A student shall be given credit for a class only if the student has been in attendance 90 percent of the days the class is offered, unless an attendance committee appointed by the Board gives the student credit because there were extenuating circumstances for the absences.
Attendance Committee
An administrator and two classroom teachers shall comprise the attendance committee. The attendance committee shall hear each case in which a student's attendance falls below the 90 percent threshold and a petition by the student or his or her parent or legal guardian has been filed. The committee may give class credit to a student because of extenuating circumstances according to policies adopted by the Board that establish ways for a student to make up work or regain credit lost because of absences. Make-up detention may be assigned at the end of the six weeks or semester reporting periods to reduce absences in order to meet the 90% attendance rule. (refer to Absence Detention below) If a student is denied credit for a class by an attendance committee, the student and/or parent may appeal the decision to the Board.
Absence Detention
Make-up detention will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with three days of detention served to make up one absence day. A $20 per day fee is assessed for makeup detention. Extended illness cases MAY be exempted from this policy by the school administrator and/or attendance committee, providing the student presents a doctor’s note or other supporting documentation at the time of illness or absence.
B. Vacation Policy
Absences due to family vacations scheduled during the regular school calendar are highly discouraged. However, ACS recognizes that some parents’ mandatory vacation time may conflict with the ACS calendar. In such cases, exemptions may be granted by the school administrator.
Requests must be made in writing to the school administrator a minimum of 5 school days prior to the scheduled vacation dates.
The decision to grant the request will be made by the administrator and shall be based on the student’s academic performance, conduct history, and attendance record. Once approved, the administrator will issue a form which the student will use to gather class work and assignments that will be missed during the student’s absence. All missed work assignments are due to the teachers on the day the student returns to class unless otherwise specified by the teacher or school administrator. Absences incurred during a properly requested and approved family vacation will not count towards the student’s absence days provide ALL missed work is completed and turned in by the required time.
C. Student Absence Policy
EACH DAY a student will be absent from school, the student’s parent/guardian must call the school office at (979) 849-4311 by 9:00 a.m. to report the student’s absence and the reason for it. Failure to report the student’s absence by 9:00 a.m. will result in the attendance clerk calling the parent/guardian at home or at work.
Upon returning to school, the Elementary student will present a signed note from their parent/guardian stating the date of and reason for the absence. An admit slip will be issued to the student by the admission clerk and he/she must have it signed by all teachers. At the end of the day the signed admit slip will be returned to the attendance clerk by the student.
Absence Admission
If a student returns to school after being absent and fails to bring a note as specified above, the student will be issued an UNEXCUSED admit slip. The required note is then due the next class day and the admit slip procedure above will be followed. If the student fails to bring the note the second day, the absence will remain unexcused and all tests or class work missed will result in a “0” for each assignment.
D. Make-Up Work
The student has the responsibility to gather all class work missed from each class due to an absence on the first day back to class. All class work or tests missed must be made up according to the teacher’s time requirements. Students normally have the same number of days to make up missed work as days absent. Any tests or class work not made up within the required time will be subject to a reduced grade at the teacher’s discretion.
ACS policy requires students to make up any missed tests on the first day back to school for test material that was not covered in class while the student was absent. In the case of extended absence, exceptions to this policy may be granted by the school administrator. All exemptions will be given a limited time frame for the tests to be made up.
E. Tardy to School Procedure
Students who arrive after 8:00 a.m. are considered tardy. Tardy students will report directly to the school office. Students will be issued an admit slip to class.
Any student who receives three tardies to school during any one six-week grading period will receive one absence and one hour of after-school detention.
The graded subjects in each grade are listed below. * Subjects indicate that at a certain time in the lesson cycle the content subject changes for the rest of the year.
1-2 Grade
1.Bible
2.Arithmetic
3.Language Arts (grammar, spelling, penmanship,
creative writing, and reading)
3rd Grade
1.Bible
2.Arithmetic
3.Language Arts (grammar, spelling, penmanship, creative writing)
4.Reading/Health
5.*Science/History
4th-7th Grade
1.Bible
2.Arithmetic
3.Language Arts (grammar, spelling, penmanship, reading)
4.*Science/Health
5.History
Grading System
E = Excellent S = Satisfactory N = Needs Improvement
A+ (100) B+ (89) D+ (74)
A (99-91) B (88-81) D (73-71)
A- (90) B- (80) D- (70)
C+ (79)
C (78-76)
C- (75)
U = Unsatisfactory
F (69-0)
The following grading system shall be used to show comparable values of numerical, performance level, and letter grades for daily classwork and homework, special assignments/projects, six-week and semester reporting periods.
A conduct grade will appear on the students’ progress reports and report cards. Conduct marks are considered when determining if a student is eligible for extra curricular activities such as field trips, as well as determining whether a student will remain enrolled in ACS. Classroom conduct as well as the school demerit system will determine the final report card conduct grade given.
Student Report Cards will be issued on Thursdays following the end of each reporting period. Report cards will be sent home in the student’s daily folder. Report cards are issued at six-week intervals. Parents should be alert to these dates and receive the report cards from their child.
Parents should sign and return to the teacher the report card each six-weeks.
Homework Policy
Homework is assigned in all subject areas as-needed. The students are expected to copy down daily assignments in their assignment books. Parents should initial the assignment sheeteach day. Assignment books will be checked regularly.
I do keep track of all late and missing homework assignments.
Anytime a student does not bring in a homework assignment, he or she is expected to miss recess and/or complete it that night, and turn it in the very next day... in order to avoid further penalties
.
Parents, please help your child be responsible for his or her work. It is important each student stay on task so he or she does not fall behind. If there are any questions or confusion, please let me know as soon as possible. I will try and assist in any way. Together, we can make their school year successful.
Tutorials may be made available to students in grades 1-7 by the subject teachers from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. as needed. At the earliest sign of academic problems, the teacher will contact the parent and will schedule tutorials for extra help. In the event the subject teacher cannot provide the necessary help to the student, the parents will be contacted to plan appropriate actions.
Progress Reports/Failing Notices
On the third week prior to the end of each six-week grading period a progress report will be issued for each student. For elementary students, progress reports will be sent home in their binders.
Progress reports will contain academic grades and conduct. Parents are strongly encouraged to review the progress reports with their students.
Honor rolls for elementary students will be published at the close of each six-week grading period for grades 1-7.
GRADES 1-7 “A” HONOR ROLL
All grades 90-100 with no grade less than “S” in each subject of Bible, penmanship, music, art and physical education. Students must maintain no less than an "N" in conduct/effort.
GRADES 1-7 “A-B” HONOR ROLL
All grades 80-100 with at least one grade of 90 or greater and no grade less than “S” in each subject of Bible, penmanship, music, art, and physical education. Students must maintain no less than an "N" in conduct/effort.
GRADES 1-7 HIGHEST CLASS AVERAGE AWARD
Individual student with the highest overall class average for each subject (Arithmetic, History, Science, Reading, Language) will be recognized.
ACS considers cheating to be a serious violation of student conduct. The act of cheating involves both stealing and lying. A student who is caught in the act of cheating will face serious consequences including:
·Receive a zero on the assignment or test
·The administrator will be notified
·The administrator will meet with the student
·The parents will be contacted
·If the student holds any position in a class, club, or athletic team, he/she will lose that position. (Cheating is a violation of honor and leadership is a position of honor. A student who cheats cannot be in leadership.)
·Confirmed incidents of cheating may make the student ineligible for academic honors or awards in ALL subjects.
·Subsequent offenses of cheating in any class may result in automatic failure of that six weeks grading period in the class where the cheating occurred.
·Multiple/persistent offenses in any class will result in expulsion from ACS.
Detention
Detention for elementary students will be served Monday though Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The teacher or administrator may also assign lunch, P.E., or recess detention.
All detention is assigned to be served the day of or the day after the offense. Detention must be served within five school days or the student will be required to serve one day of in-house suspension. Any third morning or afternoon detention will be served as one day of in-house suspension as stated in the In-House Suspension detail below.
Arriving late to, leaving early from, or arriving unprepared for detention will result in additional detention being assigned.
1.Students should report to detention immediately upon arrival at school and must leave the school building immediately following detention.
2.Students are required to sign-in for the entire detention period.
3.Students are not allowed to complete homework assignments during detention.
4.No talking, passing notes, or sleeping is allowed during detention.
5.Students may be given additional assignments to complete while serving detention.
Positive Behavior Rewards:
Positive behaviors will be noted with a sticker in the conduct book. Parent emails will be sent when a child has done something outstanding to show love and respect for another person in their words or deeds. Each teacher will have a reward system. Students will be able to choose from the treat box items such as small toys, candy, stickers, school supplies, etc.
*As a person of high integrity and Christian character we should behave as unto our Lord. Those around us note our actions and listen to the way we speak to and about others. We should always honor the Lord through our daily lives in submission to His will and as a testimony of His grace and glory to us.
-- Classes start at 8:00. Be on time. Stop by the restroom before coming to class. 1.When entering the classroom unpack your backpack and store the backpack in the appropriate closet.
2.Bring your binder, paper, assignments that are due and any other tools/supplies you will need to your desk, write down assignments in your assignment book. Use the work time wisely and complete all work neatly in cursive unless told otherwise.
Respect each other, your teacher and others’ property
-- You are here to learn; make the most of the opportunity. In any case, you must allow your classmates to make the most of their opportunity. No loud talking.
-- Follow all teacher directions. Raise your hand to speak unless following oral drills, and do not interrupt others when they are talking.
-- You should have permission to use anything that is not yours including the teacher's desk items. Keep your hands and feet to yourself. Treat others with kindness in words and actions.
Daily Lessons
-- Come to class prepared to stay here for the entire time that the DVD teacher or your homeroom teacher is giving direct instruction. This is not too long to wait if you have used your break time well.
--During the seatwork time you may use the restroom quickly one boy and one girl at a time and be back on time to start the next lesson. If you waste time in the restroom and do not complete your seatwork you may be allowed restroom time only after completing seatwork after each lesson. All lessons should start promptly to keep on schedule. Refer to the Lesson Schedules in the room.
--If you finish your seatwork early you may work on a center activity or have computer time if your teacher allows.
Save the toys for after school
-- The required materials are the only things you should bring to the classroom. Anything else is probably a toy.
Being organized helps to accomplish your goals and free you from stress
-- Use your Warrior's Notebook binder and the six dividers to organize your work for every class. (Your filing cabinet)
-- Use your assignment book to keep track of your assignments and upcoming project deadlines. (Your daily planner) You may also refer to the classroom website for calendars of school events and holidays.
-- Review your assignments, projects and notes in your assignment book with your parents each night.
--Keep all graded or checked papers at home in a box or drawer for reference and study until the end of the six weeks unless otherwise instructed by your teacher.
The student has the responsibility to gather all class work missed from each class due to an absence on the first day back to class. All class work or tests missed must be made up according to the teacher’s time requirements. Students normally have the same number of days to make up missed work as days absent. Any tests or class work not made up within the required time will be subject to a reduced grade at the teacher’s discretion.
It is ACS policy that students make up any missed tests on the first day back to school for test material that was not covered in class while the student was absent. In the case of extended absence, exceptions to this policy may be granted by the school administrator. All exemptions will be given a limited time frame for the tests to be made up.
No class parties may be held during school hours except regularly scheduled and approved parties. Elementary school authorizes three class parties during the school year at Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and the end of the school year.
Student Pick-up and Traffic Details
Elementary students must be dropped off and picked up each day in the circle drive or in the back parking lot as instructed by your classroom teacher. Vehicles delivering students should enter the circle drive from Arcola Street and proceed left to the covered area at the end of the drive. Students may exit vehicles to the right and enter the foyer of the church where they will be directed to their classrooms. Vehicles then exit onto Locust Street. Students must be picked up at the same location each day unless there is a written note or phone call to the office.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE PARENTS TO PARK IN OR LEAVE VEHICLES UNATTENDED IN THE CIRCLE DRIVE.
3.Dress code compliant attire with a neat, well-groomed, modest appearance daily.
4. No cursing or inappropriate language.
5. No chewing gum.
6. No eating or drinking in the classroom.
7. No fighting.
8. No weapons of any kind.
9. No cheating.
10. No visible tattoos.
11. No harassment of other students.
12. No electronic equipment allowed at school without the permission of the school administrator.
13.No backpacks may be used during the school day. Backpacks may be worn to and from school, but must remain in a designated area during the school day. No writing may be shown on any backpacks, other than the student’s name and address.
14.No earrings on boys and only one earring worn on the lower ear lobe of each ear for girls.
15.No large jewelry. Jewelry is limited to one bracelet, one watch, and/or one necklace.
16.No improper use of drugs. (See policy prohibiting drug and alcohol use by students)
17.No sexual misconduct.
B.Conduct Grading
Conduct grading is an important evaluative tool for both parents and students. A conduct grade will appear on the students’ progress reports and report cards. Conduct marks are considered when determining if a student is eligible for extra curricular activities, as well as determining whether a student will remain enrolled in ACS. Conduct grading is assessed as follows:
E – Excellent
S – Satisfactory
N – Needs Improvement
U – Unsatisfactory
C.Discipline Referral System
Most disciplinary problems will be handled by teachers who will follow a consistent procedure of discipline and referral. This will be accomplished through communication between the teacher and student, and the teacher and parent. The school administrator will handle serious problems. ACS reserves the right to discipline, suspend, or expel any student who is guilty of gross misconduct whether on or off the school campus.
Disciplinary procedures may involve verbal correction, work detail, detention, swats, suspension, or expulsion. Parents will be notified of disciplinary violations by the teacher or administrator. Swats may be administered by the teacher or administrator, with a witness, and with written parental consent.
Students who have been suspended, either in house, or off campus, shall not be allowed on campus at school events while under suspension. Additionally, students who have been expelled from school shall not be permitted on the school campus or at school events at any time.
Tally Marks
Tally marks are given in the classroom for minor infractions and are documented on the board and/or on the student’s behavior chart. Tally marks accumulate weekly, Monday through Friday. Teachers will establish consequences for each tally including minutes of recess detention, apology letters, notes to parent, suspension of privileges, time out, or reassigned seating, etc.
Students begin each Monday with a clean slate. When ten tally marks are cited in one week, the student receives one demerit. After the initial ten tally marks, each additional mark in the same week will result in a lunch detention day. Parents will be notified about each demerit and detention received by the student. Parents are asked to sign and return detention notices to the teacher.
Discipline forms:
After School Detention Form
Lunch Detention Form
Demerit Slip Form
A student will receive classroom tally marks for the following prohibited behaviors:
T1Out of seat or assigned area
T2Off task, wasting time, not participating
T3Not following teacher directives
T4Disrupting class, excessive talking, arguing with peers, annoying habits or noises, throwing objects, gum chewing, etc.
T5Incomplete homework or failure to have parents sign required forms
T6Disrespecting school property, improper use and care of books, supplies, materials
T7Walking inappropriately in line, in hallways or stairways
T8Horseplay or yelling in any area of the building except the gym during P.E. or recess
Students will create written assignments such as poetry and creative writing or research projects that will be posted on their student web pages. I have made arrangements with other teachers in another state and internationally who will be sharing collaborative projects with our class. We will learn about their state or country as we share information about ourselves. One year I had a class in Vermont and another year we had penpals in Australia. We will use our secure classroom website to communicate our projects with these penpals. I love teaching students how to write and the website is a great place to publish their writings and give them a world wide audience.
The students will also be able to use the classroom website to practice for tests, check for homework when absent, see project requirements, check their grades, and work on webquests for extensive study and interest.
Students will be taught internet safety. Only first names will be used and no personal address or student emails will be given. Students will communicate with visitors to their site via the guestbook which is visible by all or through the teacher’s email. Students will be expected to complete all seatwork and homework first before being allowed computer time unless a project is required and time is given in class to work on the project. We will start off with just one computer and it will be right at the teacher station, so that I can monitor it’s use and work with the students on projects. Some class work and/or homework may require use of the Internet. Students are expected to use the resource responsibly. Any misuse or inappropriate use of the Internet will result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from ACS.
Parents are always encouraged to place the computer at home in a high traffic area, not the child’s bedroom. The American Family Association has a great child safe filter you can use for internet safety on your computer. www.afa.net
