Appling Christian Academy

Parental Involvement

Parental involvement is extremely valuable in encouraging students to succeed. Also, it is important in improving the overall quality of the academy. Parents, students, faculty, and directors are all partners in Christian education.

A. Orientation

Parent Orientation is held approximately one week prior to the start of school. This meeting should be attended by both parents to ensure an adequate understanding of school procedures and policies. Parent-teacher meetings are held every nine weeks.

B. Activities

Each year students will be involved in activities and performances that parents are invited to attend. These include but are not limited to fine arts performances, programs, sports, banquets, and parent-teacher meetings.

C. Fund Raising

Parental participation in fund raising is encouraged. Everyone reaps the benefits of the academy and thus are encouraged to participate in the fund raising projects that are held each year. These activities are crucial for the on-going development of our educational program. Successful fund raising will prevent, or reduce significant price increases. ACA’s tuition rate is considerably less than other private schools in the immediate area.

D. Problem Resolution Procedures

Any dispute or matter likely to create a dispute or conflict must be dealt with in a manner reflecting the Christian or Biblical worldview and philosophy of Appling Christian Academy. The parties agree that it is in the common interest to manage resolution of any conflict by means which neither disrupt nor damage the school’s optimum ministry. The method by which the parties seek to resolve any grievance will be based on applying the Biblical principle of Matthew 18. Reconciliation is to be sought through the Biblical model. Appointments with administrative staff should not be made until a conference with the teacher is attempted first, unless there are unusual circumstances. Problems are to be discussed with teachers and others directly involved. Please do not involve other parents, students, etc., who are not part of the problem or the solution. Students (or their parents) are asked not to sow discord by talking to others concerning problems they have with the school or a teacher. Please know that it is the desire of all the staff of Appling Christian Academy to solve problems and work toward solutions of any problems involving your children. We will spare no effort to that end.

Attendance Policy

The student is expected to be at school every day. A student may not be absent more than twenty days per year in grades K5 through eighth. A high school student is subject to losing course credit if he is absent more than ten days per semester in a class. The forty-minute class attendance rule applies to high school students. In order to receive attendance credit for a class period, high school students must be in class for at least forty-five minutes. A signed, dated note should be presented to the teacher upon returning to school for each absence. Any student having excessive absences is subject to being retained unless unusual circumstances exist, and the Appling Christian Academy Board of Directors rules otherwise.

It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements to make-up work for an absence. All work should be made up within two days with the following exception. If a student is absent on a day that a test is given that he/she was aware of, and if the student had already been reviewed for the test, then the test is to be made up on the day that the student returns to school. All work that is not completed within the required time limit will receive a grade of zero.

Tardiness

The school day starts promptly at 8:00 a.m. A student is tardy to school if he/she arrives after this time. All students who arrive late must sign in at the office and receive a pass to class.

Three tardies in a nine week period will result in detention for high school students. A student is not assessed a tardy to school if he/she can present an official, documented excuse (dentist, doctor, medical emergency) upon arrival.

School Hours

The school office is open from 7:45 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. School begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:05 p.m. Kindergarten/elementary classes begin dismissal procedures at 2:50 p.m. to help with the traffic congestion.

Early Dismissal

Other than for a planned school event, all students are required to sign out before departing the campus. Parents of younger students should sign them out. Juniors and seniors are required to sign out before departure every day.

Student Life

All students are required to participate in chapel services and take Bible courses. All subjects are taught as God’s truth and are integrated with Biblical teachings.

Students are encouraged to make strong Christian friendships at the school. Ample extra-curricular activities are scheduled throughout the year for the students.

Student Conduct

All students are expected to model Christ-like behavior. Each child is required to conduct himself in a manner that will reflect well upon Christ, the student, and the school. A student represents the school until he ceases to be a student of ACA. Good behavior is expected at all times, in all places, not just on campus.

Discipline

Any behavior that is less than exemplary is subject to school discipline. A student may be disciplined at school or lose the privilege of attending ACA for behavior that occurs AWAY from school or EVEN during summer break. All discipline problems will be handled in a firm, consistent manner. Teachers have the authority to assign discipline to students who do not abide by the rules. Discipline of students at ACA is a joint responsibility of the parents, teachers, administrator, and students. This will prevent the child from being placed in a position of conflict between the parent and the school. We welcome your questions, comments, and suggestions, but any changes in policy must reflect spiritual principles and the best interests of the school.

Most minor discipline problems that occur in the classroom are handled by the teacher. Other problems are referred to the administrator, who may impose some form of discipline or counseling.

The administration reserves the right to ask a student to withdraw at any time it feels the student is having a detrimental effect upon the spiritual and social atmosphere of the school. Excessive detentions, habitual classroom disruptions and in or out of school suspensions are major factors in such determination. Parents and students who cannot support the discipline standards of Appling Christian Academy should find a school whose standards more nearly reflect their own.

Academic Offenses

Academic offenses will warrant discipline of an academic nature. Academic probation is designed to help motivate students that are performing poorly. A student may be placed on academic probation if he is in danger of failing a subject or has not been completing assignments. A student on academic probation may not participate in extracurricular activities.

Behavioral Offenses

Behavioral offenses will warrant detention, extra work, corporal punishment, suspension or Saturday Detention. The administration reserves the right to use discipline that will help the student modify his behavior. Unacceptable includes but is not limited to the following:

1. Running, horseplay, or using excessive noise in the halls or classrooms

2. Using unwholesome language

3. Chewing gum

4. Possessing knives and possession of any type of weapon

5. Using or displaying cell phones, playing cards IPods, audio or visual instruments such as CD players and radios

6. Loitering in the school office or in the parking lot

7. Damaging school property (students and parents will be held financially liable for damages)

8. Entering or being in unauthorized areas (teachers’ desks, files, parking lot, unsupervised rooms {weight rooms}, school office {except for official school business}, are some off limits areas)

9. Disrespect to authority

10. Cheating (copying work or allowing work to be copies) will result in a notice to the parent, a grade of “0” on the assignment and detentions)

Offenses Warranting Suspension

Some offenses require more severe consequences. Suspension (in-school or out of school) may be given for the following: theft, obscene language, forgery, fighting, leaving campus without permission, and cutting class, chapel or assemblies. Suspension consequences are not limited to the above listed items. Out of school suspension is considered an unexcused absence and results in zeroes issued in classes missed during the suspension. Extracurricular activity is prohibited during any type of suspension.

Offenses Warranting Expulsion

Expulsion may be given for engaging in immoral behavior, or possessing pornography, a weapon, alcohol, explosives, or illegal drugs. Students may be expelled if their behavior exhibits a serious discredit to the school. The school board will use its discretion in such matters. Expulsion is not limited to the above listed items.

Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment is authorized for use at ACA by the principal and teachers under the following circumstances: (a) It must not be unduly severe. (b) It should not be used as the first line of punishment for minor offenses. (c) It must be administered in the presence of a designated employee who has been informed in the student’s presence of the reason for punishment. (d) Written parental permission must be given.

Grades 7-12 Detention/Discipline Code

Major Infractions – 5 Detentions

* Possession of unauthorized material/items, including the display or use of a cell phone – the item will be confiscated

(cell phones may be retrieved from the principal’s office at the end of the day)

* Major disruption in the classroom (may require class suspension)

* Abuse/defacing property (student will be required to pay for the abuse)

* Profanity/vulgarity, lying to authority (repeated offenses may warrant suspension/expulsion)

* Reckless driving – loss of on campus driving and parking privilege on repeated offense

* Parking violation – loss same as above

* Stealing

* Tobacco products – repeated offense subject to suspension

* Forgery (falsifying a signature on any school document/misrepresenting a parent note)

* Disrespect toward authority – may require class/school suspension

* Cheating

Other infractions – 1 detention (minimum)

* Tardy to class

* Tardy to school (after three tardies), excessive tardies will result in alternative measures

* Off limits area (including the school office except for official business)

* Writing on property

* Public display of affection between couples (kissing, hugging, etc.)

* Dress code

* Talking in class (after verbal reminders)

* Consuming drink/food items in unauthorized areas

* Horseplay that does not result in major disruption

* Unprepared to class (includes any necessary item for class; book/Bible, paper, pencil/pen, signed papers)

Fighting and bullying issues are taken seriously and are addressed as they arise. Disciplinary measures will be in accordance to the situations that develop and a thorough investigation of each situation will be carried out. The administration reserves the right to use disciplinary measures regarding offenses not stated in this manual.

Detention Accumulation

A student accumulating more than 9 detentions within a quarter will be required to meet with the principal. A formal warning will be issued and a Saturday Detention will be assigned. The formal warning will be in written form, filed in the student’s folder and mailed to the student’s parent. The warning notice must be returned to the principal with a parent signature affixed to it. Should a student accumulate more than 14 detentions within the same quarter, a formal parent conference with the principal will be required. At that time, the student will be assigned two more Saturday Detentions and the student and parent will be notified in writing that should 20 detentions be accumulated within the same quarter, the student will be suspended from school for a period of three days. Accumulation of 15 or more detentions within a quarter will result in a student being suspended from an extracurricular school activity.

Administration of Detentions and Discipline

All disciplinary actions are recorded in the student’s permanent records.

Disciplinary action shall be taken by the administration for any situation not stated in the guidelines. The issuing of detentions is not limited to the above infraction list. In some situations, discipline by means of the use of the paddle may be appropriate after consultation with the student and parent. Paddling does not alter the detention record of the student. Discipline problems beyond these guidelines may result in removing the student from the school. While on any form of suspension, a student is not allowed to participate in games, practices and any other extracurricular activity.

Detention Hall

1. Observance of the dress and conduct code is required.

2. Detention time and place is announced.

3. Instructions will be given as to the assignment for the day.

4. The student detention notice must be brought to the detention teacher on duty when the student reports for detention.

5. The notice must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. Should the detention notice be misplaced, the student must ask his/her parent to write a letter to the principal acknowledging the student’s detention.

6. An unexcused absence from detention will result in two additional detentions.

7. Failure to bring the signed detention slip to detention hall will result in an additional

detention.

Middle/High School Student Expectations

GRADES: Teachers are not required to give you good grades because you want them or expect them. Good grades are earned by hard work, study and preparation. Almost always, when these three things are neglected bad grades will result.

ATTENDANCE/TARDINESS: Students are expected to attend class and remain in class for the duration of the class period. There is no need for students to wander in the hall during a class period. Hall passes will be required of all students who find it necessary to be out of class during normal class time. Three minutes between each class is ample time to take care of locker needs, restroom needs and business in the office. Students will not be permitted to “hang out” in the office. Students who have business in the office should attend to the need from the office window. When the bell rings, it is the student’s responsibility to be in his or her desk with the appropriate material needed for the class. There is no reason to come to the class unprepared. Students who are not in their classrooms when the bell rings, 1^st period and following, will be counted tardy and will be issued detentions. The homeroom tardy rule is in effect.

CLASSROOM CONDUCT: Students are required to behave during classroom instruction and during classroom assignments. There is no excuse for disrupting a teacher, talking back to a teacher, doing another class assignment (unless permission has been granted), showing disrespect to a teacher or a fellow classmate, or using a cell phone (for any purpose).

DRESS CODE: Students are expected to adhere to the dress code. Dress code violations include untucked shirts, hats worn in the building, and inappropriate words and lettering on shirts. The rule of thumb is simple in regard to the dress code – “when in doubt, don’t wear it”. The wearing of outerwear (“hoodies”, etc.) to cover up shirts which are not acceptable will not be permitted. In addition, male students need to be clean shaven and hair styles must remain within the bounds of the dress code. Female students should always dress modestly which includes loose fitting clothing and tops that are not low cut in the front or back. Students will be charged with detentions for violations and, in some cases, will be sent home to make the necessary adjustments. School attire such as school shirts, etc. (if available) may be used to outfit a student whose attire is inappropriate and whose parent cannot bring acceptable clothing to the school. More specific information on the dress code guidelines is stated elsewhere in this handbook.

RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY: In this area, students need to respect the work that teachers put in to help them become better students. Respect is expected even though a student may not like or agree with an authority figure. Talking back to a teacher is not acceptable behavior. Making negative comments about one teacher to another teacher or staff member is not acceptable. If a student has a disagreement with a teacher, he or she should request some private time with that teacher to express the concern and work out the problem. Making a public display is not the way to solve a problem.

CLASSROOM INTERRUPTIONS: If a student must interrupt a class to deliver a message or pass out some material, he or she must do it with respect and dignity. A student who needs to interrupt a class must knock on the door and ask for permission to enter. Classroom interruptions should be at a minimal.

EXCESSIVE CHECK-OUTS: Student will not be permitted to check out early “just to get out of class, to get out of a test/quiz, or to miss a detention responsibility”. If a student is genuinely sick, an office staff member will attend to the student and will make the call to the parent, as needed. Students will not be permitted to use the office telephone to call home for no particular reason. Again, if a call home is needed, an office staff member will initiate the call or give express permission for the student to make the call. Office personnel may speak to the parent to clarify the reason for the call. Students will not be permitted to “sign-out” for lunch. The only exception may occur if a parent comes to the school and requests that a student be permitted to sign out to have lunch with him or her. Generally speaking, this arrangement should be planned in advance and a note brought to the office the morning of the event. It goes without stating that there will be exceptions when parents need to check students out early for various reasons.

CELL PHONE USAGE: The handbook plainly states that cell phones are not to be used during class time or during the school day. As the rule states, students who insist on using their cell phones to make or receive calls or to text will have their phones confiscated and five detentions will be charged to the students. If students need to make telephone calls, any office personnel will be happy to make the call for them. If students need to be reached by their parents during the school day, students should ask their parents to call the school office and the message will be delivered. Five detentions are automatically charged to students for having cell phones out or for using cell phones during school hours. In addition, cell phones are taken up and sent to the school office. They may be retrieved from the principal’s office.

SCHOOL BOOKS: Students often leave their books in the classrooms on a regular basis. There is a definite parallel between books left unattended and dropping grades. It just makes good sense

to keep up with books and use them to complete homework assignments.

UNPREPARED TO CLASS: It has become too common for students to come to class unprepared (no books, no pencil/pen, no paper). Teachers will issue detentions to students who come to class without the necessary materials. Students will be allowed to go get their materials if they should forget them; however, a detention will be charged. In addition, when a teacher requires papers to be signed, the student should present them at the beginning of the period to avoid disciplinary action. Returning of signed report cards/progress reports is required within a two-day grace period to avoid disciplinary action (one detention per day following the two day grace period).

NOISE IN THE HALL: It is important to keep the noise level down so as not to interrupt elementary classes at student lockers. Please do not slam locker doors.

STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN ATHLETICS: Student attendance and athletic participation go hand-in-hand. All athletes are expected to have good attendance records. If an athlete is too sick or unable to come to school, then it is believed that he or she is too sick or unable to practice or play. All athletes must be in class for a minimum of ½ of the school day on the day of a game or practice to participate that afternoon or evening. The ½ day rule means that a student must arrive by the beginning of the 3^rd period, or not leave school before the end of the 3^rd period. The arrival must be accompanied by a note from a parent and be excusable. The dismissal must meet the approval of the Principal. In the event that a student leaves school early, he or she must obtain permission from the Principal or Athletic Director to return for practice or a game after discussing the reason for early departure and provided he or she does not leave before the completion of the 3^rd period. Athletes returning from a game will not be excused for any tardiness or from assignments, tests, or quizzes given for the following day. Student athletes are issued an athletic manual to guide them through the requirements and expectations of ACA.

COMPUTER USAGE: With the installation of and access to the internet, it is necessary to establish a general computer usage guideline. Additional guidelines and rules will be established, as needed.

A student is not permitted to use an internet connected computer without permission from a teacher or staff member. The student must be supervised by a staff person while using the computer. A student is not permitted to skip a class or be late to a class because of a prior permission from a different teacher.

Dress Code

Basic principles regarding clothing and appearance include:
* Godliness * Modesty * Neatness * Practicality

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (I Corinthians 10:31)

The standards of dress and grooming at Appling Christian Academy are in keeping with the high standards of Christianity that we seek to establish in ACA students. Any form of dress that exceeds those bounds will be judged unacceptable, even if the student is not in direct violation of a specific rule.

The only exceptions to the following rules will be on special days designated by the Board of Directors.

If a student’s appearance is inappropriate, a parent may be called to bring proper attire to the school. Suitable attire from the school may be used if such is available. In the case of male facial hair, the offender may be required to shave immediately or be sent home to do so. Unnecessary time away from class due to a violation of the dress code may count as an absence.

Grades 5-12

Young Ladies:
*Hair must be clean and neatly groomed. It must be out of the eyes and in keeping with a feminine appearance.
*All clothing must be modest.
*Casual shoes or tennis shoes are acceptable.
*Items NOT permitted:
                        Sundresses, except as a jumper with a blouse
                        Dresses, skirts or splits in skirts that are higher than the top of the knee
                        Sleeveless tops , T-shirts, sweatshirts

                        Tops with any kind of pictures, large lettering, or commercial advertisements, low-cut tops, tops that expose the midriff when arms are raised
                        Jeans, shorts, overalls, sweatpants, warm-up suits, sweatbands
                        Camouflage clothing, hats or sunglasses inside the building

                        Excessive makeup or extreme hair styles
                                                                                                Body-piercing jewelry, excluding earrings
                                                                                                Visible tattoos, temporary or permanent
                                                                                                Tight clothing and any fashion with unwholesome associations

Young Gentlemen:

*Hair must be clean and neatly groomed. The length is to be above the collar, above the eyebrows, and above the ears. Sideburns may extend to the bottom of the ear opening.
*Shirts must have collars. Shirt tails must be completely tucked in pants.
*Socks must be worn. Casual shoes and tennis shoes are acceptable.
*Items NOT permitted:

T-shirts with pictures, large letting or commercial advertisements, sleeveless shirts, sweatshirts

Belt looped pants with no belt, jeans, shorts, overalls, sweatpants, sweatbands, warm-up pants, camouflage

Hats or sunglasses inside the building

Sandals or flip-flops

Extreme hair styles, body piercing, visible tattoos

Any fashion with unwholesome association

Grades K5-4

Hair must be clean, neatly groomed and out of the eyes (girls and boys). For boys, the length of the hair is to be above the collar, above the eyes, and above the ears. All clothing for boys and girls must be modest and age-appropriate. Casual shoes and tennis shoes are acceptable. Boys must wear socks. For boys, shirts must be tucked in the pants {belt loop pants must have a belt} and shirts must have collars.

Items not permitted for girls include: Sundresses, except as a jumper with a blouse; dresses, skirts, or slits in skirts higher than the top of the knee; tops that expose the midriff when arms are raised; T-shirts, sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, and tops with any kind of pictures, large lettering, or commercial advertisements; short shorts (the appropriate length is to be measured while kneeling and is to be no higher than 4 inches from the floor); jeans or jean shorts, overalls or short-alls, sweatpants, warm-up suits; camouflage clothing; hats or sunglasses inside the buildings; sweatbands; high-heeled shoes; tattoos of any kind; any fashion with unwholesome associations.

Items not permitted for boys include: T-shirts, sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, and tops with any kind of pictures, large lettering, or commercial advertisements; short shorts (the appropriate length is to be measured while kneeling and is to be no higher than 4 inches from the floor); jeans or jean shorts, overalls, sweatpants, warm-up suits; camouflage clothing; hats or sunglasses inside the buildings; sweatbands; tattoos of any kind; any fashion with unwholesome associations

Phone Usage

A. Office Phones

All phone calls by students from the office require approval from a staff member. Students will not be allowed to make routine calls. Exceptions are made in cases of emergency.

B. Cell Phones

Cell phone usage during school hours is prohibited unless authorized by a staff member. Students’ cell phones must remain in vehicles, lockers or book bags. Students found using their cell phones on campus without approval will have their phones confiscated. Phones may then be retrieved from the office by a parent.

Textbooks

Textbooks are purchased at the beginning of the school year. If a textbook is lost by a student, there will be a replacement cost. Students should not abuse their textbooks.

Homework

Students should expect to have regular homework assignments. Failure to complete assignments will result in disciplinary measures. Students are encouraged to record homework assignments in an assignment pad each day and parents are asked to encourage their children to complete the assignments. If requested by the teacher, parents should sign the assignment pad on a daily basis. Report folders will be sent home weekly in K5-grade 6 for parental review and signature. Middle and high school students receive papers periodically for parental review and signatures, as needed.

Report Cards

Report cards will be sent home each nine weeks. Progress reports are sent home at the
middle of each grading period.

Grading System for Grades 1-12

A = 90-l00 C = 75-79
B = 80-89 D = 70-74

F 69 and below

Grading System for K5

S = satisfactory

N = needs improvement

U = unsatisfactory

Exemption of Final Exams

Ninth through twelfth grade students may be eligible to exempt final exams as a reward for hard work, determination, and a willingness to follow the rules.

Requirements for exempting the final exam for a subject:

1. “A” average for the semester
2. No more than 4 absences per semester

3. No more than 3 disciplinary actions per nine weeks

Honor Students (Grades 1 -12)

Students who achieve a 97 academic average in every subject (excluding writing) will be placed on the Principal’s List per each report card period. Students who achieve A’s in every subject (excluding writing) will be considered A honor roll students per each report card period. Students who achieve at least one A in a subject and B’s in the remaining subjects (excluding writing) will be considered AB honor roll students per each report card period.

Honor Graduates

Students who have an overall grade point average of 3.5 or higher for grades 9-12 will be considered honor graduates. Elective courses are excluded when determining G.P.A.

Grade point average is determined by dividing the quality points earned by the hours attempted. The quality point scale is as follows: A= 4 pts., B= 3 pts., C= 2 pts., D= 1 pt. and F= 0 pts.

Valedictorian/Salutatorian

Selection will be based on grades, attitude, and reputation. Students must have a minimum G.P.A. of 3.5 in grades 9-12 for consideration. To qualify for selection, a student must have been enrolled for eight full semesters in high school at A.C.A. Situations which could disqualify a student include, but are not limited to the following: excessive absences or tardies, discipline record, and derogatory attitude or reputation.

Grade point average is determined by dividing the quality points earned by the hours attempted. The quality point scale is as follows: A= 4 pts., B= 3 pts., C= 2 pts., D= 1 pt., and F= 0 pts. The academic average is used only in the event of a tie; that is, when two or more students have the same G.P.A.’s. Courses excluded from calculations include: PE, health, drama, music.

Promotion Policy

A. Grades 1-8

Students will be retained if they fail two or more core subjects (reading/phonics, math, science, history, language arts). Upon successful completion of summer school (if available), a student may be promoted. If a student fails more than three subjects retention will be mandatory.

B. Grades 9-12

Students are awarded a 1/2 Carnegie unit for each semester of a course successfully completed. Promotion to the next grade level is as follows:

Placement in the tenth grade…………………5.5 units
Placement in the eleventh grade………..........11 units
Placement in the twelfth grade……………... 16.5 units
To graduate……………………………… 22 units (23 beginning with the freshman class entering the 2008-2009 school year)

Generally, reports cards are mailed at least one week after the last day of school. A fee of one dollar will be requested for postage.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS-22 UNITS (23 units for freshmen entering the 2008-2009 school year)

A student must meet the minimum one year residency requirement in order to be considered a candidate for graduation. A senior shall not be permitted to march in the commencement exercise if she or he lacks more than one unit for graduation. A senior must complete a full year of residency at Appling Christian Academy to be eligible for an Appling Christian Academy diploma. To be eligible for a college-preparatory diploma seal, a student must meet the college preparatory core curriculum requirements. A Bible course is required for each semester enrolled at ACA.

COURSES AVAILABLE LEADING TO A COLLEGE PREPARATORY DIPLOMA:

ENGLISH (grammar/composition/literature – 4 units required)

Grammar/Composition/Literature – 9^th grade

Grammar/Composition/World Literature

Grammar/Composition/American Literature

Grammar/Composition/British Literature

MATHEMATICS (4 units required)

Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Plane Geometry, Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry (Pre-Calculus)

LAB SCIENCE (3 units required – 4 units required of freshmen entering in the 2008-2009 school year)

Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy, or Physics

SOCIAL STUDIES (3 units required)

World History, American History, American Government and Economics

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH (1 unit required)

Physical Education/Health

FOREIGN LANGUAGE (2 units required)

Spanish 1 and Spanish 2

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY/FINE ARTS (1 unit required) {beginning with freshman in the 2008-2009 school year}

BIBLE (a unit required for each year enrolled)

ELECTIVES (as needed)

Business Math, Consumer Math, Geography, Ethics/Current Issues, Drama/Music

Withholding of Student Records

In the event of withdrawal, transfer, or expulsion, parents are responsible for full payment of tuition and other fees. The school reserves the right to withhold transcripts and report cards until the account has been paid current.

Tuition Payments

Tuition is based on a ten month payment plan. The first payment is due by August 5, and the last payment is due by May 5. A twelve month plan (June-May) is available upon request. A late fee of twenty-five dollars is due per late payment. There is a return check fee of twenty-five dollars. Accounts that are more than sixty days past due may result in dismissal of the student.

Athletics

Participation on team sports is generally limited to students in grades 7-12. Tryouts are held annually for each team. Players are selected during tryouts based on athletic ability. Grades are checked before final decisions are made and they are checked every three weeks during participation. The ACA athletic program adheres to the philosophy and guidelines of the Georgia Christian Athletic Association (GCAA). It should be expected that older students are more likely to be successful in tryouts than younger students. Coaches’ decisions are final. Students who have failing grades are ineligible for participation until the grades are at a satisfactory level at the next three week grade check.

Illness Policy

Children requiring individual care due to illness should be kept at home for their own well-being as well as that of other children. Admission back into the school setting should occur only after a physician’s approval.

Medical Emergency/Health Care Policy

It is the policy of ACA to call Appling EMS to transport the child with a life-threatening emergency. The EMS will transport to the appropriate medical facility. ACA has a standing policy for treatment at Appling Hospital. Every effort will be made to notify parents immediately in case of an emergency. Parents are to respond to Appling Hospital in an emergency.

All prescription drugs and non-prescription medication (including aspitin) must be left at the school office to be administered to the student at specific times. A note from the parent giving specific directions for administering the medication must accompany any medication that is administered by a school employee. Parents should send only enough medication needed for school hours.

The Medical and Release Information section of the enrollment card must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. The school must be notified should a student contract hepatitis, meningitis, rubella, measles, or other communicable disease. Students with such diseases will not be allowed to attend classes while they are contagious. A student’s parent will be called and asked to come to the school to pick up his or her child if the student develops a temperature due to illness during the school day. Required immunization records must be on file within the first three weeks of school.

Inclement Weather Policy

Generally, ACA will have school on stormy days if public schools are open. When the administration cancels school, the local AM/FM radio station will be notified so an announcement can be made.

Travel Policy

All students attending school-sponsored activities or field-trips off campus must present a completed and signed parent permission slip.

APPLING CHRISTIAN ACADEMY FINANCIAL POLICY

1. Yearly tuition amount may be divided into 10 or 12 monthly payments.

2. Tuition payments are paid directly to the school. Other fees, including lunch, PE, athletics, books and registration, and after school care, are paid separately through the school office.

3. Books and registration fees must be paid in full before a student is considered officially enrolled. A student will not be permitted to attend the first day of class if his registration and book fee and his first month tuition have not been paid.

4. Payments are due on the 5^th of each month. Accounts are considered past due after the 15^th and are subject to a late penalty. Accounts are considered delinquent if tuition and/or fees have not been paid by the last day of the month.

5. If a student is withdrawn or dismissed, the parent must contact the School Office and check out in the school office to clear up financial records and drop off all school materials before records can be released.

6. No deduction is made from the tuition payments for a student's absences.

7. All accounts must be paid in full by the last day of the school year.

8. All high school transcripts, permanent records (evaluations, school related forms, test scores, grades) and report cards are withheld pending full payment of fees and tuition for the present school year. In addition, transcripts and reports cards are withheld for any school property that has not been returned.

9. High school diplomas at graduation are withheld if the family account for the present school year has not been satisfied 10 days prior to graduation.

10. No student will be permitted to re-enroll for the new school year if the family account has not been paid out for the previous year.

11. A student is subject to being dismissed from ACA if the family account becomes delinquent for more than sixty days. Should the account reach this limit, the student’s parents must satisfy the financial requirements by bringing the account up to date before the student is permitted to return to school. Delinquency notices are issued at 30 and 60 days.

12. Limited financial aid is available to eligible families through Family Financial Needs Assessment in Hernando, MS. Applications are available in the school office.

13. Financial aid may be withheld in the event that an account becomes delinquent more than 60 days. Financial aid applications can not be considered for the upcoming year until all present year payments are up to date.

14. There is a $25.00 service fee charged for all returned checks.

PAYMENT GUIDELINES FOR PAST DUE AMOUNTS OWED TO ACA

All tuition and/or fees due Appling Christian Academy is/are due no later than the 5^th day of each month. In the event the tuition and/or fees are not paid by the 15^th, it will be considered past due. A late penalty will be assessed with the payment of the tuition and/or fees. In the event the tuition and/or fees have not been paid by the last day of the month, the account will be considered delinquent. A notice of delinquency will be sent at 30 and 60 day intervals. A student is subject to being dismissed from ACA if the family account becomes delinquent for 60 days. Should the account reach this limit, the student’s parents must satisfy the financial requirements by bringing the account up to date before the student is permitted to return to school. The Appling Christian Academy Board of Directors will be informed of all delinquent accounts.

Closed Campus Policy

ACA has a closed campus policy. Students not attending ACA are not to visit the campus at all without the permission of the principal. Parents and other visitors must check in with the school office upon arrival on campus. Additionally, students are not to leave the school grounds between arrival and dismissal times without permission from the office.

Student Driver Policy

Students are not allowed to sit in cars before or after school, during the school day or at any school function. A student must secure permission from the principal before going to his/her car during the school day. Students are not permitted to park in any space other than the student parking area at any time of the school day. Student drivers are under the authority of the school upon entry of the parking lot. Law enforcement will be summoned to handle serious violations or questionable situations.

All student-driven cars must be registered in the office for safety and insurance purposes. Registration will include certain information stated below. The school secretary will make the necessary copies for students.

·a copy of the student’s driving permit

· a copy of the student’s insurance card

· the vehicle tag number

· the make/model/year of the vehicle

Should a student drive a different vehicle than the one which is registered, he or she must notify the school office on the day that it is driven on campus. Any erratic driving observed on or near school grounds may forfeit the student's privilege of driving to and from school. Speeding, blocking traffic, double parking, loitering, loud music, and littering are not permitted. THE EXERCISE OF EXTREME CAUTION IN THE PARKING LOT AND ON THE SCHOOL CAMPUS IS REQUIRED.

Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)

Appling Christian Academy has been inspected according to the law under (AHERA) which requires that all public and nonpublic schools be inspected by a certified inspector and that a management plan be submitted to the State of Georgia by October 12, 1988. The inspection was conducted by a certified inspector and the required management plan has been submitted in accordance with the law. No asbestos containing material (ACM) was found as a result of the inspection. A contractor’s affidavit is on file in the school office verifying that no asbestos containing material was included in the school construction materials. In accordance with the law, we are hereby notifying all school families of this fact as we are required to do so annually. A copy of the management plan submitted to the Georgia Department of Education is on file in the school office and may be inspected by any school parent who wishes to do so.