Discipline and Other Policies - Grace Christian Academy

The Bible clearly indicates that parents/guardians are responsible for the discipline (that is, training or instruction) of their children. Grace Christian Academy exists to assist parents/guardians in this God-given responsibility. Grace Christian Academy does not seek to assume the task which God gives to parents, but only to serve as the parents’/guardians’ appointed and authorized representatives in the training process. Grace Christian Academy’s system of student discipline and educational philosophy is structured in such a way so as to mirror the Bible’s guidelines for reproof and instruction.

Attendance at Grace Christian is a privilege and not a right. Grace Christian Academy reserves the right at the sole discretion of the administration and/or the School Board to dismiss students from enrollment if at any time it is decided by the aforementioned entities that the school can no longer assist in the educational process of the student. Furthermore, Grace Christian Academy, the administration, and the School Board, reserve the right at their sole discretion to deny readmission to any student whose actions demonstrate that it is not in the school’s best interest to allow readmission.

Disciplinary Goals

Grace Christian Academy seeks to accomplish three primary disciplinary goals. It is the belief of the administration that these goals are integral to the personal development of every individual.

Respect for those in authority. Christ himself cautioned against rebellious attitudes towards governing officials and in the book of Romans Paul tells us to submit ourselves to those in authority over us. In chapter 13, verse 2, he tells us, “Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” Rebellious attitudes have no place in the hearts of the children of God, and Grace Christian Academy discourages any such attitudes, beliefs, doctrines, creeds, and actions. Micah 6:8 tells us that God desires our humble submission. Therefore, those who are in authority, being put there by God, should also have our humble submission.
Personal responsibility for one’s own actions. 2 Corinthians 5:10 tells us “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” Every person is responsible for his or her own deeds. Personal responsibility is among the most important of our core values and as such is a part of our disciplinary goals. Regardless of those involved, when we find ourselves in the place of reproof, we must accept blame where blame is due and accept the resulting consequences as well. In this way we as educators hope to develop in our students a strong work ethic and mature hearts willing to admit fault.
Consideration of others. With the development of new technologies every day, it becomes more and more apparent just how small our world is. Christ tells us in Matthew 22:37-40 “And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Paul reaffirms this in Galatians 5:13 “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” Clearly Christ intends for us to show the love of God to all people, not just other Christians, and to be considerate of them. In Ephesians 4:25-32 Paul tells us “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Grace Christian Academy seeks to instill in each of its students a deep love for the world that Christ came to save. It is our primary goal to make them Micah 6:8 Christians, doing justice and loving mercy at all times with no lack of truth or grace.

Student Expectations and Behavior

Students will respect the authority of all adults and rights and property of others. Disrespect toward fellow students, teachers or other staff in attitude, words or actions will not be tolerated. Blatant disrespect resulting in the student being dismissed from the classroom or a school activity will result in a parent phone call.
Students will maintain academic and personal integrity as previously described.
Gum chewing is strictly prohibited.
Students will adhere to the student dress code at all times.
No food or drinks, with the exception of water, will be allowed in the classroom except during approved periods.
Lying, cheating, or stealing will not be tolerated. This includes the taking and hiding of another student’s belongings.
Horseplay of any kind is prohibited.
Students should be punctual to class, arriving with all necessary materials.
Foul and abusive language and fighting in any form is not acceptable.
Use of profanity, vulgarity, or obscene body language is not acceptable.
Use of physical force or verbal intimidation will not be tolerated.
Leaving school property without permission is strictly prohibited.
Defacement of school property or the personal property of another student is not acceptable and will be at the parents’ expense.
Misuse of school technology (i.e. lab computers, classroom televisions, teacher iPads, etc.) in a way that is unauthorized or deemed inappropriate (i.e. instant messaging, cheating, viewing sexually explicit material, bullying, etc.) is prohibited.
Unnecessary items (toys, games, etc.) are not to be brought to class and should be left in book bags or lockers. Items that disrupt the class may be confiscated by the teacher and returned at the end of the school day to the parent/guardian.
Public displays of affection between students of any kind, including, but not limited to, kissing, hand holding, and embracing are not allowed.
Involvement or the impression of involvement in immoral activities or activities that are contrary to the philosophy of Grace Christian Academy are not acceptable.
Possession on their person, in their backpack, desk, or locker any kind of weapon, fireworks, drugs, drug paraphernalia, tobacco products, alcohol, or pornography will not be tolerated.
These same guidelines are expected of students at all Grace Christian Academy sponsored events and field trips.

Parent Expectations and Behavior

Parents are expected to dress modestly and appropriately at all on campus, off campus, and school related events and field trips.
Parents are expected to be respectful of school staff and students and display Christ-like behavior and speech that is edifying. Any school related concerns should be addressed according to the Matthew 18 principle (see page 23) and should be voiced only to those concerned.
Parents are responsible to know and adhere to all school policies and procedures.

At the beginning of each school year, all Secondary School students and parents will be required to sign a Grace Christian Academy Code of Conduct Agreement.

Discipline Policies

Conduct Violation System

Level 1 (L1) Conduct Violations

L1 conduct violations include chewing gum, minor class disruption or talking while in class, lack of supplies, and failure to do homework. L1 discipline violations will result in 1 day of lunch detention.

Level 2 (L2) Conduct Violations

L2 conduct violations include horseplay, extreme disruption, lying, violations of the student dress code, disrespect, foul or inappropriate language, misuse of technology, and public displays of affection. L2 conduct violations will result in 1 day of after school detention, parent notification, and administrator referral. If the offense is particularly serious or is continued after the first violation, the student will be given 1 day of In School Suspension.

Level 3 (L3) Conduct Violations

Level 3 Conduct violations include cheating, plagiarism, damage of personal or school property, fighting, and possession or use of tobacco products. L3 conduct violations will result in 2 days of Out of School Suspension, parent notification, and administrator referral.

Level 4 (L4) Conduct Violations

Level 4 conduct violations include possession or use of controlled substances which includes drugs and or alcohol (on or off campus), possession of a firearm or deadly weapon on campus, criminal misconduct (on or off campus), sexual misconduct, theft, assaulting a staff member, and bullying/harassment. L4 conduct violations will result in 5 days of Out of School Suspension and possible expulsion from Grace Christian Academy. In cases deemed necessary, the Cleveland County Sheriff’s department will be called to respond to ensure the safety of all other students.

Detention

Lunch Detention: Lunch detention will be served the day of violation or the following day if detention is given after lunch. After a student has received 5 lunch detentions, they will also be issued 1 day of After School Detention.

After School Detention (ASD): ASD will be for one hour and run from 3 – 4 pm on Wednesdays only. A student will serve their detention on the Wednesday following the day it was issued. It is the responsibility of the student to have his/her parent sign the ASD notice and return it the next day. Attendance in ASD is mandatory and supersedes any other school activity or event such as athletic practices or games, rehearsals, etc. A detention may only be rescheduled for medical appointments with a doctor’s note. If a student fails to appear for a scheduled detention, an additional detention period will be issued. After a student receives 3 ASD’s, there will be a conference with the student’s parents and the student will be issued 1 day of Out of School Suspension. The student will be counted absent for this day and will not be allowed to make up any work/quizzes/tests missed.

In School Suspension: ISS will be served on the next school day after it is issued. If a student is given ISS, they will be counted absent for the day but will complete their school work while in ISS.

Out of School Suspension: OSS will be served on the next school day after it is issued. Absences will accrue for each day. The student will not be allowed to make up work, quizzes or tests and will receive 0’s for all missed work/quizzes/tests.

Dismissals

Grace Christian Academy reserves the right to dismiss a student at any time during the school year at the discretion of the respective division head. Any student who persistently neglects work, who fails to meet academic or other standards or qualifications, who exercises poor citizenship, who fails to cooperate, or whose parents/guardians fail to cooperate, may be dismissed from enrollment (expelled). The Headmaster will administer dismissal. Appeal of a dismissal may be made in writing to the School Board within three days of the dismissal. A student may not attend classes during request for an appeal. A student who has lost the privilege to attend Grace Christian Academy is not permitted to attend school related events and will be escorted from the premises.

Harassment Policy

Grace Christian Academy does not tolerate or condone any type of harassment of or by our students, parents, or employees. Conduct, whether intentional or unintentional, that subjects another student to unwanted attention, comments or actions because of race, national origin, sex, physical characteristics or disability, robs the student at whose expense these comments or actions are made of dignity and is not permitted. It includes, but is not limited to, any or all of the following:

Verbal harassment: Verbal harassment is defined as derogatory comments, statements, or jokes; threatening words spoken to another student
Physical harassment: Physical harassment is defined as unwanted physical touching of a non-sexual manner, assault.
Visual harassment: Visual harassment is defined as derogatory drawings, writings, cartoons, or gestures and actions.
Sexual harassment: Sexual harassment is defined as unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and comments, statements, jokes, drawings, writings, cartoons, or obscene gestures or actions of a sexual nature.
Electronic/Cyber harassment: Electronic or cyber harassment includes any of the above forms of harassment communicated in electronic fashion via text, email, instant message, or through social media formats.

Any student who believes he or she has been subjected to any form of harassment should report these statements, comments, or actions immediately to a teacher or administrator. Each report will be given serious consideration and investigated thoroughly in a prompt and confidential manner. Should an accused party be found in violation of this policy, that party will be subject to full disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from enrollment. Students or parents found to have filed false or frivolous accusations of harassment will also be subject to disciplinary action.

Bullying Policy

In His Word, Christ has called us to love one another with the same love He has shown us (John 15:12). Grace Christian Academy’s Bullying Policy exists not to create victims, but to instead foster an atmosphere among it’s students that emulates this principle of selfless love. Grace Christian Academy does not tolerate bullying of any kind. We seek to empower student’s being bullied to be courageous and above the comments and actions of the bully and for other students to show this same Godly courage in intervening in bullying situations. The following actions in an ongoing form may be considered forms of bullying:

Physical aggression, including hitting, punching, kicking, biting, scratching, etc.
Teasing or verbal abuse, including putdowns, insults, name calling or racial/sexually explicit remarks.
Intentional exclusion from activities or friend groups.
The setting up of humiliating experiences.
Damaging a person’s property/possessions, taking them without permission, or taking and hiding them (this will also be considered stealing).
Threatening gestures, actions or words.
Written, verbal, or electronic messages that contain threats, putdowns, gossip or slandering.

From time to time, conflict and offense can occur. As part of living in a sinful world, when we don’t always relate to others as we should or when we try to exert power and influence over others, bullying can result.

Grace Christian Academy recognizes that not all behaviors should be considered bullying or willful violations of this policy. Behaviors will be assessed by the teacher and administrator and addressed according to the following procedures:

All parties involved will be spoken to. The victim, bully and sufficient bystanders to establish the facts of the situation and to hold them accountable for their actions/inaction. All parties will be asked to give a verified account of what has happened in order to complete a whole picture of the incident in question.
All incidents will be documented and written reports will be kept on the behavior.
All staff will be informed about the incident so that they may be aware of any issues between students.
Any investigations into bullying allegations will be undertaken in a timely manner and will be carried out in such a way as to minimize escalation.
Parent of victim and bully will be informed throughout the process and may be invited to be present in discussions. In some cases this may apply to parents of bystanders also.
All incidents of bullying will be followed up in writing to parents/caregivers of the victim(s) and bully.
Bullying incidents will be followed up and students monitored to ensure the incident is resolved satisfactorily.

It should be noted, any bystanders who did not act to intervene on the behalf of a student who is being bullied or failed to report instances of bullying may be considered complicit in the incident and may subject that student to disciplinary action as well. Also, any instances of retaliation will be handled with serious disciplinary action.

First offenses to this policy will be handled according to classroom disciplinary action and a parent notification will be made. Second offenses will result in a conference between student, parent, and administrator. Further instances that have been deemed bullying will be considered a violation of the harassment policy and will subject the party to the aforementioned disciplinary actions. Extreme incidents and instances of bullying may be initially considered harassment at the first offense and will be handled accordingly. Cyber bullying will also be considered under the parameters of this policy.

In order to prevent bullying or to ensure that a student that is being bullied is given justice the following responsibilities have been outlined for students, parents, and staff:

Students

Students should ask the offending student to stop their behaviors.
Students being bullied should report it to staff, parents, or another adult.
Students who are aware of bullying should report it to the
Students should take appropriate steps to discourage or prevent bullying.
Students should be willing to resolve bullying situations, employing forgiveness and some changes in behavior.

Parents

Parents are to report any concerns of bullying to the teacher first.
Parents must accept that the whole story may be quite complex and trust the school to resolve bullying matters.
Parents not satisfied with the action may refer to administration if the need arises.
At no time should a parent seek to handle instances of bullying at school themselves. Parents should be willing to allow the school to act as mediator in order that the situation may be resolved in a fair and balanced manner.

Staff

Non-teaching staff are instructed to refer all allegations of bullying to the teacher or administrator (in that order).
Teaching staff are instructed to establish whether an alleged incident is isolated or an ongoing pattern of behavior (bullying).
Teaching staff are instructed to report to the administrator any allegations/incidents of bullying.
Teaching staff are instructed to follow up on instances of bullying and to monitor students involved to ensure the incident is resolved satisfactorily.

Guns and Weapons Policy

Grace Christian Academy does not allow guns, knives, weapons or other facsimiles on campus. Violations of this policy will result in the immediate dismissal of the participating student or students with the exception of facsimile, which may result in suspension or dismissal at the discretion of the Principle.

Electronic Communication Device (Cell Phone, Smart Watch) Policy

In an effort to create a distraction free learning environment, Grace Christian Academy has adopted a zero-tolerance policy for electronic communication devices during school hours. Student devices should be turned off and stored in the student’s locker or vehicle and should not be visible at any time during the school day. If a device is brought to class or the device rings during class, disciplinary action will be taken and the device confiscated. Forgetting to turn off the device is not an excuse for violation.

Use of devices during a test for any reason will automatically be considered cheating, and appropriate academic and disciplinary action will be taken. No taking of photographs or other use of phone cameras is permitted on school property. No devices are permitted in restrooms at any time and any violations of this prohibition will result in serious disciplinary action.

Parents should not consider their student’s device as a means of contacting their student for any reason during the school day. All student phone calls, incoming and outgoing, should be made through the school office. Parents who need to contact their student during the school day for emergency purposes should use the school’s emergency contact process outlined on page 22.

Disciplinary consequences for violations of any part for any reason of the electronic communication devices policy shall be as follows:

First offense:
The device will be confiscated and held in the school office for 24 hours.
After the 24 hour period, the parent/guardian may retrieve the device from the school office during normal school hours until 4:00 p.m. The device will not be returned to the student for any reason.

Second offense:
The device will be confiscated and held in the school office for 3 days.
The student will receive one day of Lunch Detention.
After 3 days, the parent/guardian may retrieve the device from the school office during normal school hours until 4:00 p.m. The device will not be returned to the student for any reason.

Third offense:
The device will be confiscated and held by administration for 7 days.
The student will receive 3 days of Out of School Suspension. Absences will accrue and zeros will be given for any missed work.
After 7 days, the parent/guardian may retrieve the device from the school office during normal school hours until 4:00 p.m. The device will not be returned to the student for any reason.
The student will lose the privilege to have their communication device on the school campus for the remainder of the year.

Fourth offense:

Student will be dismissed from enrollment at Grace Christian Academy.

If a student is caught using another student’s device, disciplinary action will be administered to both parties involved. Grace Christian Academy accepts no responsibility for use, breakage, theft or loss of communication devices or other personal items.

Electronic Communication/Social Media/Online Presence Policy

As members of the Grace Christian Academy community, students, parents, and staff are ambassadors of the school and more importantly ambassadors and witnesses of Jesus Christ. This same ambassadorship applies to online communications both at home and at school. This includes but is not limited to, email, chat, instant-messaging, video calls, texting, gaming, and social networking sites (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YikYak, etc.). In all of our online communications, whether they be with our peers, classmates, teachers, or otherwise we will treat others with love, grace, and respect as Christ commands us to. Any illegal, disrespectful, obscene, sexually explicit, inflammatory language or media, ethnic or racial slurs, bullying, harassment, defamation, or other similar content posted or sent online will result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

Social networking sites such as the ones listed above are not allowed at school, no exceptions. However, the school realizes that many students do have access to these sites outside of school. Students and Parents/Guardians are reminded that regardless of where their posting originates, be it home or otherwise, any text, photographs, or videos they put on these sites or similar that are obscene, sexually explicit, derogatory to the school or the school community, demean or bully students or faculty is prohibited and will be reported to the appropriate ‘report abuse’ section of the network site and, if needed, may be referred to local law enforcement agencies. The school will also expect that any student or parent/guardian remove such posts and comments immediately. Any further instances may result in the student losing the privilege of enrollment at Grace Christian Academy.

Recording Device Policy

Students may not use any recording devices on the school grounds at any time. This includes transmitting images, taking photographs with phones, camera or other recording device, or using any electronic device on an audio or video record setting.

Exceptions to this policy apply only to Grace Christian Academy students that have been approved for the use of a camera or video camera to record images for curriculum or school related projects or purposes.

Additional Policies

Lockers

Students are assigned lockers for their personal use. Fire code prevents items from being stored outside the lockers in the hallway. LOCKERS ARE THE PRIVATE PROPERTY OF THE SCHOOL AND, AS SUCH, ARE SUBJECT TO SEARCH/INSPECTION BY THE SCHOOL AT ANY TIME. Students are not permitted to store opened food or drink in lockers. Stickers and writing with dry erase markers are not permitted on the outside or inside of any locker. Magnets placed on the inside of the student’s locker must be school appropriate and must be removed at the end of the school year. If the student applies anything to the locker that he/she cannot remove, a $10 fee will be charged to the parents’ account.

Areas Off Limits

The following areas are considered off limits to students:

Restrooms designated for the opposite sex.
Staff offices, workrooms, or work areas without permission.
Christian Freedom Church property not in use by the school without permission.
All parking lots and roadways during school hours without permission.
Hallways before 8:00 a.m. and after 3:00 p.m. without teacher permission.
Closets or storage areas without permission.
Kitchen in the Main Building without permission.

Search and Seizure Policy

In order to maintain an ordered and disciplined learning environment, and to protect the safety and welfare of students and personnel, school authorities may request a search of a student, student lockers, or student vehicles under the circumstances outlined below and may seize illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials discovered in the search. Grace Christian Academy reserves the right to invite the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department or an appropriate narcotics search group to visit at any time during the school year to search for drugs. Any alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia found in back packs, lockers, vehicles or other items under student’s control will be considered possession.

A student and/or personal effects (i.e. purse, back pack, etc.) may be searched whenever a school authority has reasonable suspicion that the student is in possession of illegal or unauthorized/prohibited materials. Students may be asked to empty their pockets, purses, wallets, back packs, etc. without the parent’s permission or the student’s permission. Enrollment of the child constitutes parental consent to such searches. If the student refuses and the school feels a personal search of the student’s person or belongings is required (as per the safety of that student or any other student) then the parents will be called and must come to the school to perform the search. If the parents fail to come to the school to perform the search within one (1) hour of the phone call, and/or the student refuses to empty their pockets or remove from their person what is suspected, then the student’s privilege to attend Grace Christian Academy will be revoked immediately and they will be dismissed from enrollment. If a phone is confiscated, Grace Christian Academy reserves the right to review the phone’s content for any reason.

Student desks and lockers are Grace Christian Academy property, and as such remain under the control of Grace Christian Academy at all times and are subject to search, both random and initiated under suspicion, at any time. Grace Christian Academy exercises exclusive control over school property, and students should not expect privacy regarding items placed in school property for these reasons. Students are responsible for all items contained within desks and lockers, and any illegal, unauthorized, or contraband items found in a student’s desk or locker will constitute possession. Periodic general inspections of desks and lockers are conducted by school authorities for any reason at any time without notice, student consent, parental consent, or search warrant.

If a properly conducted search yields illegal or contraband materials, such findings will be turned over to the proper authorities for ultimate disposition.

Teen Pregnancy and/or Marriage

Grace Christian Academy believes in providing a wholesome environment conducive to learning for all its students. We believe teenage pregnancy and/or marriage are incompatible and impermissible within this environment. Individual situations that conflict with this standard will be evaluated case by case with an attempt to find the best solution for the individual and the student body as a whole. However, no married student, pregnant student, or student responsible for a pregnancy may attend daily classes at Grace Christian Academy.