ZCA Student Handbook     History Zionsville Christian Academy is a private, non-profit Christian School founded in 2008 as a ministry of Mts. Runn Baptist Church. The curriculum provides a traditional Christian education founded on the principles of the Scripture. The school implements the teachings of the family and the local church, helping to rear children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Statement of Faith 1. We believe in personal salvation by faith in the blood of Jesus Christ which He shed on the Cross of Calvary for remission of sins for all who believe. 2. We believe that the entire Bible is the inspired Word of God. 3. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ was raised bodily from the tomb and now sits at the right hand of the Father in Heaven making intercession for all born-again believers. 4. We believe that Christ will return bodily to call His church unto Himself. 5. We believe in the eternal security of the born-again believer. Mission Our mission is to assist parents in the training of their children to conform to the image of Jesus Christ. Statement of Philosophy/Purpose The primary purpose of Zionsville Christian Academy is to provide a thoroughly Christ-centered, Bible-believing, educational program to prepare the student spiritually, academically, physically, and socially for service to God, fellowman, and country. Even though knowledge is factually the same for the believer and unbeliever, no subject can be taught in its truth if its originator is ignored. In a practical way our school seeks to develop in young people self-disciplined Christian lives to help meet the need for righteous leadership in our homes, churches, communities, and country. The academic program, through the traditional approach, is developed to provide students with the best possible program of studies. It is the school's responsibility to instruct students to think correctly, behave uprightly, and to discern truth from error in the light of the principles of God's Word. We endeavor to give each child the education God expects in keeping with His instruction in Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Our entire school program is designed to help parents fulfill this command of God. Statement of Nondiscrimination Zionsville Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origins 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, admission policies, athletics or other school-administered programs. Admissions Policy • Students are admitted on the basis of educational records, character, suitable personality, behavioral criteria, and stated objectives. • A written application for enrollment must be submitted with appropriate fees. New students and their parents are required to meet with the administrator or dean of students prior to admission. • All parents and students are required to sign a statement of cooperation. • If enrollment is for KS or new students, the following items are required: copy of birth certificate, shot record, and a physical form. • Students entering KS must be 5 years old by September 1st. • The academic programs at ZCA are designed for average and above average students. No provisions are available for mentally handicapped children or children with severe learning disabilities. Provisions are available for limited learning disabilities. • The academy reserves the right to reject students whose conduct or behavior is out of harmony with the school. Enrollment Procedures • Complete and sign registration forms, and pay registration fee. • New students (KS-12th) are required to pass an entrance test. Both students and parents then meet with the administrator or dean. • A records' request is sent to the previous school. Re-Enrollment Procedures • The month of February is designated for returning students to reenroll. Appropriate registration forms and fees will be due at that time. After February 28, enrollment will be on a first-come, first-served basis. • Transfer Students • Transfer students from public, private, and home school follow the same Enrollment Procedures Financial Information Zionsville Christian Academy endeavors to keep tuition rates reasonable. The school does not receive governmental assistance and is not endowed or supported by outside organizations. Prompt payment of tuition and fees is vital to our daily operation. Tuition/Fees Tuition for the school year has been divided into 10 equal payments. Each payment covers one tenth of the total number of school days. Tuition is paid regardless of days your child attends each month. All holidays, etc., were taken into account when the tuition rates were set. Financial Policies • The first tuition payment is due July 15. All other tuition payments are due on the first of each month beginning Sept. 1. Payments not received within ten days after the due date are late. A late charge of $25.00 is added to each account after the tenth of each month when the account shows a balance of $50 or more. • Students whose accounts are not paid by the first business day of the following month will not be permitted to attend classes until all tuition and fees are paid in full. • Accounts may be paid by mail; however, we ask that you mail payments in plenty of time. Mail to the following address: Zionsville Christian Academy, 250s 775e Zionsville, IN 46077 Returned Check Policy There is a $25.00 fee each time a check is returned. At your request, we can run the check back through once. Upon a second returned check, you will be required to pay on a "cash only" basis. Withdrawals After enrollment, arrangements for withdrawal must be made through the school office. All tuition and fees must be paid before a student's withdrawal is complete and scholastic records are released. Tuition/Registration Refund Policy It is the school's policy not to refund or transfer registration fees. If the student is not accepted for admission by the school, then 1/2 of the registration fee will be refunded. In the event of student transfer or withdrawal, unused tuition may be refunded. General Information Zionsville Christian Academy retains the right to make changes, amendments, and corrections of the rules and policies of the school at any time, with or without prior notice. On rare occasions exceptions to a policy may be made when circumstance(s) warrant in view of the administration. An exception made for one on any policy is not an exception made for any other on that policy or any other policy. All decisions regarding policies are made by the administration and are final. The academy reserves the right to dismiss at any time students whose conduct or behavior is out of harmony with the school. Clinic and Medication For the welfare of your child and others in the school, all children who are sick should be kept at home. If a child becomes ill at school, the parents will be required to check him/her out of school. Parents will be called if the student is running a fever or vomiting. Medications: If a student is to take any medication while at school, he or she must have on file in the office an Authorization for Administration of Medication form. This form is available at the office. The medication to be dispensed will be kept in the office and dispensed by the school office according to the doctor's instructions. Medicine must be in the proper container and be properly labeled. Under no circumstances are students allowed to possess, store in their personal areas, or administer any type of prescription or non-prescription drugs. Exception: Student may keep on their person asthma inhalers. Hours of Operation Academy Hours - Monday through Friday School Day 8:00a.m. -3:00p.m. Office 7:30a.m. - 3:30p.m. Bad Weather Conditions If Zionsville school district closes because of snow or storm conditions, Zionsville Christian Academy will close at the same time. School closing announcements will be made over local radio and television station WISH TV. Visitors When parents or visitors come to the school for any reason, please come to the office first. DO NOT go directly to the classroom. Forgotten lunches, homework, etc., may be left in the office for the students. If visitors desire to talk to ZeA staff or faculty members, they should schedule an appointment at a mutually convenient time. Health/Medical Insurance ZCA does not provide routine health or medical insurance coverage for its students. Parents are responsible for any routine health/medical care expenses incurred by their children. Student Accident/Injury Insurance Protecting the welfare of students is a challenge our teachers and staff face daily. Our desire is to maintain a safe school campus by implementing and following proper safety measures in all phases of our school program. Student accident coverage is provided and is payable only for expenses or portions thereof which are not recoverable under any other insurance plan providing medical expense benefits. Coverage exists for all eligible students while (1) school is in session, (2) during the normal school operating hours, and (3) for injury occurring on school property. When a covered accident occurs, the school will verify the circumstances surrounding the aCCident and the claim form will be submitted by the parent or service provider. Restrictions on Child Pick Up If parents are divorced or separated, and one parent is not allowed to see or pick up the child, we must have on file at the office a certified copy of the court order of Final Judgment. Lunch Program Students must bring a packed lunch. Microwaves are available to heat lunch items from home. Lunch items requiring one minute or less to heat are recommended. Cell Phones All students who have cellular phones must have them turned off and in their personal areas during the academic day from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. If they are found with a cell phone on their person or turned on during school hours, it will be confiscated. If they use the phone during school hours, a detention will be issued. Because modern cell phones may also function as data storage devices, student cell phones brought to school are subject to inspection and review by school officials and administrative discretion. Any contraband content or content deemed to be inappropriate is the sole discretion of the administration and may be grounds for further discipline. Use of a cell phone during a test for any reason (i.e. text messaging, photos) will automatically be considered cheating, and appropriate academic and disciplinary action will be taken at the sole discretion of the administration. Search/Seizure Policy Property belonging to students or visitors, such as book-bags, knapsacks, lunch boxes, laptop computers, PDA's, cell phones, bicycles, motorcycles, and automobiles may be subject to search according to the general regulations. Should such a search be likely to result in damage to a student's or visitor's property (e.g. where the individual refuses to comply with the request or cannot be located), the police shall be called for assistance and advice. Computer / Internet Policy Computer technology at Zionsville Christian Academy is designed to enhance student learning. To help protect computer equipment and ensure computer security, students may not use diskettes from home on school equipment. Students may not use school computer equipment to play games, e-mail, chat room communication, and personal Web sites. An Internet firewall security system is in place to block student access to derogatory information. Students are discouraged from attempting to access questionable sites. Violation of the above policy could result in disciplinary action. Whether it is at school or home, any type of pictures or information posted on a personal website such as "myspace.com" not in harmony with ZCA will result in disciplinary action or dismissal. Punctuality The greatest ability is dependability. Being on time is important. Classes begin promptly each morning at 8:00 a.m. The student must be in the classroom when the bell rings to be on time. Parents will be informed by letter when tardies become excessive. Absences Excused Absences: In case of absence, the parent must write a dated note to the teacher explaining the reason for the absence. This note must be sent the day a student returns to school. There are no excused absences except for student illness, serious illness, death in the immediate family, emergency (medical or dental), and absences approved in advance. Absences approved in advance require a written parental request at least one week in advance. This gives the student adequate time to complete the required work prior to departure. It is the student's responsibility (3rd12th) to pick up the appropriate form from the school office, have the parent to sign it, and to contact his teacher(s) for class assignments. Forms not filled out will result in an unexcused absence. All such requests are approved by the administrator or his designated representative. Religious outings, college visitation, job interviews, special trips, etc. fall under this category. Excused absences are not allowed during exams the final week of the 1st and 2nd semester or during the week of achievement tests. Unexcused Absences • Unexcused absences are given when a student misses school for reasons other than those listed above - such as truancy, suspension, or chronic alarm failure. Students receiving an unexcused absence will have their next test score reduced by one letter grade. • Any student who receives three unexcused absences in a semester will require a meeting with the administrator or supervisor. • SPECIAL NOTE: Any student in 7th-12th who is absent 15 days or more (excused and unexcused) in one semester cannot pass that semester's work. Elementary students who are absent 40 or more days during the school year cannot pass to the next grade. Tardies • Tardies are disruptive to the classroom and also have an adverse effect on your child's educational progress. Any student arriving after 8:00 a.m. must be signed in at the school office, recording also the reason for the tardy. • NOTE: Excessive tardies could result in a parent being asked to withdraw their child. Home/School Communication Parent Orientation It is required for parents to attend orientation at the beginning of the school year. Bring your handbook to the meeting as pertinent information will be covered. Dates and times of orientation are listed on the school calendar. Parent-Teacher Conferences Please feel free to consult with the school regarding problems or questions that concern your child. It is the desire of the administration and faculty to be of service to both parents and student. We do urge, however, that such visits be made by definite appointment with the teacher at a convenient after school hour. Composition Notebook Elementary students are required to have a composition notebook. Homework, when required, will be recorded in the notebook for the parents review and initials; additionally, this notebook will be used by the teacher to communicate with parents on a daily basis. Parents need to review the composition book daily and initial each entry. Notes to your child's teacher may be recorded in this notebook. Problems Problems should always be handled at the lowest possible level in order to achieve a quick solution (Parent/Teacher Conference). If problems persist, please feel free to come to the appropriate supervisor with your concern. If the problem is still unresolved, it is recommended that the parent meet with the administrator. Early Pickup Parents are asked to notify the teacher in advance (composition book or note) when a student is to be picked up early due to doctor's appointments, etc. Notification of Change of Address or Telephone Number Parents are to notify the school immediately of any change of address or telephone number (home, business, or cell). It is imperative that we have the correct information in case of an emergency. Academics Grading Scale 94-100....................................... A-Excellent 85-93......................................... B-Above Average 77-84..........................................C-Average 70-76..........................................D-Below Average 0-69............................................F-Failure I ................................................Incomplete O...............................................Outstanding S ...............................................Satisfactory U ..............................................Unsatisfactory Promotion Policy • Students in 1st through 12th grades who make an "F" in two or more core subjects will repeat the grade unless all but one of the subjects is made up during the summer. • Kindergarten students are not failed; however, if in the opinion of the administrator the student is not academically strong enough to progress in the first grade, he may not be placed in that level or may be placed on probation the first 9 weeks in 1st grade. • Students in ninth through twelfth grades who are enrolled in a fullyear course shall receive a full credit if the student completes both semesters and the averaging of the grades obtained for each semester results in a passing grade. Should a student pass one semester but fail the other semester and the averaging of the grades results in a failing grade, only one-half credit is given for the semester that was passed. The other half credit must be made up in summer school. Students who make an "F" in two or more required subjects will repeat the grade. A student who fails Bible for two consecutive semesters must meet with the administrator and may not be allowed to return to the Academy the following semester. Requirements for Graduation Required credits for graduation are as follows: COLLEGE PREPARATORY SUBJECT CREDITS Bible* 4 English** 4 Science 3 (Physical, Biology, Chemistry or Physics) Math 4 (Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry or Consumer Math) History 3 1/2 (Amer. History, World History, Amer. Gov./World Geo.) Speech 1 Physical Education 1 Foreign Language 1 Electives 2 1/2 *One year of Bible is required for each high school year. **Two years of extensive emphasis on grammar and two years on literature. All graduating seniors must take the ACT or SAT College Board Test by the beginning of the second semester of their senior year. It is recommended that you take one of these tests during your junior year. A student may take these tests more than once to improve their scores. A total of 24 credits are needed along with a 2.0 GPA to qualify for graduation from Zionsville Christian Academy. Achievement Testing Stanford Achievement tests are administered throughout the grade levels each spring. In addition, the Otis Lennon Mental Maturity tests are administered to all students. Appointments may be arranged through the office for parents wishing to discuss achievement test scores. Homework • Students in ZCA will normally have homework. We believe it is an integral part of the school program which will aid students in advancing their studies. Students are expected to complete the homework assigned. Parents are expected to monitor their child1s homework activity. Elementary students are required to record all their homework assignments daily in a composition book. • We do request the parents' full cooperation in seeing that the assignments are completed. A Homework Offense Slip will be sent home for homework not completed and for homework not turned in on time. Elementary students' homework is due at 8:00 a.m. and high school students' homework is due at the start of the class. General Classroom Conduct Attendance at Zionsville Christian Academy is a privilege and not a right. Students forfeit this privilege if they do not conform to the standards and ideals of work and life of Zionsville Christian Academy. Uniform Dress Code Girls are expected to maintain a standard of modesty in all clothing. Skirts, dresses and shorts should be long enough to cover part of the knee. Slits and splits may not extend above the kneecap. Parents should pay particular attention to growing girls that their dresses or skirts will not become too short or too tight during the school year. Proper undergarments must be worn at all times. Extremely heavy makeup, extreme hair color, earrings in the nose, tongue, and more than two earrings in each ear are not permitted. Earrings may be placed in the bottom portion of the ear only. For safety reasons, elementary girls may not wear hoops or dangling ear rings more than 1/2 inch below the ear. All pants must be loose fitting and modest. Boys are expected to maintain a standard of modesty in all clothing. Shorts should be long enough to cover part of the knee. A belt must be worn at all times, and shirt tails are to be tucked in so the belt is visible. Boys must maintain a haircut that includes a neat trim (fairly close) and tapered on the sides and back. This means: (1) not touching the eyebrows, (2) not touching the ears, (3) not on the shirt collar. Boys are not to wear beards, mustaches, goatee, or have sideburns that extend below the middle of the ear. Extreme hair styles or colors are not permitted. Boys may not wear neck jewelry or earrings at anytime while on campus or at off-campus school sponsored events. Uniform Policy The uniform policy for the current school year is available in the school office The wicked flee when no man pursueth:  but the righteous are bold as a lion.  Proverbs 28:1