Grace Academy of Kerrville

Grace Academy of Kerrville

PO Box 291757

Kerrville, TX 78029

(830) 792-0780

STUDENT HANDBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mission 3

Objectives 4

Curriculum 4

Accreditation 4-5

Admissions Policy and Procedures 5-6

Financial Requirements 6

Student's Honor Code (grades 6-12) 7

Christian Americanism 8

Uniform Requirements 9-11

Learning Center Rules 11

Medical Guidelines 12

Honor Roll 12

Rewarding Achievements 12

Early Out Program 12

Discipline 13-15

Physical Education 15

Attendance 15-16

Personal Appearance 16

Church Affiliation 16

Parental Involvement 16

Homework 16-17

Field Trips 17

Graduation Requirements 17

Transportation 17

Student Property18

Progress Reports18

Directives and Recommendations to the Parent18

Statement of Belief19

Authority of Statement of Faith19-20

(Handbook Revised 7/2013)

STUDENT HANDBOOK (Revised 7-13)

Grace Academy of Kerrville is a school offering Christian education for students from first grade through high school. Attendance at this school is a privilege and not a right. This Christian school is an extension of the Christian home in training young people in a Christian environment for time and eternity. The goal of this school is not to reform, but to train Christian youth in the highest principles of Christian leadership, self-discipline, individualized responsibility, personal integrity, and good citizenship. We recognize that we cannot meet the educational needs of all children. While we love delinquent and emotionally unstable children, this school is not equipped to meet their needs. Grace Academy teachers are required by law to report abuse.Grace Academy of Kerrville stands without apology for the Gospel and the highest standards of morality and Christian behavior.

GRACE ACADEMY OF KERRVILLE

Mission Statement

In an academic setting, we exist as parents united in God’s love to actively participate in instructing our children in the knowledge of Jesus and the wisdom of God’s Word that develops their character and prepares them to bring glory to God each day.

Motto

An extension of the Christian home, in a Christ-centered environment that:

Ignites a Passion for Christ,

Infuses a Biblical Worldview,

Impacts the Community and World

OBJECTIVES

TRAINING CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP

To assure that each child comes to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, achieves a higher level of Christian maturity, attains a deeper commitment, and becomes a more effective witness for the Lord through teaching "those things that are most surely believed among us."

To teach the child and his parents to know the will of the Lord for their lives by recognizing and submitting to God's chain of command and authorities placed over them.

To promote self-discipline by training students to be relevant, consistent, appreciative, responsible, and thorough in attitude, character and action.

To assist each child in seeking his purpose for life's service and necessary preparation for eternity through emphasis upon Biblical relevance.

To emphasize the individuality of the person and to assist each child in properly responding to himself and to others; to develop self-esteem, self-confidence, individual God given talents and abilities in creativity, goal setting, analysis, communications, academics, and the principles of success.

To eliminate grade level failure and repetition.

To help each child to learn how to live to honor the Lord by meeting the daily responsibilities with which God has entrusted him

CURRICULUM (Revised 7-13)

Grace Academy of Kerrville uses the a variety (Alpha Omega, ACE, Teaching Textbooks, Abeka, and Saxon) of Christian Education materials. This curriculum provides diagnosis, prescription, and tools for the child so he can learn/master concepts. It has specified goals, such as the completion of a minimum of number of PACEs each year, and specified graduation requirements. It has many motivational concepts; stars, privilege status, field trips, and merits. It has built in controls; monitored goal setting, scoring, learning center procedures, and demerits. It includes measurements for self evaluation, Checkups, Self Tests, and PACE Tests, as well as nationally standardized achievement testing. It aims at instilling character and Biblical principles, and required parental involvement.

The curriculum utilizes Computer Video Interactive programs in Science, Math, Reading, Word Building, Computer Literacy and Typing.

For junior and seniors who are beyond their grade level, college courses from area colleges are available.

ACCREDITATION

Accreditation by a state government agency is an administrative mechanism designed to ascertain uniform education for all children in secular schools. It was established as a governmental means of causing local public school districts to provide what the state educational agencies determine as minimum academic and facility standards for all schools. Accreditation teams, who may not be Christians, investigate and approve or disapprove facilities and curriculum.

Accreditation of a private Christian school is not necessary for a graduate who wishes to enroll in a college or university. Registrars of such institutions are interested in the academic merits of individual students, not in the name of their school of graduation. Thus, they evaluate each applicant's academic aptitude through nationally designed and standardized tests.

The institutional program of this school is designed and implemented to properly train students who wish to continue their education beyond high school.

ADMISSIONS POLICY

This school admits students of any race, color, and national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to the students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, and national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and other school administered programs. Enrollment in Grace Academy of Kerrville is for children regularly attending a Bible believing church. If school officials make exceptions to this, it will not apply to anyone else.

ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE (Revised 7/13)

Read the Handbook on the Grace Academy of Kerrville website and study the contents prior to completing any forms. Complete and return application forms and registration fee for each child. A child will not be admitted until the school receives all necessary forms and letters. If school officials make exceptions to this, it will not apply to anyone else. The following are necessary forms and/or papers:

A.Immunization Record: A copy of the child’s current immunization record before he/she mayattend

school.

B.Birth Certificate: Those enrolling in 1st grade must turn 6 years old by September 1 or previously

attended kindergarten.

C.Report card or school record of progress from previous school.

D.A copy of the Social Security card.

E.All students 7th grade and above will only be admitted with written recommendations from: Their pastor and/or their youth pastor, and A former teacher from the year immediately preceding the

enrollment year. Grace Academy of Kerrville officials reserve the right to contact former school officials, pastor, or youth director. The following release forms should be signed and submitted with the student application form:

F.A non-prescription medicine administering release form A general field trip permission form

G.All new students are enrolled on a probationary status. The length of the probation period will be

one semester.

H.Following the return of the completed forms with all fees, families will be interviewed by the Administration. This will involve both parents and children. All supervisors reserve theright to interview parents and/or child at this time.

I Diagnostic tests are required of all new students for accurate placement in this curriculum.

J. Parents will receive notification of a child's acceptance or non-acceptance as soon as possible.

FINANCIAL REQUIREMENT (Revised 7/13)

All monies paid to the school will be used by school officials in any way deemed appropriate and/or necessary.

The tuition is a set amount per month for each child, for a 10 month period. It is due on the first of each month beginning with August and ending in May.

Unpaid balances will be assessed a late fee. If an account becomes 30 days delinquent, the student will be considered withdrawn unless arrangements have been approved by the Board of Directors through the Administrator.

OTHER FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES ARE: (Revised 7/13)

Registration Fees:

Registration fees are stated in the application packet and are applied to the core curriculum for the year.

This money is non-refundable.

Testing Fee: A one time diagnostic testing fee will be charged for each new in-coming student.

Monthly Billing: Payable by the 1st of each month, and past due on the 10th.

PACE fee after 60 PACEs have been completed: Varies from $3.50 to $4.50 per PACE (subject to price change) Shipping fee: $3.50 for each re-do/failed PACEMiscellaneous Fees: Field trips, Pizza, Taco, PE Shirt, Art Supplies, Lab fees, technology etc. All balances must be clear if the student has withdrawn or not re-enrolled before grades will be sent to another school. There will be no refund of any monies paid to Grace Academy of Kerrvillle. If school and officials or the Grace Academy of Kerrville Board of Directors give any financial exceptions to any person, this does not apply to anyone else.

STANDARD OF CONDUCT

Students are expected to abide by the following standards of conduct throughout enrollment whether at home, church, or school. Students found to be out of harmony with this school's ideals of work and life may be required to withdraw whenever the administration determines that it is necessary.

STUDENT’S HONOR CODE (Revised 7/13)

In signing the Code of Honor, I fully recognize that Grace Academy of Kerrville was founded to be, and is committed to being, a Christian ministry offering a lifestyle of commitment to Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord. It is therefore my personal commitment to be a person of integrity in my attitude and respect for what Grace Academy of Kerrville is in its calling to be a Christian School.

I WILL do my best to apply myself wholeheartedly to my academic pursuits and to use my mind to the glory of God.

I WILL grow spiritually, developing my own relationship with God. I do have a personal relationship with Christ and have accepted Him as my Lord and Savior.

I WILL develop my body with sound health habits through the required physical education program and by participating in wholesome physical activities.

I WILL cultivate good relationships socially with others and seek to love others as I love myself. I will not lie, I will not cheat, I will not steal, I will not curse, I will not be a talebearer.

I WILL keep my total being under subjection from all immoral and illegal acts and habits, on or off campus. To this end, I will not take any illegal drug, I will not commit illicit sexual acts, I will not drink alcoholic beverages of any kind, I will not use tobacco. I will not pollute my mind with unwholesome music, literature, programming, movies or other forms of questionable activity. I will glorify God in my cell phone usage, texting, and social media. (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)I will not engage in other behavior that is contrary to the rules and regulations listed in the handbook.

I WILL attend class punctually, chapel services reverently, and attend church regularly where God is honored and lifted up.

I WILL abide by the rules and regulations which may from time to time be adopted by the school. I understand Grace Academy of Kerrville is a private school and I therefore have no vested rights in the governing of the school. I accept my attendance at Grace Academy of Kerrville as a privilege and not a right. I understand that the school reserves the right to require the withdrawal of a student at any time, if in the judgment of the administration such action is deemed necessary to safeguard ideals of scholarship or the spiritual and moral atmosphere of Grace Academy of Kerrville as a Christian school. I will keep the HONOR CODE carefully and prayerfully. I understand that my signature below is my acceptance of the entire Code of Honor and complete a contract between myself and Grace Academy of Kerrville, which is a prerequisite for enrollment, as well as my continued attendance. I understand the Honor Code becomes part of my personal file.

signature of studentdate

I, the parent, have read the Student Honor Code. Realizing the parent's influence on their children, I agree with the school in its endeavor to maintain the above named standards.

signature of parentdate

CHRISTIAN AMERICANISM

Christian Americanism places emphasis upon the greatness of America's heritage and the sacrifices of her heroes. America's Constitution guarantees liberties to educate in order to preserve freedom. We unashamedly teach Biblical doctrines of self-discipline, respect for those in authority, obedience to law, and love for God, flag, and country.

Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag

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.

Pledge of Allegiance 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 of Allegiance 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 words in my heart, that I might not sin against God.

UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS (Revised 7/13)

Grace Academy of Kerrville uniforms can be purchased at JC Penny, Wal-Mart, Academy Sports, Old Navy or Target.Students are required to have a uniform that is neat and clean, kept in good repair and proper size. Energetic, growing children make even these basic requirements difficult, thus a positive cooperative attitude between parent and staff is appreciated. Cold weather garments purchased from the specified company, or school letter jackets, are the only such garments allowed in the classroom. All other such garments (coats and sweaters) should be kept outside the classroom. All clothing (uniform, athletic, optional and cold weather garments) must be labeled with a laundry marker or name tape. All uniform variations must be approved by the supervisor. (example: a belt with various blues and browns)

BOYS UNIFORMS

SHIRT:All gradesNavy Polo knit, tucked in at all times, no logo

PANTSAll gradesPleated or plain front Khaki.Please keep pants below the ankle, no jean type material

SHORTS:All gradesPleated or plain front Khaki shorts. (no-cargo)

SHOES:All gradesDress shoes, boots or tennis shoes. They should be a neutral, coordinat- ing color that does not clash with the uniform, with closed toe and heel. No sandals, soccer slides, heelies, character or light-up shoes.

SOCKS:All gradesCoordinating colors. i.e. white, navy, brown.

BELT:All gradesCoordinating colors. i.e. Black,Brown, Navy Blue.

GIRLS UNIFORMS

SHIRT:All gradesNavy Polo knit, tucked in, no logo

SKIRT:All gradesSkort style, Khaki plain front

Khaki skirt to the knee with

athletic shorts underneath

PANTS:All gradesKhaki, pleated or plain front, no jean type material

CAPRIS:All gradesKhaki, pleated or plain front

SHORTS:All gradesKhaki Bermuda shorts to the knee

SHOES:All gradesDress shoes/boots or tennis shoes. They should be a neutral, coordinating color that does not clash with the uniform, i.e., black, white, brown, navy, etc. They must be closed toe and heel. No slip on sandals, shoes, or soccer slides. Boots may be worn with slacks only. No heelies, light up, or character shoes.

SOCKSAll gradesCoordinating colors, i.e.brown, white, or navy.

All gradesMay wear hose/tights of a solid color, white, navy, brown, or neutral

BELTS:All gradesCoordinating colors. i.e. black, brown, navy blue

GUIDING RULE FOR ALL UNIFORM QUESTIONS:

If in doubt, don’t wear it. That keeps it simple for everyone.

ATHLETIC UNIFORMS

All Students: Black shorts, required school PE shirt, Shorts should be no more than 3 inches above the middle of the knee cap, no logos

UNIFORM OPTIONS (Revised 7/13)

Hooded Sweatshirt: All students may wear navy blue zipped up, hooded sweatshirt.

Sweaters and Polar Fleeces will be allowed in navy blue. All other jackets are to kept outside of the classroom.

GRACE ACADEMY Of KERRVILLE NON-REGULATION DRESS GUIDELINE (Revised 7/13)

Students should be modestly dressed when they come to school. The following are examples of appropriate dress for non-regulation days:

Polo shirts, Nice t-shirts, Slacks/blouses, Nice jeans

The following are examples of inappropriate attire:

Tight tops and pants/jeans for girls

Low cut blouses

Skirts that hit above the knee when sitting down

Soccer slides/sandals

Tank tops for boys and girls

Sloppily dressed ( i.e. Old t-shirts, wind pants, warm-ups sweats) baggy clothing.

NO hats in the school

The following guidelines will be enforced. Shirts, T-shirts, blouses should be long enough so that when a student bends over, raises their arms or when sitting the midriff or backside is not exposed. Students who come to school inappropriately dressed will be provided appropriate attire from the school uniform closet or parent may be required to bring appropriate clothing. Students who come in inappropriate dress will also lose the privilege to come in non-reg on the next scheduled non-reg day.