Handbook 2011-12
Mission Statement and Philosophy
Admission Guidelines
Financial Information
The School Program
Student Regulations
Discipline
Parent Responsibilities
Health Policy
Mission Statement and Philosophy
MISSION STATEMENT
Lester Coon Adventist School (LCA) exists to provide academic training while inspiring students to subscribe to principles of truth, obedience, honor, integrity, justice and purity in the context of Seventh-day Adventist beliefs and lifestyle.
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 Adventist School (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
ABOUT THE SCHOOL
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. LCA was rigorously evaluated in January, 2010, and granted a six-year term of accreditation by the Southern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Program: LCA provides instruction in an inviting environment from kindergarten through eighth grade, has a low student-teacher ratio, and individualizes instruction when needed.
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. It keeps parents informed of current educational trends and methods. 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.
Students who apply to LCA should be willing to respect the principles and practices of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and hopefully come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. The Bible is the foundation of the SDA faith.
LCA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic background, gender or country of origin and grants and makes available to each student all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally made available to students. However, prospective students who hold beliefs or practice activities which uphold Satanism, wizardry, devil worship, black magic or wiccan, will not be accepted.
All new students must be interviewed by the principal/staff prior to attendance. All new home school students must submit to the principal evidence of prior work at grade level, and have placement testing administered by the home room teacher in conjunction with the principal before admission/attendance.
To begin the registration process, the forms in the registration packet must be filled out and submitted. Please note that there are places where students as well as parents/guardians are asked to sign. To assure confidentiality for reference-givers, it is important that reference forms be filled out by the parent/guardian and turned in with the application. LCA will then send the forms to the persons writing the references, who will return them directly to LCA. Each student should have a copy of his/her birth certificate on file.
Before any application can be processed by LCA, the following financial obligations must be met:
- All previous school accounts at LCA or any school must be paid in full.
- LCA’s registration fee must be paid.
- The first month’s tuition must be paid.
In keeping with conference policy, LCA requires that no student be accepted if they have an unpaid bill at LCA or any other school. LCA, likewise, cannot release a student’s records until the student’s bill is paid in full. If LCA finds that a family owes a bill to another school after already having been accepted, their child/children will be asked to leave LCA until proof is provided that satisfactory arrangements have been made with the school where that bill is owed.
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 form is supplied by the Hamilton County Health Department at very low cost, or by a physician. State regulations regarding immunizations which affect all new students, and grades K and 7 were changed in 2010. Immunization regulations will be available at registration or by request.
Following initial acceptance, there will be a six-week probationary period beginning the first day of school for new and transferring students before final acceptance is granted. This allows time for verification of records as well as time to evaluate the student’s adjustment to LCA.
Age Placement: The Georgia-Cumberland Conference recommends that children entering Kindergarten be 5 years old by August 15 and those entering 1st grade be 6 by August 15. Special consideration will be given to individual requests for age exceptions that are brought to the principal’s attention.
Registration Fee: Click Here
The registration fee is due at registration. This fee covers the costs of textbooks, workbooks, photocopies, student achievement tests, student insurance, new library books, magazines and other supplies.
Prorating of Registration Fees: Students who voluntarily withdraw before September 1, will receive a 40 percent refund of the registration fee. The registration fee will not be refunded for students who withdraw on or after September 1. If a student enrolls at or after the beginning of second semester, the entrance fee will be half.
Tuition: Click Here
The first month’s tuition is due at registration. There are a total of 10 monthly tuition payments. Since the registration fee plus the first month’s tuition is relatively large, LCA suggests that parents pay half of the registration fee in June, the balance in July, and the first month’s tuition on registration day. A $25 credit towards August’s tuition is available for those who pay the full registration fee and first month’s tuition by registration day, July 11.
Prorating of Tuition: For those who voluntarily withdraw, tuition will be prorated down to a minimum of 50 percent of the monthly tuition rate. For those asked to withdraw, the full month’s tuition will be charged.
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 an acceptable request/arrangement is submitted in writing to the treasurer by the 10th.
If arrangements have not been made by the 20th of the month regarding payment, the student will be suspended at that time until arrangements have been made with the Finance Committee.
Return Check Fee: If a check is returned from the bank for non-sufficient funds, the student’s account will be charged a $30 service fee.
Graduation Fee: A fee of $75 will be billed to each of the 8th grade student accounts in April. This covers the graduation cap, gown, diploma, programs, 2 flowers per graduate, and the cake and punch for the reception. Any additional expenses will be paid by the graduates.
Optional Items: There are optional items available at additional fees.
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 Friday. Parents will be notified in advance of any changes in regular school hours or deviations from the school calendar.
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 30 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 beginning a half hour after dismissal – usually 3:30 p.m. Students must not be dropped off early and/or left without parent/guardian supervision.
Parents or care-givers who arrive for student pickup after 3:30 p.m. (or more than 30 minutes after dismissal) will be required to complete a Late Pickup Form when they arrive and will 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 suggestions for after-school alternatives. Exceptions for emergencies can be made at the principal’s discretion. Please call the school to let us know the situation when running late if at all possible.
For the safety of both students and teachers, the front doors of the school are locked soon after school begins during school hours and unlocked near dismissal. Visitors are asked to ring the doorbell for entrance.
Tardies: Parents are asked to ensure that each child arrives in their classroom between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.. The school day begins with worship which is an integral part of LCA’s program, and tardiness interrupts these minutes spent with God. A signed/dated absence/tardy form must be submitted to the teacher stating the reason for the tardiness when a child arrives late to school. If the form is not submitted the tardiness will automatically be considered unexcused. Five unexcused tardies will be allowed each quarter. On the 6th unexcused tardy, and each subsequent unexcused tardy in a quarter, there will be a $1.00 fee. Upon the 9th unexcused tardy in a quarter, the parent/guardian will be asked to meet with the principal and staff. If tardiness continues to be a problem, the situation may be remanded to the School Board. In each case where a fee is assessed, students will be suspended until the fees are paid. LCA is obligated to follow state/county truancy regulations.
Absences: State law requires every school to maintain regular class attendance. Students who miss 20 percent of their classes may be failed. Tennessee school laws place the responsibility on the parent/guardian to insure that children are in school. Absences caused by illness, death in the family, court appearances, or doctor/dental appointments which cannot be made outside of school time may be excused. In applicable cases, the doctor’s/dentist’s excuse should be attached to the absence/tardies form. A signed/dated excuse form must be given to the teacher the day the child returns to school, giving the reason for the absence. If the form is not submitted the absence will be automatically considered unexcused. Students who are absent without excuse will come under the following consequences: 5 unexcused absences during a school year will result in a $25 re-registration fee. In the event of more than 5 unexcused absences, the Hamilton County Board of Education will be contacted. When a parent requests vacation/travel time according to policy and it is approved, while the absences will be unexcused, they will not count toward the re-registration fee or the total of unexcused absences that would lead to reporting to the Hamilton County Board of Education.
Pre-arranged Absences for Travel: If it is necessary for a student to be absent for any reason other than illness or death in the family, such as extended travel, parents will make arrangements in advance for the student’s work to be completed prior to departure. Except in the case of emergencies, requests for absences should be made in advance for double the amount of time of the request. For example: If the request is for 5 days absence the request should be made at least 10 school days in advance. Requests for up to 5 days total per year for vacation/travel may be submitted in writing to the teacher for approval by the principal. Requests for more than 5 days, aggregate, must be submitted in writing to the School Board for approval. The required form is available in the office for these requests.
Excused Late Work Protocol: All excused late work must be completed according to the following schedule: double the number of days absent plus one. If handed in later, no points will be given. (Example: 2 days absent; 5 days to submit work.)
Unexcused Late Work Protocol (other than prearranged absences for travel): In general, daily assignments are due the next morning. Late work takes an enormous toll on both the student and teacher, and should be avoided at all costs. Each teacher develops his/her late work policy, and a copy is placed on file in the office. Students who have late/missing work may forfeit recesses, activities both during and after school, and will be docked between 20% and 100% of the points according to each teacher’s policy. It is a parent’s responsibility to make sure all homework 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. A second conference will require the involvement of the principal. Additionally, students who habitually have late/missing work are subject to failing grades, suspension, and the possibility of being asked to withdraw.
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.
When the parent/guardian is given the Student Accident Insurance claim form, he/she will be asked to sign an acknowledgement of receipt. In the event they decline to use the Student Accident Insurance, they will be asked to sign a waiver to that effect.
Safety Drill Procedures:
- Fire Drill: When the fire alarm sounds, students must leave the building immediately in an orderly and quiet manner, go quickly in lines to designated areas, turn and face the teacher/aide, and wait silently for the signal to reenter in an orderly fashion.
- Tornado Drill: In the event of a tornado drill, students must move to the designated area under the direction of the teachers/aids and assume a crouching position until the all-clear signal is given. A flashlight is provided for each room.
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- K – 2: Girl’s restroom
- 3 – 4: Galley kitchen
- 5 – 8: Boy’s restroom
Inclement Weather: LCA does not automatically close when Hamilton County Schools close. Calling post messages are the primary means of communicating school closings. School closings will also 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. From time to time, the list of TV and radio stations which communicate school closings may be updated.
Mid-Year Policy Changes: 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.
Types of Diplomas: Upon completing the eighth grade, students will ordinarily receive a Standard Certificate of Graduation. In certain cases a student may receive a Certificate of Attendance. Parents of 8th Grade students who will receive a certificate of Attendance will be notified by mid-year. The quality and the level of the work completed will determine which certificate is received.
Home School 8th Graders: Home schoolers will not be accepted during the 8th grade year after the beginning of 2nd semester.
Grading Scale:
A+ 99 – 100
A 94 – 98
A – 92 – 93
B+ 90 – 91
B 85 – 89
B- 83 – 84
C+ 81-82
C 76-80
C- 74-75
D+ 72-73
D 67-71
D- 65-66
F 64 or less
Required Participation: Following is a partial list of the programs students are expected to attend. Attendance at starred items is required and counts for up to half the grade for the related classes.
- School Picnic
- Fall Festival
- *Choir Performances (Music)
- *Education Fair (Science, Social Studies, or as designated by teacher)
- *Graduation (Music, Bible)
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 parent or guardian. The amount of the damage will be assessed by the school. Transcripts or diplomas may be withheld or other action may be taken if damages are not paid for promptly.
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. If a student is wearing something inappropriate, has no backup clothing, and the parent or guardian is unable to bring a replacement, he/she may be asked to wear an article of clothing provided by the school. The student will be remanded to the office in most cases or otherwise isolated until the issue is resolved. Students failing to comply may face corrective actions, and inappropriate items may be confiscated. Goth or gangster style clothing is never appropriate school attire.
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 it 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 – Must 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. 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.
Movies:Movies and DVD’s shown at school that are rated beyond “G” must be approved by the staff in council before they are shown.
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 expected to eat his or her own lunch unless permission is granted by the teacher. Food and drinks should be consumed only at designated times and in designated areas. Students will remain seated and talk quietly during such times. 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. All lunches should either be premade or quickly and easily prepared by students without teachers’ assistance, as teachers need the lunch break time to eat as well.
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. However, unclean meats and caffeinated drinks are not permitted. Vegetarian dishes and non-caffeinated drinks are preferred at school-sponsored functions.
Medications: All medications brought to 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 medication 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 procured by students from school staff. All medicines must be brought from home along with a note from a parent/guardian, and both given to the teacher as soon as the student comes to school. Students should bring only small amounts as needed.
Chewing gum: Gum will not be allowed on the school premises unless approved by the principal.
Restrooms: Students are expected to keep the restrooms clean. Horseplay will not be allowed. Loitering, writing on or kicking walls, or damaging the facilities in any way is strictly prohibited. Restroom breaks will be given at the teachers’ discretion.
Proper Decorum: Respect is a Christian responsibility. Students are expected to show courtesy and respect to all visitors, substitute teachers, aides, readers, and volunteers, as well as staff members. A courteous student is one of the greatest witnesses for Christian education.
Phone Protocol: Teachers and students should not be called during school hours except when important messages need to be given. Students are not allowed to use the phone except when given specific permission by a teacher or staff member other than an aide or volunteer. Student cell phones will be given to teachers during school hours and will be returned when the student leaves for the day.
Electronics: No electronic equipment or software, CD’s, DVD’s, thumb drives, IPOD’s, etc., 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 in accordance with Georgia-Cumberland Conference policy.
Confiscated Items: Confiscated items (other than illegal or obscene items or items that must be held as evidence) may usually be picked up after school by the parent or guardian. If the same or similar item is confiscated again, the item will be disposed of at the LCA staff’s discretion.
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, or other items 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. Students are expected to usually be involved in group games during free time.
Bullying: Bullying is harmful and unlawful. It will be taken seriously and will be dealt with according to the conference bullying policy.
Safety: In-line skates, roller skates, skateboards and other recreational equipment with wheels are not permitted on campus due to safety hazards.
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 which could be 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, or an offense is of a serious nature, 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 to students by each teacher at the start of the year. Significant changes in discipline policy throughout the year will be made known to parents/guardians when/if they occur.
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 will be given at those times. A parent is welcome to make an appointment with a teacher at any time.
Parental Involvement: Parents and/or guardians are expected to accompany students to all school-related activities, including any programs, picnics, performances or other functions.
Parent/Guardian Volunteer Form: All those who benefit from what LCA has to offer, no doubt recognize that the cost of education far outweighs the cost of tuition. For this reason and these that follow, LCA has implemented this Volunteer Agreement:
- The importance of parental examples of service
- The staff’s need for help with school activities above and beyond their own abilities
- The desire to foster a spirit of togetherness and community
Consequently, a condition of each student’s enrollment is a written commitment of a minimum of 12 volunteer hours per school year by the parent/guardian of students for each family. With permission, extended family members such as grandparents may count their hours toward the Parent/Guardian commitment. 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.” Volunteers help LCA keep tuition costs as low as possible. We will strive to assign volunteers to the areas of stated interests. However, LCA reserves the right to assign volunteers to work in the capacity which LCA deems best for the needs of the school keeping in mind the volunteer’s preferences.
Library: LCA is very proud of its new library and book tracking/checkout system. 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 make sure their child has no 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 account of the student responsible to be paid in that month’s billing cycle. Failure to properly check out books will be cause for discipline including, but not limited to, fines. Students will be trained in correct checkout and return procedures.
Student Pickup Authorization: Students will be allowed to leave campus ONLY with a pre-approved adult. Written, signed notification from a parent/guardian is required for all students leaving with someone other than their parents/guardians.
Volunteer Drivers: Volunteer drivers are not only greatly appreciated but also an absolute necessity for field trips. All volunteer drivers must fill out volunteer forms as well as the Volunteer Driver Questionnaire. Proof of valid driver’s license and 100,000/300,000 auto insurance is required. In the event that the volunteer driver’s auto insurance is cancelled or the policy coverage amount is lessened, the school must be immediately notified.
Change of Address or Phone Number: Please inform the teacher or administrative assistant if your address or phone number changes during the school year.
Student Baptism: Please inform the teacher or administrative assistant if your child is baptized including the date of baptism.
Conflict Resolution Protocol: 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 regarding something a teacher has done or some irregularity that has happened in the classroom. The Georgia-Cumberland Conference recommends following the Biblical principles found in Matthew 18. Following are listed the required steps to follow in the event of a conflict:
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.
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 do the following:
- 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.
Any contagious illness or condition must be reported to the Principal in accordance with local laws, regulations, and conference policy.
When your child is ill, he/she should be kept home. We encourage you to keep your child home if they show any of the following symptoms:
- Swollen glands or soar throat
- Fever currently or within previous 24 hour period
- General signs of illness such as vomiting, earache, headache, listlessness, or weakness
- Discharge or crusting around eyelids, eyes pink in appearance (Pink Eye)
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.
Guidelines for treatment of head lice are available at the office
