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CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL |
2009-2010
2009-2010 |
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THIS IS THE STUDENT HANDBOOK FOR 7TH THROUGH 12TH GRADE STUDENTS WHO WILL BE ATTENDING IN THE 09-10 SCHOOL YEAR. PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE HANDBOOK AND SIGN THE CONSENT FORM IN THE BACK AND RETURN TO THE SCHOOL. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS. |
STUDENT HANDBOOK 7TH -12TH GRADE |
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Table of Contents
Mission Statement……………………………………………. 4
Accreditation ………………………………………………… 4
Handbook………………………………………………………….. 4
Welcome……………………………………………………... 4
Financial Information……………………………………………… 5
What Parents Can Do to Help…………………………………….. 5
Bell schedule……………………………………………………… 5
Attendance………………………………………………………... 6
Academic Performance…………………………………………… 7
Check Out Policy…………………………………………………. 7
Class Standing……………………………………………………. 7
Classification……………………………………………………… 7
Grading……………………………………………………………. 7
Honors…………………………………………………………… 8
Exam Policy……………………………………………………….. 8
Extra Credit Work…………………………………………………. 8
Graduation Requirements………………………………………….. 8
Independent Studies…………………………………………….. 8
Cell Phone Policy…………………………………………………. 9
Conduct……………………………………………………………. 9
Consequences for Misbehavior……………………………………. 9
Appropriate Dress………………………………………………… 10
Dress Code Policy…………………………………………………. 10
Health Information……………………………………………… 11
Weather Information……………………………………………… 11
Lunches…………………………………………………………… 12
Parent-Teacher Organization……………………………………… 12
Vehicles at School………………………………………………… 12
Acceptable Use Policy---------------------------------------------------- 13
Medication Authorization………………………………………… 14
Parent/Teacher Signature Requirement…………………………… 15
Mission Statement
Calvary Christian High School takes a spiritual approach to education. The purpose of the school is to develop students both spiritually and academically so that they will be able to accept the responsibilities of life as committed Christians doing all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31).
The entire program, the curriculum, the quality of teachers, the school policies, the methods, and the evaluation procedures will be based on a genuine commitment to the Christian faith and will be reflected in the way in which the task of education is carried out. Calvary Christian School is dedicated to academic excellence in a disciplined atmosphere.
Accreditation
A member of the Mississippi Private School Association, Calvary Christian High School currently holds an A accreditation rating. The association also accredits our teachers.
Calvary Christian High School is a ministry of Calvary Baptist Church. We have a Superintendent and Headmaster that report to the School Board. The School Board reports to the Deacon Body of Calvary Baptist Church.
Handbook
This handbook provides a clear, concise statement of the basic policies, procedures and philosophy of Calvary Christian High School. These policies and procedures are formulated as one way to implement our goals in Christian education, as well as, to provide for a safe, efficient, and consistent approach to education.
Commitment to these policies and procedures by students, parents, and staff will enable the school to run on a smooth, orderly basis. We believe that Christian education involves encouraging and training students for responsible action. These policies and procedures are basic guidelines, which should be viewed as one-way Calvary Christian School encourages and trains students to recognize and assume responsibility for their action. Therefore, the ultimate purpose of this handbook is to allow parents, students, and teachers to be of one mind in the great privilege we have of training children to honor God with their whole lives.
Welcome
Welcome to Calvary Christian School (CCS). We are excited about a new year and what it will bring. We know this will be a successful and rewarding year for you and your student.
This handbook contains important information regarding school policy and procedures. Read it carefully and, if you have any questions, please call the high school office at 601-482-0819.
We encourage your participation in our school and look forward to partnering with you in the education of your child. Your role as a significant contributor to your child’s education is highly respected by this staff. We need your support, your input and your cooperative effort.
Financial Information
August tuition is due on the first day of school. All other tuition is due on the first day of the month. The account is past due after the fifth (5th) of the month. A late charge of $35 will be added to any account that has a balance after the 10th of the month. Services will cease and the student must be withdrawn if the account is past due at the end of 60 calendar days.
What Parents Can Do to Help
* Pray for and with your student daily. Pray together for the school, its faculty and its staff.
* See that your student attends regularly except when ill.
* See that you student arrives at school on time and is not tardy.
* Avoid parent/teacher conferences in the presence of your student.
* Encourage your student to anticipate happy experiences in relation to school.
* Bring your student to school in a happy mood. A happy student is a learning student.
* Take time to listen to your student’s daily experiences. Ask questions about the student’s day.
* Show an interest in your student’s schoolwork. Don’t be critical of it.
* Make sure your student completes all homework assignments.
* Volunteer to use your talents and gifts to help when parent projects are announced.
* Visit the school often.
* Help in fund raising projects. Please help us avoid tuition increases.
* Keep a positive attitude toward school.
Bell Schedule
Regular Schedule Chapel Schedule
8:00-8:10………Homeroom 8:00-8:10…………Homeroom
8:13-9:03………1st Period 8:13-8:58…………1st Period
9:06-9:56 …….. 2nd Period 9:01-9:46…………2nd Period
9:56-10:11……..Break 9:49-10:14………..Chapel
10:14-11:04……3rd Period 10:17-10:27……....Break
11:07-11:57……4th Period 10:30-11:15………3rd Period
12:00-12:25……Jr. High Lunch 11:18-12:03………4th Period
12:28-1:18……..5th Period-Jr. High 12:06-12:31………Jr. High Lunch
12:00-12:50……5th Period-Sr. High 12:34-1:19………..5th Period-Jr.High
12:53-1:18……..Sr. High Lunch 12:06-12:51………5th Period-Sr. High
1:21-2:09……….6th Period 12:54-1:19………..Sr. High Lunch
2:12-3:00……….7th Period 1:22-2:07………….6th Period
2:10-3:00………….7th Period
*Upon arrival at school, all high school students will assemble in the School Cafeteria.
*The morning bell will ring at 7:55.
*Students will be tardy after 8:00.
*All students are expected to adhere to the established time schedule. The teacher will dismiss students from class.
*Students will not be permitted in the halls following the tardy bell without approval of their teacher and with an official pass.
*Chapel will be held each Wednesday.
*Students must buy lunch tickets only before school and during break.
Attendance/Truancy
Regular attendance at school is a must. Students should arrive at school no later the 8:00 a.m.
A student is tardy after 8:00 a.m. More than five (5) tardies will be reported to the school attendance officer. Illness, injury, and death in the family are excused absences. Other absences must be presented to the principal in advance. A written excuse signed by the parent or doctor must be presented to the Guidance Counselor upon returning to school. False information will result in disciplinary actions.
Students checking out of school because of illness should remain at home the remainder of the day.
Students checking out of school at the end of the seventh period will be allowed to do so freely for (5) days during the school year. After the fifth time, the student will be marked tardy and 3 tardies will equal one absence. A student must be present for 30 minutes of a class to be counted as present for a class.
Truancy Procedures (SAO=School Attendance Officer)
What the School Does… What SAO Does…
1st Referral Student is referred to SAO upon Letter is sent to parent informing
accumulating 5 unexcused absences them of the law & consequences of their student’s absences from school.
2nd Referral Student is re-referred to SAO upon Contact is made to meet face to face
accumulating 8-10 unexcused absences w/the parent & discuss the problem.
Parent is told that court action will be taken if student continues to miss.
3rd Referral Student is referred a final time to SAO Papers are filed in court against
upon accumulating 12 total unexcused absences. the parent if the student is a minor & court action is taken.
Absences
No student shall be granted credit whose absences exceed 20 days during the school year. The administration and school board may waive this standard if it is determined that the absences resulted from unusual circumstances or extended illness. A limit of ten (10) absences shall be placed on all one-semester ½ credit courses. Excessive absences as defined above will result in the student receiving no credit for the semester or the year in each class in which eleven (11) or twenty-one (21) absences respectively have been recorded.
Except for school functions, a student must be present in every class every day in order to receive perfect attendance.
Parents will be notified on the fifth (5th) absence for a semester course and on the tenth (10th) absence for a one-year course. To be counted present, a student must be present for a least half of the class period. Three (3) tardies will be considered one (1) absence.
In order to participate in any extra-curricular activity, students must attend school on the day of the activity for at least four (4) class periods. No student will be allowed to participate in a school activity otherwise.
Check-out Policy
Please try to schedule all appointments after school hours. If a student is checking out early, he/she needs to bring a note and turn it in to the Guidance counselor at the beginning of the school day. The Guidance Counselor will make teachers aware of the time the student needs to leave. The student will need to sign out when leaving. Students checking out because of illness must remain at home for the remainder of the day. If a student returns on the same day, he/she must sign back in on arrival at school.
Academic Performance
Student academic performance will be reported eight (8) times throughout the year (four progress reports and four report cards). Progress reports will be sent home at the end of four and one half weeks and report cards at the end of each nine-week period.
Parents are urged to communicate with teachers and contact them if any questions arise.
The grading system is as follows:
Grade Numerical Quality
A 93-100 4.0
B 85-92 3.0
C 75-84 2.0
D 70-74 1.0
F Below 70 0
I Incomplete 0
Classification
High school students will only be allowed to take one (1) English course each year. Classification for 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades can only be changed when the student has successfully completed the corresponding English course.
Sophmore-6 units required one of which must be English I
Junior-12 units required one of which must be English 2
Senior-18 units required one of which must be English 3
All students must be enrolled in a minimum of courses as listed below:
Seniors - four (4) subjects
Juniors – six (6) subjects
Sophomores – six (6) subjects
Freshmen – six (6) subjects
Class Standing
GPA determines class standing, calculated on final grades only, except for seniors, whose class standing will be determined through the third nine weeks of their senior year. The numerical grade can be converted to a letter grade by using the grading chart shown above. The valedictorian is the student who has earned the highest GPA in the graduating class and has completed at least eight credits at Calvary Christian High School. The salutatorian is the student with the second highest GPA and has completed at least eight credits at Calvary Christian High School.
Honors
To qualify for honors, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 t o 3.75. Highest honors go to the students with a cumulative GPA of 3.75-4.0.
Exam Policy
Semester exams will be counted as twenty percent (20%) of the semester grade.
Extra Credit Work
Extra credit work will not be given unless all previously assigned work has been completed. Previously assigned work includes homework. Most students will not need extra credit work if they will complete, to the best of their abilities, the work originally assigned. It will, also, be at the discretion of the teacher whether or not he/she will administer any extra credit work.
Independent Studies
Students wishing to take an independent study must have the permission of both the Headmaster and Guidance Counselor. Students taking an independent study will have a contact teacher. The teacher will present the student with a schedule of deadlines for the course work to be completed. The student will be graded on work only if the deadlines have been met.
No student, including seniors, taking an independent study will be allowed to check out early and complete the independent study at home; rather, the student will be assigned to a Study Hall in which to work on the study.
Graduation Requirements
The class of 2010 and following will be required to have 24 units for graduation.
Required courses include four (4) units in English; four (4) units in science, one of which must be Biology I; four (4) units in math, which must include Algebra I and Geometry; four (4) units in Social Studies, which must include Mississippi Studies, World History, U. S. History, and American Government; one (1) unit in computer science; and one (1) unit in fine arts.
Conduct
While each teacher has rules and procedures in his/her classroom, Calvary expects all students to follow certain rules of conduct. They include:
* Respect for God, peers, adults, the school facility and our nation are required.
* All students must obey those in authority.
* Students must be on time for each class.
* Students must be prepared for class; this includes having all supplies each day, as well as completed assignments.
* Profanity, lying, cheating, stealing and gambling is never acceptable.
* Tobacco and alcohol are not allowed.
* No form of drugs, drug paraphernalia, drug-like substances or reasonable suspicion of drug use is allowed.
* No public display of affection is allowed.
* No involvement with the occult, witchcraft, or spiritualism is allowed.
* Cell phone use is not permitted in the school buildings or on the school grounds. The Headmaster or Guidance Counselor must approve any situation where cell phones are needed in advance.
* Fighting is not acceptable.
* Nothing that can be considered as a weapon can be brought to school
* Bullying, ridicule, teasing, or threatening others is not allowed
* Loud, unruly, or disruptive behavior is not permitted
* CD players, IPODS, radios, electronic games, video cameras, etc. are not permitted at school unless given prior approval for a specific purpose. (see note below)
* Non-educational magazines, books, or games should not be brought to school without prior approval from the principal or teacher.
Consequences for Misbehavior
NOTE: These steps may be waived for severe behavior and immediate action such as referral to the Headmaster, suspension or expulsion may result.
* Warning(s)
* Detention during morning break
* Referral to Guidance Counselor
* Referral to Headmaster
* Parent Contact
* Suspension
* Expulsion
*No cell phones are allowed in the school. A student may leave their phone in their car but no cell phones will be in the school. If an emergency occurs, parents can call the school office and the student will be notified of the emergency. If a student does not drive a car, the phone must be turned off and left in the book bag. If a cell phone is found in a student’s possession, the phone will be taken up and a parent will have to come get the phone from the office. A $10 fee will be required to get the phone back for the 1st offense, $20 for the 2nd offense, and a 3rd offense will result in the student and parent to appear before the board to explain why they cannot adhere to this policy.
* Random drug testing may be conducted unannounced at any time at the expense of the parent/guardian or student. Refusal to take the drug test will be an automatic expulsion.
The following will result in automatic referral to the Headmaster:
* Disrespect shown to any staff member
* Dishonesty (lying, cheating, stealing)
* Rebellion: disobedience in response to instruction or correction.
* Fighting
* Obscene language, including taking the name of the Lord in vain
* Use or possession of drugs, drug paraphernalia, drug-like substance, or reasonable suspicion of drug usage will result in immediate suspension, a recommendation to the school board for expulsion and notification of proper authorities.
Dress Code
Beginning in the 2007-2008 school year Calvary Christian School students will be required to follow a new school dress code. The decision to move to a more unified look as a student body was one that was carefully thought out and studied. We believe that there is a definite relationship between good dress habits and proper student behavior; therefore, dress and grooming of students are concerns of the teachers and administration at CCS.
The school has established the following guidelines to aid parents and students in selecting the proper dress. All students should use maturity and common sense in choosing their school attire. Cleanliness and overall hygiene should be practiced at all time; and hair should be clean, combed, and out of eyes.
Girls may wear earrings in pierced ears. If any other part of the body is pierced, no instruments or jewelry may be worn in exposed body parts of boys or girls.
Any type of clothing or accessories that are, in the opinion of the Headmaster, obscene or suggestive is not acceptable. Clothing must be worn properly.
STUDENTS:
COLORS: Tops: Royal blue, white, or gray solid
Bottoms: Khaki, black, or Calvary plaid
TOPS: Boys and girls may wear short sleeve or long sleeve polo shirts in the appropriate colors. All school shirts must be uniformed cut. This will keep equality with all students in regards to styles of shirts. Monograms will not be required for all days, but on some occasions (field trips, etc.) your child will be required to have a ROYAL BLUE shirt with the Calvary monogram. Calvary t-shirts are still acceptable. Shirts must be tucked in.
BOTTOMS: Boys can wear shorts or pants, flat front, pleated, or cargo style in appropriate colors (including the plaid short). Girls may wear pants, skorts, skirts, or jumpers in the appropriate colors. The plaid for girls will be available in skorts, skirts, and walking shorts.
OTHER: No caps, “heelies” or flip-flops will be allowed at school. All Shoes will have a back on them. This may be a loop for sandals or crocs but must have the loop around the heel at all times. Belts are to be worn through the belt loops and properly fastened. All shoes must be properly tied or fastened.
**Calvary monogrammed royal blue polo shirts will be worn on field trips and other special occasions. We have someone who can do this for you or local stores can as well.
Students violating the dress code will not be allowed to attend class until appropriately dressed.
Our dress code is designed to promote self-respect and adherence to Christian character. We expect our students to dress in a manner that not only presents them in a positive manner, but that also sets a positive example for others.
Students may wear approved apparel other than the approved dress code on certain days as designated by the Headmaster. Shirts will be required to be tucked in and a belt worn unless specified by Headmaster.
Inappropriate clothing consists of:
* Mini skirts, short shorts or biker shorts
* Backless or strapless tops or dresses
* Tank tops, spaghetti straps or muscle shirts
* Tight fitting clothing that shows under garments or excessively emphasizes the shape of the body
* Torn or ripped jeans
* Sagging pants/jeans
* See-through or mesh garments
* Midriff shirts (no skin showing between pants and shirt at any time)
* Earrings on boys
* Piercing on the body except for girls’ earlobes
* Unusually colored hair or unusual hair ornaments
* Clothing with inappropriate or disrespectful pictures or words
* Clothing with disrespectful or sexually suggestive pictures or words. This includes advertisement of substances such as drugs or alcohol.
* Any clothing, signs or symbols related to gangs
* Chains hanging from clothing
* Pajamas or house shoes
* Caps, hats or other headdress
* Sunglasses inside the school facility
** For additional clarification, unacceptable dress includes any clothing that exposes the mid to lower torso when the wearer is stretching, bending, and/or stooping.
In keeping with Biblical principles, all tattoos are discouraged. (Leviticus 19:28) If a student has a tattoo then the tattoo must be covered at all times. This will include all extra-curriculum activities.
Severe Weather
In case of severe weather and school cancellation, we will call the local television and radio stations and give them the information. If school is canceled due to bad weather etc., we will report it by 6:30 in the morning. If school must be canceled early, due to an emergency, we will notify the radio and television stations and call parents as quickly as possible. If you will give the school a number we can text or an email address, we can send out an all call and you will be notified in minutes of a school closing or an emergency. Please let us know if you change any phone numbers or email addresses so we do not leave you out.
In the event of tornado warnings, we will follow prescribed procedures for the safety of our students.
Health Information
Medication will be administrated to students according to doctors’ orders. Written instructions from parents and doctors must be on file (see attached form).
A child who has been sick at home should not be sent back to school until he/she has been free of fever for 24 hours.
If a minor accident occurs, a member of the school staff will administer first aid. No care beyond simple first aid will be given. Every effort will be made to contact parents if an emergency occurs requiring more extensive medical attention. Appropriate medical attention will be secured, if necessary, if the parents cannot be reached. This will be done according to the parents’ instructions on the registration form. However, if a severe emergency develops, the student will be taken to the emergency room at once and the parents and a family doctor will be called.
Lunches
Calvary Christian School will provi+de lunches prepared in our cafeteria. Our lunches will be $3.50 per day, which includes bottled water. Students may bring a lunch from home; however, students are not allowed to have a parent or friend bring in fast food during the lunch hour. If the student desires fast food for his/her lunch, he/she should bring it to school in the morning and warm it in the microwave.
Lunch tickets may be purchased daily, weekly or by the month but all tickets must be purchased before school or during morning break. No lunch tickets will be sold in the cafeteria or in the office during lunchtime.
Vehicles at School
Students must have written permission from parents, proof of liability insurance, and a current diver’s license presented to the Guidance Counselor before they will be granted permission to drive to school. When arriving at school, students are to lock their vehicles and come immediately to the School Cafeteria. Students are not allowed to go back and forth to their vehicles during the day. When leaving school, students should leave the campus promptly.
Parental Involvement
The PTO is a way for parents to work with teachers in the education of their children and for the improvement of our school. The PTO holds meetings once a month through the year. There are many ways to get involved in the PTO. We encourage all parents to find some way to take part. Being an active part of the school activities makes a great difference to your children’s education.
School Visits
Parents are always welcome to visit the school. We ask that you check in with the office when you visit. Parents may not disrupt the classroom when visiting. Conferences with the teacher(s) should be scheduled during non-instructional time.
Acceptable Use Policy
Calvary Christian School recognizes the importance of computer technology in providing tools for today’s education. The new technologies that use global communications provide the students with unique learning opportunities.
