Pike Christian Academy
Grades K-10
Parent and Student
Handbook
The Mission of Pike Christian Academy is to provide a quality education without compromise to all seeking a Christ-centered environment; to challenge all students to submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ; and to motivate them to develop spiritually, intellectually, socially, culturally, and physically.
Table of Contents
Academic Probation 18
Activities for Students and Parents 22
Arrival Procedures 5
Attendance Policy 6
Awards 21
Basic School Rules 12
Discipline Policy 15
Dismissal Procedure 5
Dress Code 10
Fire, Tornado and Safety Drill 9
Field Trip 12
Grading Scale 14
Hall and Restroom Procedures 9
Holiday Policy 12
Homework 10
Honor Roll 14
Hours of Operation 6
Illness Policy 9
Meals 8
Medication Policy 9
Mission Statement 3
Multi-Student Discount 5
Nondiscrimination Policy 4
Nut/Peanut Policy 13
Parent Signature Page 26
Parent/Teacher Conferences 22
Parent/Visitor Guidelines 8
Payment Policy 5
PCA Playground and Latchkey Rules 13
Policy for Complaint Resolution 21
Policy Regarding Grade Skipping 19
Private Sales 10
Procedure for Determination of Tutoring 14
Retention 18
School Age Entry Policy 5
School Board 5
School Charter Statement 4
Sexual Harassment Policy 20
Snow Days/Emergency Closings 8
Statement of Faith 3
Student Use of Telephones 10
Student Withdrawals 9
Support 4
Tardy Policy 7
Teacher Qualifications 4
Textbooks 9
Video/Music/Magazine Policy 10
Vision Statement 3
Statement of Faith
The following is a list of doctrines and beliefs held to and taught at Pike Christian Academy.
The Bible is the only infallible, authoritative Word of God, and contains all that is necessary for our salvation.
There is one God, eternally existent in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He was truly human (but without sin) and truly God. He performed miracles and made atonement for our sins through His substitutionary death on the cross. He rose from the dead and ascended to the Father and He will return in power and glory to judge the living and the dead.
Salvation is by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ.
Faith without works is dead.
All human beings are sinners and must be born again through the grace of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit indwells Christians to equip them to live a godly life and build up the body of Christ.
All believers are spiritually one in Christ.
The redeemed of the Lord will experience a bodily resurrection and eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Vision Statement
It is the vision of Pike Christian Academy to help young people grow in their faith and equip them for ministry by providing them with a Christ-centered education. Students of PCA will be effective, compassionate leaders, prepared to impact communities worldwide for Jesus Christ.
Mission Statement
The mission of Pike Christian Academy is to provide a quality education without compromise to all seeking a Christ-centered environment; to challenge all students to submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ; and to motivate them to develop spiritually, intellectually, socially, culturally and physically.
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Nondiscrimination Policy
“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.”
Support
Pike Christian Academy is a private, nonprofit, parent-run school. We are interdenominational and are not under the auspices of any one church. We receive support from over 20 local churches as well as private donors. We have been designated as a 501©3 nonprofit organization by the federal government, all donations to PCA are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
School Charter Statement
Pike Christian Academy is chartered by the State of Ohio Department of Education. The designation “state chartered” means that PCA meets or exceeds the requirements of the State of Ohio concerning facilities, safety, health, curriculum, procedures, and length and number of school days. In return for meeting these state guidelines and earning the designation “state chartered,” we receive some limited state funds. The use of these funds is closely monitored and restricted to ensure that no state money is used for religious instruction. The state chartering procedure does not compromise our ability to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but it enhances the quality of our academics and helps us to provide a safe and enriching atmosphere for our students.
Teacher Qualifications
The teachers at Pike Christian Academy are state-certified educators who have heard and responded to God’s call to teach in a Christian school. They are all born-again Christians and active participants in their churches, enabling them to guide students in practical application of God’s Word and to serve as Christian role models for their students, as well as teaching academics.
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School Board
The school board is the governing body of Pike Christian Academy, overseeing the activities of the administration. It is composed of nine members and meets at least once each month to receive the administrator’s monthly report, and provide guidance for the school. Members of the school board are usually parents of PCA students. School board elections are held once each year. Additional information on the school board is available in the office.
School Age Entry Policy
In accordance with Ohio state laws, it is our policy that a child must be at least 5 years of age by August 1st in order to enroll in Kindergarten.
Payment Policy
All payments are due on the 20th of each month. Payments not received by the due date will be subject to a 1.5% service charge on any unpaid balance. Any accounts not current to within 30 days will be brought to the attention of the School Board. If any account becomes 60 days past due, the student will be withdrawn until the account is cleared unless parents make special arrangements with the Board. Students with outstanding accounts will not be readmitted until the account is clear.
Multi-Student Discount
Pike Christian Academy does have a discount for families with more than one student attending PCA in grades K-8th. The second child will receive a 10% discount and families with three children will receive free tuition for the third child. Families have the option of taking the discount, declining the discount, or donating the difference in tuition to the school.
Arrival Procedures
The school day begins at 8:20 AM. Students who arrive before 8:00 AM are asked to remain in the holding room until dismissed to go to homeroom. Students who are dropped off after 8:20 AM must be signed in on the clipboard located in the main office.
Dismissal Procedures
The school day ends at 2:50 PM for K-4th and at 3:10 PM for 5-10th. Parents who arrive to pick up their elementary children are asked to wait downstairs until 3:10 PM. If a student is to go home with a friend or someone other than a parent/guardian, the student must present a signed note from his/her parent. Students will not be permitted to use the school phone to request permission if they forget their signed notes. Students removed from the school before 3:10 PM must be signed out on the clipboard in the office. Occasional appointments during school hours are understandable; however, repeats will be subject to approval of the administrator with the possible loss of make-up work. Please make use of “Early Dismissal Days” for scheduling appointments. See section on attendance policies for more information of part-day absences.
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Hours of Operation/Latchkey Program Hours
School begins at 8:20 AM and ends at 3:10 PM. However, before and after school care is available through our Latchkey program. We are open from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Children arriving before 8:00 AM or remaining after 3:30 PM will be counted present for latchkey. See current tuition and fees chart for latchkey cost. In the event that an emergency arises that keeps you from picking up your child on time (by 5:30 PM), you will be charged a fee per child for up to 15 minutes late. For 16-30 minutes late, you will be charged another fee per child. See current tuition and fees chart for charge amounts. Repeated late pick-ups may result in withdrawal from the latchkey program.
Attendance Policy
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
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Vacation during school – If parents feel they MUST take a vacation 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.
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
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Parent and Visitor Presence and Participation 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.
Snow Days/Emergency Closings
Should school need to be canceled or delayed because of bad weather or other emergency, notification will be broadcast on 88.3, 90.1, 90.7, and TV Channel 6 WSYX, and TV Channel WSAZ. It will also be posted on our website – www.pikechristian.org. Please note: We do not always follow the Waverly City School’s decision concerning snow days. Childcare may be available through our daycare program for school age children on days that school is closed but daycare is open. There is a $20 charge for each day that your child is in the childcare program. On these days, your child will need to pack a nutritious lunch.
Meals
A hot lunch is available daily. A menu is sent home for each month. The menu is subject to change, when necessary. Students wishing to purchase a lunch should give their money to their teacher during the morning attendance and lunch count. They may pay for the whole week at one time. Parents may also choose to pay in the office in advance. If a student does not bring lunch money and did not bring a sack lunch, the lunch will be charged and the amount will be added to the monthly bill. Students may bring their lunches if desired. We ask that parents pack, or monitor what is being packed, to ensure that each student eats a nutritious lunch. Milk is available to be purchased separately by those who pack their lunches or those who want extra milk.
In an effort to encourage students to eat properly, we have a no-talking policy for the first ten minutes of each lunch period. We have found this policy to be effective in increasing food consumption and improving table manners.
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Hall and Restroom Procedures
Students are to be quiet when moving in the halls. NO TALKING. Talking in the halls will result in a talking tally. There is to be no loitering in the restrooms. Students should take care of needs and leave the area clean, returning to the classroom as quickly as possible.
Illness Policy
If your child has had vomiting, diarrhea, or fever of 100.0 or higher after 4:00 pm of the previous day, do not send him/her to school. If your child has gone to the doctor and an antibiotic has been prescribed, your child may return to school only after he/she has been taking the antibiotic for at least 24 hours. If your child has head lice, all the nits must be removed from the hair before the child may return to school, even if the child has been treated with anti-lice treatments. Please be informed that if your child becomes ill at school (vomits, develops a fever of 100.0 or higher, has diarrhea or head lice), you will be called and expected to pick up your child in a timely manner.
Medication Policy
Medication will only be administered when the schedule cannot be changed so that the child can take the medication before or after the child returns home. If it is necessary to give medication, then a form must be obtained from the office. It must be labeled with the student’s name, name of medication, dosage, and time of administration. The state also requires that the form be signed by a physician. If you know your child has a doctor’s appointment, you may obtain a blank form in the office to take with you to the appointment. Medications kept at school will be kept secure and out of reach of children. A record stating date, time given, dosage, and the initials of the person administering the medicine will be kept in the student’s file.
Textbooks
The textbooks issued to the student are the student’s responsibility. Lost textbooks should be reported immediately. Lost textbooks or workbooks will be replaced at the student’s expense.
Student Withdrawals
If it becomes necessary for a student to be withdrawn during the school year, all hardbound books need to be returned. Lunch charges, outstanding tuition or anything else that the student owes will need to be paid before the school can release or transfer grades and school records. The office must receive official notice from the parent that a student is being withdrawn.
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.
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Private Sales
No items are to be sold or traded by students or to teacher/staff. This includes any fund-raiser not sponsored by Pike Christian Academy or the Parent/Teacher Fellowship.
Student Use of Telephones
Students must obtain permission from their teachers to use the telephone. School phones are for school business only. Students are permitted to use the telephone only in an emergency or as the result of a last minute change in a pre-announced program. The following are NOT considered emergencies: forgetting books, supplies, or homework, or asking to spend the night at a friend’s house.
Video/Music/Magazine Policy
Because we are a Christian school, we want to ensure that the influences your child receives here are either Christian or educational in nature. Therefore, we do not
allow videos, music, or magazines that do not fall into one of those categories. If you have a question regarding a particular item, please bring it to the administrator.
Homework
Students can expect homework almost every evening. The amount of time required to complete homework assignments increases slightly each academic year. Generally, the assignments will take less time on Wednesday evenings to allow time for mid-week church services.
Dress Code
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 1st to March 31st.
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).
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, ff-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.
Basic School Rules
The following school rules are those essential policies of which we require all students to be aware and to which they are expected to adhere:
- Students are expected to cooperate with basic Christian standards of behavior and etiquette.
- 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.
- No chewing gum, video games, CD/tape players/radios, giga pets, guns, knives or anything that is determined to be a distraction from learning is allowed on school grounds.
- 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).
Holiday Policy
Since we are a Christian school, we focus on the Christian reasons and meanings of the holidays we observe at school. Our Christmas celebrations focus on the birth of Jesus. Our Easter celebrations focus on His Resurrection. We do not observe Halloween, although teachers may elect to hold a harvest party in the fall in celebration of God’s abundant gifts. We ask that any contributions to parties (i.e. napkins, plates, treats, etc.) reinforce the Christian reasons for our celebration and remain clear of secular overtures such as witches, bats, and jack-o-lanterns at harvest, Santa at Christmas, or the Easter Bunny at Easter.
Field Trips
A field trip is a one-day outing for one class or a group of classes. 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. PCA does not have arrangements for students who do not accompany their class and teacher on field trips. If a student does not arrive at school in time to accompany the rest of the class, or if a student does not have parental permission to participate in the field trip, the parents will be contacted and asked to make other arrangements for the student for that day, unless that 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 on record in the office.
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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
PCA Playground and Latchkey Rules
These rules are to be enforced by every teacher. These rules are in place for the safety of the children.
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 of the swing set poles AT ANY TIME.
You may not lay on your belly, stand in or twist the swings or swing from side to side. Do not kick the mulch into the air.
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 of 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 LAY 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. Never ever double up when sliding. Do not hang from the poles or stairs of the slide.
Jungle Gym – is for 6th grade and lower only.
Toys/Ball - no toys on any equipment. Balls are not to be kicked against the New Hope Building. Play ball games away from playground equipment. The 3rd 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.
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Other objects – do no 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 it properly. If you bring equipment out, you take it in. Do not beg other student’s for their snack. Do not give your snack away to others. Do not trade snacks.
Grading Scale
Revised 6/20/2005
100 A+ 79-76 C
99-97 A 75-73 C-
96-94 A- 72-70 D+
93-91 B+ 69-68 D
90-88 B 67-66 D-
87-85 B- Below 66 F
84-80 C+
Honor Roll
PCA honor roll is based on a 4.0 system. An “A” is 4.0. A “B” is 3.0. A “C” is 2.0. A “D” is 1.0. A “F is 0. Grades from all courses are averaged together. Any student with straight A’s will be placed on the Administrator’s Honor Roll for that grading period. Students with an average of 3.5 or higher will be placed on the “A” Honor Roll. Students with an average of 2.8-3.4 will be placed on the “B” Honor Roll. Recognition of Honor Roll will be made within each 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:
- Classroom teacher observation
- Grades
The teacher will request the student to be tested by the tutor.
If the student tests a grade level or more below grade placement – tutor and/or teacher will recommend tutoring.
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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.
Discipline Policy
It is our desire to teach children to take personal responsibility for their own actions and to understand that there are consequences to every action, whether good or bad. It is important to make good choices in life. We want them to learn ways to behave that will help them to be successful in life and be pleasing to God. The teacher handles most discipline at the classroom level, generally using the tally system.
Tally System
A tally system has been implemented at Pike Christian Academy 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 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 might be 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 failing to turn in an assignment on the due date. It is also for not doing class work at the appropriate time.
I – Intentional Disobedience (Red) – These are offenses that would be associated with an attitude of defiance when a staff member’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 results in being sent directly to the administrator.
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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.
The following consequences are assigned for the accumulation of tallies:
3 tallies of the same color in one day = paddling or other
1 red tally = paddling or other
8 tallies in one week = discussion with the administrator
10 tallies in one week = paddling or other
Typically, a paddling is administered for the above-mentioned accumulations. The “other” comes into play when the administrator deems that another discipline would be more appropriate and effective in the given situation. “Other” can include, but is not limited to, lunch detention, writing assignment, parental attendance with the student during the school day, or any other logical and natural consequence.
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.
Office Visits
There are five basic behaviors that will automatically result in discipline from the Administrator (vs. the teacher). Those behaviors are as follows:
- Disrespect shown to any staff member or volunteer. The staff member will be the judge of whether disrespect has been shown.
- Dishonesty in any situation while at school, including lying, cheating and stealing.
- Rebellion, such as, outright disobedience in response to instructions.
- Fighting, such as, striking in anger with the intent to harm the other student(s).
- 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 my require restitution, janitorial work, parental attendance during the school day with the student, writing assignment, paddling, or another measures consistent with appropriate Biblical guidelines. The kind and amount of discipline will be determined by the teachers and the administrator. The discipline will be administered in light of the student’s problem and attitude. All discipline will be based on Biblical principles (i.e., restitution, apologies, swift/painful punishment, restoration of fellowship, no lingering attitudes, etc.). If
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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:
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 parents’ assistance and support in averting further problems will be sought
The second office visit in a given school year will be followed by a conference 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.
In the event that a student has a third official office visit, the student will be placed on behavioral probation.
Behavioral Probation
If a student shows consistent unwillingness to follow school and classroom rules and is unresponsive to discipline for such infraction, 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.
When a student is placed on behavioral probation, all teachers involved with the student (including recess monitors, P.E. and music teacher, etc. ) will complete a daily behavioral score sheet for the period of probation. At the end of the probation period, the scores will be averaged. Any student averaging 9 or less will be withdrawn from Pike Christian Academy. If the student averages 10 or higher, he/she will be permitted to remain at PCA.
Any student on behavioral probation will be ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities. (See extracurricular policy for explanation of ineligibility.) If during the probation period the student earns another official office visit, that student will be withdrawn immediately without completing the probation period.
If a student who has passed a probation period later earns another official office visit during the same school year, he/she will be suspended for one week followed by one week of probation. During this probation period, the same behavioral scoring process will be implemented with the same consequences/outcomes.
If a student should earn a fifth official office visit in a school year, that student shall be withdrawn from Pike Christian Academy.
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
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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 local, state or federal 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 or off school grounds.
Expulsion/Behavioral Withdrawal
The Pike Christian Academy 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 interventions, expulsion or behavioral withdrawal may be the option.
Readmittance
Should a student desire to be readmitted to Pike Christian Academy at a later date, the School Board, or its delegated committee, will make a decision based on the student’s attitude and circumstances at the time of reapplication.
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 a necessary and appropriate tool in the educational strategies that are used for the development of children. While it is recognized that this is a serious action with potentially long range impact on children and their families, retention will be recommended 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.
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If at any time a teacher suspects that a student is in danger of failing 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 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 who 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.
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.
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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.
Student Sexual Harassment Policy
This school is committed to maintaining an academic environment in which all individuals treat each other with dignity and respect and which 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 violation of this policy. Anyone who violates this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination or expulsion.
Employee-Student Sexual Harassment is prohibited.
Student-Student Sexual Harassment is prohibited.
Students who feel that they have been subjected to conduct of a harassing nature are encouraged to promptly report the matter to the administrator. Students who observe conduct of a sexually harassing nature are also encouraged to report the matter to the school administrator. All complaints will be promptly investigated.
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 a student’s parent/guardian and appropriate government officials as the circumstances warrant.
Protection against retaliation – It is against the school’s policy to discriminate or retaliate against any person who has filed a complaint concerning sexual harassment or has testified, assisted or participated in any manner in any investigation, proceeding, or hearing concerning sexual harassment.
Procedure for investigation of the complaint and for taking corrective action – When the administrator receives a complaint, he or she shall immediately 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 sexual harassment in violation of this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including expulsion or termination. The severity of the disciplinary action will be based upon the circumstances of the infraction.
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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.
- Persons with complaints or concerns are strongly encouraged to discuss and attempt to resolve the situation with the School Administrator.
- Persons with complaints or concerns about the School Administrator are encouraged to attempt to resolve the situation directly with the Administrator.
- Unsettled matters can then be directed to the School Board.
Adopted 11/07
Awards
Certificates
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). Selection will be determined by teachers based on student 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, consideration of others, cooperation, friendliness, manners, honesty, participation and respect.
In addition, since attendance is an important part of academic excellence, awards for perfect attendance for the year will be given at closing ceremonies. Teachers may also choose to recognize perfect attendance each grading period.
No Tally Awards
If a student earns no tallies for an entire week, his/her teacher will issue a “No Tally Award” which the student may redeem for a treat.
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Fruit of the Spirit
Since we are encouraging the students to become more like Jesus, 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 designated for that purpose. At chapel each week, three certificates are drawn at random, and those students get to choose a prize from the Fruit of the Spirit prize box. All certificates are read during chapel and then 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.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
To help keep parents informed of their child’s progress and to aid in the partnership between parents and teachers, we schedule two parent-teacher conference times each year. Please take advantage of this time to meet with your child’s teacher. If parents have a concern, they are welcome to schedule a conference with the teacher or administrator at any time during the school year. Likewise, if the teacher is seeing a problem, he/she may request a conference time other than the school wide conference.
All new applicants will have a conference with the administrator following the second week of enrollment to ensure a smooth transition.
Activities for Students and Parents
We encourage all families to share in our Christian community and grow with PCA. There are many opportunities for families to work, play, and pray together and to get to know one another as fellow members of the body of Christ.
Harvest Banquet: Each fall we hold a banquet to celebrate God’s gifts to PCA. The preschool and school age students perform for their parents, grandparents, and other supporters of Christian education in our community. We then pray and enjoy a meal with one another. This is an excellent opportunity for those in attendance to make a donation or pledge to support PCA. The meal is prepared by our cooks and served by parent volunteers. The students create the decorations.
Spaghetti Dinner/Talent Show: PCA hosts a wonderful Spaghetti Dinner at one of the local churches and the evening also features talent from the school and community. It has proven to be a huge success, with our older students serving as waiters/waitresses.
Chapel: Chapel services are held weekly at school. There is a chapel for each of the following groups: preschool, K-4, and 5-10. Often speakers are invited by the teachers to give presentations for the chapel program. Parents are welcome to attend our chapel services and invited to suggest speakers or appropriate topics.
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Christmas programs: Each December we have two Christmas programs. The preschool program consists of our adorable preschoolers singing and performing about the birth of
Jesus. On a separate evening, the school-aged students put on a special play for their families and friends. The work for this production begins in October and every student, teacher, and staff member is involved in some way. Parents are encouraged to participate in the preparations. Let us know if you would like to help.
Quiz Bowl Team: Pike Christian Academy middle school participates in the Pike County Quiz Bowl matches. The middle school teachers choose and coach the teams and the
matches are held in late winter and early spring. Parents and students in all grades are encouraged to attend and support our team.
Spirit Week: Once a year the administrator designates a week as “PCA Spirit Week.” A note will be sent home with each student listing the special activities or clothing for each day. Examples of spirit days are “Clash Day”, “Bad Hair Day”, “Christian t-shirt/PCA t-shirt and jeans Day”, and “Crazy Hat Day”.
Yearbook: The yearbook staff consists of a volunteer staff person or parent and any others who would like to help. All PCA families are invited to contribute photographs of PCA events to be published in the yearbook. The finished book is usually available sometime during the next school year. If you would like to volunteer to help with the yearbook in any way, please contact the office.
Parades: Our parents and older students march in the Jingle Bell parade while the younger students ride in a float created each year by our PTF volunteers. It is not unusual for PCA to win an award for our float, which is always designed with a Christian theme. We usually design or purchase t-shirts/sweatshirts to coordinate with our float theme and make them available to the PCA family at cost so everyone can get one (including Mom and Dad!). We always need families to help with the float preparation, so please let us know if you are interested.
Science Fair: Every student at Pike Christian Academy is eligible to submit an entry for the annual Science Fair, but only 4th, 6th and 8th graders are required to do so as part of their curriculum. The Fair is held in the spring, and ribbons and awards are given. Parents are welcome to come see the projects and the awards ceremony in the evening. A trophy is given for the overall best project.
Fine Arts: This fine evening is held in the spring on the same evening as the Science Fair. It features a display of artwork from every grade Preschool-10th. The art teachers collect artwork throughout the year so that each student at PCA will have something to contribute to the display.
Chess Club: Our Chess Club is for students in grades 3-10. Led by one of our teachers, it teaches the basics of playing chess during scheduled meeting times, and also features a
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chess tournament with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. Winners are acknowledged at the Closing Ceremonies with trophies.
Drama Club: Drama Club is for students in grades 4-10. Led by one of our teachers, it features opportunities for students to perform in short skits and longer plays. The Club performs at Chapels and also during evening performances at local churches.
ACSI Activities: Students from PCA have many opportunities to participate in academic activities with other Christian schools. Through the Association of Christian Schools
International, we compete or participate in a Spelling Bee, Speech Meet, Math Olympics by Mail and a Geography Bee. These programs typically include students in grades 1-8.
Church Visits: PCA strives to visit with at least 2 churches each month during the school year. It is an opportunity for us to share our mission and vision with the community and to encourage churches to support us on a monthly basis as a mission. We take a team of students/staff to perform and present our program. If your church would enjoy a visit from PCA, please let us know.
Summer Picnic: Each summer, PCA gets together for a picnic at Scioto Trails state park to enjoy fellowship with PCA families. It is a great time to get to know new families and get reacquainted with others.
Junior High Educational Trip: Every second or third year as the need predicts, 2 PCA staff members chaperone a group of 6th, 7th and 8th graders to D.C. or another educational destination such as Williamsburg, Gettysburg, etc. Parents of these students are expected to help with fund raising during the year of the trip. We go on a tour bus through AAA and it is amazing how much you learn about the Christian history of our nation.
Citrus Sale: This sale takes place in the fall every year and is a favorite here at the school. The oranges and grapefruit are shipped from Florida and are delicious. We usually run a contest to see which student can sell the most. Any student selling 5 or more boxes of fruit gets a chance to participate in an Ice Cream Sundae party.
Field Day: Held at the end of the year, it is a day of fun for the students and staff. It features a variety of games and activities as well as concessions.
Basketball/Soccer: PCA Middle School has, depending on interest, a girls and boys basketball team for Jr Hi, and a mixed Soccer team for 6th- 8th graders.
Veteran’s Day Ceremony: PCA has elected to stay in school on Veteran’s Day and use this as an opportunity to teach our students what a Veteran is and why we observe this day. Veterans from all branches of the armed services are invited to the school for a special hot breakfast and a ceremony honoring them for their service to our country.
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Closing Ceremonies: Like the Christmas Programs, the closing ceremonies, near the end of the school year, are held on two dates (one night for preschool, one night for school-aged children). Our families gather together to celebrate the growth and accomplishments of our children during the past year. Awards and recognitions are handed out, and the eighth grade and kindergarten graduations are celebrated at this time.
Fair Booth: PCA sets up a fair booth where we sell fish sandwiches and more. Our fair booth has proven to be one of our biggest fund raisers. Parents, older students, staff, and other volunteers are needed to staff all the shifts. It is a wonderful opportunity to get to know other parents and improve the programs of PCA!
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Parent Signature Page
I have been given a copy of and read the Parent and Student Handbook for Pike Christian Academy. As a family, we agree to abide by the contents of this handbook.
____________________________________
Student
____________________________________
Student
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Student
____________________________________
Father
____________________________________
Mother
Date:______________________
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