator will summarize the content of the meeting to include:

1.     the specific concerns that need to be corrected;

2.     the root attitudes or problems discerned;

3.     the employee’s response to the conference; and

4.     the specific steps of action to correct each problem area (with follow-up dates if deemed necessary by the Administrator).

The conference summary is to be signed and dated by the Administrator and the employee.  A copy is to be given to the employee and a copy placed in the employee’s file.  An explanation of the purpose of the file is to be communicated to the employee.

B.  Second Session:

            The same procedure is to be followed as with the first session with five exceptions:

1.     The Administrator should preferably have a member of the school board attend the second conference.

2.     The employee and the Administrator should report on the progress they each feel has been made in following the steps of corrective actions outlined in Session One.

3.     Any new steps of action should also be documented at this time and the employee informed that failure to implement by (date) is cause for dismissal.

4.     Any item not mentioned in the first session will be discussed and a plan of action formulated.

5.     The school board member will be given a copy of the conference summary.

C.  Third Session:

            This is the termination session, whereby the employee is informed in writing that either his/her contract will not be renewed or that he/she will be dismissed immediately.  The employee would also be given a letter to:

1.     detail the reasons for the dismissal;

2.     summarize the content of prior conferences;

3.     review the steps of action not followed and problem areas not corrected; and

4.     state the school’s position relative to unemployment compensation.

The employee will be given a copy of the letter and receive an explanation as to how it will be used in future inquires.

This final session must include the Administrator and a school board member.

If this policy is being applied to correct/terminate the Administrator, the same procedures will be used, only the school board president will conduct the conferences, accompanied by a second school board member in the second and third sessions.

Right of Appeal:

An employee has the option, after his/her termination session, to appeal the Administrative decision directly to the school board, who will separately hear the employee’s and the Administrator’s positions, rendering a decision only upon a unanimous vote.

                                                                                                                                  Adopted 12/2005

CLASSROOM POLICIES

DISCIPLINE POLICY

It is our desire to teach children to take responsibility for their own actions and to understand that there are consequences to every action, whether good or bad, and it is important to make good choices in life.  Most discipline is handled at the classroom level by the teacher.  The kind and amount of discipline will be determined by the teachers and if necessary, the administrator.  The discipline will be administered in light of the student’s behavior and attitude.  All discipline will be based on Biblical principles (i.e. restitution, apologies, swift punishment, restoration of fellowship, no lingering attitudes, etc.). In order to maintain consistency, teachers regularly meet together to discuss Biblical standards and school policy concerning discipline.  Love, forgiveness, and prayer will be an integral part of the discipline of a student.

1.     Office visits:  There are five basic behaviors that will automatically result in discipline from the administrator (instead of the teacher).  Those behaviors are as follows:

A.    Disrespect shown to any staff member or volunteer.  The staff member will be the judge of whether disrespect has been shown.

B.    Dishonesty in any situation while at school, including lying, cheating and stealing.

C.    Rebellion, i.e., outright disobedience in response to instructions.

D.    Fighting, i.e., striking in anger with the intent to harm the other students(s) or striking a teacher or staff member.

E.    Obscene, vulgar, or profane language, as well as taking the Lord’s name in vain.

During the first or second visit with the administrator, the administrator will determine the nature of the discipline.  The administrator may require restitution, janitorial work, and parental attendance during the school day with the student, writing assignment, paddling, or other measure consistent with appropriate Biblical guidelines.  If parents disagree with any of the above mentioned disciplines for their child, they must specify the objection to the administrator during the application process.

If for any reason a student receives an official office visit (determined by the administrator), the following accounting will be observed:

A.    The first time in any given school year a student is sent to the administrator for discipline, the student’s parents will be contacted and given the details of the visit.  The parent’s assistance and support in averting further problems will be sought.

B.    The second official office visit in a given school year will be followed by a meeting with the student’s parents and the administrator, in addition to the discipline administered by the Administrator.  It will also result in the loss of extra-curricular activities for the remainder of the grading period or event.

C.    In the event that a student is not responding to repeated disciplinary action, the situation will be brought to the attention of the School Board to examine the possibility of expulsion or behavioral withdrawal from PCA.

2.     Expulsion/Behavioral Withdrawal:

The PCA School Board realizes that expelling a student from school is a very serious matter and should always be carefully dealt with on a case by case basis.  Forgiveness and restoration are fundamental to our total discipline policy.  However, should a student and his/her parents be unable to eliminate behavioral problems after repeated administrative intervention, expulsion or behavioral withdrawal may be necessary.

3.     Serious Misconduct:

Should a student commit an act with such serious consequences that the administrator deems it necessary, the office visit process may be by-passed and suspension or expulsion imposed immediately.  Examples of such serious misconduct could include: acts endangering the lives of other students or staff members, gross violence, vandalism to the school facilities, violations of civil law, or any act in clear contradiction of Scriptural commands.  Students may be subject to school discipline for serious misconduct which occurs after school hours.

4.     Re-admittance:

Should a student desire to be re-admitted to PCA at a later date, the School Board, or its delegated committee will make a decision based on the student’s attitude and the circumstances at the time of reapplication.

5.   Probation/Withdrawal

There are two categories under which a student would be placed on probation and consequently withdrawn from Pike Christian Academy.  One is academic and the other is behavioral.

1.  Academic:

If a student’s performance is consistently below what can reasonably be expected of him/her, he/she may be placed on academic probation.  This decision is made by the administrator and the teachers.  Interventions that have been tried, the student’s abilities, performance, and effort are all taken into consideration when making this decision.  When a student is put on academic probation, he/she will be given a specified period of time in which to show improvement in the trouble areas.  If adequate improvement is not made, the student shall be withdrawn.

                               2.  Behavioral:

                               If a student shows consistent unwillingness to follow school and classroom rules and is unresponsive to discipline for such                     infractions, he/she will be placed on behavioral probation.  The student will be given a specified period of time in which to correct behavior and show improvement.  If adequate improvement is not made, the student will be withdrawn.  Misbehavior not only affects the student who is misbehaving, but also the other students in the class due to the time the teacher must take away from instruction for discipline.  It is unfair to the other students to allow one student to disrupt their class time on a consistent basis.

AWARDS (1^st-8^th)

Each grading period, one student from each class will be selected to receive the recognition of “Student of the Six Weeks” (elementary) or “Student of the Nine Weeks” (middle school).  The selection of these students will be determined by the teachers based on academic performance (including improvement, excellence, diligence, etc.) and cooperation.

Similarly, awards will be given for “Citizen of the Six/Nine Weeks,” based on attendance, attitude, conduct, and consideration of others, cooperation, friendliness, manners, honesty, participation, and respect.

In addition, since attendance is such an important part of academic excellence, an award for perfect attendance for the year will be given at closing ceremonies.  Teachers may also choose to recognize perfect attendance each grading period.

13

REWARDS

No Tally Award:  If a student earns no tallies for an entire week, his/her teacher will issue a “No Tally Award” which entitles the student to redeem it for a treat from the lunch duty teacher.

Fruit of the Spirit:  Since we are encouraging the students to become more like God, we have “Fruit of the Spirit” certificates to recognize those times that a student is exhibiting the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).  When a teacher or staff member catches a student showing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and/or self control, a certificate is completed giving a brief description of the incident and is placed in a box.  At chapel each week 3 certificates are drawn and those students get to chose a prize from the Fruit of the Spirit prize box.  All certificates are read during chapel and then all are hung on the bulletin board.  The following week when new certificates are hung up, the ones from the previous week are sent home with the students.

TALLY SYSTEM

A tally system has been implemented at PCA for the sake of making student discipline more uniform and clearly defined.  Tallies of various colors are given for designated offenses and consequences are linked directly to the accumulation of tallies as stated below.  The behaviors are associated with the acronym “HOW I ACT” to further help the students to recognize the connection between their actions and the consequences they earn.

H- Hullabaloo (Yellow) – This tally is given for any type of distraction or disturbance            caused by the student.

O-Out of Order (Orange) – This tally is given for failing to stay seated at the expected time, for not staying with the class, and generally not doing what             he/she is supposed to be doing.

W-Work Not In (Green) - This is for failing to turn in an assignment on the due date.  For the younger students it is for not doing their work in class when they  are supposed to be working on it.

I-Intentional Disobedience (Red) – These are offenses associated with an attitude of defiance when a teacher’s instructions are clearly given and understood but the student refuses to obey.

A-Attitude Lacking (Blue) – This is a reflection of a poor attitude displayed verbally or non-verbally.

C-Courtesy Lacking (Brown) – This is for rude comments or actions toward another person. *Note: Blatant disrespect of a staff member or volunteer               also results in a visit to the administrator’s office.

T-Talking (Pink) – This is for talking at a time when the students are not permitted to talk or talking without waiting to be recognized.  This also applies to talking in the halls.  Talking may seem like a minor offense; however, if everyone is talking out of turn it creates chaos.  God is a God of order and He tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:7 that there is a time to be silent and a time to speak.

14

Consequences for accumulation of tallies:

                               3 tallies in one day or 6 in 1 week – Lose 1 recess (no double punishment)

                               8 tallies in one week – Visit to principal

                               1 red tally, or

                               10 tallies in 1 week, or

                               3 tallies in 1 day of the same color – Paddling

Of course, no child is ever paddled without consent from a parent.  The administrator will contact a parent to discuss the situation and to decide on the discipline together.

HOMEWORK

Students can expect homework almost every night.  The amount of time required to complete homework assignments increases slightly each academic year.  Generally, the assignments will take less time on Wednesday nights to allow time for mid-week church services.  Students can expect that no homework will be assigned on the evening of the Harvest Celebration and the Christmas Program.

GRADING SCALE/ HONOR ROLL

The following grading scale is used throughout the school: (only exception is algebra)

                               100            A+                               84-80               C+

                               99-97        A                                 79-76               C

                               96-94        A-                                75-73               C-

                               93-91        B+                               72-70              D+

                               90-88        B                                 69-68               D

                               87-85        B-                                67-65               D-

                                                                                    Below 65         F

Our honor roll is based on a 4.0 system.  An “A” is 4.0,  “B” is 3.0,   “C” is 2.0,  “D” is 1.0 and an “F” is 0.  Grades from all classes will be averaged together.  Students with an average of 4.0 will be placed on Principal’s Honor Roll.  Students with an average of 3.5 or higher will be placed on the “A” Honor Roll.  Students with an average of 2.8 to 3.4 will be placed on the “B” Honor Roll. Recognition will be made within each grading period as well as at the end of the year for a cumulative grade point average.  The elementary is on a six week grading period and the middle school is on a nine week grading period.

PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINATION OF TUTORING

At the beginning of each school year, each classroom teacher will assess each student to determine if the need for any tutoring outside of the classroom exists.

The following steps will be used for the determination of eligibility to be tutored:

1. Classroom teacher observation
2. Grades

The teacher will request the student to be tested by the tutor.

15

If the student tests a grade level or more below grade placement – tutor and/or teacher will recommend tutoring.

When tutoring is recommended, it will take place on a minimum 4-week trial basis before the student would be recommended for testing for an Individualized Education Plan.  Tutoring will be completed during study hall when at all possible.  All test-taking will be done in the classroom with the regular teacher without the aid of the tutor (exception:  Individualized Education Plan students).

At the end of the trial tutoring period, either continued tutoring and/or testing for an Individualized Education Plan will be recommended.

POLICY REGARDING GRADE SKIPPING

Any parent requesting that their child be tested to skip a grade will have to meet these prerequisites before testing can take place:

1) student must have received straight A’s during the previous school year.

2) an evaluation tool must be filled out by the teacher from the previous year.

3) student must have received high marks (95% or above) on the Terra Nova in every

     subject area, or have achieved at least the accelerated level on every subject area

     of the State of Ohio Academic Achievement test.

4)  A conference will be called involving:

     1) parents

     2) administrator

     3) current teacher

     4) teacher of grade being skipped

     5) teacher of next grade

     Administrator and all teachers must be in agreement that prerequisites have been met.

5)  Student must not have had any previous behavior issues.

6)  Student must have been at PCA for at least two full school years.

7)  If tutoring is requested to help the student learn the material of the grade being skipped, the cost of said tutoring will be the responsibility of the parent.

Once these prerequisites have been met, testing will be scheduled.  Student must pass, with high marks (95%), the Terra Nova test for the grade level being skipped.

Any exceptions to this policy will be at the sole discretion of the Administration and Board of Directors at Pike Christian Academy.

ACADEMIC PROBATION

If at any time a teacher suspects that a student’s performance is below that which can reasonably be expected of him/her, the teacher will request a conference with the administrator and parents.  At this time, the teacher will share interventions which have been tried; the student’s perceived abilities, performance, and effort.  The possibility of learning disabilities will be discussed.  If a learning disability is suspected, parental permission to pursue a multi-factored evaluation (provided by the school district of residence) will be requested.  A plan will be developed to address suspected disabilities while in the process of the MFE.

            If no disability is suspected, or if the parents do not grant permission for an MFE, the student will be placed on academic probation for a period of two to four weeks (length determined by the teacher and administrator).  A conference will be scheduled at the initial meeting, to re-evaluate, at the end of the probation period. If sufficient progress has not been made in academic performance as reflected in grades and particularly in the area of effort (shown by homework being completed properly, paying attention in class, etc.), the student will be withdrawn.

RETENTION

We believe that in certain cases retention is necessary and appropriate in the educational strategies that are used for the development of children.  Since it is recognized that this is a serious action with potentially long range impact on children and their families, retention will be recommended only in certain circumstances.  The prayer of our school would be that through the retention experience the student would meet with success in the classroom and develop age-appropriate social and emotional behaviors. 

If at any time a teacher suspects that a student is in danger of failing for the year, the teacher will notify the administrator and schedule a parent conference to discuss the child’s academic and developmental progress.  At this conference, the possibility of retention will be presented and together the parents and teacher will work to create a specific plan for remediation.  This plan may include tutoring (provided by the school, parents or other source), a multi-factored evaluation (provided by the student’s district of residence), or other approaches that the parents, teacher and administrator agree would be appropriate for the situation.  The parents are responsible for keeping track of the student’s progress along with the teacher.  Parents are expected to call the teacher or schedule a conference with the teacher if they are unsure of the student’s progress or status.

Any student who earns three or more F’s for the year in the five core subjects (Bible, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies) will be required to repeat the year.  A student who fails two core courses will be promoted to the next grade on academic probation.  Any student that fails any core course is strongly encouraged to attend tutoring in the summer to strengthen skills prior to the next school year, and to consider the possible need for continuing tutoring in the next grade.

In rare circumstances, a teacher may recommend retention for a student based on the teacher’s experience and understanding of the student’s developmental and academic abilities, even though the student may not actually fail three core classes.  In such a case, a conference will be scheduled with the parents, classroom teacher,  and administrator.  If the parents do not agree with the teacher’s recommendation to retain, the administrator may choose to either a) pass the student, but place the student on academic probation for the fall; or b) retain the student.

17

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT

The Ohio Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Law, Section2151.421 of the Ohio Revised code, mandates that certain professionals, including teachers, make reports of any suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect.  Under Ohio Law, a professional who fails to report or cause reports to be made of suspected abuse or neglect is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. Professionals making a report of child abuse or neglect are immune from civil or criminal liability.  Our policy is that you notify the administrator immediately, who will then refer the situation to Pike County Children Services.

FIRE, TORNADO AND SAFETY DRILLS

The first fire and tornado drills each year will be announced in advance to teachers and students.  Subsequent drills will not be announced.  Procedures will be practices.  Written procedures and evacuation routes will be posted at all times.  Students are expected to follow the instructions of their teachers quickly and quietly with no talking during the drill.  The school is also required to perform one safety drill each school year.  Students will be instructed of procedures to follow for these drills in advance.

HOLIDAY POLICY

Since we are a Christian school, we focus on the Christian reasons and meanings for the holidays we observe at school.  This policy is not to pass judgment on others’ choices for celebrating holidays at home; this is simply the standard we will uphold at PCA.  Our Christmas celebrations focus on the birth of Jesus.  Our Easter celebrations focus on His resurrection.  We do not observe Halloween, although some teachers may elect to hold a harvest party in the fall. School activities will remain clear of secular overtones such as witches, bats, and jack-o-lanterns at harvest; Santa Claus at Christmas; and the Easter Bunny at Easter.

FIELD TRIP POLICY

All field trips must be approved by the administrator.  A field trip is a one-day outing at the students’ expense for one class or a similar age group to be determined by the teacher and the administrator.  Parents will be notified and asked to sign a written permission slip which must be returned to the school before the child is permitted to go on that field trip.  If a parent chooses not to grant permission for his/her children to participate in the scheduled field trip, the parent must make other arrangements for the child’s care for that day. If a student does not accompany the class on the field trip, the student will be considered absent for that day, unless the parent has contacted the school in advance to explain a personal conviction that would be violated by the student’s participation in the field trip.

Volunteer drivers are frequently needed for field trips.  Before being permitted to drive any students for a school function, each volunteer must provide a copy of his/her valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.  Each volunteer must also sign a Volunteer Driver Agreement form which is available and kept in the office.

18

SCHOOL RULES AND POLICES

The following rules of our school should be known and enforced by all employees.

BASIC SCHOOL RULES

The following school rules are those essential policies which we require all our students and teachers to know:

1.     Students are expected to cooperate with basic Christian standards of behavior, etiquette, and conversation.

2.     Teachers and staff are to be treated with respect.  There should be no talking back or arguing.  Prompt and cheerful obedience is expected.  Requests from the teacher should not have to be repeated.

3.     No chewing gum, video games, electronic toys, guns, knives or anything that is determined to be a distraction from learning is allowed on school grounds.

4.     Students are expected to treat all of the school’s materials and facilities, as well as the belongings of others, with respect and care.  This includes all textbooks distributed to students.  (Parents will be charged for lost or damaged books).

ATTENDANCE POLICY FOR STUDENTS

            Regular daily attendance is expected.  If absence is unavoidable, the parent/guardian is to call the school office by 8:30 AM on the day of the absence, and send in a written excuse with the student on the day the student returns to class.  If the absence is excused, the student will be permitted to make up the class work.  It is the responsibility of the student to see the teacher about missed work.  An absence without a written excuse from the parent will be considered unexcused.

Whole day – the school day runs from 8:20 AM until 3:10 PM.  In the event of an emergency or doctor’s appointment during school hours – a student needs to be present a minimum of 5 hours to receive a whole day credit.

Half-day – a student needs to be present a minimum of 3 hours to receive a half day credit.

Excused Absences – An excused absence results from a condition over which the student, parent or guardian has no control, as explained in writing by the parent.  Students will have the same number of days to make up the work as the number of days missed.  Failure to make up work within that time period will result in a grade of zero for the missed work.  It is the responsibility of the student to see the teacher about missed work.

Excused absences include:

·       Personal illness

·       Death or funeral of family member or friend

·       Doctor or dentist appointments that cannot be scheduled during non-school time.  A doctor’s excuse or appointment card must be presented upon return to school.

·       Special Christian event that the parent deems important to the child’s spiritual growth

·       Within each grading period: 5 excused days will be granted with a parent’s note.  After that, there must be a doctor’s written excuse, or those days will be considered unexcused

Vacation during school – If parents feel they MUST take a vaction while school is in session, please follow this procedure:

            Fill out the vacation information form (obtain from the office or download from our website: www.pikechristian.org) and submit it to the administrator.  This must be done at least two weeks in advance in order that the classroom teacher will have adequate time to prepare work for the student.  All work is due the day you return from vacation.

Unexcused Absences – An unexcused absence is a situation in which:

1)    Neither the parent nor the school has given the student permission to miss or leave school.

2)    The school has not received a written doctor’s excuse or note from the parent regarding the absence.

3)    More than 5 days of parent only written notes in a grading period.

            An unexcused absence does not merit the privilege of making up work.

Excessive Absences – After five days of unexcused absences, a letter indicating the seriousness of the situation will be sent to the parent or guardian of the student involved.  After 8 unexcused absences, a conference will be scheduled with the parent/guardian.  After 10 unexcused absences, the student may be withdrawn at the discretion of the board based upon individual circumstances and the absences will be reported to juvenile court.

Tardy Policy

Students are expected to arrive on time daily.  Students arriving after 8:20 AM will be marked tardy.  Any student arriving tardy must report to the main office to receive a tardy slip.  No student will be admitted to class late without a tardy slip.  Tardies are given either as excused or unexcused.  Excused tardies are given for doctor’s appointments (doctor’s slip must be presented at time of office check-in).  Excused tardies may be given for other reasons on a rare occasion at the discretion of the administrator. An unexcused tardy does not merit the privilege of making up work missed.

3 unexcused tardies in a grading period will result in a warning letter being sent home to the parents that must be signed and returned to the school.

5 unexcused tardies in a grading period will result in one-day suspension* and may result in the loss of financial aid/scholarship money for the remainder of that grading period.

Any additional unexcused tardy in the same grading period will result in a one-day suspension per occurrence.  Any work missed during suspension will no be allowed to be made up and will result in a zero.

20

10 unexcused tardies will result in expulsion for the grading period and a zero for all work missed during the expulsion.

*One day suspension will be as directed by the school administrator.                                                                                                                                 Amended 7/08

DRESS CODE FOR STUDENTS

            The general atmosphere of a school must be conducive to learning.  If a student’s attire or appearance represents a danger to his/her health or welfare or attracts undue attention to the extent that it becomes a disruptive factor in the school, the administrator or his/her designee or teacher will ask the student to make the necessary changes.  In the event the change does not take place in the time allowed, the administrator or his/her designee will prescribe the necessary action to be taken by the school under the rules and regulations prescribed by the School Board Policies.  In addition, it is recognized that the school shares with the parents a responsibility for teaching its youth appropriateness of dress.

1)     In all matters relating to individual dress and grooming, students are required to exercise good judgment, exhibit responsible behavior, and endeavor to reflect respect for themselves, their school, their community, and the Christian values taught at Pike Christian Academy.

2)     Students are expected to follow all rules governing safety and specialized programs.  Coaches and teachers may impose requirements to accommodate the special needs of certain sports, classes, and/or field trips.  They may require the wearing of protective clothing, safety glasses, or other similar equipment.

3)     Footwear must allow for safe movement throughout the campus.  Shoes must be worn at all times. Heels must not be higher than two inches. For safety reasons, students in the elementary building are not permitted to wear shoes without a heel strap.  Middle School students are permitted to wear shoes without a heel strap. Flip-flops will not be allowed from November 1^st to March 31^st.

4)     Clothing and personal items (backpacks, fanny packs, gym bags, water bottles, notebooks, etc.) shall be free of writing, pictures, or any other insignia which are crude, vulgar, profane, or sexually suggestive, which bear drug, alcohol or tobacco company advertising, promotions, likenesses, or which bear any symbols or insignias that are inflammatory or indicative of hatred or hate groups.

5)     The wearing of clothing which represents any group, gang, organization, or philosophy which advocates violence or disruption (i.e.,  wrestling, Star Wars, etc.) or has any history of violence and disruption of the objectives of the school’s instructional program is unacceptable.

6)     Hats, caps, and other head coverings shall not be worn indoors (except on special days designated by the administration).

21

7)     All clothing is to be size-appropriate and in good repair.  Baggy, saggy clothing or pants that bunch up around the ankles are not acceptable.  Pant cuffs must not drag the floor.  No split pant cuffs.  Any belt worn must be size appropriate.

8)     Clothes must conceal undergarments at all times.

9)     See-through or fishnet fabrics, halter tops, spaghetti straps, low cut, off-the-shoulder, bare midriffs and sleeveless tops, shirts and dresses are prohibited.  Shorts must be knee-length or longer.  Skirts/dresses must be knee-length or longer.  Capri’s are acceptable.  Shirts must be worn.  Clothing which is unduly revealing or attire that detracts from the educational mission of the school’s program is unacceptable.

10)  All attire must be clean and appropriate for the weather.

11)  The only acceptable pierced jewelry is in the ears of female students.

12)  Hair must be a normal color. (It may be dyed, but the color must be a naturally occurring color).  Hair may not be cut in a style that attracts undue attention.

13)  If make-up is worn it should be in moderation and is not to be brought to or applied at school.  After one warning about bringing make-up to school, make-up will be confiscated.  Balms used to protect the lips are acceptable.

            Prior to sending students to the office/administrator for dress code violation, teachers will speak with the student and seek voluntary compliance with the policy.  If a student is sent to the administrator for a dress code violation, the administrator may use his/her discretion as to the appropriate response, based on the specific circumstances of the occurrence.  Possible responses may include:

·       Discussion with student, notification of parents, and substitute clothing.

·       Contact parents and ask them to bring a change of clothes to school.

·       Require a parent conference, suspend student.

PLAYGROUND AND LATCHKEY RULES

     Swing Sets – Sit on swings facing New Hope.  Face the playground on the swings near middle school.  Do not jump out of swings.  Do not attempt to push others on the swings.  While waiting your turn, waiting area is the sidewalk at the side of New Hope or off to the side on Middle School swings.  Mulch area in front of and behind swings is off limits while others are swinging.  The clear mulch area to the side of the swings is open play area.  ABSOLUTELY no climbing on the swing set poles AT ANY TIME.  You may not lie on your belly, stand in or twist the swings, or swing from side to side.  Do not kick the mulch into the air.                        22

     Slides- One person at a time on the ladders.  Once you are at the top, slide down immediately.  No sitting idly.  Once you slide down, get immediately off the slide and move to either side.  Do not linger at the bottom.  When you slide down, you may ONLY slide down sitting up straight, feet out in front of you, legs flat.  DO NOT LIE DOWN, GO BELLY DOWN, OR BACKWARDS.  DO NOT EVER JUMP from the sides of the slides.  From the top, do not slide down until the person in front of you has exited the slide completely.   ABSOLUTELY no climbing up the slide.  Do not let toys or balls go down the slide.  One person on the slide at a time.  Do not hang from the poles or stairs of the slide.

     Jungle Gym – Is for 6^th grade and lower only.

     Toys/Balls – No toys on any equipment.  Balls are not to be kicked against the New Hope Building.  Play ball games away from playground equipment.  The 3^rd time the ball goes over a fence; all balls are put away for that recess/latchkey.  Be careful.  Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES is a child to retrieve a ball that has gone into the street.  Only ADULTS may do this.  A student needs adult permission to get a ball that has gone over a fence.  An adult will watch until child returns.

     Other objects – Do not pick up, handle, throw, play with or kick the WALNUTS, ROCKS OR STICKS.  If other toys, such as jump ropes are brought outside, they are to be played with properly.  No swinging jump ropes or any other object.  Do not intentionally kick dirt, gravel or mulch.  Do not pull on or lean on the fences.  Do not dig holes in the ground.  Any adult on duty is in authority; obey ALL instructions at all times.

     Personal – Absolutely no grabbing or pulling of another student’s clothes.  NO PLAY FIGHTING.

     Common sense/courtesy- If it isn’t yours, don’t bother it.  Pick up all of your trash and dispose of properly.  If you bring equipment out, YOU take it in.  Do not beg other students for their snack.  Do not give your snack away to others.  Do not trade snacks.

23

MISCELLANEOUS POLICIES

FACILITIES USE POLICY

The buildings that house PCA, and the surrounding grounds, are leased, not owned, by PCA.  Therefore we must exercise particular care and diligently strive to be good stewards of this property.  Anyone wishing to use the facilities for non-school sponsored events must get approval through the administrator.  The following guidelines must be followed in order to be granted permission to use the facility:

1. The activity must not contradict any Biblical guidelines.
2. The request must be made in writing and presented to the administrator at least 14 days in advance.
3. The sponsor must clean up after the activity, so that the facilities are as clean or cleaner than they found them.  Lights and any equipment must be turned off, doors locked, etc. Heating and cooling system must be properly set.
4. The sponsor must ensure that the behavior of those in attendance is consistent with PCA standards of behavior found in the PCA Parent-Student Handbook.  No drinking of alcohol, smoking, profanity, etc. may occur anywhere on the property, inside or outside the building or in the parking lot.
5. The sponsor must ensure that the use of the property is limited to the New Hope Building, the back playground area and equipment, and the concrete area around the New Hope Building.  No one is to use the front playground.  Guests may use the PCA parking lot for parking, but not for activities.  Guest may not use the Children’s Service parking area.
6. The sponsor must ensure that the playground area is supervised at all times if it is used.
7. The sponsor must sign the PCA Facilities Use Agreement and make a damage deposit of $50.00, to be returned after the administrator has inspected the facilities.  If damage is found, the deposit will not be returned and the sponsor will be required to make restitution.  If the facilities are not sufficiently clean after the event an appropriate amount will be subtracted from the deposit to pay for janitorial services.
8. If the activity is a fund-raiser, the money must not be for personal gain, but rather to benefit a non-profit organization.  There must be one person named as the adult responsible for ensuring that these guidelines are followed. 
9. If any announcement or advertising for the event is created, it must be approved by the administrator, and it must be clear to the reader that the activity is not a school-sponsored event. 

24

PARENT AND VISITOR PRESENCE AND PARTRICIPATION GUIDELINES

            In order to create an environment, conducive to learning with minimal distractions, from 8:20 to 3:10, no one should be in the halls unless accompanied by a staff person.

            Elementary and Middle School:  If your child is arriving late, the parent must sign them in on the clipboard in the office.  The student must obtain a tardy slip from the secretary before going to class.  If an unavoidable situation arises which requires removing your child from school early, you must report to the office to sign the child out with the reason for the early dismissal.  The secretary will then go to the child’s class to collect him/her.  Any parent arriving before the 3:10 dismissal must wait in the downstairs hall.

            Whenever parents or visitors are on the school grounds or attending a school-related event, they are required to conduct themselves in accordance with PCA standards of behavior (including language).  They also must follow the directions of the administrator.  Failure to comply may result in the parent/visitor being asked to leave.  During our hours of operations (6:30 am- 5:50 pm), there are to be no group activities on school grounds which are not supervised by school personnel.

NUT/PEANUT POLICY

The school board prefers that NO peanut products be packed in lunches, snacks or brought in for class parties.  However, if you, as a parent, feel that there is no other alternative, and you absolutely must pack a peanut product, do so using the following precautions:  any lunch containing a peanut product, MUST be checked in at the office.  Make sure the lunch sack or bag is labeled with your child’s name.  The office/kitchen staff will refrigerate the lunch and bring it to the lunchroom at lunchtime.  In the lunchroom, students with peanut products in their lunches will sit together at a designated table.  Other areas of the lunchroom are designated as no peanut zones.  Following lunch, any student who consumed any kind of peanut product will need too wash hands and face.  The kitchen staff will disinfect the table where peanut products were consumed.  Peanut products are NOT permitted in the classrooms.  PCA will continue, to the best of their ability, NOT using peanut products in lunches or snacks.

                                                                                            Adopted 2/2007

POLICY FOR COMPLAINT RESOLUTION

The steps for handling a parent complaint about a teacher or a teacher complaint about a parent follow the Biblical principles found in Matthew 18:15-17, settle each complaint with the persons directly involved at the lowest level possible. Our goal is to handle each complaint courteously, politely, and promptly.

1.     The parent/guardian meets privately, at a scheduled time, with the teacher to seek a resolution in a spirit of reconciliation. 

2.     If the matter remains unsettled, the parent meets with the teacher and the administrator to seek a resolution in a spirit of reconciliation.  If at this point any of the parties involved feel the matter has still not been resolved, they should request that the administrator present the claim to the school board.

3.     The final resolution is for the administrator to present the complaint to the entire school board, which then calls upon the parties involved as seems warranted, all in a spirit of reconciliation.

Any person having a concern, request, suggestion or grievance of another matter is advised to follow the recommended procedure.

1. Persons with complaints or concerns are strongly encouraged to discuss and attempt to resolve the situation with the School Administrator.
2. Persons with complaints or concerns about the School Administrator are encouraged to attempt to resolve the situation directly with the Administrator.
3. Unsettled matters can then be directed to the School Board.

                                                                                                                                          Adopted 11/07

26

ACCEPTANCE OF HANDBOOK

I HAVE RECEIVED AND READ MY COPY OF THE PIKE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY STAFF HANDBOOK AND AGREE TO ABIDE BY ITS CONTENTS.

___________________________________                           ___________________________

                             SIGNED                                                                DATE

27