Click here for a PDF of the 2009-2010 Handbook
About the School and Philosophy
Admission Guidelines
Financial Information
The School Program
Student Regulations
Discipline
Health Policy
Parent Responsibilities
Location: LCA is located at 11429 Bates Road in Apison, Tennessee about four miles from Collegedale.
The school is in the country surrounded by woods, a small creek and fresh air.
Accreditation: LCA is fully accredited with the Department of Education of the Georgia-Cumberland Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in Calhoun, Georgia; the Department of Education of the Southern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in Decatur, Georgia; and the National Council for Private School Accreditation, which is recognized by the Tennessee Department of Education.
Program: LCA encourages attendance from kindergarten through eighth grade with low student-teacher ratios and individualized instruction where needed in an inviting environment.
Home and School: The purpose of the Home and School Association is to coordinate the efforts of the home, school and church to develop students’ mental, physical and spiritual growth. All parents are encouraged to participate and support the Home and School Association and attend its programs.
Physical Plant: The school plant, owned and operated by the constituency of the Apison SDA Church, consists of three classrooms, an assembly room and library, a school office, a kitchen and a large gymnasium/auditorium with a stage for special programs.
Asbestos: LCA has no friable asbestos. A complete record of asbestos-containing material and containment procedures is available in the school office.
PHILOSOPHY
The purpose of Christian education is to inspire young people with principles of truth, obedience, honor, integrity, justice and purity – principles that will make each a positive force for the stability and uplifting of society. We are at war with the enemy of our souls for the minds and lives of our children, so we must make use of every means at our disposal to keep them focused on and connected to Jesus.
The Lester Coon Apison School of Seventh-day Adventists (LCA) was established in order that young people may be surrounded by the most favorable circumstances for the education and formation of characters strong enough to withstand the evils of this world while serving mankind.
The Christian school plays a very important role in supporting the home and church in developing the minds and hearts of youth to be open to power of God’s Holy Spirit.
“True education means more than the pursuit of a certain course of study. It means more than a preparation for the life that now is … It is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers. It prepares the student for the joy of service in this world and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come.”
Ellen White, Education, p. 13
Students who apply to LCA should be willing to respect the principles and practices of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Bible is the foundation of our faith. It is hoped that everyone who attends LCA will come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.
LCA does not discriminate and admits students of any race, color, ethnic background, gender or country of origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally made available to students.
To be admitted to LCA, a prospective student must complete and submit the following forms:
- New Student Registration Application or Returning Student Re-Application
- Financial Agreement
- Consent to Treatment
- Medication Administration (if applicable)
- Student and Parent Contracts
- Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy
- References*
- Student Records Release*
- Medical Examination by Physician*
- Copy of Immunization Records*
- Copy of Birth Certificate*
- Image Release*
- Student Pick-Up Authorization
* new students only
Additionally, parents are asked to complete forms for a directory of school families, Home & School activities, and volunteer availability.
Before an application will be processed by LCA, the following financial obligations must be met:
- All previous school accounts must be paid in full.
- LCA’s registration fee must be paid.
- The first month’s tuition must be paid.
The Georgia-Cumberland Conference recommends that children entering Kindergarten be 5 years old and those entering 1st grade be 6 by August 15. Each student who is new to LCA is required to provide a copy of a birth certificate at registration. Special consideration will be given to individual requests for age exceptions that are brought to the principal’s attention.
All new students not previously enrolled in Southern Union Conference schools are required to have a physical examination. All students are required by the State of Tennessee to maintain the proper and current immunization forms and present them at registration. (This includes DPT, Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Polio.) This form is supplied by the Hamilton County Health Department or a physician.
Following initial acceptance, there will be a six-week evaluation period beginning on the first day of school for new and transferring students before final acceptance is granted. This allows for records verification as well as scholastic testing and evaluations by teachers.
In keeping with the conference policy, LCA requires that no student be accepted if they have an unpaid bill at LCA or any other school. We, likewise, cannot release a student’s records until the student’s bill is PAID IN FULL. If upon further inquiry we find a family owes a bill to another school, the child may be asked to leave until proof is provided that satisfactory arrangements have been made.
Registration Fee: Click Here
This fee covers the costs of textbooks, student achievement tests, student insurance, new library books, magazines and certain supplies.
Students who voluntarily withdraw before September 1 will receive a 40 percent refund of the registration fee. Students who withdraw on or after September 1 will receive no refund of the registration fee. If a student enrolls at or after the beginning of second semester, half the entrance fee must be paid.
Tuition: The first month’s tuition is due at registration. There are a total of 10 monthly tuition payments. Since registration plus first month’s tuition is such a large sum, LCA recommends that parents pay half of the registration fee in June, the balance in July, and first month’s tuition on registration day.
A $25 credit towards August’s tuition is available for those who pay the full registration fee by July 15.
Tuition Rates: Click Here
Semester/Yearly Discounts: If tuition is prepaid by semesters, an annual 3 percent discount will be given.
If tuition is paid in full prior to the beginning of the school year, a 5 percent discount will be given.
Late Fee: The tuition for the school year is divided into ten equal payments, and payment is due by the 10th of each month. A late fee of $25 will be added to the account starting the 11th of each month unless notification in writing is made to the treasurer by the 10th.
If payment cannot be made by the 15th of the month, notification in writing must be made to the treasurer.
If arrangements have not been made by the 20th of the month regarding payment, the student may be suspended at that time until arrangements have been made with the Finance Committee.
Prorating of Tuition: For those who voluntarily withdraw, tuition will be prorated. The minimum tuition charge will be 50 percent of the monthly tuition rate.
Return Check Fee: If a check is returned from the bank for non-sufficient funds, the student’s account will be charged a $25 service fee.
Graduation Fee: A fee of $75 will be billed to each of the 8th grade student accounts in April.
This fee covers the costs for cap, gown, diploma, reception and other graduation expenses.
Financial Aid: Constituent parents (members of the Apison SDA Church) requesting financial aid must complete and submit a financial add application along with supporting documentation by the set deadline, which is typically within 15 days after registration.
School Hours: Regular school hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday.
Transportation to and from school is the responsibility of the parent, and each student is required to supply his or her own lunch as outlined in Student Regulations. Students should not arrive on campus prior to
15 minutes before school begins unless previous arrangements have been made. Students should go directly to their classrooms upon arrival. There is no teacher supervision of students before 7:30 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 2:30 p.m. Friday.
Parents are asked to ensure that each child arrives on time. Classrooms begin the school day with worship, which is an integral part of LCA’s program, and tardiness interrupts these minutes spent with God. Late arrivals are dealt with by individual teachers, but fines may be imposed when tardiness becomes a consistent problem.
For the safety of both students and teachers, the front doors of the school are locked at 8:30 a.m. Visitors are asked to ring the doorbell for entrance.
Parents or care-givers who arrive for pickup after 3:30 p.m. (or 2:30 p.m. on Fridays) could be assessed a fine of $1.00 per minute to be paid before the student returns to school the next day. LCA is not state licensed for before- or after-school child care. Please see teachers for after-school alternatives.
Parents will be notified in advance of any changes in regular school hours or deviations from the school calendar.
Safety Drill Procedures:
- Fire Drill: When the fire alarm sounds, students must leave the building immediately in an orderly and quiet manner, go quickly to designated areas, turn and face the building, and wait quietly for the signal to reenter in an orderly fashion.
- Tornado Drill: In the event of a tornado drill, students must move to the center and most fortified portion of the building under the direction of the teachers.
Faculty/Board Standards: The faculty at LCA and members of the School Board strive to conduct all school activities both in and out of the classroom in accordance with the principles of Christian education. The school expects the cooperation of the parents in helping to maintain and uphold these standards at school and in the public eye. Administrators reserve the right to formulate and implement policies, rules and regulations throughout the course of the year in order to assure the safe and appropriate operation of the school. Those policies will have equal force to policies printed in this handbook.
Graduation: Upon completing the eighth grade, students will receive either a Standard Certificate of Graduation or a Certificate of Attendance. The quality and the level of the work completed will determine which certificate is received.
Parental Involvement: Parents and/or guardians are expected to accompany students to all school-related activities, including any programs, picnics, performances or other functions.
Attendance: State law requires every school to maintain regular class attendance. Students who miss 20 percent of their classes may be failed. An absence may be excused only in case of illness of the child or death in the immediate family.
A written excuse must be sent THE NEXT DAY after the child is absent, giving the reason for the absence. All missing assignments need to be completed. For tardies, a note explaining the tardy must be given to the teacher before the child begins class.
If it is necessary for a student to be absent for any reason other than illness or death in the family, parents will make arrangements IN ADVANCE for the student’s work to be completed prior to departure.
Class Work: In general, daily assignments are due the following class period. The policy for late work is defined individually by each teacher.
It is a parent’s responsibility to make sure all home work is completed and turned in to the school.
Parents of students who regularly turn in work late or not at all will be notified to arrange a conference with the teacher. The student is also required to attend this conference.
Grading Scale:
A 93-100
B 85-92
C 75-84
D 70-74
F 69 or less
Damage: Any damage, accidental or intended, to the physical plant, equipment or appliances of the school will be the responsibility of the involved student’s family as assessed by the school.
Dress Code: All students are required to wear appropriate, modest attire. No cartoons, suggestive language or inappropriate material is permitted. Teachers have final say on dress code standards with full support from the School Board. Students failing to comply may face corrective actions, and inappropriate items may be confiscated.
PANTS – Must be solid color, non-denim, neat and clean (avoid excessively faded, bleached or spotted material), in good repair and properly fitting (no bagging or sagging, not too tight or too long). Stretch pants, sweat pants, nylon pants and cargo pants do NOT fit the dress code standards. Chains, added buckles, cords, lacings or other accessories and decorations are not permitted.
SHORTS – May be worn in warm weather if walking-length (no shorter than just above the knee) and must meet the same criteria as pants.
SKIRTS, SHORTS AND JUMPERS – Must be solid color, non-denim and of modest fit and length (just above the knee or longer). Girls in grades K-4 should wear shorts under skirts and jumpers for modesty.
BELTS – Should be worn with pants, shorts and skirts that have belt loops.
SHIRTS – Must have a collar, polo style or button-up style, and can be short- or long-sleeved. Shirts must be proper size and fit, with emphasis on the length. To determine proper length, raise arms fully above head. If there is a gap between the belt line of the pants and the bottom hem of the shirt, the shirt is too short. Students who come to school with shirts that are too short should be prepared to change into or add another shirt provided by the teacher. Tailored shirts must be tucked in. Sweaters and sweatshirts can be worn over collared shirts in cooler weather. Coats and jackets can only be worn indoors with permission from a teacher.
HATS – Must be removed inside buildings, during prayer and at other times teachers deem appropriate.
SHOES – Must cover toes and sides of feet and be worn at all times. Backless shoes can be worn ONLY if appropriate shoes for physical education class are brought as well.
HAIR – Must be neat and clean. Unnatural hair colors are not permitted. Both girls and boys are expected to wear their hair in a style that freely allows participation in all school activities. The administration reserves the right to determine whether or not a particular style, color or length fits dress code standards.
JEWELRY – No jewelry of any kind is to be worn on the premises. Watches that do not resemble jewelry and medical IDs are acceptable.
MAKE-UP – Nothing that detracts from the natural appearance is to be worn, including colored nail polish.
Food: In keeping with the health standards of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, each child should bring a healthy and nutritious lunch to school each day. Each child is required to eat his or her own lunch.
Because of the effects of refined sugar on learning behavior, parents are urged to limit this ingredient in students’ lunches. Although allowed, students are discouraged from bringing meat products in their lunches. Vegetarian dishes and non-caffeinated drinks are preferred at school-sponsored functions.
Lunches will be eaten in a designated area. Each student must provide his or her own silverware, plates, bowls and other needed eating utensils. Students are responsible for cleaning up after themselves when they use the kitchen. Microwave ovens are available for use. Microwaveable lunches should be quickly and easily prepared by the student without the teacher’s assistance, as the teachers need the lunch break time to eat as well.
Medications: Any medications on site at the school will be stored in a reasonably secure location.
All prescription medications must be brought to the principal or teacher in the original pharmaceutical container, clearly labeled as to the name of the student, the name of the medication, the appropriate dosage, and the time for each dose. No prescription is to be in a student’s possession during school hours. Any student who must have medication administered during school hours for a period of time exceeding 20 school days needs to have a medical authorization form on file. Each teacher will keep a current log of administered medications.
Non-prescription medications such as aspirin and cough syrup may NOT be administered to students by school staff. Students may self-administer non-prescription medicines, provided that only one or two days dosage are brought to school rather than a whole bottle. All such medicines must be accompanied with a note from a parent or guardian.
Chewing gum: Gum will not be allowed on the school premises except with teachers’ permission.
Restrooms: Students are expected to keep the restrooms clean. Horseplay will not be allowed. Loitering, writing on walls, or damaging the facilities in any way is strictly prohibited. Restroom breaks will be given at the teachers’ discretion.
School Phone: Teachers and students should not be called during school hours except when important messages need to be given. Students will not be allowed to use the phone except when given permission by a teacher or staff member. Beepers or cell phones need to be given to teachers during school hours and will be returned at the end of the day.
Electronics: No electronic entertainment equipment or software should be brought to the school unless the teacher grants written permission.
Drug Policy: Students who bring tobacco, drugs or alcohol in any form on campus will be reported to the appropriate law-enforcement officials. If Administration becomes aware of off-campus usage of one or more of the above substances, parents will be notified and further actions will be taken as the Georgia-Cumberland Conference policy deems necessary.
Conduct: By attending LCA, each student agrees to the following standards that help instill the desire for a highly spiritual and moral life:
- To show respect for God’s name, the Bible as the inspired Word of God, and God’s representatives – including ministers, teachers, parents and other students. Students are expected to obey and cooperate with teachers and other staff. A disrespectful attitude will
not be tolerated. - To show respect for all school and personal properties as belonging to God and His church family. Loud talking, running in the hallways, or any conduct of a boisterous nature is always out of order.
- To practice the principles of kindness, fair play and courtesy.
- To be honest and truthful in all things.
- To keep language refined.
- To choose character-building materials for viewing, reading and listening.
- To develop the principles of healthful living.
Students who use tobacco, drugs or alcohol in any form, engage in questionable activities, swear or use unbecoming language, or possess improper literature and/or pictures will be subject to discipline or dismissal from school. Discussing questionable television programs or movies at school will be strongly discouraged. Courting or loitering in “couples groups” is out of order and will be considered inappropriate behavior.
Safety: In-line skates are not permitted on campus due to safety hazards. Roller skates, skateboards and other recreational equipment with wheels should be left home as well. Anything collected by a teacher may not be returned before the end of the year or may be confiscated permanently.
Weapons Policy: Students are not permitted to possess weapons or dangerous instruments of any kind on school grounds, buildings, buses or at school-related or school-sponsored activities away from school facilities, as dictated by the Georgia-Cumberland Conference Board of Education. Weapons and dangerous instruments include but are not limited to:
- Firearms, pistols, revolvers, shotguns, rifles, BB/pellet guns, zip guns, stun guns, tazers, and/or any other device capable of chemically propelling a projectile.
- Cutting and punctuating devices such as dirks, daggers, knives, disks with points or blades,
and/or razors. - Explosive and/or incendiary devices such as pipe bombs, time bombs, cap guns, containers or flammable fluids, matches, and/or other hazardous devices.
- Any instrument used for the purpose of inflicting harm or injury.
Any school employee can confiscate any device used as a weapon. The Administration reserves the right to take any disciplinary action deemed appropriate in response to a weapons policy offense. Upon information that a student is suspected of violating this policy, the principal or a teacher will notify the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s). In case of firearms, explosives or incendiary devices, and knives with blades longer than three inches, the appropriate law-enforcement officials will be notified.
Discipline is addressed in a variety of ways depending on the significance of the errant behavior, the age of the child, the influence of the act on fellow students, and the degree to which the incident reflects on the church and school. With the diversity of students with a range of ages, the same act may be dealt with quite differently when all factors are examined. It is important that the student see some relationship between the conduct and the consequences.
The following are some of the consequences that may be used to show the effect of poor behavior choices:
- Time out: sitting in an area apart from classmates, etc.
- Loss of privileges: must be accompanied at all times, restricted from field trips, etc.
- Fines/Restitution: makes payment for loss to the school or an individual, etc.
- Common labor: working off energy, cleaning of school facility, lawn/garden work, etc.
- In-school suspension: isolated from other students to focuses on study, etc.
- Suspension from school campus/events: not permitted at school-related events, etc.
- Dismissal: no longer accepted as a student.
When proper conduct of the student is not achieved after Administration has counseled with parents and students, suspension and dismissal may result. The School Board will consider each case and determine what action will be taken.
Individual classroom discipline plans will be explained by each teacher at the start of the year with updates to room parents as any changes are made during the school year.
If a child has head lice, the following procedure must be followed:
- A parent must notify the school whenever a child has a head lice problem.
- When a child is first diagnosed with head lice, a parent must provide proof (product receipt or packaging) that the child has been treated for head lice before he or she can return to school.
- The child will be checked by the principal or a teacher for nits upon return to the classroom.
If not free of nits or lice, the child must return home for further treatment. - Upon return and a clear check by the principal or a teacher, the child will be readmitted.
- The child will again be checked in 7 to 10 days. If lice are present, the child must be kept home and the treatment must be repeated. The child must be cleared by the principal or teacher before reentering the classroom.
- Students will continue to be checked periodically throughout the school year.
The Hamilton County Department of Education recommend the following treatment for lice:
- Use shampoos and cream rinses as directed on the label. Overuse of any lice medication may result in skin rashes. Remove all nits with a fine-toothed comb and change clothes after treatment. Lice can live up to 48 hours off the human body. and nits can survive up to 10 days.
- Wash all clothing, towels, and bed linens used by persons with head lice in very hot water. Combs and brushes should be soaked in very hot water for 20 minutes.
- Dry-clean all clothing and hats that cannot be washed. Place other items in a sealed plastic bag for 14 days. All eggs and adult lice will die during this period.
- Every day for 7 days, vacuum carpets, upholstery, pillows and mattresses which have been exposed to infested persons. Be sure to discard the vacuum cleaner bag. Using a lice spray is not necessary if you have vacuumed.
- Treatment with over-the-counter shampoos needs to be repeated in 7 to 10 days. The cream rinse Nix requires only one application.
- To prevent spread, do not share articles that come in contact with the head, neck or shoulders (combs, brushes, hats, coats, towels, etc.).
- Animals do not carry human head lice, so it is not necessary to treat pets.
Parent-Teacher Conferences: Parents agree to meet with teachers at the end of the 1st and 3rd quarters to discuss each student’s progress. Report cards also will be given at those times. A parent is welcome to make an appointment with a teacher at any time.
Library: Books may be checked out for two weeks and may be renewed for another week. Families must pay for lost or damaged books. Families are urged to avoid having overdue books. The Administration reserves the right to withhold report cards for any unpaid fines. Any lost or damaged books – both extracurricular or text – will be billed to the student responsible to be paid in that month’s billing cycle.
Dismissal: Students will be allowed to leave campus ONLY with a pre-arranged adult. Written, signed notification from a parent is required for all students leaving with someone other than their parents.
Volunteers: Volunteers are always needed for various activities around the school. All volunteers must fill out a “Volunteer Ministry Information” form and also must obtain and sign a copy of “Guidelines for Volunteers.”
Volunteer Drivers: Volunteer drivers are greatly appreciated and must fill out volunteer forms as well as the Volunteer Driver Questionnaire.
Change of Address or Phone Number: Please inform a staff member if your address or phone number changes during the school year.
Conflict Resolution: Good communication between parents and teachers is a high priority at LCA. Parents will want to follow steps carefully if a problem or concern should arise concerning something a teacher has done or something that has happened in the classroom. The Georgia-Cumberland Conference recommends following the Biblical principles found in Matthew 18.
STEP 1: Schedule a meeting to speak with the teacher directly. No other step would happen until this first step is taken, and no other action on the part of the parent would be appropriate. After discussion with the teacher has taken place, a clarification, explanation, promised action or change of action should likely bring resolution to the matter. If, on the other hand, a parent is not satisfied following this visit and feel the matter is serious enough and important enough, move to Step # 2. Keep in mind that talking critically about the situation to other parents or even to a School Board member is not appropriate.
STEP 2: Contact the principal or the school board chairman about the matter to secure assistance in resolving any concerns. Counsel with him/her and ask for his/her input and evaluation. If this discussion does not resolve the matter, ask that it be taken to the Executive Committee.
STEP 3: At this meeting, the teacher will be present as well as the parents. The Executive Committee will try to assist with communication and bring about a resolution for the disagreement. If unsatisfied yet, the parents can ask that the matter be taken to the School Board itself where further action could be taken if necessary. A final resolution will be acted upon at this level and communicated in writing to all parties.
NOTE: The above process takes time and effort, but each parent needs to commit to that process, especially for serious problems. Also, the Georgia-Cumberland Conference Office of Education reserves the right to enter the process at Step 3. For additional details, see Procedure GCC 4308.
Inclement Weather: School closings will be posted, generally by 6:00 a.m., on local TV stations 3, 9 and 12 as well as most radio stations. Log on to www.wrcbtv.com or www.newschannel9.com for current school closings on line.
Classroom Visits: The school encourages parents to observe children’s progress at different times during the school year but also asks that arrangements be made in advance. Unscheduled visits are very disruptive to the classrooms. Student visitors from other schools will no longer be allowed to remain for the entire school day, due to insurance regulations.
Home Supervision: The Bible clearly teaches that parents are ultimately responsible for training their children (Deuteronomy 6:7, Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:10, Hebrews 12:9), and good discipline originates in the home. The parent is the first teacher of a child and should develop appropriate behavior and proper attitudes towards school. Parents are encouraged to:
- Recognize that the teacher represents the parent while a child is at school.
- Teach children to respect laws and the rights of others as well as private and public property.
- Arrange for prompt and regular school attendance and comply with attendance rules and procedures.
- Work with the school in carrying out recommendations made in the best interests of children, including discipline.
- Talk with children about school activities and show an active interest in report cards and progress.
- Encourage children to be enthusiastic about school work, and arrange a suitable, quiet place of study at home at a regular time.
It is not the intention of LCA to replace parents in instilling principles of character. If a parent feels uncomfortable with the school’s policies or if a student feels division between the policies of home and school, families are asked to either work with the school to bridge the gap or withdraw the student when differences cannot be resolved.
Student Accident Insurance: The school carries an accident insurance policy, which covers medical payment for school accidents in excess of the family or employer group insurance. This policy is in effect when the student is:
- On the school grounds when school is in session.
- Participating in a school-sponsored or school-supervised activity.
- Traveling directly from home to school or from school to home on days the student was in attendance at school.
Should the student be injured under these conditions, parents should:
- File a report with the school within 24 hours of the time of the accident.
- File a claim and collect payment from the family or employer group insurance
