Student Handbook - Summit Christian Academy

2013-2014
Student Handbook
“In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Colossians 2:3
Elementary
1450 SW Jefferson
Lee’s Summit MO 64081
Phone: (816) 524-0185
Fax: (816) 524-4105
Secondary and Preschool
1500 SW Jefferson
Lee’s Summit MO 64081
Phone: (816) 525-1480
Fax: (816) 525-5402
www.summit-christian-academy.org
Table of Contents
Welcome from your Head of School........................4
SCA Staff Directory ............................................. 5-6
Mission, Philosophy, Vision .....................................7
Statement of Faith ...................................................7
Core Values.............................................................8
SCA Goals...............................................................8
Spiritual .............................................................8
Academic ..........................................................8
Social ................................................................8
Board of Education ..................................................9
Nondiscrimination Policy .........................................9
Accreditation and Affiliation .....................................9
Covenant Churches.................................................9
School Pledges .......................................................9
SCA Community Compact ....................................10
Entrance and Admission Standards ......................11
Reenrollment .........................................................11
Teacher Standards and Qualifications ..................11
Financial Information .............................................12
Tuition and Fees .............................................12
Incidental Fees ...............................................12
Delinquent Accounts .......................................12
Report Cards ..................................................12
Withdrawal from School ..................................12
Tuition Assistance ..................................... 12-13
Lunches ..........................................................13
Funding ...........................................................13
Development Department ...............................13
Donations ........................................................13
Gifts to SCA ....................................................13
Parents at SCA......................................................14
A Word to Parents ..........................................14
Volunteers .......................................................14
Eagle’s Nest (Parent Teacher Fellowship) .....14
Conflict Resolution ..........................................14
Child Abuse Reporting ....................................15
Communication Expectations .........................15
Grandparents at SCA .....................................15
Character Development ........................................ 16
Bible Classes .................................................. 16
Chapel ............................................................ 16
Christian Character Awards ............................ 16
School Hours and Visits ........................................ 17
Arrival and Dismissal Times ........................... 17
Inclement Weather ......................................... 17
School Visits ................................................... 18
Lunch Visits .................................................... 18
Shadowing ...................................................... 18
Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities .......... 19
Participation Requirements ............................ 19
Vocal and Instrumental Music ........................ 19
Virtuosity! ........................................................ 19
Yes! On Campus ............................................ 19
Speech and Debate ........................................ 19
Drama ............................................................. 20
Athletic Program ........................................20-21
Student Support Services ................................22-24
Resource Services ......................................... 22
English for Academic Purposes ...................... 22
Field Trips ....................................................... 22
Lockers ........................................................... 22
Before and After Care (G.A.P.) ..................22-23
Library Guidelines ........................................... 23
Health Policies ................................................ 24
Medical Care Plans ........................................ 24
Dress Code ......................................................25-26
Additional Policies ................................................. 27
Deliveries ........................................................ 27
Couples on school grounds
or at school activities .................................. 27
Sexual Harassment Policy .............................. 27
Book Bags/Backpacks .................................... 27
Elementary Information
Elementary Academics..........................................29
Detention ........................................................ 31
Report Cards and Parent Conferences ..........29
Suspension-Expulsion .................................... 31
Grading Scale .................................................29
Late Work ....................................................... 31
Elementary Honors .........................................29
Work to be Redone ......................................... 32
Homework .......................................................29
Cell Phones/Electronic Devices ...................... 32
Achievement Testing ......................................29
Computer & Internet Use ................................ 32
Elementary Discipline ...................................... 30-32
Elementary Attendance and Tardy Policies .......... 33
Toys at School ................................................30
Attendance ..................................................... 33
Bullying Philosophy .........................................30
Tardies ............................................................ 33
Classroom Discipline ......................................31
Elementary Daily Schedule ................................... 34
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 2
Table of Contents
Secondary Information
Secondary Academics ..................................... 36-38
Grading Scale ................................................. 36
Honor Roll ...................................................... 36
Academic Lettering ......................................... 36
Report Cards and Parent Conferences .......... 36
Testing ............................................................ 36
Semester Exams ............................................ 36
Final Exams .................................................... 36
Schedule Change Policy ................................ 36
Dual Credit Classes ........................................ 36
Transfer Credits .............................................. 37
Course Selections .......................................... 37
Course Changes ............................................ 37
Outside Credits ............................................... 37
Recovering a Failing Grade ............................ 37
Repeating High School Courses .................... 38
Weighted Courses .......................................... 38
NCAA Clearinghouse Statement .................... 38
High School Athlete Eligibility ......................... 38
Graduation Requirements ..................................... 39
Secondary Attendance and Tardy Policies ...... 40-41
Secondary Attendance ................................... 40
Medical and Dental Appointments .................. 40
Closed Campus .............................................. 40
Makeup Work ................................................. 40
Attendance and Credit .................................... 41
Tardies ........................................................... 41
Early Dismissal ............................................... 41
Hall Passes .................................................... 41
Secondary Conduct and Discipline Policies .... 42-43
Detention ........................................................ 42
Suspension ..................................................... 42
Cheating and Plagiarism ................................ 43
Internet and School Images ........................... 43
Electronic Devices/iPads/Cell Phones ........... 43
Secondary Support Services ........................... 44-45
College and Career Counseling ..................... 44
SCA Resource Center .................................... 44
Lockers ........................................................... 44
Parking Regulations for Student Drivers ........ 45
Class Rings .................................................... 45
Graduation ..................................................... 45
Social Events ................................................. 45
Secondary Spiritual Life ........................................ 46
Bible ............................................................... 46
Weekly Chapel Service .................................. 46
Worship Team ................................................ 46
Discipleship .................................................... 46
Senior Mission Trip ........................................ 46
Secondary Clubs and Organizations .................... 47
Student Council .............................................. 47
Student Government ...................................... 47
Service Projects ............................................. 47
National Honor Society .................................. 47
Academic Meets ............................................. 47
Performing Arts .............................................. 47
Global Connect .............................................. 48
Secondary Schedules ........................................... 49
Daily Schedule ............................................... 49
Chapel Schedule ............................................ 49
Activity Schedule ............................................ 49
Facilities ........................................................... 50-51
Elementary Building Layout ........................... 50
Secondary Building Layout ............................ 51
The Board of Education approves the Student Handbook annually. Summit Christian
Academy reserves the right, however, to change any policy or procedure in the
Handbook at any time when, at the discretion of the Board and Administration, it deems
the change to be in the best interest of the school.
SCA 2013-2014Student Handbook
Page 3
Dear Students,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to Summit Christian Academy for the 2013/14
school year. As mentioned in Psalm 33:11, our hope and prayer is that the plans
the Lord has for your life will stand firm through all generations.
Some of you have been at SCA for many years; others are just beginning your
journey with us. Wherever you are in your walk with SCA, I pray God’s richest
blessings on you and your time here. It is our desire to help prepare you
spiritually, morally, socially, and academically, so that when you leave the halls of
SCA you will be able to impact your world for Christ.
This handbook is an introduction to SCA and will help guide you in your conduct
and activities with the school. It will help you to be a constructive citizen and
member of SCA’s excellent student body.
It is my prayer that God will bless each and every one of you with a wonderful
year, where you gain wisdom and understanding (Psalm 119:34), make wise
choices (Psalm 1:1-3), soar like eagles (Isaiah 40:31), and prepare to stand
(Ephesians 6:13).
Serving Him Together,
Linda Harrelson
Head of School
“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor
so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.
Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.”
Ephesians 6:13
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 4
SCA Staff Directory
Office – Elementary
816-524-0185
Fax – Elementary
816-524-4105
Voice Mail Line – Elem
816-246-0457
Athletic Line – Elementary
260 VM
Office – Secondary ................. 816-525-1480
Fax – Secondary ..................... 816-525-5402
Voice Mail Line – Secondary . 816-554-7169
Athletic Line – Secondary
350 VM
Administration
Amy Berry .................................. Health Clerk ............................................ 206 ........................... [email protected]
Brenda Burnes ........................... Admin Asst to Elem Principal .................. 201 ........................ [email protected]
Sarah Coats .............................. Director of Development ...................... 312 [email protected]
Dan Cockrell .............................. Technology Director ................................ 302 ....................... [email protected]
Becky Coster.............................. Admin Asst to Vice Principal ................... 202 ......................... [email protected]
Sheri Dean ................................. Health Clerk ............................................ 206 ........................... [email protected]
Donna Eames ............................ 10-12 College & Career Advisor ............. 305 ........................ [email protected]
Emir A. Ruiz Esparza ............... Secondary Principal ............................. 303 [email protected]
Chantele Ferguson .................... Community Relations Assistant .............. 340 .......... [email protected]
Kimberlee Gill ........................... Elem Principal & Academic Dean ........ 204 ............................. [email protected]
Linda Harrelson........................ Head of School ...................................... 310 [email protected]
Becky Hartzler............................ Secondary Secretary/Receptionist .......... 301 ....................... [email protected]
Marla Kirkpatrick ........................ Finance Assistant .................................... 309 .................. [email protected]
Carol Lewis ................................ Asst to Head of School/Board Sec .......... 311 ........................... [email protected]
Kristie Logan .............................. Finance Manager .................................... 306 ........................... [email protected]
Christy Merrell ............................ Assistant Development Director .............. 313 ........................ [email protected]
Charissa Sanders..................... Vice Principal ........................................ 203 .................... [email protected]
Judy Schmidt ............................. 7-9 Advisor .............................................. 343 .................. [email protected]
Jane Snodgrass ......................... Admin Asst to Sec Principal .................... 304 .................... [email protected]
Bessie Terranella ....................... Finance Assistant .................................... 342 .................... [email protected]
Kathy Tharp ............................... International Program Director ................ 314 ........................... [email protected]
Early Education and Before/After Care
Ann Finch ................................... Early Education Teacher ......................... 318 ........................ [email protected]
Julie Madsen .............................. Early Education Teacher ......................... 320 .................. [email protected]
Natasha Mankin ......................... Early Education Teacher ......................... 317 ............. [email protected]
Sheri Stiglic ................................ Early Education Teacher ......................... 344 .................... [email protected]
Kara Totzke................................ Early Education Teacher ......................... 319 ..................... [email protected]
Sheri Wayman ………………… Early Education & GAP Director…………315 ............... sheriwayman @sca-kc.org
G.A.P. ........................................ Before/After Care .................................... 316 ................ [email protected]
Kindergarten
Sue Santon ....................................................................... 240 ............................................... [email protected]
Katelyn Wilfong ................................................................. 241 ......................................... [email protected]
1st Grade
Julie Ray ........................................................................... 212 .................................................... [email protected]
Elizabeth Schmidt ............................................................. 211 .................................... [email protected]
Lisa Slagle ....................................................................... 228 ................................................ [email protected]
2nd Grade
Melanie Casey ................................................................. 216 ......................................... [email protected]
Trish Teilborg .................................................................... 215 ............................................. [email protected]
Mary Musil ........................................................................ 213 ............................................... [email protected]
3rd Grade
Karen Gamber .................................................................. 230 .......................................... [email protected]
Kathy Holt ......................................................................... 229 ................................................. [email protected]
Kreg Welch ....................................................................... 231 ............................................... [email protected]
4th Grade
Sarah Hardinger................................................................ 247 ....................................... [email protected]
Mary Gunn ........................................................................ 246 ............................................... [email protected]
Jennie Schueller ............................................................... 244 ....................................... [email protected]
5th Grade
Michelle Bacon.................................................................. 248 ........................................ [email protected]
Ashley Kates ..................................................................... 251 ............................................ [email protected]
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 5
SCA Staff Directory
6th Grade
Becky Flowers................................................................... 238 .......................................... [email protected]
Verna Green .................................................................... 239 ............................................. [email protected]
Bethany Lee ...................................................................... 237 .............................................. [email protected]
Elementary Departmental Teachers
Alethea Beasley ......................... Elementary Librarian ............................... 210 ............. [email protected]
Angy Bounds.............................. Elem Vocal Music, Honors Choir ............ 234 .................. [email protected]
Ryan Evans................................ PE ........................................................... 217 ..................... [email protected]
Dennis McClanahan................... Intermediate Band ................................... 219 ....... [email protected]
Jessica Niehues ......................... Elementary Spanish ................................ 208 .............. [email protected]
Jennifer Pinkston ....................... Beginning Band & Sound Coordinator .... VM 258 ...... [email protected]
Christie Queen ........................... Teacher/Playground Aid ......................... ...................... [email protected]
Brian Thayer .............................. Chapel Coordinator ................................. 222 ................... [email protected]
Kara Totzke................................ Elementary Athletic Director ................... VM 262 ............... [email protected]
Lauren Willard ............................ Art/Keyboarding ...................................... 235 ................. [email protected]
Secondary Teachers
Donna Ambro ............................. Science ................................................... 324 ................. [email protected]
Aaron Bruening .......................... Math ........................................................ 327 .............. [email protected]
Dane Cockrell ............................ Bible ........................................................ VM 356 ........... [email protected]
Diane Ferguson ......................... Science ................................................... 322 .............. [email protected]
Greg Finch ................................. History ..................................................... 336 ...................... [email protected]
Ramona Geiger.......................... Science ................................................... 323 ............... [email protected]
Andrea Gillespie......................... English .................................................... 223 ............. [email protected]
Jana Jurkovich ........................... Art, Yearbook .......................................... 330 ................ [email protected]
Jake Kates ................................. Sec. Athletic Director .............................. 329 ............................ [email protected]
Brittany LaFollette ...................... Math ........................................................ 326 ............ [email protected]
Hannah Lipps ............................. History ..................................................... 221 .................. [email protected]
Trissa Lucht ............................... Vocal Music ............................................. 331 ..................... [email protected]
Dennis McClanahan................... Band ........................................................ 219 ....... [email protected]
Doreen Mendenhall ................... English .................................................... 225 ....... [email protected]
Anthony Mickelson ..................... English .................................................... 333 ........ [email protected]
Anne Mussatti ............................ Speech, Debate ...................................... 334 ................ [email protected]
Jessica Niehues ......................... 7-8 Spanish & ACT Prep ......................... 208 .............. [email protected]
Cheryl Patneau .......................... Spanish ................................................... 226 ............... [email protected]
Dr. Thomas Reedy ..................... English, Bible .......................................... 337 ...................... [email protected]
Judy Schmidt ............................. Math ........................................................ 343 .................. [email protected]
Mike Scott .................................. Business ................................................. 325 ...................... [email protected]
Matthew Shelton ........................ Math ........................................................ 327 ................... [email protected]
Amber Siemsen ......................... PE ........................................................... 249 .............. [email protected]
Emily Stam ................................. Drama, Writing ........................................ 223 ..................... [email protected]
Wayne Stam .............................. Bible ........................................................ 224 ................... [email protected]
Austin Strange ........................... P.E. & Business ...................................... 332 ................ [email protected]
Ruth Terry .................................. History ..................................................... 321 ........................ [email protected]
Brian Thayer .............................. Bible ........................................................ 222 ................... [email protected]
Ismarily Velazquez ..................... Junior High Art ........................................ VM 263 ... [email protected]
Alice Wong ................................. Chinese ................................................... VM 353 ............... [email protected]
Academic Support Teachers
Jacob Bluebaugh ....................... Discovery Therapist ................................ 214 ............ [email protected]
Jennifer Hamline ........................ Discovery Therapist ................................ 252 ............. [email protected]
Corinne Smeda .......................... Stewards ................................................. 242 ............... [email protected]
Custodial Staff
John Owen ................................. Facility Manager ...................................... 307 ............................ [email protected]
Mikki Shearer ............................. Facility Coordinator ................................. 328 ...................... [email protected]
Kitchen
Jennifer Satterfield ..................... Lunch Coordinator .................................. 250 or 328 ... ……[email protected]
“In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
SCA 2013-2014Student Handbook
Page 6
Colossians 2:3
Foundational Beliefs
Mission
Statement of Faith
“To inspire students to achieve their God-given
potential through excellent academics and Christian
training in a compassionate environment.”
As a community school, it is not our intention to
promote the doctrines of any one church or
denomination. Instead, we will center on those
beliefs that we share in common with each other.
Vision
1. We believe the Bible to be the only inspired,
infallible, authoritative, inerrant Word of God
(2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21).
2. We believe there is one God, eternally existent in
three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
(Genesis 1:1, Matthew 28:19, John 10:30).
3. We believe in the deity of Christ (John 10:33), His
virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, Luke
1:35), His sinless life (Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews
7:26), His miracles (John 2:11), His vicarious and
atoning death (1 Corinthians 15:3, Ephesians 1:7,
Hebrews 2:9), His resurrection (John 11:25,
1 Corinthians 15:4), His ascension to the right
hand of God (Mark 16:19), and His personal
return in power and glory (Acts 1:11, Revelation
19:11).
4. We believe in the absolute necessity of
regeneration by the Holy Spirit for salvation
because of the exceeding sinfulness of human
nature, and that we are justified on the single
ground of faith in the shed blood of Christ and
that only by God’s grace and through faith alone
we are saved (John 3:16–19, John 5:24, Romans
3:23, Romans 5:8–9, Ephesians 2:8–10, Titus
3:5).
5. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved
and the lost—the saved to the resurrection of life,
and the lost to the resurrection of condemnation
(John 5:28–29).
6. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our
Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians
12:12–13, Galatians 3:26–28).
7. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy
Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is
enabled to live a godly life (Romans 8:13-14;
1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19-20; Ephesians 4:30;
5:18).
The school of choice for Christian families whose
priority is excellence.
Philosophy of Education
SCA believes that Christian education is a vital link
in the successful rearing of children. It is the desire
of the founders and staff of SCA to work together
with the family and their church in reinforcing high
moral values and the Christian lifestyle, while
providing an excellent academic experience.
(Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:23; Genesis 2:1825; Proverbs 9:10; Romans 1:21-27; Romans 12:121)
SCA can never replace the significant spiritual
impact of a Godly home and church. The parents
maintain the ultimate responsibility in spiritual
matters, but the school can assist them by including
sound biblical teaching and through the example
and leadership of the faculty. (Romans 8:29;
Proverbs 1:7)
To educate and prepare for life without including
God as central to life does not fully prepare a child.
The home, church, and school must work together to
prepare children spiritually, morally, socially, and
academically for their adult lives. The school’s
primary responsibility is to provide the student with
the necessary academic skills. This responsibility
cannot be fulfilled in a spiritual vacuum. The school
must also provide spiritual and moral direction in
academic pursuits as well as personal life. (John
8:32 and Romans 12:2)
Summit Christian Academy believes these precepts
are basic to the Christian faith.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 7
Foundational Beliefs
Core Values
SCA Goals
Christ-centered
Our belief in God and His Word is central to SCA.
Through a faculty who practice a personal and
active faith, we foster a thoroughly Christian
environment where God’s Word is the standard for
decision making. Placing Christ at the center of all
enables us to educate the whole student, spiritually,
emotionally, mentally, socially, and physically.
Spiritual
1. To provide a thoroughly Christian learning
environment for students.
2. To teach the Bible as the only inspired, inerrant,
infallible, authoritative Word of God.
3. To teach the deity of Christ, including His virgin
birth, perfect life, atonement on the cross,
resurrection, and return.
4. To teach that all men have sinned and salvation is
based on acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior,
with the goal of leading each student to a personal
decision of confessing Christ as Savior and Lord.
5. To develop students with integrity, high morals,
and a respect for God’s Word.
6. To encourage self-discipline and responsibility in
students, based on respect for the submission to
God.
7. To work with parents and churches as they train
children for a life of service to God.
8. To train students to achieve the very best that God
has for them, providing them with a strong sense of
who they are in Christ and how they should relate
to God and man.
9. To help students develop a biblical worldview.
Pursuing grace and truth
SCA seeks to model the life Christ demonstrated on
earth, a life full of grace and truth, that rejected
legalism for the higher priority of focusing on the
inner man. We recognize that Christ looks inward at
the motivations of the heart and pursues a
relationship with us. We exercise spiritual
discernment, speaking the truth in love in order to
promote the spiritual growth of the individual without
compromising the student body as a whole.
Inspiring excellence in learning
The SCA faculty inspires students to discover and
develop their God-given gifts and talents. We
nurture an enthusiasm for learning, providing an
atmosphere wherein students may express
creativity, discern truth, think critically, and choose
wisely. In academics, the arts, and athletics, we
uphold a standard of excellence to encourage
students to achieve their individual best.
Encouraging spiritual growth
We desire that each student know Christ personally
and grow in His grace and knowledge, so he/she
may impact their world for Him. We understand the
importance of godly staff and faculty who model the
Christian walk and mentor students to pursue their
personal relationship with the Lord.
Cultivating community
We recognize that the SCA community extends
beyond the walls of our school. Coming from
diverse backgrounds, we unify around a simple
statement of faith that binds us together. We
acknowledge the responsibility of the parent, the role
of the church, and the authority of the Holy Spirit in
training students.
Igniting leadership
SCA embodies a culture of servant leadership that is
sparked by a sense of individual purpose. With
competency, credibility, and compassion, we add
value to others and influence the marketplace of
ideas.
Academic
1. To provide an excellent academic education for
each student, preparing them for admission to
colleges, universities, or the work force consistent
with their abilities and academic performance.
2. To thoroughly integrate biblical principles in all
subject areas.
3. To instill in students a pursuit of excellence in all
things.
4. To teach and encourage the use of good study
habits.
5. To teach students how to do independent research
and to reason logically.
6. To develop creative and critical thinking skills.
7. To help students discover their God-given gifts and
talents.
Social
1. To provide a safe, caring school environment.
2. To adequately prepare students to become
productive, interactive members of society.
3. To develop Christ-like character in students and a
desire to treat others with respect (i.e., academic
competition, sports, etc.)
4. To develop in students a spirit of Christian service
as exemplified in the person of Jesus Christ.
5. To promote physical fitness and good health
habits.
6. To impart a respect for the sanctity of life and an
abhorrence for the sins of abortion, euthanasia,
sexual impurity, and substance abuse.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 8
School Information
Summit Christian Academy
Accreditation/Affiliation
SCA is a not-for-profit corporation with a Board of
Education that directs the operation of the school
through the Head of School. The Board of
Education is composed of seven persons. Five are
elected by the parents for three-year terms and two
are pastors appointed by the parent members of the
Board for two-year terms.
The SCA K-12 program is accredited by the
Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
and by the North Central Association.
SCA is a member of the Great Plains Alliance of
Christian Schools (GPACS).
Covenant Churches
Board of Education
Summit Christian Academy is a nondenominational
community school serving students from churches in
Lee’s Summit and surrounding communities.
Currently, we have more than 140 covenant
churches. A covenant church agrees:
David Drum, President
Rob Lytle, Vice President
Nick Sallas, Treasurer
Danan Hughes
John Kliewer
Pastor Fel Bagunu
• with the SCA Statement of Faith;
• to actively support, promote, and pray for SCA
among their congregation; and
• to permit limited dissemination of school
information to church families.
Advisory Committee
to the Board of Education
Brian Merrell
Jim Pirie
Parents, guardians, and other interested persons
are welcome to attend any regular session of the
Board of Education as an observer.
In an effort to improve communication between
parents and the Board of Education, we are
including a report of each board meeting in the
Eagle Events newsletter, which is emailed to parents
and posted on the Sycamore Education website
monthly.
In addition, an email account has been established
for the Board. Please send all communication to
[email protected]. The Board will review
your comments as a body and then respond. The
Board strongly encourages that you pursue
questions and comments with your teacher first,
secondly with the principal, then with the Head of
School before bringing to the Board.
In return, Summit Christian Academy extends to
covenant churches:
• priority enrollment opportunities for members prior
to the beginning of general enrollment;
• 50% off family enrollment fee; and
• prayers on a regular basis.
School Pledges
Pledge to the Bible
I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God’s Holy Word. I will
make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I
will hide its word in my heart that I might not sin against
God.
Pledge to the Christian Flag
I pledge allegiance to the Christian flag and to the Savior
for whose kingdom it stands. One Savior, crucified, risen
and coming again, with life and liberty for all who believe.
Pledge to the American Flag
Nondiscrimination Policy
Summit Christian Academy admits students of any
race, color, and national or ethnic origin to all the
rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally
accorded or made available to students at the
school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race,
color, national or ethnic origin, in administration of its
educational policies, admissions policies,
scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and other
school administered programs.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of
America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 9
SCA Community Compact
Community Compact
The following is the Community Compact that is
agreed to and signed by all secondary students and
their parents.
Summit Christian Academy (SCA) is comprised of
an association of Christians families from various
denominations seeking similar educational and
spiritual goals. It is not a church nor does it take the
place of one. Instead, it is a unique school where
both spiritual and academic aspects are integral.
SCA strives to provide a Christian environment
conducive to the development of Christ-like
attitudes, habits and character in the pursuit of
academic excellence and positive extracurricular
activities. In cooperation with the handbook and
school policies, SCA puts forth this compact to
partner with students and parents to work toward
this common goal.
For its part, SCA commits to operate by biblical
principles, including those highlighted in this
compact, and uphold the mission statement “to
inspire students to achieve their God-given potential
through excellent academics and Christian training
in a compassionate environment.” When discipline
is warranted, SCA further commits to apply it
judiciously and with grace. For the student,
attending SCA is a privilege that comes with
responsibilities and expectations as conveyed in this
compact that are to be taken seriously.
Christian Life
In all settings, the lives of students should reflect
biblical principles. Students are to dedicate
themselves to:
• Speak only with integrity using wholesome and
truthful words (Eph. 4:29, Phil. 4:8).
• Demonstrate fruit of the Holy Spirit such as love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, humility, and
forgiveness (Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:12-14).
• Resolve grievances as directed in Matt. 18:15-17
with counsel from parents or other adults who can
help bring resolution.
• Develop in the Christian life seeking God’s will and
be diligent in studies seeking to achieve one’s full
potential (Rom. 12:2; II Tim. 3:16).
• Respect and submit to authority (Rom. 13:1-7;
Eph. 6:1-3).
• Regularly attend a Bible-believing church (Acts
2:42-47; Heb. 10:19-25).
Students are to avoid:
• The use of profanity and language that profanes in
sexual content in either the spoken or written word
(Eph. 5:7; Col. 3:5-10).
• Dishonesty, prejudice, and cheating (Gal. 3:26-29;
II Cor. 4:2; Col. 3:8-10).
• Immodesty in dress or behavior (I Tim. 2:8-10; I
Cor. 6:18-20).
• Gossip, derogatory speech, harmful teasing, and
bullying (Eph. 4:29; Prov. 11:13).
• Use of tobacco and illicit drugs, consumption of
alcohol, and other illegal activities (Rom. 12:1,
Rom. 13:1-2; I Cor. 6:19).
• Sexual immorality including sexual relations of any
kind outside the bonds of marriage, homosexual
orientation or activity, and pornography in any
form (Matt. 5:27-28; Rom. 1:21-27; Rom. 12:1;
Lev. 18:22; Job 13:1).
Freedom in Christ
In addition to specific biblical principles is the
concept of freedom in Christ that requires believers
to make biblically-guided choices in matters of
behavior, entertainment, and relationships (Gal.
5:13-14; I Pet. 2:16-17; I Cor. 6:20). Parents are
ultimately responsible to guide their student in such
matters and, while the school acknowledges varying
convictions exist, it has established rules and
policies with sensitivity to the needs of the school
and the practices of other Christians.
Be of One Accord
In a diverse community of believers complete
unanimity is not expected. Even so, each parent
and student should support and pray for the school
and work with it toward the stated goals and support
this compact as a positive statement of biblical
aspirations (Phil. 2:2).
Student Behavior
Students should be mindful that as Christians they
represent Christ at all times and, as students of SCA
their actions reflect on the school. It is not the
intention of the school to tell parents how to parent,
so school rules will be enforced only at school
functions; however, even away from such functions
there can be student behavior so egregious that it
necessitates a response by the school. The school
may take immediate action or work with the parent
and student toward reconciliation with the school.
Sustained or flagrant disregard for the school or this
compact would indicate a lack of unity with the
school and, if remedial action by all those involved
did not restore the accord, it would be best for the
school and student to part (Phil. 1:27).
Conclusion
Students are encouraged to enter into this compact
willingly with the full intention of learning and
growing under its provisions rather than passive
compliance. Signing indicates the student and
parent join the school in this compact and will
endeavor to abide by its principles (Jas. 5:12).
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 10
Entrance and Admissions Standards
Entrance and Admissions Standards
Reenrollment
The following standards have been established for
entrance into Summit Christian Academy:
Students who are presently enrolled at SCA are
given first opportunity to reenroll for the following
year. Accounts must be current in order for a
student to be eligible for reenrollment. Paying the
enrollment fee secures a place for your child for the
coming school year. Enrollment is then opened to
families of covenant churches. After a specified
period of time, enrollment is then opened to the
general public.
 Parents must be in agreement with our basic
objectives and be willing to actively support and
pray for our academic program. At least one
parent must be a born again Christian.
 Families must actively attend and support an area
Bible-believing church consistent with our
Statement of Faith and receive a positive pastor's
recommendation.
 The student’s record of behavior at home, church,
and school should reflect good citizenship, and the
student must agree to abide by the standards and
guidelines of the school.
 The student must be of suitable age for the grade
assigned. Children entering Kindergarten must be
five years of age (six for entering first graders) on
or before July 31 of any school year. Preenrollment testing determines the suitability for
enrollment and placement in our program.
 Placement testing is required for all new students.
All Kindergarten and preschool students will take a
readiness test. There is a nonrefundable fee for
all testing.
 An initial interview with parents will be required as
part of the enrollment process for all students
applying for admission.
Teacher Standards and Qualifications
To be considered for employment at SCA, faculty
and staff must be professing Christians actively
attending a local church. In addition to other
certifications, teachers obtain certification through
the Association of Christian Schools International,
which has academic requirements, Bible
requirements, and a Philosophy of Christian
Education class. SCA teachers are dedicated to
serving the Lord through the ministry of teaching
young people.
Teachers are carefully selected and prayerfully
chosen by the principal and Head of School for
approval by the Board of Education. The Board of
Education reserves the authority to employ faculty
and staff who will effectively meet the responsibilities
of the classroom, both spiritually and academically.
Upon completion of all steps of enrollment, parents
are notified as to whether their child has been
accepted to the school. All new students are subject
to a probationary period that lasts until the student
has completed one full grading period. This is to
ensure that the child adjusts properly to our school.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 11
Financial Information
Tuition and Fees
Incidental Fees
Below are the 2013/2014 tuition and fees. For
multiple-child families, the oldest child is considered
the first student, with subsequent children
discounted in descending age order.
The finance office has put new billing procedures in
place that will allow for much clearer and more
understandable invoices. With the exception of
lunch, GAP, and enrollment fees, all other fees
(classified as incidental by FACTS) will now be
charged through FACTS Tuition Management.
Families will receive an invoice by email as the
incidental charge is incurred with a specified due
date. You may pay online through EFT or credit
card, or a check payable to FACTS Management
may be mailed directly to FACTS. The finance office
will only accept lunch and GAP payments.
Grades
K-6
Grades Grades
7-8
9-12
st
1 Student ................ .... $7,180 ...... $7,650 .... $8,750
nd
2 Student ............... .... $6,610 ...... $7,030 .... $8,050
rd
3 Student ............... .... $6,040 ...... $6,420 .... $7,350
th
4 Student................ .... $5,460 ...... $5,810 .... $6,650
Curriculum Fee(per student) ... $230 ......... $260 ....... $325
Enrollment Fee (per family)
Families from covenant churches:
On or before May 1*...................................... $150.00
After May 1* .................................................. $200.00
*This reflects a 50% discount for Covenant Church
families on the enrollment fee.
Families from other churches:
Before May 1................................................. $300.00
After May 1.................................................... $400.00
The three plans for tuition payment for the school
year are as follows:
Plan #1 - You may pay the total tuition in full.
Payment must be received on or before August 1,
2013.
Plan #2 - You may pay the total tuition in two equal
payments. One half of the total tuition will be due on
or before August 1, 2013, and the second half will be
due on or before January 1, 2014.
Plan #3 - You may make ten equal monthly
th
payments through FACTS due on either the 5 or
th
20 of the month.
This plan is managed by FACTS of Evangelical
Christian Credit Union. There is an annual
administrative fee of $38 to use the EFT or credit
card payment option. Payment of this fee is due at
the time of enrollment.
Two payment options are offered by FACTS:
1. You may use Electronic Fund Transfer, with the
th
option of having funds withdrawn on the 5 or
th
20 of each month.
2. Credit card option (an additional convenience fee
will apply and is estimated at 2½ percent of
tuition payment). Mastercard, Discover, and
American Express are the only credit cards
accepted.
Delinquent Accounts
Families are expected to make payments in a timely
manner according to their payment plan. SCA policy
states, "for any account that falls two (2) months in
arrears, the students may not attend school until the
account is settled or satisfactory arrangements have
been made." A $30 fee will be assessed for any
returned checks. Late fees shall be assessed for
past due accounts.
Report Cards
Students will not receive report cards until all
financial accounts are current (i.e., tuition, lunch,
library, etc.). Access to Sycamore may be blocked
when accounts fall in arrears.
Withdrawal from School
Please notify your principal’s office if withdrawing
from school. The school will request a withdrawal
form be completed. Tuition will be due until the
withdrawal requirements are complete. A student
who attends school during any portion of a month is
responsible for payment of 50% of that month's
tuition. The unused portion of any prepaid tuition will
be refunded. If the student is withdrawn after the
15th of the month, a refund will not be given for the
remainder of the month. Final report cards will be
released when the account is settled.
Tuition Assistance
A limited amount of tuition assistance is available to
those who qualify. While assistance is available for
any student enrolled at SCA, priority is given to
students in grades K-12. Tuition assistance is
based on need and may not exceed 50%. In order
to be considered for assistance, students must be
enrolled at the school.
Applications for assistance are filed online with
FACTSTuitionAid.com. Backup documentation is
also provided to FACTS who does the initial review
of applications and makes recommendations to the
SCA Tuition Assistance Committee. Final
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 12
Financial Information
determination is made by the SCA Tuition
Assistance Committee. Throughout the application
process, the confidentiality of students and parents
is carefully guarded and the school does not
publicize scholarship recipients.
Lunches
Hot lunch is available Monday - Friday for $3.25 per
lunch. Extra entrees are available for an additional
$1.60 and extra sides for $.80. Drinks are an
additional charge and are not included in the cost of
the hot lunch. Students may purchase white milk,
chocolate milk, or juice for 35¢. Lunch and milk
prices are subject to change.
A menu is posted on Sycamore Education. Each
family has a lunch account. Parents have the option
of paying for lunches daily or prepaying by placing a
lump sum in the family’s account. When a student
orders lunch or purchases a drink, it will be deducted
from the family account.
Families will not be allowed to accumulate more
than $6.00 in charges.
_________________________________________
Parents, please check your Sycamore account to
view lunch account balances.
• A student whose lunch account is overdrawn will
be provided a cheese sandwich.
• Please do not send any red Kool-Aid or punch to
school.
• Refrigeration is not available for students who
choose to bring their lunch.
Lunch & Childcare Accounts
Lunch and childcare balances are available on
Sycamore.
Funding
Summit Christian Academy is organized as a
501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Income from tuition
is insufficient to fully cover the cost of operating the
school. SCA is dependent upon contributions and
gifts from families and friends in meeting financial
obligations that cannot be met by tuition alone.
Contributions made to the school are tax deductible.
Development Department
The Development Department’s role is to sustain the
mission and vision of the school through charitable
giving, volunteerism, recruitment and retention,
marketing, and public relations. By building
partnerships among students, parents, teachers,
churches, and the community, the Development
Department seeks to build a solid foundation of
support and cooperation for Summit Christian
Academy.
SCA has two major fundraisers per year. They are
the Educational Enhancement Fund (formerly the
Annual Fund) and the Eagle Egg 5K. These two
events fund enhancements in the classroom and
school as well as fund the gap that exists between
tuition dollars and the operating budget of the
school. Dollars raised help keep tuition affordable
while providing for important initiatives within the
school.
The Development Department also oversees capital
campaigns, foundation gifts, planned giving, and
long-term endowments.
Donations
Equipment and supplies purchased by SCA or
received as donations in support of the school
program shall be the property of SCA.
Gifts to SCA Staff
Personal gifts to teachers are not expected and
certainly not required. We know, however, that
parents often wish to bless teachers. We ask that
the following guidelines be followed:
• The giver is sensitive to the effect the gift will have
on the recipient and how it may be perceived by
other staff members.
• The gift must not be perceived as an attempt to
influence a staff member in any way.
• Personal gifts shall be a private matter and not a
topic of discussion.
• Any gift is inappropriate where the giver might
expect, or ask for favors or special consideration
in return.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 13
Parents at SCA
A Word to Parents
Eagle’s Nest
Parents play a vital part in the total program of
Summit Christian Academy. Working together,
parents and teachers can strengthen individual
students and provide an excellent school
experience. Together, it will be our goal to help fulfill
Proverbs 22:6 which says, “Train up a child in the
way he should go and when he is old, he will not
depart from it.” The following list contains steps that
parents can take to help this process:
The overall goal of the Eagle’s Nest is to promote
fellowship among parents and faculty, provide active
support to the faculty, and help build a better school
for the children. The involvement and support of
parents is essential for a successful program.
Meetings and fellowships will be announced and will
be by committee.
• Pray regularly for the teachers, administration, and
board of SCA.
• Give of your time and energy in ways that can
make SCA more successful. Be faithful in fulfilling
the duties for which you volunteer.
• Attend the meetings and parent functions of the
school.
• Recommend SCA to others as opportunities arise.
• Help support the school financially as the Lord
blesses. Promote SCA among family and friends
who might be interested in giving toward Christian
education.
• If problems arise, seek to resolve them with the
person(s) involved rather than spreading criticism
or negative attitudes (Matthew 18:15).
• Seek the advancement of SCA in all areas spiritually, academically, and physically.
Volunteers
SCA offers and encourages opportunities for parents
to volunteer at school. Regular volunteer
opportunities include assisting teachers, working in
the lunchroom, working in the library, and serving in
the Watch DOGS program. In addition, several
volunteers will be needed to work during special
events such as Grandparents’ Day, Book Fair,
Pastor Appreciation Breakfast, teacher luncheons,
etc. Parents are expected to wear neat and modest
dress when volunteering at school. As a general
rule, volunteering directly in your child’s classroom
should not exceed four hours per week.
The mission of Eagle’s Nest is to promote unity in
our school through coordination of programs,
communication, fellowship, and encouragement to
one another, our administration, and our teachers.
Conflict Resolution
The parties ascribing to an enrollment agreement for
Summit Christian Academy believe the Bible
commands them to make every effort to live at
peace and to resolve disputes with each other in
private or within the Christian community in
conformity with the biblical injunctions of I Corinthians
6:1-8, Matthew 5:23-24, and Matthew 18:15-20.
Therefore, the parties agree that any claim or
dispute arising out of or related to the agreement,
including any claim or statutory claims, shall be
settled by biblically-based mediation.
As we seek to resolve problems, let us always
remember that it is God’s reputation, not our own,
that we are seeking to promote. We do that best
when we seek to do things His way. Guidelines to
consider as we seek to do this are as follows:
1. Seek to gain knowledge of all sides of a problem
before passing judgment on the matter.
2. Go to the source of the problem (i.e., teacher,
finance office, etc.) and seek to resolve the
problem at this level before going any further. Go
with the assumption that everyone has your
child’s best interest at heart.
3. If the problem cannot be resolved with the initial
source, present your concerns to the principal.
4. Continued dissatisfaction should lead to the Head
of School. Make an appointment through the
Head of School’s secretary.
5. Inability to resolve at the administrative level
should lead to a request to be put on the board’s
agenda through the Head of School’s secretary.
The following procedure is to be followed: (a) Fill
out Grievance Resolution form from
administrative secretary and (b) return completed
form at least two days prior to board meeting.
6. The board will have final say in resolving the
issue at hand.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 14
Parents at SCA
Child Abuse Reporting
In accordance with state law, school staffs are
obligated under penalty of fine and jail term to report
the reasonable suspicion of physical abuse, sexual
abuse, or child neglect. In this very serious and
legally narrow area, the school will not contact
parents in advance of making a report to authorities,
which would be the procedure in most other legal
matters. The clear intent of the law, based on the
seriousness of the crimes listed above, is to
mandate that a report of reasonable suspicion of
abuse be made. The school will make such reports
in the best interest of the affected child and does
not, once reasonable suspicion is established, have
any legal alternative except to make the report to the
proper authorities for their investigation and review.
Communication Expectations
SCA strongly desires to form a true partnership with
parents. To ensure good communication, the
following guidelines should be used by parents:
1. Read the monthly school newsletter.
2. K-5 parents should read their child’s weekly
newsletter and post at home for easy reference!
3. Contact your child’s teacher via voicemail or
email. Please allow 48 hours for a response, as
teachers are responsible for student supervision
during the day. They avoid phone calls and email
except during planning periods or after school in
order to maximize face time with students.
4. Bookmark www.Summit-Christian-Academy.org
and check regularly for general information,
school calendar, news, and sports updates.
5. Access Sycamore Education for teacher home
pages, student grades, and lunch account
balances.
6. Provide any changes and/or updates for your
family’s address, email addresses, or phone
numbers. Be sure to keep all emergency
phone numbers current.
Parents are requested to take care of all
communication with their children before they arrive
at school. Except for emergencies, when it is
necessary to get a message to a student, the office
staff will relay the message to the student as soon
as possible. Otherwise, parents of elementary
students may leave a voice mail message for the
teacher by calling the VM line at 246-0457 and
entering the teacher’s extension number. Teachers
are required to check voice mail messages twice a
day (once before dismissal). The teacher will relay
the message to the child. Secondary parents may
call the school office and a message will be sent to
the teacher to relay to the child.
Grandparents at SCA
In 1999, a group of grandparents formed the Golden
Eagles to support SCA students and the school at
large. The Golden Eagles organization has offered
volunteer and financial support to SCA that has
blessed the school greatly. The group hosts
fellowships for grandparents and sponsors the
annual Super Duper Breakfast. The Golden Eagles
have contributed more than $168,000 since 1999
through donations to the Golden Eagles Fund in
honor of their grandchildren’s birthdays.
The time between 7:10-7:40 a.m. and 2:503:20 p.m. (secondary) and 8:00-8:15 a.m. and
3:15-3:45 p.m. (elementary) is for teachers to
engage specifically with students. If you need to
schedule a time to discuss an issue with your
child’s teacher, please email them or call their
VM to arrange a conference time.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 15
Character Development
Bible Classes
Christian Character Awards
The Bible curriculum is required of all students. The
faculty, staff, and administration desire to help
students know the Bible and its truth, improve their
relationship with God and fellow Christians, and
deepen their own Christian experience.
Christian Character Awards are given out each
quarter for elementary students, and each semester
for secondary students, and yearly for both. The
purpose of the award is to encourage all students to
earnestly pursue their potential toward attaining the
highest level of personal and academic
development. The criteria for this award are:
Daily Bible studies form the foundation of instruction.
The junior and senior high curriculum exposes
students to a survey of the entire Bible, the life of
Christ, discipleship, and a variety of Bible courses.
Academic excellence in the study of God’s Word is
encouraged just as it is in the rest of the academic
program. II Timothy 2:15 says, “Do your best to
present yourself to God as one approved, a
workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly
handling the word of truth” (RSV).
All subjects are taught as God’s truth and are
integrated with Bible teachings. Relationships student/teacher and student/student - will be built on
the basis of God’s teachings in all areas of the
school.
• Consistent attitude of honesty and integrity.
• Consistent spiritual attitude in general and in
responsiveness toward teachers.
• Demonstration of respect for people and property.
• Consistent role model for classmates and student
body in general.
• Consistent quality academic achievement.
Quarterly and semester winners receive a $25.00
gift card to Mardel’s. Yearly winners are presented a
$100.00 Mardel’s gift card.
Chapel
Our weekly chapel services are an integral part of
the school’s total program. Chapel provides an
opportunity for the expression of individual and
corporate worship and praise to God through prayer,
singing, testimonies, special music, and teaching
from the Word.
Chapel services are designed to minister to the
student body and to encourage personal growth,
commitment, and service to our Lord. Visiting
pastors, guest speakers, musical groups, drama
groups, faculty, and students share throughout the
school year. During our salvation emphasis weeks,
opportunity is given for students to accept Jesus
Christ as Savior and Lord of their life. Parents are
always welcome to attend chapel services.
Chapel Schedule:
K-3 ... Tues, 8:45-9:15 a.m. ....... Elem Commons
4-6 .... Tues, 9:30-10:10 a.m. ..... Elem Commons
7-8 .... Thurs, 8:23-9:13 a.m. ..... Elem Commons
9-12 .. Thurs, 8:23-9:13 a.m. ..... Secondary Gym or
LSCC Church
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 16
School Hours and Visits
School Hours
Inclement Weather
PS & PK ½ day ................... ….8:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m.
PS & PK Full Day .................... 8:15 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Grades K-6.............................. 8:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Grades 7-12 ............................ 7:40 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.
In the event of inclement weather that causes the
cancellation or the delayed start of school, you may
find notice of this as follows:
• On local TV and radio stations
• Recorded message on the school answering
system
• The Summit-Christian-Academy.org website
• Sycamore Education
• On Twitter under SCA_Alert
• Facebook
Early dismissal for full-day early ed ......... 11:45 a.m.
Early dismissal Grades K - 6.................... 12:00 p.m.
Early dismissal Grades 7-12 ……………..12:18 p.m.
Secondary students should arrive no earlier than
7:25 a.m. Should an earlier arrival be necessary,
students should report to the secondary gymnasium
through the back door on the north side of the
building.
Elementary students should arrive no earlier than
8:00 a.m. Should an earlier arrival be necessary,
students should report to GAP located in the
elementary commons between 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. Any
student arriving before 8:00 a.m. will be charged
normal daycare rates. Siblings of secondary
students and beginning band students should wait
with parents until 8:00 to avoid this charge.
Students should be picked up within 15 minutes of
dismissal time if at all possible. Please do not pick
up your child early to avoid car line.
Elementary students not picked up will be escorted
to GAP. Secondary students will go to the front
entry way until 3:05 p.m. and then will be escorted to
GAP. GAP fees will apply.
Before-school care is billed by the minute.
There is a 1-hour minimum charge for afterschool care with additional time billed by the
minute.
If no announcement has been made and there is no
message specifically announcing that SCA has been
canceled or has a delayed start, parents and
students should assume school will be open as
normal. Before and after school care will be closed
any time SCA classes are canceled.
Occasionally, the decision may be made to have a
one-hour delayed start. On those days, the
schedule is as follows:
• No morning GAP on delayed start days.
• Secondary classes begin at 8:40, with doors
opening at 8:25.
• Elementary and Preschool start at 9:15, with doors
open at 9:00.
• All before school activities (i.e., athletic practices,
band, prayer teams, etc.) will be canceled.
• During severe weather, GAP may close early.
Snow days may be made up either during
established school holidays, spring break, or at the
end of the school year, as determined by the Board
of Education.
It is not the school’s general policy to dismiss early;
however, if at any time a parent feels it necessary to
pick up their child for travel safety, the absence will
be excused.
For more information on the GAP program, please
see page 23.
Please drop off and pick up students as indicated on
the traffic flow diagram in your back-to-school
packet. Designated traffic patterns have been
established to provide the safest and quickest
morning drop off and afternoon pick up. It is vital for
traffic and the safety of your students that everyone
follow the defined traffic patterns.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 17
School Hours and Visits
School Visits
Shadowing
SCA is a closed campus. Parents are welcome in
the school; however, when a visit to a classroom is
necessary, parents must check at the office first and
sign in. The office will provide a visitor badge, which
must be returned to the office when signing out.
Other visitors must be preapproved through the
building principal’s office.
Students who are considering attending our school
in the future may shadow a current student during
the school year. Prospective students may shadow
one time during the school year. Parents of the
visiting student must make arrangements with the
principal at least 24 hours prior to attending classes.
The principal will then assign the prospective
student to a current student for the day. All visitors
are encouraged to follow dress code and rules of the
school.
Teacher attention must be on the students,
therefore, parents should refrain from visiting with
teachers between 8:25 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. Parents
are always welcome to volunteer or schedule an
appointment.
Lunch Visits
SCA parents and alumni students are welcome to
have lunch at SCA. As always, please stop by the
front office to sign in and get your visitor badge.
Any other guests must be pre-approved by the
principal at least one day in advance. Their dress
and conduct must be appropriate for our school
environment. Finally, any guest that has not been
preapproved will not be admitted into the school.
_________________________________________
Parents are not to go directly to a classroom.
Lunches, homework, books and other items
should be left in the school office
to be delivered to the student.
_________________________________________
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 18
Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities
These activities are designed to allow students to
use the gifts God has given them and to develop
each student as a whole person. It is our desire that
in every activity we do, students will grow in
character and bring glory to God. There are several
guidelines that are in place for these activities.
Academics
To participate, students must comply with eligibility
requirements as printed in the individual activity
handbooks.
Character
Since the character of students is important, any
student who has had discipline issues during the
year may not be allowed to participate in
extracurricular activities. If a student does receive a
detention, serving the detention comes before
involvement in any school activity.
In every activity, we want our parents, students, and
staff to set a Christ-like example.
Attendance
School attendance is important. Therefore, a
student must be at school for at least half the day to
participate in a school extracurricular activity. A
doctor appointment that takes the student out of
school for a few hours is permitted. If a student is
too sick to come to school, they should not be
involved in a school activity that day.
Music - Vocal and Instrumental
The vocal and instrumental music departments are
committed to the development of each individual
student in the areas of music theory and
appreciation, worship, and performance. Classes
are designed to encourage exploration and
participation in each of these areas, using a variety
of activities.
The music department prepares programs where
students have the opportunity to perform for family
and friends and to showcase the talents God has
given them. These performances are an integral
part of each student’s music education.
Participation in these programs and concerts is
required for all music students. The music staff
requests written notification if a student will be
absent for a performance. Students will be excused
for illness or death in the family. Other reasons will
be excused at the discretion of the teacher. A
student’s grade will be affected by an unexcused
absence.
In addition to these programs, students are
encouraged to participate in the Academic Meet,
which includes entries for vocal, instrumental, and
piano. Students will be selected by audition. An
extracurricular honors choir is available for all
interested students in grades 5-6.
High school choir and band students have some
required Missouri State High School Activities
Association (MSHSAA) competitions. Individual
students are encouraged to compete through
MSHSAA as well.
Virtuosity!
For a limited number of students, music lessons will
be available before, during, and after school.
Lesson availability will depend upon teacher hours,
room availability, and student schedule. Students
will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis,
and lessons taken during school hours will be
subject to principal approval.
All Virtuosity! students will participate in a fall and
spring recital (dates to be announced) and will be
provided with a Virtuosity! t-shirt that may be worn
on two selected school days.
Yes! On Campus
SCA partners with Yes! On Campus to provide
fitness and athletic training for students. For a fee,
students may choose to participate in fitness and/or
athletic training before, during, or after school under
the leadership of certified trainers.
Speech and Debate (Grades 7-12)
Forensics, more commonly known as speech and
debate, is one of the most rewarding and beneficial
educational activities available to students. As you
compete in high school forensics, you will find that
your skills in areas as diverse as research, writing,
critical thinking, presentation, time management,
persuasion, and interpersonal communication will
improve dramatically.
Forensics helps students:
• Develop confidence both in front of an audience
and in interpersonal communication.
• Develop academic skills (research, writing,
problem solving, critical thinking, effective
listening, etc.) essential to high school and
college-level work.
• Improve written and verbal communication skills
that are highly valued in the working world.
The forensics team at SCA allows students the
opportunity to compete in tournaments sponsored by
local high schools in conjunction with the National
Forensic League (NFL) and under the guidelines of
the Missouri State High School Activities Association
(MSHSAA). Participation in these tournaments can
range from a few to several dozen schools from
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 19
Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities
around the state. The students will compete in a
variety of events falling into basic categories that
correspond with official NFL events.
The events are quite diverse in nature and ensure
that the competition offers something for everyone.
Generally, these events are divided into two
categories: Individual Events and Debate. Neither
type of event is inherently superior to the other.
Each provides tremendous academic benefit and is
extremely challenging.
The forensics team at SCA will be developed on a
three-tier approach. First, to build a foundation for
future success, we will offer quarterly classes in
speech and debate for students in grades 7-8.
Second, for students in grades 9-12 grade, we will
offer two yearly classes, one focusing on debate and
the other focusing on individual events. Finally, we
will be forming a local NFL chapter that will meet
after school. These meetings will occur weekly, or
more often, if needed, for tournament preparation.
Drama Program (Grades 7-12)
The drama department is committed to the
development of each individual student in the area
of stage performance. At SCA, there are two ways
to participate in the drama department - through
classes and through after-school productions.
There are two main after-school productions each
year, in the fall and spring. Practices are held four
days a week after school, and there are often
Saturday practices and work days as well. All
students in grades 7-12 may try out for the
productions, and secondary students also help
backstage with costumes, lighting, makeup, and
other technical jobs.
Drama electives begin in junior high. Students can
take drama and advanced drama. Both are
semester-long classes where students learn the
basics of acting and participating in theater arts.
Students memorize lines, perform scenes for class,
learn about the history of drama, write their own
skits, and learn how to improvise.
Several drama courses are available to secondary
students interested in continuing their drama
experience.
Though classes and after-school productions are not
connected, the skills students learn in class are
constantly used in after-school productions. In
addition, the after-school productions are often
discussed and studied in class, as students
practically apply their knowledge to a production
they may have seen on stage.
Elementary students will gain drama experience
through vocal music classes.
Athletic Program
The interscholastic sports program is separate from
the physical education classes required of all
students. At the elementary level, SCA is a member
of the Suburban Christian School Conference
(SCSC). Junior High participates in the Metropolitan
Private School League (MPSL). At the high school
level, SCA is a member of the Crossroads
Conference and Missouri State High School
Activities Association (MSHSAA), competing at the
state level. Sports currently offered are:
Cheerleading ......................................... Grades 2-12
Fall
Cross Country ........................................ Grades 7-12
Boys Football ......................................... Grades 7-12
Girls Golf ................................................ Grades 9-12
Boys Soccer........................................... Grades 5-12
Girls Softball .......................................... Grades 9-12
Girls Volleyball ....................................... Grades 5-12
Winter
Girls and Boys Basketball ...................... Grades 6-12
Core Basketball (boys and girls) .............. Grades 4-6
Spring
Boys Baseball ........................................ Grades 9-12
Boys Golf ............................................... Grades 7-12
Girls Soccer ........................................... Grades 5-12
Boys and Girls Track and Field.............. Grades 5-12
Other sports programs may be adopted as school
enrollment and student interest warrant.
The SCA athletic program is designed to assist
students in: (1) spiritual growth; (2) building Christian
character through meeting challenges, dealing with
winning and losing, and developing a sense of
cooperation and teamwork; and (3) developing
physically while improving condition and skills. Our
desire is to help student athletes do their best as
they strive for excellence.
The following guidelines are intended to help define
the purpose for athletics and to provide consistency
in the operation of the program:
• Athletes must be academically eligible.
• Athletes will be expected to conduct themselves in
an exemplary manner at all times. Respect must
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 20
Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities
be shown for coaches, teammates, opponents,
officials, supporters, and school personnel and
facilities.
• Elementary and secondary students must attend
school a minimum of a half day on the day of a
scheduled game to be eligible to participate.
• Secondary students must be enrolled in classes
7/8 hours according to MSHSAA rules.
• All student athletes must obtain a sports physical
from their doctor before participating in practices
or athletic contests. High school students must
use the MSHSAA sports physical form.
• It is expected that all students, parents, and
friends adhere to the school's standards at all
games as ambassadors for SCA and, more
importantly, Jesus Christ.
• All student athletes participating in any SCA
athletic program shall not wear any jewelry (i.e.,
rings, watches, earrings, etc.) during practices or
athletic events. An exception will be made for
medical medallions. If worn, medallions shall be
removed from chains and taped or sewn under the
uniform.
• More details may be found in the athletic
handbook.
Students participating in interscholastic sports
programs will pay an athletic fee for each sport.
Fees are assessed when an athlete makes the
team/squad and must be paid before the first game
in order for the athlete to be eligible to participate.
These fees help support SCA athletic programs and
are nonrefundable.
Those who choose not to honor the above
guidelines will be disqualified from participating in
the sport. As necessary, a warning will be given for
the first offense, disciplinary action will be taken for a
second offense, and potential expulsion from the
team/squad for a third offense. It will be the
responsibility of the coach to handle rule infractions.
If needed, the coach may request assistance from
the athletic director or the principal. Coaches must
notify the principal when any disciplinary action is
taken.
Questions and concerns regarding athletics should
be directed to the Secondary Athletic Director at
525-1480 x 329 or the Elementary Athletic Director
at 524-0185 x 262.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 21
Student Support Services
Resource Services
Summit Christian Academy has a number of
resources available to meet students’ educational
needs. Please feel free to speak with your child’s
teacher if you feel there may be a learning issue.
The following resources are offered on campus at an
additional fee:
• Discovery Therapy. The Discovery program uses
the National Institute of Learning Development
model developed to treat assumed underlying
identified causes of learning difficulties through
individual therapy.
• Search & Teach
• Speech Therapy
 Private Practice
 Through R7, if qualified and available
• Occupational Therapy
• STAR. Student Academic Resources supports
the two-fold learning needs of students with a
learning disability/aptitude that precludes entrance
into Discovery.
• SPARKLE. Special Attention to Respect,
Kindness, and Loving Everyone serves students
who need moderate behavior/social intervention.
• STEWARDS. Student Environment of Arduous
Study is for students who demonstrate academic
giftedness.
English for Academic Purposes
EAP is a class to assist English language learners.
The EAP teacher works closely with classroom
teachers in providing support to the ELL. There is
an additional fee for this service. All international
students are required to take EAP.
Field Trips and Special Activities
Along with a strong emphasis on academics and
scholarship, Summit Christian Academy
incorporates informative events and activities that
advance students’ education while promoting social
and spiritual development. These activities foster
creativity and increase the excitement of learning.
Field trips and other educational presentations will
be scheduled throughout the school year. Parents
will be required to complete a permission slip for
each field trip. Students may be asked to pay a
nominal fee for some field trips depending on the
event.
Doors open for special events 30 minutes before the
program begins. Parents may not save seats prior
to doors opening. SCA reserves the right to reserve
seating for employees involved in the program.
Lunches, snacks, or refreshments are not usually
provided by the school. Students may be asked to
bring a snack or money for refreshments.
Dress for all field trips will follow the regular school
dress code unless otherwise stated. Elementary
students may be required to wear class shirts.
Lockers
Lockers will be provided for students in grades 4-12.
Lockers are to store textbooks and personal
belongings and must remain neat and orderly.
Locker decoration must be inside the locker and
reflect Christian values. School groups, with
administration approval, may decorate lockers to
promote school spirit.
SCA is not responsible for lost, stolen, or broken
items. Items of extraordinary value should not be
brought to school.
Lockers for grades 4-6 will remain unlocked.
Individual lockers should be kept locked for grades
7-12. Students in grade 7-12 will be assessed a $5
locker fee. A $5 fee is assessed for lost or broken
locks. A repair/replacement fee is assessed if a
locker is broken or defaced in any way.
Godly Aftercare Program (GAP)
(Preschool-Grade 6)
GAP was developed to further the school’s mission
of partnering with parents by providing quality care
in a compassionate environment for those who need
supervision outside regular classroom hours. GAP
staff is trained to meet the physical, social, and
emotional needs of each student. A snack is served
each day and opportunities are provided to play
games, visit, work on homework, make crafts, and
strengthen friendships. GAP emphasizes character
traits to allow students opportunities to learn and
practice a variety of Christ-honoring traits.
Families choosing to utilize GAP should be aware of
the following expectations. Although GAP staff
understand the need for students to be able to relax
after the structure of a school day, it is equally
important for students to agree to respect the GAP
staff and to treat other students kindly. GAP allows
students of varying ages to mingle together and
expects that the older students will be good role
models for the younger students. GAP meets in its
own room; however, it also utilizes the classroom
space of the early childhood rooms. Students must
understand that the preschool furniture and toys
should be treated gently in order to prevent
unnecessary replacement.
Home school students may be included in
assemblies and field trips with parental approval if
supervision and transportation are available.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 22
Student Support Services
GAP is available as a regular part of a student’s
schedule or on an occasional basis. However, all
students must have a registration form on file in
order to utilize the program. Registration forms are
available online and are also distributed at the
beginning of each school year. It is vitally important
that parent cell phone numbers and emergency
contact information be kept current.
Before-school GAP will provide service from 7:008:00 a.m. Secondary students arriving prior to 7:25
a.m. should report to the secondary gym through the
north gym door. Elementary students who arrive
earlier than 8:00 a.m. should report to GAP located
in the elementary commons. Normal daycare
charges apply. Siblings of secondary students and
beginning band students should wait with parents
until 8:00 to avoid this charge.
GAP hours *
Preschool-6............................... 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Preschool and Pre-K................. 2:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Grades K-6 ............................... 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Grades 7-12 .............................. 3:05 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
* GAP ends at 4:00 p.m. on early release days.
* There is NO GAP on delayed start days.
GAP is available for students following after
school tutoring, lessons, and practices. The 1hour minimum charge will apply.
GAP Hourly Rates
st
1 child* ................................. $5.40/hour ($0.09/min)
nd
2 child .................................. $4.20/hour ($0.07/min)
rd
3 child .................................. $3.00/hour ($0.05/min)
*For GAP billing purposes, the youngest child is the
st
1 child.
After-school GAP will provide service from 3:30-6:00
p.m. All elementary students will be escorted to
GAP 15 minutes after dismissal (K-6 at 3:30).
Charges will begin at 3:30 with a 1-hour
minimum charge.
Before-school care is billed by the minute.
There is a 1-hour minimum charge for afterschool care with additional time billed by the
minute.
(Grades 7-12)
Hourly before/aftercare statements are mailed home
each month. Payments are due within 15 days of
billing. Rates may be subject to change.
Students who are not picked up within 20 minutes
after the designated dismissal time will be directed
to the front entry until 3:05 p.m. Any student
remaining at 3:05 p.m. will be escorted to GAP and
a 1-hour minimum charge will be assessed. The
exception to this will be adult-supervised schoolrelated activities: sports, club activities, cheerleading
practices, etc. Please help those who supervise
after-school activities by promptly picking up your
student after the activity has concluded.
There will be an overtime charge of $1 per child for
each minute checked in before the normal opening
time of 7:00 a.m. or checked out beyond the normal
closing time of 6:00 p.m. In order to avoid additional
charges, parents should be diligent to establish
alternate plans in case of weather, traffic, or work
issues.
Library Guidelines
Your student will be checked in and out of the
before-/after-care room. This is necessary for
compliance with the Lee’s Summit fire codes and for
general school security.
All library material is evaluated for appropriate
content prior to being placed in the library. The
library is maintained and operated through the
efforts of many volunteers and the school librarian.
Please be aware that there is no GAP provided
for secondary students on early release days.
Books may be checked out for a one-week period.
Books are the responsibility of the individual signing
out the book. Lost books will incur a minimum
replacement fee of $5.00 up to full replacement
value. Books not returned will be charged to the last
individual signing out the book. Overdue books will
result in temporary suspension of library privileges.
Unpaid library fees will prohibit grade cards being
issued.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 23
Student Support Services
Health Policies
Before the first day of school, every new student
entering SCA must present records showing all
immunizations are current. If immunizations are not
reported current as required by Missouri State law,
students will not be allowed to attend school.
SCA will adhere to the following procedures
recommended by the Missouri State Health
Department when dispensing medication:
• All medications (prescription/nonprescription) shall
be given to a child only with a signed Authorization
to Administer Medication Form on file in the health
clerk office.
• All prescription medicine/drugs shall be in the
original container and labeled with the child’s
name, physician's name, and written instructions.
• Tylenol or Ibuprofen may be given with verbal or
written approval of the parents.
• A log will be kept in the health office to record
each time medication is given.
• For elementary students, notification will be sent
home with the student when Tylenol or Ibuprofen
is administered. The teacher will staple the health
clerk’s note to the child’s daily planner. Note will
include time of day medication was given and the
student complaint.
• Minor cuts and scrapes may be dealt with in the
classroom. More serious injuries should be dealt
with in the health office.
Medical Care Plans
Any student with a chronic or severe medical
condition (asthma, nut allergies, diabetes, seizures,
etc.) must have an Medical Care Plan on file in the
health office.
• The health office will provide copies of medical
care plans to all teachers, recess aides, and
lunch attendants who have direct contact with the
student.
• Teachers should review medical care plans
regularly to remain familiar with emergency
guidelines.
• If a child has a severe allergy, parents should
speak with the school health clerk regarding
specific school procedures.
For your child’s protection and the protection of
others, children should be kept home when they
have any of the following symptoms:
• Severe cold symptoms (chronic coughing, sore
throat, etc.).
• Temperature. A child must have a normal
temperature for at least 24 hours prior to returning
to school.
• Upset stomach, vomiting, abdominal pain, and
diarrhea. A child must be kept at home until there
has been neither vomiting nor diarrhea for at least
24 hours. Questions should be referred to the
health clerk.
• Undiagnosed rash or skin lesions, red or
discharging eyes (i.e., conjunctivitis/pink eye),
earache, or swollen glands. A child must be kept
home with any of these symptoms until diagnosed
by a doctor and the student has been symptom
free for at least 24 hours. Please notify the office
in the event your child has been diagnosed as
having a communicable illness.
• Head Lice. Students may not be readmitted to
school until treatment has been accomplished and
evidence of all live lice and lice eggs (nits) have
been eliminated. Parents must report incidents of
head lice to the office. The custodial staff will be
notified to treat rooms and the health staff will then
take preventative measures and check other
students in the classroom to determine if other
students have been affected.
If a student complains of illness, the school will:
• Check the child’s temperature. If it is 100 degrees
or more, the parent will be called to take the child
home.
• If the student is still not feeling well one hour after
an original complaint, the parent will be called to
take the child home.
• If the child is vomiting and/or has diarrhea, the
parent or emergency number will be called
immediately.
• In the event of serious illness, accident, or injury to
any child, the school shall follow the parent's
written instructions for emergency medical care,
with prompt notification of the parent.
• The Lee’s Summit Fire Department and Rescue
Unit will be called if the administration deems it
necessary.
• Information regarding the illness, accident, or
injury shall be noted in the school's health log.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 24
Uniform Dress Code
The following uniform dress code has been adopted
by the SCA Board of Education and is enforced so
students reflect a neat, modest. For items that may
be in question, the principal’s decision will stand.
SCA students are required to wear clothing that
meets the following specifications:
Pants/Skirts/Shorts/Capris/Skorts
• Tan khaki, navy blue, or black dress slacks or
capris (inside pockets as opposed to pockets
sewn on the outside).
• Very small brand name logos may be visible.
• Cotton or cotton-polyester twill fabric.
Shirts
• Long or short-sleeved, collared, button polo shirts
in any solid color. No contrasting trim or piping
should be visible.
• Button-front oxford, blouse, or blue denim shirts
with long or 3/4 length sleeves in any solid color
with no visible contrasting trim or piping.
• K-4 may wear solid color turtlenecks as a primary
shirt. Grades 5-12 may wear solid color
turtlenecks only under a sweater, sweatshirt,
jumper, or polo.
• Only school-approved SCA logos are acceptable
on any shirt. Shirt brands/logos must not be
visible.
• Shirts must be tucked in at all times. Parents
should check ability of shirt to stay tucked in by
having students raise hands over their heads.
• Proportioned to fit; i.e., not extremely tight or
baggy.
• Skirts/shorts must measure no higher than 4” from
the bottom of the kneecap. Skirt slits should
measure no higher than 4” from the bottom of the
kneecap.
• K-6 grades may wear skorts, 4” length rule should
be followed.
• No jeans, corduroys, or cargo pants. Flares
should not be extreme.
• No leggings.
Socks
• Solid color socks are preferred with no logos.
• Girls grades K-6 may not wear nylons. Tights and
leggings must be opaque rather than sheer.
Shoes
Sweaters
• Solid colors with no visible brand names or logos
(except school-approved SCA logos).
• Pullover, cardigan, V-neck, or vest. Ponchos are
not acceptable.
• All sweaters must have a separate collar showing
above neckline. (Solid color cowl/turtleneck
sweaters are not acceptable.) Collar should be
from a polo, oxford, blouse, turtleneck, or denim
shirt.
Sweatshirts
• School sweatshirts only. Must be purchased
through school or from the Land’s End catalog,
with the school logo. These are the only
sweatshirts that may be worn during the school
day.
• All sweatshirts must have a separate collar
showing above the neckline. Collar should be
from a polo, oxford, blouse, turtleneck, or denim
shirt.
• If a student desires to wear a “hoodie” sweatshirt
(zip or pullover) as a jacket, it must have an SCA
logo.
• School sweatshirts and hoodies may be worn
without a collared shirt underneath. However, if
the sweatshirt or hoodie is removed, school dress
code must be followed.
• Any lace up or velcro tennis shoe that is
nonmarking may be worn. (Zippers on tennis
shoes are not acceptable as they damage the gym
floor.)
• All dress shoes are acceptable. Grades K-6 must
wear socks/tights with dress shoes/tennis shoes.
• In grades K-6 no plastic shoes, pool shoes or
sandals are acceptable. This is a playground
safety issue.
• Grades 7-12 may wear casual sandals.
• No “Heely” shoes are permissible (i.e., roller skate
tennis shoes).
Belts
• Must be worn with all pants, shorts, skorts and
skirts with belt loops.
Jumpers
• Tan khaki, navy blue, or black jumpers may be
worn (no denim). Skirt length regulations should
be followed.
• Polo dresses with sleeves may be worn. Skirt
length regulations should be followed.
Scout Uniforms
Students participating in Boy Scout or Girl Scout
programs may wear their Class A uniforms to
school.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 25
Uniform Dress Code
Hair and Accessories
• Girls may have up to two ear piercings per ear.
No other visible body piercing jewelry allowed.
• Boys may wear a short chain inside the shirt and
one or two finger rings. Boys may not wear long
necklaces or earrings. No visible body piercing
allowed.
• Girls may wear jewelry, but not large or
excessive.
Dress Code Violation Reminders will be as
follows:
Elementary
st
1 offense: Verbal correction and written
documentation from teacher.
nd
2 offense: Verbal correction and written
documentation to parents from teacher.
rd
• No visible tattoos.
• Boys’ hair should be of moderate length or
shorter (at or above the eyebrows, collar, and
mid-ear).
3 offense: Verbal correction, documentation, and
written notification from principal. Parent may be
called to bring a change of clothing.
th
• No facial hair.
4 offense: Verbal correction, written and phone
notification to parents from principal. A detention
may be issued. Student will be required to
immediately comply with code. This may include:
• Boys may not wear nail polish.
• An item being confiscated for parental pick up.
• No hats or sunglasses may be worn while in
school buildings.
• A student remaining in the office until proper
clothing is available.
• Hair may not be dyed an abnormal color; i.e.,
blue, pink, green, etc. (except during spirit week).
Special Events
Some special events will require dress code or
special attire. For games and optional events, we
ask that students dress in a neat and modest
fashion, refraining from suggestive or worldly attire.
• Student wearing an item supplied by the office.
Secondary
st
1 offense: Verbal correction from teacher.
nd
2 offense: Verbal correction and parent
communication.
rd
3 offense: Detention assigned by teacher.
Students will be required at all times to be in
compliance with the dress code. This may result in
the parent bringing an item to school or the student
wearing a school-supplied item.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 26
Additional Policies
Deliveries
Sexual Harassment Policy
In an effort to reduce classroom distractions, any
flowers or gifts delivered for a student will be held in
the office until the end of the day.
SCA will not tolerate sexual harassment of any kind.
A student who has been harassed by another
student or faculty member should report it
immediately to their teacher or another faculty
member. An investigation will be made of the
charges. A copy of the sexual harassment policy is
available in the school office.
Student Couples on School Grounds
or at School Activities
Students at SCA are expected to honor and respect
one another in a manner that exhibits and portrays
the highest Christian standards. Friendship is
something that is earned between individuals. At
SCA, we desire to provide an atmosphere that
promotes healthy avenues of expression of
friendship among couples and that reflects biblical
standards of morality. Public displays of romantic
affection such as holding hands, arms around each
other, and kissing are not permitted at school or
school functions. An exception is made at dance
events where reasonable and appropriate physical
contact for a dance is permitted.
Book Bags/Backpacks
• For safety reasons, book bags and backpacks
should be kept away from walkways and halls.
• Some secondary classroom teachers may institute
a “no backpack” rule in their room due to space
issues.
• No rolling book bags or fictional characters are
allowed.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 27
Information
for
Grades K-6
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 28
Elementary Academics
Report Cards and Parent Conferences
The purpose of a reporting system is to provide
parents and students with a means of noting student
progress. For core subjects, report cards and
midterms are sent home with students for the first
three quarters. As special classes meet only weekly
or biweekly, they do not furnish a midterm report.
Final grades are mailed home.
Outstanding = Quality work and/or effort in every
detail.
Satisfactory = Average and above work, room for
improvement.
Needs Improvement = Low average and below
work, needs to improve.
_____________________________________________________________________
Unsatisfactory = Below average work, must
improve.
Students will not receive report cards until all
financial accounts are paid in full. This includes
tuition and fees, lunch, library books, fines, etc.
Elementary Honors
_____________________________________________________________________
Parent/Teacher conferences are held in the fall after
the first quarter. Grade cards are distributed to
parents either at the conferences or via the students.
Parents are encouraged to keep communication
open with teachers and request a conference with
teachers whenever necessary. The school requires
parents to telephone and arrange an appointment so
a teacher can allow time to discuss concerns.
Classroom time or time just before or after
school will not be used for conferences unless
prearranged with the teacher.
Elementary Grading Scale
The grading scale used for students attending
Summit Christian Academy in grades K - 6 will be as
follows:
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
100
94-99
90-93
88-89
82-87
80-81
78-79
72-77
70-71
68-69
62-67
60-61
00-59
O+
O
OS+
S
SN
U
100
94-99
90-93
87-89
83-86
80-82
70-79
0-69
Soaring Eagle Awards – Teachers will select
students to receive a Soaring Eagle Award. These
awards are recognized by the Principal.
Christian Character Award - Each quarter two
students are chosen (one from grades 1-3 and one
from grades 4-6) as representatives of true Christian
character. This award comes with a $25.00 gift card
to Mardel’s Christian Store.
Year-end honors include:
Superior Attendance - Student may miss no more
than one school day per year.
Superior Spelling/Vocabulary - Student must
maintain at least a 98% average all four quarters.
Superior Bible - Student must maintain at least a
98% average all four quarters.
Citizenship Award - A student will be selected by
the teacher for excellence in attitude, academics,
and overall behavior.
Christian Character Award - Students of the Year
are awarded a trophy and $100.00 off their next
year’s tuition.
Students in grades 4-6 will also be eligible for
academic recognition:
Principal’s Honor Roll - All A’s in core subjects all
four quarters. No U’s in special classes.
A/B Honor Roll - All A’s and B’s in core subjects for
all four quarters. No U’s in special classes.
Elementary Procedures
Homework - The school will provide a blue folder for
important papers. This folder will be sent home on
Fridays. Please be sure to check these “Friday
folders” diligently.
Achievement Testing
SCA administers annual aptitude and achievement
testing. Results are presented to parents and
training on interpreting test scores is available to
elementary families.
O/S/N/U grades are awarded for Art, Music, PE,
Penmanship, Spanish, and Computer.
Home school students may participate in the testing
process with students at their grade level. Testing
fees will apply.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 29
Elementary Student Discipline
The goal at SCA is to encourage students to be
more like Jesus. Acceptable behavior is essential to
an effective instructional program and to the
development of the student. The attitudes and
behaviors listed below should be the goal of each
student.
• Love the Lord with your whole heart.
• Respect authority, school rules, property, and
fellow students.
• Self-discipline and control.
The following are samples of behaviors that may be
brought to the attention of the principal:
• Bullying (defined as repeated and unwelcome
action reflecting unkindness and an imbalance of
power)
• Cheating
• Defiance
• Disrespect to people or things
• Drug and/or related paraphernalia
• Excessive tardies
“Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they
thought best, but God disciplines us for our good,
that we may share in His holiness. No discipline
seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on,
however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and
peace for those who have been trained by it”
Hebrews 12:10-11 (NIV).
Just as discipline is a key element in a solid and
secure Christian home and a victorious Christian life,
it is a major component in the Christian school.
Teaching within the Christian school is backed up
with biblical discipline, conveying love and
understanding to a child. We believe that all things
should be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians
14:40) and that our children must learn responsibility
for their actions.
At SCA, discipline is firm, consistent, fair, and
exemplifies respect for one’s self and others. This
same biblical discipline is tempered with love and
heightened with encouragement to strive for
excellence in character and academics. Procedures
to correct improper behavior will be designed to
correct the behavior, not to punish the child.
Corporal punishment is not utilized by the school.
Discipline will be handled at the lowest possible
level.
Students with electronic devices such as cell
phones, iPods, pagers, palm pilots, etc., must have
them turned off and put away at all times. Use of
video games, radios, Walkman, CD, or cassette
players is not allowed.
• Firearms, knives, or weapons of any kind
• Physical contact in anger
• Profanity
• Vandalism
Discipline consequences could include:
• Verbal reprimand by the principal
• Loss of privileges
• A phone call/conference with parents
• Detention
• In-school suspension
• Out-of-school suspension
• A referral slip to be signed by the parent
• Expulsion
Bullying Philosophy
SCA believes each person is made in the image of
God and is worthy of respect as an esteemed
member of the school community. SCA does not
condone any verbal, written, or physical act that
demeans a student or places self-doubt as to his/her
worth as a member in the school community. Any
conduct that has the effect of insulting or demeaning
a student or group of students in such a way as to
disrupt or interfere with the school’s educational
mission or that is severe, persistent, or pervasive so
that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or
abusive educational environment will not be
tolerated. Consequences of bullying will be
administered in accordance with the school’s overall
discipline policy. Luke 6:31 – Do to others as you
would have them do to you.
Toys at School
It is the school’s preference that personal toys be left
at home. This includes trading cards, electronic
devices, dolls, etc. Teachers may choose to
stipulate specific days to bring items. The school is
not responsible for lost or broken items.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 30
Elementary Student Discipline
Classroom Discipline
Suspension - Expulsion Board Policy
Each teacher has a classroom discipline plan that
deals with most normal, daily discipline problems.
These plans are submitted to the principal for
approval. Parents are informed of the classroom
plan at the beginning of the school year. Once a
child has exhausted the teacher’s classroom
discipline plan, he/she will immediately be sent to
the principal. The principal will determine what form
of discipline is necessary depending on the offense.
The word discipline is related to the word disciple.
A. The purpose of discipline is to disciple students in
the Lord’s way (Proverbs 6:23).
B. Discipline is instruction that molds, shapes,
corrects and inspires appropriate behavior
(Proverbs 9:9).
C. Discipline is the opportunity to redirect students’
sinful natures (1John 1:8).
D. The goal for our students is the same as the goal
Jesus had for His disciples -self-motivated
discipline born out of a personal desire to please
God (Romans 12:2).
E. God does not force or intimidate His children into
making godly decisions. He allows them to
choose (Joshua 24:15).
F. Society’s lifestyles are moving further away from
biblical principles. One of the most serious
challenges is to keep classroom management
philosophies firmly rooted in the Word of God
(Proverbs 22:6).
G. Disciplined living is the outward manifestation of
proper love and respect for God, others, and self
(1Peter 2:17-18).
Student suspension or expulsion is considered a
severe and drastic measure to be used only when
other methods of controlling a student’s behavior
have failed. The school principal may suspend a
student; the Head of School may expel a student.
Detention
1. Students required to serve detention must stay
after school to serve. Detention supersedes all
after-school activities.
Suspension occurs when a student’s conduct,
and/or failure to respond to corrective disciplinary
procedures, requires that a student be temporarily
removed from the student body. The suspension of
a student may be either in-school suspension or outof-school suspension. A suspension may be
changed to expulsion for cause.
Expulsion of a student is the permanent removal of a
student from the school. Expulsion is warranted
when all available disciplinary procedures to
rehabilitate the student have been unsuccessful, or
the student’s conduct is of such a serious nature as
to warrant immediate removal.
Late Work
• Kindergarten has no late work, as work is
accomplished in class.
• Grades 1-5 - When work is turned in late and is
“unexcused,” 5% per day late will be deducted for
a grade no lower than 59%.
• No work may be left unaccomplished, as we are
striving to achieve a Colossians 3:23 attitude that
says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your
heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”
Should a student reach 59%, he or she will be
sent to the office until all work is finished. Recess
and/or specials may be missed. No late work will
be allowed to receive an A. The highest grade
possible will be an 89%.
• Grade 6 – As with grades 1-5, the same penalties
will apply, as well as loss of class-earned “money”
and class privileges.
2. Each student must enter quietly with pen, pencil,
and paper to write.
3. No talking or disturbances of any kind. Parents
may not enter the detention room until the child is
dismissed. PLEASE, no interruptions at all.
4. Sports and extracurricular events do not excuse a
student from detention.
5. Excessive detentions may result in a suspension.
6. Entering detention tardy will require staying later
and/or a second detention may be issued.
7. Detentions for tardies will be served with the
teacher to make up class time.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 31
Elementary Student Discipline
Work to be Redone
• From time to time, a teacher may determine to
have a student rework an assignment to ensure
learning. Should a test receive a 69% or below,
corrections will be mandatory and students will
receive a classroom reward for making those
corrections.
• In some rare circumstances, teachers may
determine to average a low homework paper
grade with its redone work.
• Rarely, a teacher may determine to allow a test to
be retaken. The grades from the original test and
the new test will be averaged. This practice will
only be performed with a principal’s approval.
Cell Phones / Electronic Devices
Any use of cell phones, iPods, handheld video
games, etc., by students will not be allowed. This
includes all text messaging and camera/video use.
All electronic devices must be turned off, put away,
and out of sight during school hours. If violated,
electronic equipment will be confiscated and given to
the office.
When appropriate, the administration may approve
use of electronic devices.
Computer and Internet use
Any computer on the SCA network is filtered and we
make every effort to monitor the content available to
students.
The computers at SCA are for school use only. Use
for any other purpose can be grounds for disciplinary
action.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 32
Elementary Student Attendance and Tardy Policies
Attendance
Tardies
We view the whole school day as valuable and
important. Classes are scheduled until departure
time. Parents are asked not to pick up their students
early unless there is an emergency or a scheduled
appointment. For security purposes, parents
bringing or taking children outside of normal times
must sign their child in and out at the front desk.
Tardiness disrupts the class academic learning time
and the school routine in general. Students are
expected to be in their seats ready to start work at
announcements.
If a student is absent, parents should notify the
school each day of their child's absence. This will
confirm parental knowledge and consent for the
student absence. If parents have not previously
called, the first day a student returns to school after
an absence, he must bring a dated, written note
from the parents indicating the reason for the
absence to his teacher.
SCA discourages extended planned absences.
Parents who plan for their student(s) to be absent for
any part of a day, or one or more days, must notify
the school in advance. Teachers will require that
work be made up for all absences. Students are
generally allowed one day for each day missed to
make up their work. It is the responsibility of the
parents and student to arrange with the teacher any
makeup work to be completed. If possible, makeup
work should be completed before the absence.
When homework from a planned absence is not
turned in when due, the grade will be lowered one
letter grade each day it is late.
Absences will accumulate in ¼, ½, ¾ and full-day
increments. When an absence occurs, it will be
excused for the following reasons:
• Student illness.
• Death in the immediate family.
• Doctor/dental appointment that could not be
scheduled outside of school hours.
• Out-of-town trips with prior approval.
• Unusual hardship approved by the principal.
• Outside activities approved by the principal.
Tardies and absences will be recorded in
Sycamore as follows:
Reports to School
Recorded in Sycamore As
8:16 – 8:46
8:47 – 10:01
10:02 – 11:45
11:46 – 1:30
1:31 – 3:15
Tardy
.25 day absent
.50 day absent
.75 day absent
1.00 day absent
• Elementary teachers will make a courtesy call or
rd
th
email to parents at the 3 tardy and 7 absence.
th
• Tardy letters will be sent out at the 6 tardy and
thereafter. Copies of letters are kept on file.
th
• The 7 tardy and all tardies thereafter will result in
a 15-minute after-school detention with the
teacher. Parents with questions may contact the
elementary principal.
th
th
• A letter will be sent home at the 10 and 15
th
absences. At the 20 absence, promotion will be
discussed. Copies of letters are kept on file in the
school office.
• Tardies go back to “0” at semester.
• Absences accumulate throughout the year.
_________________________________________
For elementary students, please call 524-0185 to
reach the teacher’s VM before 9:30 a.m. to report an
absence due to illness or to request homework
assignments for absences of two days or more.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 33
Elementary Daily Schedule
All elementary classes are on a five-day schedule with special classes at varied times per teacher.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Elementary Chapel Schedule
Grade K-3
Tuesday, 8:45 – 9:15 a.m.
Elementary Commons
Grade 4-6
Tuesday, 9:30 – 10:10 a.m.
Elementary Commons
_________________________________________________________________________________
5th and 6th Grade Band & Honors Choir Schedule
Beginning Band
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Intermediate Band
Honors Choir
7:50 -8:30 a.m.
Tuesday and Friday
3:15-4:00 p.m.
Wednesdays
3:15-4:00 p.m.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Elementary Lunch Schedule
Elementary lunches are scheduled for thirty minutes.
Kindergarten ................................ 11:10 a.m.
1st Grade...................................... 11:20 a.m.
2nd Grade ..................................... 11:30 a.m.
3rd Grade ..................................... 11:00 a.m.
4th Grade ..................................... 12:10 p.m.
5th Grade ..................................... 11:35 a.m.
6th Grade ..................................... 12:00 p.m.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Elementary Recess Schedule
K-3 20 minutes & 4-6 30 minutes
Kindergarten ........... 10:50 a.m. & 12:20 p.m.
1st Grade................. 10:50 a.m. & 12:45 p.m.
2nd Grade .................. 11:10 a.m. & 1:20 p.m.
3rd Grade ..................................... 11:30 a.m.
4th Grade ..................................... 10:20 a.m.
5th Grade ..................................... 12:05 p.m.
6th Grade ....................................... 2:40 p.m.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 34
Information
for
Grades 7-12
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 35
Secondary Academics
Grading Scale - Secondary
Testing
The grading scale used for students attending
Summit Christian Academy in grades 7-12 will be as
follows:
Stanford Achievement Test/OLSAT (Grades 7-11)
The Stanford Achievement Test (Stanford 10)
measures the student’s academic progress at grade
level. Tests are given in April. Results are sent
home to parents and maintained in student records.
95-100
90-94
87-89
83-86
80-82
77-79
73-76
70-72
67-69
63-66
60-62
1-59
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
4.00
3.66
3.33
3.00
2.66
2.33
2.00
1.66
1.33
1.00
0.66
0
EXPLORE (Grade 8)
The EXPLORE test is given to students during the
fall of their 8th grade year. Consisting of English,
Math, Reading and Science questions, it gives the
student a head start on the ACT test. It helps the
student: choose high school courses that will get
them ready for college, find careers that match their
interests, shows them the subjects in which they
need to improve, and helps them see which subjects
are most important for certain careers.
PSAT (Grade 10 & 11)
Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) is a
college preparatory test that helps students with the
SAT and ACT.
Honor Roll
Awarded at semester and end of year:
• Principal’s Honor Roll. Student must maintain an
A (90% or above) in all subjects for the semester.
• Honor Roll. Student must receive an A or B in
every class for the semester.
Academic Lettering
Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to receive an
Academic Letter for a GPA of 4.0 in a semester with
a full schedule (7 classes).
Secondary Report Cards and Parent
Conferences
The purpose of a reporting system is to provide
parents and students with a means of noting the
progress of the student. Parents have access at any
time to grades through Sycamore Education. Report
cards are mailed home at semester.
_____________________________________________________________________
Note: Students will not receive report cards
until all financial accounts are paid in full.
This includes tuition and fees, lunch,
library books, fines, etc.
ACT/SAT (Grades 10-12)
These are college entrance exams that are
necessary for admission to college. These tests are
given in October, December, February, April and
June of each year at set locations. Registration is
not done through our school, but rather online at
www.act.org or www.collegeboard.com. Students
without Internet access at home can use computers
in the library to register. When registering for the
ACT/SAT, our school code is 261-902. SCA is an
ACT test site and our test center code is 223-010.
Semester Exams
Junior High/High School students will be given
exams in all core subjects including, but not limited
to, math, English, science, history, and Bible.
Final Exams
• Exams shall not be taken early.
• If a student is absent on an exam date, it may be
taken later, per arrangement with the school office.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dual Credit Classes
Parent/Teacher conferences will be held each fall.
Parents are encouraged to keep communication
open with teachers and request conferences with
the teachers whenever necessary. The school
requires parents to telephone and arrange an
appointment so a teacher can allow time to discuss
concerns. Classroom time or time just before or
after school will not be used for conferences
unless prearranged with the teacher.
SCA partners with the University of Missouri at
Kansas City (UMKC) and Southwest Baptist
University (SBU) to offer courses in math, English,
Spanish, and history for both high school and
college credit. There is an additional charge for
these classes.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 36
Secondary Academics
Accepting Transfer Credits
All courses considered for acceptance are subject to
the SCA Transfer Policy:
Grades received on an official transcript, from an
accredited school or an accredited home school
program, will be accepted as verification of courses
taken and credit(s) earned. Grades received from a
non-accredited school will be evaluated on an
individual basis to determine acceptability. Credit for
courses completed from a non-accredited home
school program will not be accepted for credit unless
completion is confirmed in one of the following ways:
• The student successfully completes with a “C” or
better grade the next level of course work in the
particular subject matter.
• Only grades earned at SCA, from an accredited
school, an approved non-accredited school, or an
accredited home school program and received on
an official transcript will be used to compute Grade
Point Average (GPA).
• Only courses that correspond with SCA weighted
courses will be granted the weight that would have
been received had the course been taken here.
Making Course Selections
Students are encouraged to choose classes after
creating an academic plan in conjunction with their
parents and the school academic advisor. The
overarching framework for the academic plan is
SCA’s graduation requirements (see page 39).
Choosing an academic plan will also entail
discussion on career goals, college plans, and
student personal interests. Scheduling conflicts may
prevent a student from taking a course of choice.
Courses may be canceled if enrollment or staffing
changes do not permit the offering. Depending on
class enrollment, other courses may be combined or
regrouped. Administration reserves the right to
adjust a student’s schedule. Student schedules are
not guaranteed to keep the same teacher or period
from semester one to semester two.
Course Changes
Class schedules are determined for both semesters
of the upcoming school year prior to the end of the
current school year. Student schedules are mailed
home in July.
Within two weeks of the first meeting of the class,
schedule changes may be made if:
• Student class placement is inappropriate for ability
level.
• Student is approved to take an alternate course.
• Administrative reasons.
To request a schedule change for an academic
course, students must fill out a Schedule Change
Request Form. This form requires administrator
approval and parent signature. Approved schedule
changes may only be made through the first two
weeks of the first semester and only during the last
two weeks of first semester for second semester.
After the deadline, student requests for schedule
changes will not be considered without academic
penalty. Courses dropped after the deadline will
result in a grade of WF (Withdrawal/Failing) and
recorded on the transcript and included in the
student’s GAP calculation. Withdrawing from
courses may affect athletic eligibility; therefore,
athletes must obtain withdrawal approval from the
principal, athletic director and College and Career
Advisor.
Application of Outside Credits (while enrolled
at SCA)
If an enrolled student wishes to take a course
outside of SCA (either through online, summer
school, homeschool, or some other method) and
wishes to apply that credit to satisfy a SCA
graduation requirement, written approval from the
high school principal and College and Career
Advisor must be obtained prior to the beginning of
the course. The acceptability of outside courses for
SCA credit will be evaluated on whether it comes
from an accredited school and on its course
syllabus, objectives, and expectations. When an
outside course is completed, an official record
(transcript) must be provided to the College and
Career Advisor before it is applied to the appropriate
graduation requirement and the student’s official
SCA transcript.
Policy for Recovering a Failing Grade
Failing a class has at least two serious implications:
It both dramatically drops the cumulative grade point
average and eliminates the earning of .5 credit
during the semester. Although the failing grade
cannot be removed from the transcript, the
cumulative GPA can be helped by taking the class
again and earning a better grade. Whether the class
must be taken again is usually dependent on
graduation requirements. If the failing grade was in
an elective category for which the credit was not
needed to meet graduation requirements, the course
need not be retaken. However, if the failing grade
was in one of the core subjects (Bible, English,
Science, History, Math) for which credit is necessary
to graduate, then the class must be retaken.
Further, if the failure is in an English or Bible class,
the failed class must be retaken concurrently with
the next level (since English and Bible are required
for every semester of attendance). Attempts to
make up a required class outside of SCA must be
approved through the principal’s office.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 37
Secondary Academics
Repeating High School Course(s)
Students receiving a grade lower than their
expectation may choose to repeat that course. A
record of the first attempt in the course will remain
on the student’s transcript, along with a record of the
second attempt in the course. Once a course is
repeated, the final grade from the first attempt will no
longer count into the Grade Point Average or
towards credit taken. Transcripts will note that fact.
Credit for successful completion of a course will be
counted only once toward meeting graduation
requirements.
Weighted and Non-weighted Grades
Students enrolled in specified advanced classes
receive a weighted value. Calculation is based on a
5.0 scale. Non-weighted grades are assigned to the
rest of the high school curriculum and are based on
a 4.0 scale.
NCAA Clearinghouse Statement
Many college sports are regulated by the National
Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), an
organization founded in 1906 that has established
rules on eligibility, recruiting and financial aid. The
NCAA has three membership divisions – Division I,
Division II, and Division III. Institutions are members
of one or another division according to the size and
scope of their athletic programs and whether they
provide athletic scholarships. Any student wanting
to participate at an NCAA school needs to go
through the NCAA Clearinghouse. NCAA
Clearinghouse information and applications are
available at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.
High School Athlete Eligibility
High school athletes must meet criteria of age and
academics in order to participate in interscholastic
competition. For further details, please reference
the athletic handbook or contact the athletic director.
You may also visit www.mshsaa.org.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 38
Graduation Requirements / Admission Requirements
Bible
English
Math
Science
Social
Studies
Fine Arts
University of
Missouri
Missouri Public
4-Year Colleges
(i.e. UCM)
Kansas Board
of Regents
3
4
4
4
3
4
3
3
Algebra I &
Higher
Algebra I & higher
including
Algebra II
Algebra I & higher
3
3
3
No general science
& at least 1 lab
class.
No general science
and at least 1 lab
class.
One must be
Chemistry or
Physica
3
3
SCA
Required
State of
Missouri
4
0
4
3
3
3
3
3
Amer. History
World History
.5 Govt
Amer. History
World History
.5 Govt
1
1
Personal
Finance
.5
Speech
or Debate
0.5
Phys. Ed.
1
Health
3
1
0.5
0
0.5
1
0
1
0.5
.5
1
1
Electives
9
7.5
7
Foreign
Language
0
24 units
High School
Diploma or
Certificate of
Completion of
Home School
Program
High School
Diploma, GED,
or
Certificate of
completion of
Home School
Program
1
0
29 units
Community &
Technical
Colleges
(i.e. Longview,
DeVry)
Including 1 Amer.
History & .5
Government
Practical
Arts
Total
Military
Careers
2
3
2 levels of the
same foreign
language.
2 levels of same
lang recommended
& a core class
Appropriate class
rank and ACT/SAT
score.
24 units plus
appropriate class
rank and ACT/SAT
score
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 39
Secondary Attendance & Tardy Policies
Attendance
Medical and Dental Appointments
As partners in your student’s education, we strongly
encourage daily attendance. Written work and
assignments can be made up but class discussions
and projects cannot be replicated. Therefore, it is
important that students be at school except for
reasons of illness or unusual circumstances. The
following guidelines are in place to help in the case
of student absence.
SCA recognizes that doctor and dental
appointments are an important part of any health or
hygiene programs and will honor appointments as
follows:
1. Parents are required to call in and tell why a
student is absent from school. Parents need to
call 525-1480 x301 or e-mail the secondary
receptionist [email protected] by 9:30 a.m.
to report an absence. To request homework
assignments for absences of two days or more,
parents should email teachers directly.
2. Each student is allowed two tardies during a
semester. (This is to allow for car trouble, locked
keys in car, and other family mishaps.) The third
tardy will result in a detention. If a student is
tardy to school, they must sign in at the office to
be admitted to class.
3. To be considered in attendance for a school day,
full-time students must be present for ½ day or
more. This policy will be used to determine
eligibility for athletic game participation.
4. If a student will be absent from school for more
than one day for any reason other than illness,
prior permission must be given by the principal.
Please stop by the office and complete a form.
5. Students who are absent more than 9 days in a
semester in any given class may be in jeopardy
of losing credit for that class. A letter to the
th
parent will be sent home after the 6 absence.
6. All school days on the school calendar are
considered full school days unless otherwise
specified. All days, finals and special activity
days, are considered compulsory attendance
days. Any absence will be excused, per board
policy, for the following reasons:
a. Illness
b. Death in the immediate family
c. A doctor or dental appointment that could not
be scheduled outside of school hours.
d. Out-of-town trips with prior approval
e. Unusual hardships
f. Inclement weather
g. Natural disaster
h. Car accident
1. Parents should call the secondary receptionist at
525-1480 x301 by 9:30 a.m. to report that the
student will arrive late to school or needs to be
dismissed early due to a doctor appointment.
Parents, please do not call or e-mail your
student’s teachers. The receptionist will inform
all teachers.
2. Parents may send a note to school with their
student advising that the student needs to leave
school early. The note should be brought to the
secondary receptionist before the start of school.
3. All students must sign out in the office before
leaving for any appointments.
Closed Campus
SCA operates under a “closed campus” policy. After
arrival at school, students may not leave campus by
any means without permission from the office.
1. Parents may give permission by phone or note.
2. Any student with permission to leave school
before dismissal must sign out at the front office.
3. Students violating this policy will receive
disciplinary action that may include, but is not
limited to, losing parking privileges, serving a
Saturday detention, and/or suspension.
Makeup Work
When students are absent, they must make up work
when they return.
1. Students should not wait for teachers to inform
them of makeup work; this is the student’s
responsibility.
2. One day for makeup will be allowed for each
class day absent.
3. If a student misses a class for a school activity
(sports, field trips, etc.), they are responsible to
get assignments ahead of absence and have
them completed when returning to class.
4. If a student is gone for more than 5 days, an
alternate solution for homework missed will be at
the sole discretion of the school.
7. Unexcused absences will lower a student’s grade
for that day by one full point (one letter grade).
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 40
Secondary Attendance & Tardy Policy
Attendance and Credit
Early Dismissal
th
A loss of credit may result at the 10 absence in a
semester. Excessive tardies and/or absences will
be referred to the principal for appropriate action.
Tardies
It is the student’s responsibility to be in his/her class
and/or chapel on time. Tardies will be recorded in
Sycamore by the office and/or teachers each period.
• First tardy, verbal warning by teacher.
If an early dismissal is absolutely necessary, the
parent must call the secondary receptionist at 5251480 x301 before 9:00 a.m. The receptionist will
notify all of the student’s teachers.
_________________________________________
Students must sign out in the
school office prior to leaving campus.
___________________________________________________
• Second tardy, verbal warning by principal.
Hall Passes
• Third tardy, a detention will be served.
Any student leaving an assigned class must have
permission from the classroom teacher and be given
a hall pass. Except for emergencies, students will
not be permitted in the school office without a hall
pass from the teacher.
• Additional tardies will be subject to the school
discipline policy.
On Fridays, emails will be sent to all parents whose
children have accumulated 2 and/or 3 tardies.
Students arriving after 7:40 a.m. must sign in
and obtain an Admittance Slip from the school
receptionist to be given to the teacher upon
entering class or chapel.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 41
Secondary Conduct & Discipline Policies
“All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it
yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” Hebrews 12:11
All infractions will be recorded on the appropriate
discipline notice. Parents will be notified after the
second occurrence of a minor infraction or
immediately for any serious infraction. It is our
desire to work with parents in the disciplining of each
student. The following are a few examples of
infractions that may result in a detention or a call
home:
• Classroom disruption
• 3 tardies
• Dress code violation
• Use of profanity
• Disrespect
• Actions unbecoming of Christian character
Detention
If a detention is given, the following guidelines are in
place:
1. Detentions will be served on either Tuesdays or
Thursdays each week. They will be served at a
specific location and will begin promptly at 3:00
p.m. and end at 4:00 p.m. A student will not be
admitted late to a detention.
2. A detention takes precedence over any other
school function (i.e., athletics, drama, band, etc.).
3. No headphones or electronic devices will be
allowed.
4. Missing a detention will result in a Saturday
detention. A student is allowed to reschedule
one detention per semester, but must notify the
school by noon of the scheduled detention date.
If a student is absent on the day of their
detention, they must serve detention on the next
available day.
5. When a student receives their 5th detention, they
will serve a Saturday detention.
6. Students must be picked up promptly at 4:00 p.m.
at the front entrance of the school.
7. In the case of a more severe offense, a student
may receive an in-school or out-of-school
suspension.
The following are a few examples of actions that
may warrant an immediate suspension:
• Repeated minor offenses
• Missing detentions
• Fighting
• Possession of drugs or alcohol
• Verbal or physical threats
• Skipping class
• Leaving school without permission
• Possession of a firearm, knife, or weapons of any
kind
Suspension
Suspension is withholding from the student the
privilege of attending classes and all other school
activities. In-school and out-of-school suspensions
may be assigned by the principal and will be used
for serious or repeated misbehaviors. A student
serving a suspension will be required to complete all
assignments for time missed. A secondary student
placed on suspension will receive a 1% reduction
from the cumulative semester grade per day of
suspension.
• While suspended, the student is ineligible to
participate in extracurricular activities. Students
on suspension are not allowed on school grounds
or at school activities during the term of their
suspension. Additional days of suspension will
result for this infraction.
• A student returning from a suspension shall be
placed on probation for the following term.
• Parents will be notified of serious or repeated
misbehaviors and a conference may be required in
certain situations.
Students must be in school on the day of the inschool suspension. If a student misses the in-school
suspension, they must serve it the day they return.
If an offense is of a serious nature or efforts to
correct a student have failed, a student may be
expelled from SCA.
Saturday Detention: This will be served on an
appointed Saturday for three hours (9:00-12:00).
The student will be charged a $25 administrative
fee.
Appropriate work will be given and expected to be
completed by the student during this time. Manual
labor may be given that may include cleaning the
classrooms, facilities, etc.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 42
Secondary Conduct & Discipline Policies
Cheating and Plagiarism
Electronic Devices/iPads/Cell Phones
Cheating is a serious offense. It involves taking
information from another source including, but not
limited to, tests, quizzes, homework, and other
printed materials. The following are consequences
for cheating:
All students are accountable to the Technology Use
Student contract. Any breach of that contract shall
result in disciplinary measures.
 First offense - a zero on assignment, meeting
with the principal, and a call to parents.
 Second offense - a zero for the semester in the
given class and a conference with parents and
principal.
 Third offense - expulsion from school.
Claiming another’s work as one’s own is defined as
plagiarism and falls within our policy against
cheating.
 Using words from another source and not using
quotation marks and citing that source.
 Paraphrasing a source and not citing the source.
The use of cell phones shall be restricted to before
and after school unless otherwise approved by a
faculty or staff member.
SCA students are recognized as being of the highest
character and integrity. As such, they are expected
to adhere to ethical use of electronic equipment
(iPads, cell phones, internet, etc.) Appropriate use
may be self or teacher directed.
The administration reserves the right to confiscate or
remove electronic devices if equipment is being
used irresponsibly. (All school policies apply should
poor behavior choices occur, i.e. cheating,
inappropriate websites, invasion of privacy, social
networking at inappropriate times, etc.)
 Copying a text (i.e., off the Internet or from a
book).
 Using secondary sources (i.e., citing references
used by someone else).
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 43
Secondary Support Services
College and Career Counseling
Lockers
The principal, college and career advisor, and
teachers are always available to give insight into
career and college opportunities. There are events
that will be held each year to assist students in their
post high school journey.
Lockers are provided for students to store textbooks
and personal belongings. Students have the
responsibility to keep lockers clean and orderly.
Student lockers must remain locked. Book bags or
backpacks should not be left unattended. SCA is
not responsible for any personal property that may
be stolen or misplaced. Responsibility for the care
of personal items of value rests entirely with the
student. Items of extraordinary value should not
be brought to school.
 The college and career advisor will meet with the
families of incoming freshmen to set up a fouryear plan and make sure each student is on the
right path for post-high school success.
 There are various career and college fairs that will
be available for students to attend. Dates will be
posted throughout the school and on the web site
prior to the event.
 Throughout the year, colleges come to SCA to
give information and meet with students. This
typically happens during the lunch hour.
 SCA will hold a college information night in the
fall.
 The office works closely with colleges and sends
transcripts to the appropriate colleges.
 The school searches for scholarship opportunities
and will assist students in any way possible to
secure admission and/or scholarships to colleges.
Students will be issued a locker and a school-owned
combination lock. Personal locks may not be
maintained on lockers. Lockers are owned by the
school and are subject to periodic checks by the
administration. Students are not to share their
combination with other students or access the
lockers of other students without permission. If a
student cannot get his locker open, he will need to
go to the office for assistance. If a lock is lost, there
will be a $5 lock charge for each student. All locker
assignments are final and will not be changed.
Any locker decoration should reflect Christian values
and may not deface the locker in any way.
• Each senior receives a college planning notebook
that helps students and parents to stay on track
when applying to colleges.
• Seniors have access through Sycamore to
Academic Advising where scholarships and
pertinent information are posted.
• Juniors receive a packet to help them prepare for
college admission.
SCA Resource Center
The College & Career Advisor has a number of
resources available for college-bound students.
Below you will find a list of books available in our
library.
• Peterson’s 2-Year Colleges (2008)
• McGraw-Hill’s ACT 2009 Ed.
• Barron’s Profiles of Am. Colleges (2011)
• Military Careers
st
• The College Board Book of Majors 1 Ed.
• Career Exploration on the Internet
• SET Quest: Career Discovery in Science,
Engineering & Technology
nd
• The Official SAT Study Guide 2 Ed.
• The Best 366 Colleges 2008 Ed.
• List of
• College Updates Notebook
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 44
Secondary Clubs & Organizations
Parking Regulations for Student Drivers
Graduation
• All students parking a vehicle on school grounds
must comply with SCA parking regulations and
procedures. Failure to do so may result in a loss
of the privilege to drive or park on campus.
• All students must park their vehicle in the
designated parking spaces. Students will receive
a map when they pick up their parking permit.
• Students must drive carefully and observe all
speed limits and car line procedures.
• Students are not permitted to go to their parked
cars at any time during school hours without
administrative approval.
• Failure to comply may result in discipline or loss
of privileges.
Graduation requirements may be found on page 39.
In order to participate in graduation ceremonies,
students must have fulfilled all graduation
requirements and settled all financial accounts.
Each student must have a parking permit. This
signifies an individual has been granted the privilege
of parking on SCA property.
1. To acquire a parking permit, students must pay a
$10 fee and sign the Vehicle Registration
Contract.
2. The parking permit must be adhered to the front
windshield on driver’s side with the parking
number showing in order to be valid.
_________________________________________
Social Events
Junior high has one chaperoned social event each
semester. Socials usually consist of food, games,
and fellowship. Teachers are involved in the
planning and oversight of the social. No guests are
allowed.
Senior high has several functions throughout the
year including a homecoming dance in the fall, a
winter courtwarming, and spring prom.
• Only senior high students are allowed at these
events.
• Dresses must be preapproved in the office.
• The prom is held off site, and dresses/guests must
also be approved by the school.
• No outside food or drink will be allowed.
• Students attending a social may not leave and
reenter.
Student drivers leaving early for appointments must
bring a written note signed by a parent or have a
parent call or email the school office prior to the
appointment. Students are also required to sign out
before leaving the building.
_________________________________________
Class Rings
Juniors will have the opportunity to buy class rings
from Jostens. Ring information meetings for all
juniors will be throughout the school year.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 45
Secondary Spiritual Life
Secondary Spiritual Life
Bible
Bible is a core subject at SCA. All students are
required to be enrolled in Bible class. In addition,
biblical principles are integrated into all subject
areas and extracurricular activities.
Weekly Chapel Service
SCA is committed to proclaiming God’s Word
through weekly services and to transforming lives
through the work of the Holy Spirit. Chapel is a time
where the student body comes together to
corporately worship God. A goal for our high school
chapel services is to give students opportunities to
lead. This may be in the area of worship through
music or dramas, teaching or preaching, leading
small groups, or prayer.
Worship Team
Students have the opportunity to participate in the
school’s student worship team. Students routinely
lead their peers in worship during weekly chapel
services.
Discipleship
Student-led discipleship groups are available during
the lunch hour. This opportunity develops
leadership skills and promotes Christian character
among all group members.
Senior Mission Trip
The senior class participates in a mission trip as part
of their senior Bible class curriculum. The seniors
have gone to Mexico, Arizona, Kentucky, and
Canada. They have been involved in activities such
as vacation Bible school, street witnessing, and
building a church. Students raise funds to help
make this trip possible. Students are responsible for
any costs not raised through approved fund-raisers.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 46
Secondary Clubs and Organizations
We believe that participation in curricular and
extracurricular activities is helpful in developing the
complete student. Students have the opportunity to
use their God-given abilities to glorify God while
developing mentally, emotionally, socially, spiritually,
and physically. Godly character and sportsmanship
are emphasized, encouraged and taught through
these programs.
National Honor Society
Students become eligible for selection to the SCA
th
NHS in the 10 grade and must meet established
criteria in each of the following categories:
scholarship, leadership, character, and service.
Please contact the NHS sponsor for more
information.
Academic Meets
Student Council
SCA junior and senior high students elect student
council representatives with faculty sponsors. This
group strives for and promotes good citizenship and
Christian behavior. They plan and organize
activities and projects to foster spiritual, social, and
civic development.
Student Government
The purpose of the Student Government
organization is to:
• Provide all students a channel of communication
through which they can contribute.
• Provide opportunity for students to gain leadership
skills and an appreciation for responsibility and
accountability.
• Provide programs through which students may
broaden their interests and experiences.
• Provide a channel for student participation with
faculty and administration in projects of school
wide concern.
• Promote, serve, support, and embody the mission
statement and values as set by the Board of
Education of SCA.
Together with the faculty, staff, and administration,
the Student Government will provide a positive
learning environment where the mission and values
of the school are promoted, supported, and
accomplished through Christ-like action. Events will
include retreats, service projects, and calendar
events in the areas of academics, athletics, and the
arts.
Service Projects
Students have various opportunities to participate in
service projects throughout the school year. Each
class does a special service project as part of a
special week in the spring devoted specifically to this
purpose.
Through academic competition, students are able to
demonstrate and sharpen their academic skills.
Students can compete in the following areas: vocal
music, instrumental music, math, science, drama,
th th
art, and spelling (7 -8 grade students.)
Performing Arts
The mission of the SCA Drama Department is to
inspire students to achieve their God-given potential
in theatre – including both acting and technical
expertise – through excellent productions in a
professional and challenging environment.
The SCA Players have two main productions each
year in which students may participate, either as
actors or as part of the student-led technical crew.
Each year, there is at least one large cast play, and
every other year, there is a musical. In the past,
SCA has produced a rare combination of comedies,
dramas, historical plays, and musicals.
Juniors and seniors are given the opportunity to
write and direct their own short plays. One Act Night
– the annual student-directed and student-acted
night of one act plays – takes place in May and
showcases the talents of our students as writers,
directors, actors, and crew technicians.
The SCA Drama Department is proud to be a part of
two international student theatre organizations:
• The International Thespian Society is the world’s
largest honor society for theatre arts students.
Through ITS, students have the opportunity to
serve the community, attend workshops and
camps, and join other local schools in learning
about theatre.
• The Cappies is a program through which high
school theater and journalism students are trained
as critics, attend shows at other schools, write
reviews, and publish those reviews in local
newspapers like the Lee’s Summit Journal and the
Jackson County Advocate.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 47
Secondary Clubs & Organizations
GlobalConnect
GlobalConnect is an organization open to the entire
student body and is sponsored by the International
Program Director. The primary function of
GlobalConnect is to encourage a global perspective
and foster an international mindset through
experiences with different cultures and countries in
order to equip students to live and work in a global
environment.
GlobalConnect is event-based and hosts several
events throughout the school year, including the
annual Ping Pong/Badminton Tournament and
International Festival. Students who wish to join
Global Connect must be interested in promoting
cultural understanding and a desire to impact the
world through friendship and ministry. Students will
be expected to help at GlobalConnect events during
the school year. Students may sign up for
GlobalConnect with the International Program
Director or the Buddy Student Coordinator.
GlobalConnect t-shirts are $10.00.
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 48
Secondary Schedule
Secondary Daily Schedule
7:40 – 8:26
Period 1
8:30 – 9:16
Period 2
9:20 – 10:06
Period 3
10:10 – 10:56
11:00 – 11:26
11:00 – 11:48
11:30 – 12:20
11:52 – 12:20
Period 4
7-8 Lunch
9-12 Period 5A
7-8 Period 5B
9-12 Lunch
12:24 – 1:10
Period 6
1:14 – 2:00
Period 7
2:04 – 2:50
Period 8
FINALS SCHEDULE
1st Semester
Tuesday, Dec. 17
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Thursday, Dec. 19
Friday, Dec. 20
Review Day
Half Day
Half Day
Half Day
2nd Semester Seniors
Monday, May 5
Tuesday, May 6
Wednesday, May 7
Thursday, May 8
Review Day
Half Day
Half Day
Half Day
2nd Semester Grades 7-11
Secondary Chapel Schedule
7:40 – 8:19
Period 1
8:23 – 9:13
Chapel
9:17 – 9:56
Period 2
10:00 – 10:39
Period 3
10:43 – 11:22
Period 4
11:26 – 11:52
11:26 – 12:08
11:56 – 12:40
12:12 – 12:40
7-8 Lunch
9-12 Period 5A
7-8 Period 5B
9-12 Lunch
12:44 – 1:23
Period 6
1:27 – 2:06
Period 7
2:10 – 2:50
Period 8
Wednesday, May 14
Thursday, May 15
Friday, May 16
Monday, May 19
Tuesday, May 20
Review Day
Half Day
Half Day
Half Day
Last Day
No Finals
Secondary Activity Schedule
7:40 – 8:20
Period 1
8:24 – 9:04
Period 2
9:08 – 9:48
Period 3
9:52 – 10:32
Period 4
10:36 – 11:02
10:36 – 11:18
11:06 – 11:50
11:22 – 11:50
7-8 Lunch
9-12 Period 5A
7-8 Period 5B
9-12 Lunch
11:54 – 12:34
Period 6
12:38 – 1:18
Period 7
1:22 – 2:02
Period 8
2:06 – 2:50
Activity
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 49
1/2-Day Schedule
7:40 – 8:11
Period 1
8:15 – 8:46
Period 2
8:50 – 9:21
Period 3
9:25 – 9:56
Period 4
10:00 – 10:33
Period 5
10:37 – 11:08
Period 6
11:12 – 11:43
Period 7
11:47 – 12:18
Period 8
Elementary Building Layout
Lower Level
Elementary
5th grade
LLA x 248
LLD x 245
Bacon
4th grade
LLB x 247
4th grade
LLE x 244
Hardinger
Schueller
4th grade
LLC x 246
Gunn
Rm 130 x 233
E. Stam
Rm 128
x 251
5th Kates
Commons
Kitchen
Rm 126 x 231
3rd
Welch
Rm 124 x 230
3rd
Gamber
Rm 132 x 235
Art
Willard
Rm 129 x 234
Music
Bounds
Pinkston
Rm 121
Stage
Discovery
Holt
Rm 119
PE Office
Rm 134 x 237
6th
Lee
Boys
Locker
Room
Gymnasium
Rm 136 x 238
6th
Rm 138 x 239
6th
Staff
Work
Room
Girls
Locker
Room
Casey
Rm 118 x 215
2nd
Teilborg
Musil
Restroom
Green
Rm 114 x 212
1st
Ray
Rm 140 x 240
K
Rm 112 x 211
1st
Santon
Rm 142 x 241
K
Wilfong
Rm 120 x 216
2nd
Rm 116 x 213
2nd
Evans
Siemsen
Flowers
Rm 122 x 229
3rd
Rm 100
x 242
Stewards
Smeda
Rm 102
x 208
Spanish
Niehues
Velazquez
Schmidt
Elem Library
X 210
Beasley
Speech & OT
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 50
Administrative
Offices
Rm 110 x 228
1st
Slagle
Secondary Building Layout
Modular Classrooms
(behind elementary
building)
M214
x 218
M212
x 219
M208
x 223
M206
x 224
M216
x 221
M218
x 222
M202
X225
M204
x 226
Classes held in
Elementary
Building
E130
x233
S124 x 339
S122
Gymnasium
EGym
Exit Hallway (127)
S123 x 329
Athletic Director
Storage (128)
Restrooms
S121
Supply Closet
S120
x 336
S138
x 327
S136
x 326
S134
x 325
S132
x 324
Hallway and Lockers
Locker Bay (114)
S111
x 330
Main Hallway
(164)
S147
x 321
S146
x 322
S143
x 323
Technology Closet
S107
S109
S106
x332
S105
x 333
Rm 161
Conf.
Room
S101 x 334
Library
Lobby (100)
S102A x
337
S102B
x 336
Rm 158
x 319
Totzke
Rm 156
x 318
Finch
Rm 155
x 317
Mankin
Rm 152
x 344
Stiglic
Administrative
Offices
Rm 150
x 320
Madsen
SCA 2013-2014 Student Handbook
Page 51
GAP
316
Rm 148
x 315
Wayman