Libertas/CFLC Handbook

2022-2023 HANDBOOK

WELCOME HISTORY VISION STATEMENT MISSION STATEMENT LIBERTAS ACADEMY CORE VALUES

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CONSTITUTION

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SECONDARY DOCTRINE POLICY

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RECOGNIZED HOLIDAYS

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EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY PEDAGOGY, SUBJECTS & CURRICULUM MATHEMATICS LANGUAGE WHY LATIN SCIENCE HUMANITIES CHAPEL PHYSICAL EDUCATION FIELD TRIPS HOMEWORK LOADS MAKE-UP WORK PHILOSOPHY OF GRADING MATHEMATICS GRADING POLICY SCIENCE GRADING POLICY LATIN GRADING POLICY HUMANITIES GRADING FAILING & RETAKES CHEATING & PLAGIARISM PHILOSOPHY OF EXAMINATION EXTRACURRICULAR PHILOSOPHY REPORT CARDS AND TRANSCRIPTS PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES ACHIEVEMENT TESTS CARE OF BOOKS & TEXTS SAT, ACT & CLT

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ACADEMIC YEAR & SCHEDULE SEMESTER SCHEDULE CALENDAR

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STUDENT ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL

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EARLY MORNING DROP OFF (FEE) AFTER SCHOOL HOMEWORK CLUB (FEE) EARLY DEPARTURES ATTENDANCE TARDIES EXCUSED TARDIES

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TUITION TUITION PAYMENTS TUITION FOR LATE ENROLLMENT DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS TUITION AGREEMENT APPROACH TO SCHOLARSHIPS FINANCIAL AID POLICY QUALIFICATIONS OF FINANCIAL AID APPLICANTS (financial aid is not renewable annually) FINANCIAL AID LEVELS FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS

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FUNDRAISING FUNDRAISING POLICIES DONOR RECOGNITION

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ADMISSIONS & REGISTRATION APPLICATION PROCESS FORMS PART-TIME STUDENTS RE-ENROLLMENT LEARNING DISABILITIES

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IMMUNIZATIONS

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SCHOOL CULTURE RELATIONSHIPS & FRIENDSHIPS PROHIBITED ITEMS ON SCHOOL GROUNDS TECHNOLOGY & SOCIAL MEDIA CONSEQUENCES, SUSPENSION, AND EXPULSION DISCIPLINE POLICY PLAYGROUND POLICIES LIBERTAS ACADEMY BULLYING POLICY LUNCH PIZZA LUNCHES

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UNIFORM AND DRESS CODE

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OUTERWEAR (in-class appropriate) PHYSICAL EDUCATION UNIFORM Primary Dress Code TK-6 PRIMARY UNIFORMS T-K - 6 SECONDARY LIBERTAS ACADEMY DRESS CODE 7-12th SCHOOL DRESS CODE VIOLATION

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GRIEVANCES GRIEVANCES BETWEEN STUDENTS GRIEVANCES WITH TEACHERS TIPS FOR BIBLICAL RESOLUTION

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STUDENT DRIVERS

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SCHOOL COMMUNICATION TELEPHONE CALLS PARENT MEETINGS SCHOOL INFORMATION APPOINTMENTS WITH TEACHERS

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DUTIES AS A PARENT PARENT PARTICIPATION PROGRAM (see website www. LIBERTAS ACADEMYschool.org) PARENT HONOR CODE

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DUTY AS A STUDENT STUDENT HONOR CODE for 7th Grade & Up (this will be signed the 1st day of school)

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HEALTH AND SAFETY HEALTH LIBERTAS ACADEMY RELEASE OF LIABILITY ASSUMPTION OF RISK LIABILITY RELEASE COMMUNICABLE ILLNESSES SAFETY & SECURITY BACKGROUND CHECKS POLICY ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT GUIDELINES FOR DISCRETION STUDENTS IN CLASSROOM SPACES SCHOOL SECURITY - CLOSED CAMPUS ALARM SYSTEM CRIME REPORTING

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SCHOOL GOVERNANCE & ACCREDITATION SCHOOL BOARD

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SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS 2022-2023

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EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE FACULTY EXCELLENCE CONTINUED EDUCATION FOR TEACHERS EVALUATIONS

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FACILITIES FACILITIES USE NON-EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES USE

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ADMINISTRATIVE PRACTICES School Structure

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FINANCIAL POLICIES BUDGET BUDGET PLANNING BUDGET PREPARATION BUDGET PROPOSAL BUDGET ADOPTION BOARD PROCEDURES BOARD HONOR CODE BOARD BY-LAWS

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CFLC Board of Directors Policies CFLC Board of Directors Confidentiality Roles Of CFLC Board of Directors Organization Chairman Vice-Chairman Secretary Treasurer Education Council - Committee Chairman CFLC Fundraising Chairman Members at Large

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CFLC Board of Directors Nomination Process Nominees must have the following qualifications: Resignation and Filling MidTerm Vacancies Conflict of Interest

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CFLC Board of Directors Committees Education Council - Committee Members of the Education Council - Committee Terms of the Education Council - Committee are as follows:

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The qualifications for sitting on the Education Council - Committee are as follows: Timeline for the Education Committee Process CFLC Fundraising Committee The Fundraising Committee has the authority to: CFLC Board of Directors Meeting Procedures Order of the CFLC Board meeting: The following principles will apply to all CFLC Board meetings: The following method of discussion will apply to all CFLC Board meetings: The following decision making process will apply to all CFLC Board meetings: The following will apply to all CFLC Board meetings: The following will apply to all CFLC Board members: Making a Motion CFLC Board of Directors Honor Code

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WELCOME We would like to welcome you to Libertas Academy, A Christian Family Learning Center (CFLC)!

Whether you are a new student and parent or returning for another year, we thank God for the opportunity to provide you with a Christian education. Please make it a priority during the year to pray for your student(s), teachers, staff, and governing board as we strive to fulfill the LIBERTAS ACADEMY Mission Statement.

This Parent/Student Handbook is provided to give you as much insight as possible about the workings of LIBERTAS ACADEMY. Parents and students, please review this entire handbook to gain an understanding of what is expected of students who attend LIBERTAS ACADEMY. Please contact us if you have any questions or need help. We are here to assist our students and families.

HISTORY CFLC was established in 1991 as an elementary and junior high school owned and operated by the parents of the students. LIBERTAS ACADEMY is an interdenominational school . We offerTransitional Kindergarten (TK) through 12th Grade on Whittle Road adjacent to Foothill Community Church.

VISION STATEMENT To be the standard of excellence in Christian education.

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MISSION STATEMENT We desire that our children grow: in Wisdom…………....Intellectual Growth in Stature…………...…Physical Development in Favor with God ...Spiritual Fruit in Favor with Man...Social Skills -adopted from Luke 2:52

LIBERTAS ACADEMY CORE VALUES Committed to service above self John 13 Philippians 2: 3-4 Extending Love and Grace Ephesians 2: 4-9 Putting Faith into Action James 2: 17-18 James 1: 22 & 25

CONSTITUTION The Constitution of All Christian Family Learning Centers Introduction In this present age of moral confusion, we find it a matter of first importance to articulate the principles we find foundational in educating children in Christian community. As such, we do establish and ordain this constitutional document as foundational to all curricular decisions made, all teachers hired, all board members elected, and all policies created. This document is the compass for Christian Family Learning Center. If a consideration does not line up with what is set forth in this constitution, then a decision on such a consideration may not be made. The fabric of this school

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is to be interwoven with biblical truth through every fiber. This document is set forth to ensure that this high calling of Christian education is attained sweetly and mightily.

Statement of Beliefs Christian Family Learning Center is an institution born of and nourished by the infallible Word of God handed down to us in the Canon of Sacred Scripture in the Old and New Testaments. This institution is not an ecclesiastical body nor is it subject to any ecclesiastical organization. As a Christian community composed of many denominations we hold to the truths handed down to us from the time of Christ as enunciated in the Apostles’ Creed: Credo in Deum Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem caeli et terrae, et in Iesum Christum, Filium Eius unicum, Dominum nostrum, qui conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria Virgine, passus sub Pontio Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus, et sepultus, descendit ad inferos, tertia die resurrexit a mortuis, ascendit ad caelos, sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis, inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos.

Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam catholicam, sanctorum communionem, remissionem peccatorum, carnis resurrectionem, vitam aeternam.

Amen.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

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who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to Hell.

The third day he rose again from the dead.

He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.

From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Amen.

Moreover, we are committed to the following basic principles for Christian education: The Bible Relying on the faith of the apostolic age, we accept the Canon of Sacred Scripture comprised in the books of the Old and New Testaments which, having been written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, have God as their author.

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The human authors of Sacred Scripture were inspired by God to write whatever He wanted written, and no more, while making full use of their own wits and powers. They wrote as true authors though God acted in them and by them.

The inspired books teach the truth and all that the inspired authors affirm should be regarded as affirmed by the Holy Spirit, we must acknowledge that the books of Scripture firmly, faithfully, and without error teach that truth which God, for the sake of our salvation, wished to see confided to the Sacred Scriptures.

The Holy Trinity That there is one God who exists in three divine Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who are coequal in power, sharing in the divine substance, but who are distinct according to their relations of origin -the Father generating the Son, the Son being eternally begotten of the Father, and the Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Son. Creation That God created the invisible world of the angels, creatures of tremendous beauty and power, and that many of the angels rebelled against God and were cast down into hell. That the bad angels are permitted to roam about the world seeking the ruin of souls until the day when Christ will put all things under His feet.

That God created the material cosmos out of nothing and that He created the paradise of Eden for man and woman to dwell in. That He created the first man, Adam, from the dust of the earth and placed him in the garden. That he created the first woman, Eve, from the side of Adam. That He created both man and woman in His image and likeness and that they walked with God in the paradise of Eden as innocent children filled with grace.

Sin

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That Adam and Eve sinned, losing the grace of God, and were cast out of Eden. That Adam and Eve, being the father and mother of all mankind, have passed their sin on to all and that all have been deprived of the grace of God. That man’s rebellion against God alienates him from his Creator, his neighbor, and the world.

Jesus Christ That Jesus Christ, the Word of the Father, was born of the Virgin Mary in time and that He walked among men teaching them and working miracles to bear witness to the truth. That He chose apostles to preach the gospel to all nations. That He died the death of the Cross and shed His blood for the salvation of the world. That He descended into hell and that He rose triumphantly from the tomb on the third day. That He appeared to his disciples many times in His glorified body and that he ascended into heaven after forty days. That He will come again in glory on the last day to judge the living and the dead and that His Kingdom will have no end.

The Holy Spirit That the Holy Spirit, the Love of the Father and the Son, was sent upon the apostles as tongues of fire, filling them with power to witness to the gospel, and that the same Spirit continues to renew the face of the earth in cooperation with men and women who are docile to His promptings and guidance.

Gender and Marriage That God created humankind male and female and that he established marriage as constituted between a man and woman only.

The Sanctity of Human Life That all human life is sacred from conception until natural death. That abortion and euthanasia are grave evils which cannot be accepted under any circumstances.

Philosophy of Education That as Christians we approach the pursuit of the truth with “faith seeking understanding.” The things known from Divine Revelation can never contradict the things which can be known by the

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light of human reason. Standing on the firm foundation of the Word of God Christians possess the sure compass that will lead them to the knowledge of the truth as the study of visible things leads them to the knowledge of invisible things.

This school adopts the classical model of a liberal arts education, which has been proven over the ages to lead minds swiftly to wisdom. Teaching methods, the curriculum, and the entire academic structure of this school are oriented according to the academic Trivium of grammar, logic, and rhetoric. The great books and other primary sources take pride of place over textbooks. The authors themselves are the teachers. Classroom instructors do not teach their own opinions and personal beliefs, but help students to understand the arguments of the authors they read and to discern truth and falsity in the light of Divine Revelation.

Wisdom, the true goal of all education, is the knowledge of first principles. Education at this school is a journey towards wisdom. As the students study the various subjects and disciplines in this academic program they will grow in wisdom as they see the integration and interconnectedness of all things in the illuminating rays of God’s pure Light. This school believes that learning springs from wonder and ends in wonder. The ultimate destiny of our students is to contemplate the beauty of God in the Beatific Vision and to cling to Him in adoration in love. This destiny begins in the classroom.

Parents That the primary responsibility for education rests upon parents to whom children are entrusted by God, and that Christian parents should accept this obligation in view of the covenantal relationship with God established with believers and their children. Parents share this responsibility with the teachers to whom they entrust their children.

Teachers That Christian teachers, both in obedience to God and in cooperation with parents, have a unique pedagogical responsibility while educating the children in their charge, namely, to work as instruments of the Holy Spirit forming the image of Christ in their charges.

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Students That Christian homes and learning centers must take into account the variety of abilities, needs, and responsibilities of students; that the endowments and calling of students as God’s image-bearers and their defects and inadequacies as sinners require that such learning goals and such curriculum will be selected as will best prepare them to live as obedient Christians; and that only with constant attention to such pedagogical concerns will education be truly Christian.

Community That because Christian education contributes directly to the advancement of God’s kingdom, it is the privilege not only of the parents but also of their Christian communities to undergird, pray for, work for and support Christian education.

Educational Freedom That Christian Family based education and Family sponsored learning centers organized and administered according to legitimate standards should be fully recognized as free to function according to their principles.

The members of this institution are supporters of the United States Constitution and are therefore committed to their constitutional rights to liberty and privacy under the 14th Amendment, and to the free exercise of religion under the First Amendment, guaranteeing that parents may educate their children according to their convictions. The following statement from the Supreme Court decision of Pierce vs. Society of Sisters, 268 US 510 (1925) outlines the constitutional guarantees of this association: “The fundamental theory of liberty upon which all governments in this Union repose excludes any power of the state to standardize its children by forcing them to

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accept instruction from public school teachers only. The child is not a mere creature of the state; those who nurture and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations.”

That in their education, children must come to learn that the world, and man’s calling in it, can rightly be understood only in their relation to the Triune God who by His creation, restoration, and governance directs all things to the coming of His Kingdom and the glorification of His name.

Conclusion We do here establish and ordain this Constitution as an unchangeable guide for the future generations of Christian Family Learning Center and Libertas Academy. May it ever shine as a beacon of light to illuminate the path of all who come to build up the Kingdom of God in this school.

-Written in the Year of Our Lord MMXIX

SECONDARY DOCTRINE POLICY LIBERTAS ACADEMY is committed to wrestling with hard concepts in Scripture through a socratic method of engaging students. We will encourage students to discuss secondary doctrine with their own families and pastors. Some of the secondary doctrine concepts that may be discussed (namely at the secondary level) are: 1. Assurance of salvation 2. Eschatology 3. Baptism 4. Creation and age of the earth

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RECOGNIZED HOLIDAYS We believe that the celebration of holidays is an important part of our culture, and as such, we desire to join in the celebration of specific holidays. Therefore Libertas Academy will recognize the following holidays in a celebratory manner: ● Celebration of the Harvest ● Christmas ● Thanksgiving ● Easter ● Veterans Day ● Labor Day ● Memorial Day ● President’s Day ● George Washington’s Birthday ● Martin Luther King Day

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY PEDAGOGY, SUBJECTS & CURRICULUM Why we teach the way we do: “To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement.” - Augustine We believe that the teacher is the curriculum. Rather than specifying curriculum, we will instead specify philosophy and milestones for each core subject.

MATHEMATICS “Mathematics is the language with which God wrote the universe.” — Galileo Using a clear sequence of objectives, our dedicated and trained teachers foster a desire to love and understand God’s creation through the lens of mathematics. Teachers equip students to think mathematically in order to succeed in all studies.

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As teachers create lesson plans they will create math milestones for the students, setting benchmarks for the various concepts that will be taught throughout their time at LIBERTAS ACADEMY. Math Integration: The practical application of the math concepts being developed is imperative to cognitive development. Where appropriate, math as it relates to music, art, construction, astronomy, and chemistry will be demonstrated.

LIBERTAS ACADEMY’s math program will equip students to love and master computation and logic skills in order to reveal and better understand the perfection and truth of God’s universe.

As a general guideline teachers will ensure that mathematical concepts are taught with the goal of students learning to logically simplify difficult problems. We will meet and exceed state standards with any curriculum we choose.

LANGUAGE The Purpose of Language: We use foreign language courses to increase vocabulary, teach a grammatical understanding of both the language being studied in conjunction with English and foundationally prepare students for further language studies. Languages such as Latin give students a theological edge in reading ancient writings and cultivating minds that think logically.

"The great remedy for ignorance . . . is knowledge of languages. And men who speak the Latin tongue, of whom are those I have undertaken to instruct, need two other languages for the knowledge of Scripture, Hebrew, and Greek, that they may have recourse to the original texts if the endless diversity of the Latin translators throw them into doubt.” - Augustine Teachers will include language milestones in their lesson plans, setting benchmarks for the various concepts that will be taught.

Language Integration: Practical application of any foreign language as it relates to the English language will be imperative to these courses of study. Where appropriate, the languages taught will be discussed in the context of history and literature.

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WHY LATIN Latin is not a dead language. It is instead a foundational language to the era in which Jesus came. It is foundational to many of our Christian documents, and it is alive in the romantic languages, as well as a multiplicity of words in the English language. Latin is a well-constructed language, and studying its grammar reinforces English grammar. Studying its context gives us perspective into the times when Scripture was written. Learning Latin is beneficial to future language learning, computer programming, medical fields and more.

SCIENCE We teach that the Creator literally spoke the world into existence, and that belief in God the Creator is, therefore, foundational to all scientific studies.

Romans 1:20 states, “For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” We believe that science reveals these invisible attributes.

"Some people, in order to discover God, read books. But there is a great book: the very appearance of created things. Look above you! Look below you! Read it. God, whom you want to discover, never wrote that book with ink. Instead, He set before your eyes the things that He had made. Can you ask for a louder voice than that?" - Augustine As teachers create lesson plans, they will create Science milestones for the students, setting benchmarks for the various concepts, practical experiments, and demonstrations that will be taught.

Science Integration: Where appropriate, science will be taught in the context of biblical and historical studies. Experiments and practical science are imperative to the study of this discipline.

The physical sciences, which include all sciences as they relate to the physical and inorganic world, will be taught as philosophy and practiced through observation, projects, and experiments.

The Biological Sciences, which include all sciences as they relate to the organic world, will be taught as philosophy and practiced through observation, projects, and experiments.

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HUMANITIES We teach literature, history, theology, philosophy, poetry, rhetoric, Bible, and worldview. Each piece of literature –both fiction and nonfiction– serves as a launching point for discussing worldview, historical context, authorship, rhetoric, geography, theology, philosophy, etc. At each grade level, benchmarks will be reached in several areas: 1. Critical Thinking 2. History Skills 3. Literary Skills 4. Writing Skills 5. Logical reasoning Humanities Milestones: As teachers create lesson plans, they will assign reading that correlates to the topic. They will direct discussions that point towards the worldview and require written and verbal assignments that answer engaging and difficult questions. Teachers will set improvement goals for individual students. These personalized milestones will enable each student to reach their highest potential at each grade level.

We will read various pieces of literature and history for the purpose of discovering truth. Augustine talks about “plundering the Egyptians,” and we know that all truth is God’s truth; and thus truth may come from many places and sources. Therefore, our humanities program will seek to discern truths and falsities from each and every source, with Scripture held as the plumb line for truth.

Additionally, copiousness and integration work hand in hand. When subjects are disjointed, connections do not come immediately. To understand God’s world is to understand His word as it works. History does not stand alone: literature, culture, geography, biblical timelines, philosophy, art, and music are what history is made of. To study them as separate “units” is to forget the truth. Even our understanding of the Bible –which alone is God’s Word– grows as we study it in its context. What has shaped our world is not out-of-context events, but intertwined human encounters within the context of God’s amazing world. .

CHAPEL Chapel is held each Monday and Friday. Its purpose is to challenge students with the Word of God through worship, singing, scripture recitation, prayer, and devotions or messages. Classes, individual

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students, teachers, pastors, and other outside speakers will be a part of the chapel services. Parents are always invited and encouraged to attend chapel.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Physical education is of critical importance in the development of the whole person. Our physical education program is intended to set a foundation for physical well-being, self-control, discipline, strong work ethic, and teaching the students to honor God with their bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Hebrews 12:11-12 states, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.”

“Take care of your body as if you will live forever, and take care of your soul as if you will die tomorrow.”

-Augustine All students will participate in age-appropriate physical education and sports activities. A signed parent’s note, submitted to the office, is required for a student to be withdrawn from PE for one day.

A signed doctor’s note for the teacher is required for health or injury situations that require a student to be withdrawn from PE for two or more days. In the case a student fails to participate in a PE activity without cause, the parents will be contacted. LIBERTAS ACADEMY strives to provide a safe and nurturing environment for these activities.

FIELD TRIPS Field trips are an extension of the regular school day and are intended to be educational in nature.

Students are expected to participate in all field trips. Parents will be informed in advance of the nature and location of the field trip. Field trips are privileges and students can be denied participation if they fail to meet academic or behavioral requirements. Only students from the participating class may attend the field trip. Siblings & other relatives are not permitted unless prior authorization has been granted.

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HOMEWORK LOADS Libertas believes in the importance of rigorous academics balanced with family time and sabbath rest.

We believe in educating the “whole man” and, as such, teaching a work/life balance is something we should do. Because of this, we do not assign homework over a weekend or holiday. Additionally, we require that homework given by teachers (that which is outside the academic day) should only be given if it LOVES the student in offering: ● skill-building through practice ● time for memorization of information that builds a foundation to further learning and/or spiritual growth ● reading time in preparation for discussion or material to be covered the next day ● development time for projects that have specific learning purposes ● makeup work time The guidelines for teacher-assigned homework for the average student are as follows: ● TK-3rd grade: No more than 30 minutes ● 4-6th grades: No more than 60 minutes ● 7-8th grades: No more than 75 minutes ● 9-12th grades: No more than 3 hours Starting in 4th-grade, students may be assigned projects, including the Science Fair, that take more time. It is important for students to learn the skill of time management.

MAKE-UP WORK Students are expected to make up all missed work for any absence. If your child will be absent: 1. Please contact the school office.

2. The office will gather make-up work, upon parent request, from teachers.

3. When make-up work is prepared, it will be available the next day, in the school office.

4. For upcoming extended absences, please coordinate make-up work with teachers and the office.

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PHILOSOPHY OF GRADING LIBERTAS ACADEMY will use a unique method of grading that ensures students have time to practice and improve before they receive a grade. Therefore, regular “feedback grades” on new concepts will be internally kept, while grades that affect GPA in student’s transcripts will be recorded in our ClassReach software. We are also aiming to educate the “whole man,” so attitude and effort will be considered for grading.

Because we are looking towards mastery and not simply checking a box of completion, we desire that our students reach a level of mastery that is equal to their ability.

Libertas Academy’s late assignment grade penalties are determined by each teacher and will be announced in each course syllabus.

MATHEMATICS GRADING POLICY Because math problems are objectively right or wrong, grading for arithmetic will be points-based.

Mathematical exercises that are philosophically based will follow the humanities scale.

SCIENCE GRADING POLICY Formula(and memorization)-based concepts are objectively right or wrong and will follow a simple number-correct-out-of-number-of-problems formula. Exercises that are philosophically based will follow the humanities scale.

LATIN GRADING POLICY Since Latin has objective grammatical concepts and vocabulary use, it will follow a simple number-correct-out-of-number-of-problems formula. Any exercises that are subjective will follow the humanities scale.

HUMANITIES GRADING Vocabulary terms, spelling, rhetorical devices, and direct character (literary details) names will be objectively graded. Concepts that are philosophical in nature will be graded subjectively but with clear prompts and requirements delineated.

Group projects will be graded using the humanities scale so far as it applies. Character, leadership, and loving your neighbor will be the top considerations of group work, and the outcome should reflect that. If there is a disparity between the group effort and the final product, a conversation should ensue.

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FAILING & RETAKES Retakes will be left to the teacher’s discretion. A student that has failed for a lack of understanding may be given another opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge after further practice. A student who has failed due to neglected studies might not be given a retake opportunity.

If a student fails an entire course, the student, parents, and teacher will meet with the lead teacher/principal/administrator to determine the best course of action for the student. Circumstances, understanding, and effort will all be taken into consideration.

CHEATING & PLAGIARISM Cheating is defined as looking at another’s paper without teacher permission, as is plagiarism of any kind.

Teachers will review this policy with students and explain clearly what cheating and plagiarism are.

A student who is caught cheating or blatantly plagiarizing will receive an immediate zero on the assignment, examination, or project he or she is working on. This may also affect their diploma standing but will be determined by the administration. Please see the principal/administrator’s discipline policy for further information.

PHILOSOPHY OF EXAMINATION The purpose of examining students is to ensure retention, understanding, solid writing, and comprehension. The goal of examining students is not to trick students but to challenge them. Our examinations are well thought out and are meant to truly find out how the student is doing in a given subject.

College Prep Path: 28 Credits Honors Diploma

Vocational Path: 28 Credits Regular Diploma

9th Grade: Bible (Theology) 1 credit Humanities 2 credits Latin 1 1 credit Science (Biology) 1 credit Math (Algebra 1 or Geometry) 1 credit PE (4 days) Choir (1 day) 1 credit total

9th Grade: Bible (Theology) 1 credit Humanities 2 credits Latin 1 1 credit Science (Biology) 1 credit Math (Pre-Algebra or Algebra 1) 1 credit PE (4 days) Choir (1 day) 1 credit total

10th Grade:

10th Grade:

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Bible (Theology) 1 credit Humanities 2 credits Latin 2 1 credit Science (Anatomy/Physiology) 1 credit Math (Geometry or Algebra 2) 1 credit PE (4 days) Choir (1 day) 1 credit total

Bible (Theology) 1 credit Humanities 2 credits Latin 2 1 credit Science (Anatomy/Physiology) 1 credit Math (Geometry or Algebra 1) 1 credit PE (4 days) Choir (1 day) 1 credit total

11th Grade: Bible (Theology) 1 credit Humanities 2 credits Latin 3 or Spanish 1 1 credit Science (Chemistry) 1 credit Math (Alg 2, Trig, or Calculus) 1 credit PE (4 days) Choir (1 day) 1 credit total

11th Grade: Bible (Theology) 1 credit Humanities 2 credits Elective or Spanish 1 or Latin 3 1 credit Science (Chemistry) 1 credit Math (Geo or Alg 2 or Business Math) 1 credit PE (4 days) Choir (1 day) 1 credit total

12th Grade: Bible (Theology) 1 credit Humanities 2 credits Latin 4 or Spanish 2 or Elective 1 credit Science (Physics) 1 credit Math (Trig, Calculus or Advanced Math) 1 credit PE (4 days) Choir (1 day) 1 credit total

12th Grade: Bible (Theology) 1 credit Humanities 2 credits Elective or Language 1 credit Home Sciences (Home Ec) 1 credit Business Math or Elective 1 credit PE (4 days) Choir (1 day) 1 credit total

EXTRACURRICULAR PHILOSOPHY LIBERTAS ACADEMY participates in a wide range of extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities are considered an expansion of what we accomplish in the classroom and opportunities for students to enter more deeply into the truth. Extracurricular activities are optional but encouraged.

REPORT CARDS AND TRANSCRIPTS Report cards are issued two times a year, at the conclusion of each semester, in order to give students and parents an accurate indication of academic progress. Parents are required to sign and return the report card. At the end of the year, after the semester is recorded, students and their families may keep the report card. Grades are accessible through ClassReach at any time.

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled during the first semester. In addition, a conference may be requested at any time during the school year. Please make an appointment with your teacher if you wish to speak with the teacher regarding your child’s progress. Teachers may also request individual parent conferences throughout the year.

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ACHIEVEMENT TESTS At the discretion of the administration, Standardized Achievement Tests (such as the Classical Learning Test or CLT) may be given in the Spring for 3rd through 12th grades. These tests are used to measure academic progress. Due to the importance of these tests, please avoid scheduling any activities that would remove your student from school during this time.

CARE OF BOOKS & TEXTS Some textbooks are designated school property and are issued to students on loan. They should be treated with respect and cared for properly. The student’s name should be entered in the book at the designated location and hardback books should always be covered.

Some textbooks are consumable and become the property of the student at the end of the school year.

Book fees cover all literature books read during the school year. These books are the property of the student, enabling them to grow a small library for their own use.

SAT, ACT & CLT There are many resources for taking SAT & ACT examinations. We strongly recommend a test prep course to assist students in the best possible outcomes. We also encourage the CLT which is a Classical Learning Test specifically created for students graduating from Classical schools.

ACADEMIC YEAR & SCHEDULE SEMESTER SCHEDULE Classes begin the day following Labor Day. LIBERTAS ACADEMY completes its academic year with 2 semesters Semester 1

September - January

Semester 2

January - June

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CALENDAR Our Calendar and Schedules are posted on ClassReach

STUDENT ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL Always use extreme caution while driving on school property. Please do not talk or text on your cell phone while driving on school premises. NEVER leave a vehicle running, especially with infant(s) inside, even if you are quickly dropping off or picking up your child. These practices are illegal and highly unsafe.

Make sure you have a seat belt for every person you are transporting and a proper car seat for each child, as required by law.

Students are not allowed on the school grounds before the 8:00 a.m. yard duty supervision. If they arrive prior to 8:00 a.m., you will be charged for Before School Care. All students are to remain on school grounds once they are dropped off. When dropping off in the morning, please drive through our drop off zone in the lower parking lot. Do not move any of the barricades that have been set up in the drop-off zone.

School is dismissed at 3:00 p.m. for Primary Students (TK - 6th) and 3:10 p.m. for Secondary Students (7th - 12th). Please arrange for prompt pick-up before 3:15; at 3:15 p.m., all remaining students are sent to Homework Club (see below). Once you have picked up your children, please keep them with you; there must be parental supervision of any and all children on campus after school is dismissed.

After parking safely, proceed towards the school entrance at the School Office side of the building and enter through the main doors by the school office. Retrieve younger children first and then exit the building with your children on the church side of the building. Parents are asked to enter and exit in this manner so that students may be picked up in an efficient manner. Please drive carefully when leaving the parking area.

Students who remain at LIBERTAS ACADEMY for our after-school program (Homework Club) will be taken to the designated location by their teacher. Please see below for Homework Club guidelines.

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EARLY MORNING DROP OFF (FEE) If needed, you may use our Early Morning Drop Off program starting at 7:00 a.m. on school days. The charge for this service is $5.00 per morning for any student dropped off between 7:00 am - 8:00 a.m.

AFTER SCHOOL HOMEWORK CLUB (FEE) We have after-school homework club /care that is available Monday – Thursday from 3:15 p.m.-5:15 p.m., charged at a rate of $5.00/hour per child. There is no reduced rate for less than a full hour. Space is limited to 12 students per afternoon, so reservations are recommended. If students are not picked up promptly by 3:15 p.m. they will be sent to the Homework Club, and you will be charged the hourly fee.

There is no Homework Club provided on Fridays.

EARLY DEPARTURES Parents should make every effort to schedule appointments before or after school hours. Students should not leave school for non-medical or non-health-related reasons.

If you will be taking children out of school early for appointments, please communicate via note or email to the teacher and the office. Remember that students must be signed out at the school office via the Log Book before they can leave school. The child will stay in the classroom until the parent signs him/her out. An Office Staff person will bring the student to the office. A child will only be released to someone if their name is listed in the Authorized Person(s) to Pick Up Child form, located in the LIBERTAS ACADEMY Emergency Contact and Medical Information form (within ClassReach).

ATTENDANCE We believe that regular attendance in class is essential to the success of a student’s school experience.

Days lost from school cannot be “made up.” Parents have more influence on a student’s attendance than anyone. We strongly encourage you to keep your child in school on days prior to and after school breaks. The school year calendar is available to assist you in vacation planning and special family events.

When a student is absent, it is the responsibility of the parent(s) to call the school office the morning of the absence, by 9:00 a.m. to give the reason for the absence. If the School Office does not receive word of an absence prior to 9:00 a.m, we will take this as a serious concern and will use office staff to locate a missing child.

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A note to the teacher or an email to the office stating the reason for the absence must accompany the child on their first day back to the classroom. This note, signed by the parent or guardian, should state the reason for the absence and list any restrictions the child must observe if any. A doctor’s note will be required for any contagious illness or ongoing medical condition.

If a student is going to be absent from school for reasons other than illness (medical, academic testing, family vacations, etc.) the parent(s) should notify the school in writing as far in advance of the absence as possible.

Excessive absences in a semester may jeopardize a student’s academic standing. The parents may be asked to meet with the principal/administrator to discuss the situation and any possible ramifications.

In addition, a child that is absent for 20 days or more during the school year will cause his or her school record to be reviewed, which may jeopardize his/her academic standing. A determination will be made whether dismissal is warranted due to a lack of attendance.

TARDIES Students arriving late to school (tardy) must be signed in through the school office by parent or carpool driver and provided a Tardy Pass by an office staff member before they are allowed into their class.

Children are considered tardy if they are not present at morning line-up at 8:25 a.m.

Excessive tardies will hinder the academic progress of the student. After the sixth tardy in a semester, a conference with the principal/administrator, parents, and the student may be required.

EXCUSED TARDIES Medical reasons and inclement weather are examples of excused tardies.

Weather conditions will be considered in excusing tardies. Please notify the school office if this is the case. Usually, when the school district cancels (due to weather or power outages) classes for the day, classes will also most likely be canceled at LIBERTAS ACADEMY. ClassReach Announcements, the One Call Now (On Solve) messaging system, as well as text messages for those who’ve signed up will be implemented as early as possible in order to inform all LIBERTAS ACADEMY families of a school cancellation.

In the event of a scheduled medical appointment or illness, please notify the school office in advance, per the attendance policy listed prior to this document.

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TUITION The LIBERTAS ACADEMY School Board will review and set tuition prior to re-enrollment of each academic year. Tuition rates are set with the objective of improving the quality of our student’s education. Tuition will be posted on our website and ClassReach as soon as the decision for tuition is made. We strive to keep tuition rates as low as possible.

The (non-refundable) registration fee for new students is $300 per child, which must be received prior to admission.

Direct parental involvement at LIBERTAS ACADEMY helps keep our operating costs down, allowing for high quality, yet moderately priced Christian educational opportunities. Additionally, tuition price breaks have been implemented for families with more than one concurrently enrolled student in a single school year.

Please note, all tuition and fees from the prior year must be paid before your student can be officially enrolled.

TUITION PAYMENTS In an effort to make tuition payments as convenient as possible for your family, we provide two options to choose from to make payments: 1. 12 equal payments beginning July 1 or 2. One annual payment made by August 1.

Invoicing will be completed through ClassReach. You will complete a tuition agreement and then be able to sign up for monthly or annual payments.

TUITION FOR LATE ENROLLMENT If you enroll your child midyear, the total tuition will be prorated, and the tuition manager will work with you to set up a payment plan.

DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS ● Families are to pay the current month’s tuition on or by the 1st of the month.

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● Any payment received after the 15th of the current month may be assessed a late fee of $25. The responsible family member will be contacted by the tuition manager, or his/her designee, regarding the late payment. ● If the payment for tuition is not received by the 28th day of the current month, the student may be suspended until full payment is received. This suspension requires the approval of the principal/administrator and the board chairman. ● If a family needs an extension for payment, they must contact the tuition manager in writing or via email before the 15th of the month. ● The principal/administrator contacts the delinquent families before the 28th of the month. ● The principal/administrator and chairman will meet on the 28th of the month to discuss possible suspensions ● On the 28th of the month, the principal/administrator informs the family via phone call and mail of the suspension. ● The principal/administrator will inform the tuition manager of any suspensions or extension approvals as soon as they occur. (If the tuition is not received by the 28th of the current month, the student may be suspended until full payment is received.)

If hardships come upon you, and payments cannot be made on time, you must notify the tuition manager in writing prior to the due date. There are important obligations to be kept on behalf of LIBERTAS ACADEMY, and we must be aware of circumstances that affect those obligations. Tuition payments may be paid in three ways: they can be sent to the Christian Family Learning Center, P.O. Box 880, Angels Camp, CA 95222, submitted to the office drop box, or paid through ClassReach.

TUITION AGREEMENT Our signed policy reads “This tuition agreement is made between Libertas Academy, A Christian Family Learning Center and the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the student. In consideration of the services provided by Libertas Academy, the parent or guardian agrees as a condition of enrollment, for the next academic year of their student(s), to abide by the terms and conditions of this as follows. The parent will pay the school all applicable registration and tuition fees as described for the upcoming Academic Year. This is a contractual tuition agreement. The parent agrees that enrollment may be terminated by either party without cause and that the parent is responsible for all fees and tuition regardless of services delivered. “

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APPROACH TO SCHOLARSHIPS FINANCIAL AID POLICY LIBERTAS ACADEMY recognizes that there are committed member families that will require financial assistance to fulfill their tuition obligation at LIBERTAS ACADEMY. Financial aid is intended to decrease but never eliminate a family’s tuition obligation.

Financial aid shall fall under the realm of the Financial Aid Committee. The Financial Aid Committee is to meet independently and report to the school board at regular meetings through a written report submitted by the committee chairman.

The committee shall develop an annual plan for the committee work, related directly to the goals of the school for the year. The committee must be chaired by a board member and will include the principal/administrator and the treasurer as standing members. Other members must be board qualified. All committee members will be appointed by the board chairman.

It is the responsibility of the committee to maintain the fiscal stability of the LIBERTAS ACADEMY Financial Aid Fund, as well as to be accountable for who qualifies for aid. Committee members are accountable before God and our school to utilize our funds judiciously. To offer aid to families who have their priorities out of line is not in line with God’s will. An alternative may be to offer a biblically-based financial plan or budgetary guidelines for the family’s financial situation.

QUALIFICATIONS OF FINANCIAL AID APPLICANTS (financial aid is not renewable annually) 1. The applicant must be a member family of LIBERTAS ACADEMY with a demonstrated commitment and involvement. The student must be in good standing at LIBERTAS ACADEMY. 2. The applicant must show clear financial need as determined by the board of LIBERTAS ACADEMY or its designee, with a reasonable expectation that the need will be temporary.

3. The applicant must comply with the existing tuition policy of LIBERTAS ACADEMY. Any prior financial obligations from previous years must be cleared. The current payment plan must show regular monthly payments.

FINANCIAL AID LEVELS The amount of aid will be based on need.

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● Financial aid shall not exceed 50% of the current tuition. The range would generally be a 20% 50% grant. ● No aid will be given retroactively prior to the submittal of the application. ● When the financial situation no longer justifies the use of aid, the family will notify the committee.

Financial aid recipients will receive a 1099 tax form in compliance with Federal Law.

FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS 1. Please request a financial aid application by emailing info@cflcschool.org 2. You will be sent a link to an online application through ClassReach.

3. Applications will be submitted to the Financial Aid Committee.

4. Families will be interviewed and decisions on financial aid applications will be made within 30 days.

FUNDRAISING The LIBERTAS ACADEMY budget will be created based on full tuition payments. Fundraising will be used for raising scholarship monies as well as capital needs and growth ventures.

FUNDRAISING POLICIES ● Our primary method of fundraising will be to pray and to tell people about our needs. We want to concentrate our energy and our planning into effective communication of our ministry with regular appeals for support. ● There are five primary goals to be considered in any potential fundraising program: 1. Does it honor God? 2. Is it likely to produce a reasonable financial return for the school?

3. Will the process serve to develop relationships within the “family” of LIBERTAS ACADEMY? 4. Will it enhance and promote our relationship with the community?

5. Will it interfere with regular giving to the school for current operating funds or capital funds? ● Organizations within the school may conduct various minor fundraising projects for a specific purpose with administrative approval.

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● Financial gifts, through methods other than cash–such as stocks, life insurance, deferred gifts, annuities or any tangible asset–will be encouraged. ● Each fundraising committee will have an individual designated by the principal/administrator to be responsible for the organization and promotion of the project. This individual will be accountable to the principal/administrator. ● The principal/administrator must be informed of any and all fundraising efforts. Any mailings or other public announcements must be authorized by the principal/administrator. ● Projects must be scheduled on the school calendar to ensure that different events are not in competition and do not disrupt the operations of the school academic program. ● The board, through the principal/administrator, will seek to limit the number of fundraising activities in which the school is involved. This is necessary to avoid excessive energy and time being spent on fundraising projects to the point that it becomes detrimental to the primary functions of the school.

DONOR RECOGNITION LIBERTAS ACADEMY will acknowledge all gifts to the school with a written receipt indicating the date, value, and description of the gift. Donors will be advised of the tax-deductible nature of their gift if appropriate. Donors may be given the option of being recognized for their gift by: ● Public announcements ● Acknowledgment in the yearbook, school web page, or other school-related announcements ● Permanent recognition in the form of plaques, inscriptions or memorials located on the LIBERTAS ACADEMY campus. ● Remaining anonymous

ADMISSIONS & REGISTRATION Libertas Academy admits children of any race, color, national, ethnic origin and gender to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded to its students. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid program, and school-administered programs. Libertas Academy reserves the right to refuse admission in the event the student or parent does not agree with the Bible-based curriculum used at the school. They may also refuse admission upon the determination that the instructional or discipline management programs cannot adequately serve a child or that the physical well-being of a child cannot be provided for adequately.

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APPLICATION PROCESS Visit www.thelibertasacademy.org STEP ONE: Read the Libertas Academy Handbook STEP TWO: Complete an Interview Request ● ● ● ●

The family will receive a pastoral reference link. This should be copied and pasted from a personal email to the family’s pastor, for his recommendation of the family to our school.

Once the initial Admissions Interview form is reviewed and approved, the family will be sent a Calendly link to schedule an interview (parent/guardian) with our Admissions Team.

After the Admissions Interview, the family may be invited to bring the student for a student assessment and “shadow day” to get a feel for our school.

If the Admissions Team approves the child for enrollment, the student will proceed to step three.

STEP THREE: Fill out an Application (Enrollment Paperwork) STEP FOUR: Enroll ● ●

The family will be sent a tuition agreement form through ClassReach.

The family will be set up for billing.

STEP FIVE: Purchase Uniforms

FORMS There are several administrative forms that must all be completed via our online portal prior to admission: ●

LIBERTAS ACADEMY Admission Application

●

LIBERTAS ACADEMY Tuition and Enrollment Agreement

●

LIBERTAS ACADEMY Emergency Contact and Medical Information

●

LIBERTAS ACADEMY Medication Form

●

LIBERTAS ACADEMY School Directory Information Release

●

LIBERTAS ACADEMY Parent Participation Form

You are also required to provide a copy of the following documents for new enrolling students, which will be uploaded into ClassReach: ● An official copy of the student’s birth certificate.

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● Immunization record completed by a physician (or exemption).

PART-TIME STUDENTS LIBERTAS ACADEMY does not currently accept or enroll part-time students.

RE-ENROLLMENT All present students must complete the re-enrollment process for each new school year. A period of closed enrollment will begin at or near the start of the Spring semester. Existing students and their siblings may enroll for the next school year, providing their financial obligations to the school (tuition) are current. New students will be eligible for spaces that are determined to be open.

At the start of the closed enrollment, parents will be informed of tuition rates for the coming year.

They will then be asked to financially commit to the new school year upon submission of the necessary admissions paperwork.

At the completion of closed enrollment, new students are eligible to be enrolled in any spaces left vacant by current students. The maximum class size is 16 students. Please note that admission is granted only after the final interview and acceptance of the principal/administrator’s recommendation to the board. All unusual circumstances concerning admission require board action prior to admission.

LEARNING DISABILITIES LIBERTAS ACADEMY desires to accept, enroll, and educate every student interested in attending our institution. We are not always equipped to handle students with severe learning or physical disabilities. We will assess our ability to serve students with cognitive delays on a case-by-case basis.

IMMUNIZATIONS State law requires that each child entering the school must have certain immunizations. Families seeking to opt-out of immunization must file a request for a waiver that will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the school’s administration, a record of which will be kept on file.

Please make sure your child is immunized according to California law or has an adequately authorized exemption on file.

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SCHOOL CULTURE RELATIONSHIPS & FRIENDSHIPS We desire to foster healthy relationships within our school. While parents are ultimately in authority over their children, we view that dating is for the intent of finding a marriage partner and as such, it would be rare that a high school student would be prepared for this commitment. In the event that a parent supports their mature child in this type of relationship, we would expect this relationship to not be evident during school hours, at school functions, or at events that represent the school.

PROHIBITED ITEMS ON SCHOOL GROUNDS LIBERTAS ACADEMY prohibits any of the following on school grounds: ● Weapons, matches, lighters, or fireworks of any sort. ● Bicycles, scooters, and skateboards are not to be ridden on campus. ● Animals are not allowed. ● Gum is not allowed.

TECHNOLOGY & SOCIAL MEDIA LIBERTAS ACADEMY understands that we live in a technological world. We have an important responsibility to teach prudence and respect in the face of the technological powers around us. For this purpose, LIBERTAS ACADEMY maintains that technology may be used for research, typing papers in 7-12th grade and for carefully selected curricula that are best supported on a technology device.

However, we want students to interact with each other face to face during the school day, and therefore restrict the use of certain devices on school grounds: ● Children that own/bring cell phones or smartwatches for family communication purposes will be required to leave these turned off and stowed in their backpacks in the hallway during school hours. ● iPods, CD players, and gaming devices are not permitted for use during school days. ● Primary grade students are not permitted to use computer devices of any kind on campus, including but not limited to: iPads or other tablet devices, notebook computers, laptops, etc.

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● Secondary grade students may be permitted to use such devices if approved by the instructor for designated classroom activities.

CONSEQUENCES, SUSPENSION, AND EXPULSION The respective classroom teacher and/or principal will handle individual student misbehaviors.

Natural consequences and/or corrections will be applied on an individual student basis as necessary.

Any student involved in a disciplinary offense may incur consequences up to and including suspension from school and extracurricular activities. The principal or his/her designee shall, at his or her discretion, determine the type of discipline and duration thereof. Suspension or expulsion may be immediate in the case of an emergency or danger to students or property.

DISCIPLINE POLICY The Bible teaches that discipline is an essential part of growth and maturity in all areas of life. It is very important that each student cooperates in maintaining order and discipline. For the benefit of each member's family, we must guarantee an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. safe and nurturing, and encourages Christ-likeness in daily choices.

Our mission is to be the standard of excellence in Christian education. This happens when students have an environment that is disciplined and students are eager to learn. The Bible is clear that the greatest commandments are to love God and love our neighbor. We have summed this up into two areas of discipline: (A) Sins against fellow students & (B) Sins against authority.

A. Sins against fellow students (talking out of turn, interrupting, talking to a student, etc...) ● 1st infraction of the day: 1 verbal warning ● 2nd infraction in the day: Name goes on board ● 3rd infraction for the day: immediate office visit

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B. Sins Against Authority (such as willful disobedience, disrespect of authority, lying, disregard of authority, denial of a sin against a student, and more) Sins against authority are an immediate office visit.

Office Visits: An office visit will result in 1. Restitution/restoration: a public offense will prompt a public apology, a private offense will prompt a private apology. (for example: if a student has interrupted an entire class, the student will ask for forgiveness of the entire class, if the student has privately sinned against someone, they will go to the individual to ask forgiveness.) Part of the great importance of this is calling sin sin "Please forgive me for interrupting and being selfish..."

2. Parents being contacted via phone or email 3. A ClassReach discipline form 4. Possible recess or lunch detention A 4th office visit in a semester will result in a Discipline Hearing (see below) Slander, threat of bodily harm to oneself or others, intentional lewdness, or sexual misconduct will result in a Discipline Hearing.

Discipline Hearing: The Principal will schedule a Discipline Hearing when misbehavior is severe or chronic. The Discipline Hearing will consist of the Principal, two board members, the teacher, the parents/guardians, and the student. The purpose of the Discipline Hearing will be to extend love to the family and consequences to the behavior and may result in suspension or possible expulsion.

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“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11

PLAYGROUND POLICIES General Rules & Regulations: 1. “Accidents” happen when we’re “not looking”. Please remember this is not a time for socializing or reading the paper. It is an excellent time to get to know the childrens’ names and personalities. We depend on playground supervisors to keep the playground a safe place.

2.

Whistles and nametags are located on the wall across from the office. Please sign in the parent/visitor log when you arrive.

3.

Students must get permission to leave the play area and enter the school building during recess to use the restroom.

4.

To indicate that recess is over and it is time to line up, blow the whistle three times. The children are to line up quietly; the yard duty excuses each line by grade to return to class. Do not allow running and pushing to get into line.

Where to Play: All Recesses: 1.

Students may play on the field only if the field is not muddy, and they are supervised (except for Mondays and Fridays before school).

Before School: 1.

In the mornings before school and when all grades are playing at the same time students are allowed to be on the sports court only.

2.

Before school on Mondays and Fridays (when students have Chapel), no one is allowed to play on the structure, bark area, or field. We wish to respect the space we enter for Chapel by ensuring our shoes and clothes are still clean.

Lunch: 1.

All students must sit down for 15 minutes at tables to eat their lunch. They must be excused by the yard duty from their seats, only after all trash is removed. Students may not eat while they are playing nor carry bags of chips, cookies, etc. around with them.

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2.

Students are responsible for their trash from morning snacks and lunch. They are responsible for taking it back home with them in their lunch boxes, not deposited in trash cans at school.

3.

All playground equipment, such as balls and jump ropes are to remain on the ball rack until after eating.

When students cross the yellow line, no talking or running.

What Not to Play: 1.

Games of throwing and kicking balls are to be played on the field only, not the Sports Court, blacktop, or bark area.

2.

“Dodgeball” for grades 5-12, is allowed only on the field during PE, and under the supervision of a teacher.

3.

No tag or balls in the bark-play structure area.

Discipline Procedures: 1.

The yard duty or teacher may offer one verbal warning. A second warning will require the student to be sent to the office.

2.

Severe infractions include hitting, pushing, name-calling, or bad language (including stupid or shut up) and will NOT be tolerated. If you see a student misbehaving: a) blow the whistle to get their attention, b) address the problem firmly but calmly, c) as for reconciliation if appropriate, then refer the student to the office.

First Aid: 1.

For minor injuries, the child must see yard duty for Medical Pass before going to office. The secretary takes care of most injuries. If she is not available, the first aid kit is in the office supply room in the marked cabinet.. All injuries need to be recorded on the proper injury report form and copied for the student to give to parent/guardian.

LIBERTAS ACADEMY BULLYING POLICY Bullying is intentional, harmful behavior directed by one or more students toward another student.

Bullying exists when a student with more social and/or physical power deliberately dominates and harasses another who has less power.

Forms of Bullying

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● Physical: harmful actions against another’s body, or any form of violence or intimidation (biting, kicking, pushing, tripping, pulling hair, etc.). ● Verbal: speaking to a person or about a person in an unkind or hurtful way (sarcasm, teasing, put-downs, name-calling, spreading rumors/gossip). ● Emotional: behaviors that upset, exclude, or embarrass a person (nasty notes, intentional exclusion from activities, tormenting, threatening, saying mean things using technology [“cyberbullying” using emails, instant messaging, chat rooms, text messaging]). ● Sexual: Singles out a person because of gender and demonstrates unwarranted or unwelcome sexual behavior. ● Racial: Involves the rejection or isolation of a person because of ethnicity.

Who is Involved in bullying? ● A bully is one or more students who intentionally intimidate or harm another student in any of the ways stated above. ● A victim is a student on the receiving end of harmful behavior. ● A bystander is one or more students who stand on the sidelines, witness acts of bullying, and actively provide encouragement and support to the bully.

The role of the student ● Be aware of any incidents of bullying and immediately report them to an adult. ● Support those who are being bullied. If you ignore it, you are as bad as the bully! ● Talk to an adult you trust if you are being bullied.

Procedures for Dealing with Bullying at LIBERTAS ACADEMY ● We will take all reports of bullying seriously and do our best to establish the facts with everyone involved. ● Students identified as participating in bullying behavior will move directly to Step #2 of the referral process. ● Bystanders involved will also be subject to Step #1 (or Step #2 for serious offenses) of the referral process. ● As stated in the Discipline Policy, for very serious infractions, the student may immediately move to Step #3 in the referral process – this applies to students identified as a bully and/or bystander.

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LUNCH Good nutrition is essential to a sound body and mind. Students are allowed a snack break and a lunch period. Students must be provided with a proper snack and lunch each day. Please send school lunches in a lunch box. Limit the number of sugar and high-calorie snack foods. Students are to eat what they bring or take it and all lunch trash home in their lunch box for disposal. No carbonated beverages are allowed unless required for medical reasons, (which must be approved by the principal). Students will be dismissed for lunch to play only after being checked by Yard Duty.

If a child forgets his/her lunch, a call may be made through the school office to inform the parent(s).

We will first ask for siblings to share in their lunch, but for the safety of all children and associated food allergies, we ask that students otherwise not share their lunch. The school does not have reserved food on hand to provide to your child. You as the parent will be responsible for providing food for your child each day.

PIZZA LUNCHES Pizza lunches are available every Wednesday. The cost of a pizza lunch is $4.00/slice of pizza and drink of your child’s choosing (cheese or pepperoni and lemonade or water).

You have several options to make pizza lunch payments in order to provide pizza for your child. You may choose to pay yearly, quarterly, or monthly. Pizza forms will be e-mailed monthly. Checks made out to Libertas Academy and/or cash may be given directly to the office. Our pizza lunch program helps to support and fund Washington D.C. trips for 7th and 8th grade.

UNIFORM AND DRESS CODE Education should be a dignified endeavor. In an effort to create an atmosphere of professionalism and appropriateness, Libertas Academy will maintain a dress code for its students.

Tuesday will be a T-shirt day, students may wear a t-shirt from Walk-A-Thon (any year) or a Libertas/CFLC T-shirt. Girls may wear a navy skirt for t-shirt days. Gentlemen will wear their regular pants or shorts.

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OUTERWEAR (in-class appropriate) All grade’s navy or gray zip-up jacket purchased in the office or see the *Land’s End store. These are optional items.

No jackets, sweaters, or sweatshirts other than the approved Libertas Academy zip-up jacket or storefront items will be worn in the classroom or in chapel at any time.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION UNIFORM Grades 7-12th will wear school-approved navy blue athletic shorts (or navy blue sweats) & shirts for PE. The PE shorts are in the Land’s End portal and the T-shirts can be purchased HERE. Please use a permanent marker to mark names in uniform items to ensure that clothing can be returned to its proper owner.

Ordering All Land’s End ordering can be done more easily through our specific school’s store. Please note that there are extra items in the store that are not required to purchase from Land’s End but are there for your convenience.

Land’s End has also added face masks to our store but these are in no way required. Our school number is: 900188533

Primary Dress Code TK-6 GENTLEMEN Boys’ hair should be a traditional cut: around the ear and short all around, neatly groomed, of its natural color, and worn above the collar.

Watches are the only visible jewelry allowable for boys, they cannot make noise, have smart

technology, or be cumbersome to wear.

Ladies Ladies’ hair should be naturally colored and feminine with hair accessories fitting the style and color of the uniform.

TK-6

No Makeup

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7-12TH Light natural-looking make-up may be worn.

TK-6

No Nail Polish or fake nails of any kind.

7-12th

Professional looking nails and nail polish fitting the uniform

Professional Looking Jewelry and accessories befitting the style of the uniform. Jewelry must be safe and discreet. Watches cannot make noise, have smart technology, or be cumbersome to wear.

PRIMARY UNIFORMS T-K - 6 GIRLS

BOYS

(skirt/skort length must be no shorter than the top

(shorts must be well fitted)

of the knee, shorts must be worn under the skirt)

BOTTOMS

BOTTOMS

TK-4 Plaid Shift (must be purchased from Lands End)

Tk-8 Twill navy pants or navy dress uniform shorts

5-8

Plaid Skirt (must be purchased from

Lands End)

Black or brown leather belt

TOPS

TOPS

White or Navy polo

White or Navy polo

FOOTWEAR

FOOTWEAR

Solid colored white or navy socks, tights, or

Socks must be worn at all times and must be black.

leggings (with no lace) Socks must be worn and visible and at least cover the ankles (knee-high is acceptable) with no

Crew socks must be above the ankle (no footies)

emblems, designs or embellishments, etc.

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Closed-toed shoes - playground safe that are

Closed-toed shoes - playground safe that are

fitting to the look of the uniform.

fitting to the look of the uniform.

School shoes should be neat, sturdy, clean, and well

School shoes should be neat, sturdy, clean, and well

fitted with both closed toe and heel. Laces, if any,

fitted with both closed toe and heel. Laces, if any,

must remain tied at all times. No more than 1”

must remain tied at all times. NO sandals,

heel, NO sandals, backless or platform shoes will

backless or platform shoes will be acceptable. Socks

be acceptable. Socks must be worn with shoes and

must be worn with shoes and must be visible.

must be visible.

Shoes cannot go above the ankle unless there Shoes cannot go above the ankle unless there

is inclement weather.

is inclement weather.

SECONDARY LIBERTAS ACADEMY DRESS CODE 7-12th

Gentlemen Professional Days Monday & Friday

*must be purchased from Lands End

BOTTOMS for DRESS DAYS

Gentlemen Casual Days Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

*must be purchased from Lands End

BOTTOMS for CASUAL DAYS

●

*Khaki Pants

o Khaki, black, or navy blue pants.

●

Black belt.

o Black or brown belt

TOPS for DRESS DAYS

TOPS for CASUAL DAYS

White Oxford short-sleeved or long-sleeved

o Polo shirt with no artwork other than

shirt

manufacturer’s logo

●

*Land's End Tie (click on links)

o For warmth, a solid navy blue or white, sweater or

●

School blazer: *Gentlemen's Hopsack Blazer

school blazer may be worn over the polo (no

●

sweatshirts or hoodies)

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FOOTWEAR

FOOTWEAR

●

All black dress shoes

o Business casual shoes or boots

●

Black dress socks

o Business casual socks

Secondary Ladies Professional Days:

Secondary Ladies Casual Days:

Monday & Friday

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

BOTTOMS for DRESS DAYS

BOTTOMS for CASUAL DAYS

●

*Navy Blue Box Pleat Skirt, Top of the Knee

o *Solid Khaki, black, or navy blue skirt (see

from Land's End (to the knee or longer in

storefront ). No slits in the back and must be to the

length) This skirt has multiple sizing and

knee.

length options for all body types. The skirt comes in a rayon/poly blend and a cotton/poly blend. Either is fine, the cotton blend will hold its pleats better but there are fewer options for length in the cotton/poly skirt. See our store on Land’s End. School # 900188533. Please hang skirts to dry so they do not shrink and keep their shape longer.

Land's End Skirt Land's End Skirt Cotton/Poly

TOPS for DRESS DAYS ●

*White short-sleeved or long-sleeved oxford

TOPS for CASUAL DAYS oPolo shirt or blouse with buttons, collar and sleeves.

shirt

●

Ladies School Tie (click on link)

o For warmth, a solid navy, or white, sweater or

●

*School blazer in navy from Land’s End:

school blazer may be worn over the polo (no

Women's Hopsack Blazer

sweatshirts or hoodies)

FOOTWEAR

FOOTWEAR 44

●

●

All black closed-toed, dress shoes (maximum

o Feminine business casual shoes or boots,

1” heel; e.g., penny loafers).

closed-toed

White bobby socks (socks must cover the

o White or navy blue knee-high or bobby socks (socks

ankle entirely), or white tights

must cover the ankle entirely), or white or navy blue tights

Please order School Blazers and ladies’ skirts from Land’s End. Choose the fit that works with your daughter’s body type and leg length. It may be difficult to find a skirt that reaches to the knee if your daughter has long legs. As long as the skirt falls to the knee when standing and the waistband is at the waist to 2” below the belly button, it will be acceptable. Please order according to your daughter’s measurements and the size and detailed length charts. There is a regular and long length. Skirts must fit correctly, not too loose and not too tight. This may mean a return or two before you find the right fit. It also might mean that you have to order a skirt that is the right length but may need some altering in the waist to get it to fit correctly. The specific sizing charts from Land’s End for this skirt are added at the end of this document.

White oxford shirts look best when they are bright white. Soaking white shirts in an Oxyclean solution overnight does wonders for brightening white shirts that have become dingy over time or accidentally been washed with darker colors.

Although Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Thursdays are casual dress days, students may dress up on those days as well and wear their choice of ties.

SCHOOL DRESS CODE VIOLATION Disciplinary actions are listed below. All disciplinary actions will be subject to the discretion of the Administration: ● A ClassReach form will be submitted to the Principal regarding the student’s infraction ● The Principal will notify parents of the infraction ● The Principal will monitor infractions. The 3rd infraction for a student within a semester will impart an office visit. ● A 4th office visit will result in a discipline hearing

GRIEVANCES Please feel free to use the Ideas and Concerns Form at any time, available through your Class Reach portal.

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All of us are seeking the best for your child. This perspective helps to put problems into a positive framework. If a problem arises, it is imperative for us to work together toward its resolution. Address a problem as soon as it becomes evident.

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” – Matthew 18:15-16 The steps we ask you to follow in Matthew 18 are as follows:

GRIEVANCES BETWEEN STUDENTS 1. Encourage students to talk to each other and ask for forgiveness.

2. If they are not able to work it out between themselves, it is recommended that the parents (dads if boys are involved; moms if girls are involved) plan a time to discuss as a group.

3. If a resolution is still not evident, we ask that you seek their teacher or the principal for further assistance in resolving the issue.

GRIEVANCES WITH TEACHERS 1. Please direct an older child to speak directly to the teacher. The parent of a younger child may speak to the teacher directly.

2. If a resolution is not clear between a student and a teacher, the parent is welcome to set up a time to talk to the teacher.

3. If a resolution is still not evident, the parent is welcome to contact the principal.

4. If the principal is not able to resolve the issue, the parents may request board intercession. This request will be made by the president of the board and the issue will be added to the next board meeting agenda.

TIPS FOR BIBLICAL RESOLUTION Define the problem and stick to the issue. Clearly define the issue and stay on topic during the discussion. Conflict deteriorates when the issue that started the conflict gets lost in angry words.

Pursue purity of heart. “Take the log out of your own eye, then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Matt. 7:5). Before approaching others regarding their faults and shortcomings, prayerfully face up to your own. Confess any way you might have contributed to the problem.

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Plan time for the discussion. Plan a time to meet the other person when you are both rested and likely to respond in love to the other person’s concerns.

Listen carefully. Once you share your feelings, listen to the other’s perspective.

Forgive. “Forgive others as Christ has forgiven you.”

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).

STUDENT DRIVERS High schoolers are welcome to drive their own vehicles to school. If they give rides to other students, we ask that they follow the California Vehicle Code. SEE ARTICLE & INFORMATION HERE

SCHOOL COMMUNICATION It is the policy of LIBERTAS ACADEMY to have all information (emails, letters, memos, public announcements, etc.), that are distributed to families of LIBERTAS ACADEMY go through our ClassReach software system. This allows the administration to approve and finalize announcements.

ClassReach will host the following important information: ● School Calendar ● Dress codes ● Announcements ● Field trip information ● Upcoming events ● School directory

TELEPHONE CALLS Except in cases of emergencies, students cannot be called out of their classrooms to receive telephone calls. The office staff answers incoming calls. Messages to students and staff will be delivered to that individual.

Children wishing to use a phone must have signed permission from their classroom teacher to use the office phone. Children calling home to ask permission to stay for after-school activities, go home with

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another family, or visit friends is discouraged. Your family needs to assume responsibility for making these arrangements before school hours.

PARENT MEETINGS The Parent Meetings require parent attendance, as important announcements and discussions such as the school’s current events, finances, activities, and volunteering are all discussed. It is important that at least one parent attend each meeting. The board sets the yearly calendar for Parent Meetings and this will be posted and announced through ClassReach.

SCHOOL INFORMATION All flyers, handouts, letters, and communication must be approved by the school principal prior to distribution via the school.

APPOINTMENTS WITH TEACHERS Discussions about your child’s progress are welcome throughout the school year. However, teachers are not available to discuss issues during the regular school day without an appointment. Please do not try to see teachers before or during school. Parents interested in arranging a conference with a teacher should call the school office, contact the teacher via the school email address, or write the teacher a note and request for the teacher to return the call. A conference should be scheduled at a time convenient for both the parent(s) and the teacher.

DUTIES AS A PARENT It is a biblical mandate for parents to train up their children in the Lord. Because of this, LIBERTAS ACADEMY understands that we are to serve in this process, and not usurp this process. To do this well requires a reciprocal relationship where the family and our school partner together in the endeavor of training children in the Lord. Please join with us in this process in a variety of ways: ● Pray together as a family. ● Be currently active in your local church. ● Talk to your children about God and faith; don’t rely on the school to be the only educational source in this. ● Attend ALL Parent Meetings so that you can be well informed. ● Participate in Parent/Teacher Conferences. ● Always read school communications.

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● Participate in school activities. ● Support your children with homework and school projects. ● Be sure your children are at school and arrive on time. ● Celebrate your children’s successes, and discipline them when needed. ● Pray together.

PARENT PARTICIPATION PROGRAM (see website www. LIBERTAS ACADEMYschool.org) The parental duties that we encourage at-home flow through to the school. The more assistance we have from parents and grandparents, the less tuition will need to be raised. For this reason, we have created our Parent Participation Program to fill in the various duties that encompass the running of a school. The opportunities to serve LIBERTAS ACADEMY fall into two categories: 1. Mandatory participation (assists our organization in its mission) 2. Encouraged participation (serving in areas where God has gifted you) Mandatory participation (please see the website at www.cflcschool.org for further information): 1. School workdays (2 per year) 2. Christmas program 3. School fundraising events Encouraged Participation ● Classroom help ● Facilities maintenance ● Merry Martha program ● Pancake breakfast ● Parent Appreciation Day ● Parent Meeting ● Seder Meal ● Ski Program ● St. Patrick’s Day Parade ● Substitute teacher ● Veteran’s Day ● Walk-a-thon 49

● Yard duty ● Yearbook For inquiries into how best to serve given your schedule, please connect with the school office.

PARENT HONOR CODE I am enrolling my child as a student at Libertas Academy, A Christian Family Learning Center because I care about my child being educated both in character and academics. I understand that my child will be educated under a Christian worldview that adheres to the Apostle’s Creed, and that “Loving God” and “Loving our Neighbor” are primary tenants of Libertas Academy.

Part of loving God and loving our neighbor is being on time, being present and being respectful.

Libertas Academy has been very thoughtful in their school schedule, allowing solid family time in summers, around holidays and various breaks. For this reason, I understand that school attendance is a way of loving the teachers and classmates, and I will ensure that my child is present on time unless an emergency arises.

I understand that a uniform policy is a way of loving those around us through professionalism and modesty. I will make sure that my child follows the uniform policy so that a culture of professionalism and modesty is maintained.

I understand that my child will need to submit to the authority of the Libertas Academy faculty and staff during school events. I also understand that I will be ultimately responsible for my child’s behavior while at Libertas Academy and thereby will follow the directives of the school as outlined in the Libertas Academy handbook.

We as parents are given the direct responsibility for the nurture and discipline of our children, and all families must agree to cooperate toward the same goals. Failure of a parent to participate in and support these disciplinary procedures and the Libertas Academy academic philosophy may result in the child’s dismissal and ineligibility for future enrollment. Parents will be responsible for encouraging their child’s submission to the authority of school personnel.

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DUTY AS A STUDENT Good education happens when a teacher instructs someone willing to learn. Therefore the duty of the student is to be a willing and active learner who treats that relationship with respect. Additionally, a student who loves those around him/her fosters an atmosphere that is biblical and ripe for instruction.

STUDENT HONOR CODE for 7th Grade & Up (this will be signed the 1st day of school) I am enrolling as a student in the Libertas Academy secondary program and as such agree to submit to the authority of the teachers and staff at Libertas Academy, as agreed to by my parent(s). I understand that Libertas Academy aims to foster a culture of loving God and loving my neighbor, and as such, I promise to do the same through my actions, attitude, and words, as I learn and grow in a Christian community, and in my academic endeavors.

By loving God and loving my neighbor, my commitment is simple: ● I will seek to love those around me (including, but not limited to being disruptive in class). ● I will dress professionally and appropriately as outlined in our uniform policy. ● I will be consistently on time and present for classes. ● I will seek forgiveness when I have wronged someone. ● I will honor God through my actions both inside and outside of CFLC. ● I will submit to the authority of my teachers (as given by my parents) in grading and in character.

HEALTH AND SAFETY HEALTH The school will administer basic first aid only. No medication can be given without a Medication Online Consent Form signed by the parent or guardian. This also includes, but is not limited to providing acetaminophen, ibuprofen, throat lozenges or Pepto-Bismol. Please note and properly complete the “Medical Information” section of the LIBERTAS ACADEMY Emergency Contact and Medical Information Form located in ClassReach and a hard copy in the school office. If your child becomes ill or is seriously injured, he/she will be cared for temporarily by a staff member, and you will be notified immediately by phone. There are no facilities to care for sick children on the school’s premises.

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In an emergency situation where parents cannot be located, we will contact 911 and authorize emergency care. Information contained in the LIBERTAS ACADEMY Emergency Contact and Medical Information Form and the LIBERTAS ACADEMY Medication Consent Form (if necessary) will be referenced in order to contact parents. Please also make sure any and all emergency and medical concern(s), including allergies, regarding your child are up to date and that all necessary information is contained in this form.

No medication can be given without a Medication Online Consent Form signed by the parent or guardian. This includes all prescription and over-the-counter medication. Prescription medicines must come in the original prescription bottle clearly marked with the name of the student, medicine, doctor, dosage, and times to be dispensed. An Injury Alert and Medical Report Log will be kept in ClassReach for each student. This is to verify that the student has been treated and provided the medication in appropriate dosages.

For the safety of all our students, no child may bring medications of any kind for self-dosage. All medications, including over-the-counter medicines and prescriptions, must be dispensed through the school office with written consent from a child’s parent or guardian. The school staff will follow this procedure very strictly.

LIBERTAS ACADEMY RELEASE OF LIABILITY ASSUMPTION OF RISK Please be aware that all school-related activities, including school-sponsored trips away from the school premises, may be a hazardous activity.

LIABILITY RELEASE In allowing for your child to participate in school-related activities, please understand that CHRISTIAN FAMILY LEARNING CENTER and any of its affiliated organizations, employees, and volunteers cannot be held responsible for any actions, claims, injury or damage resulting from your child’s participation in any described school activity.

COMMUNICABLE ILLNESSES The decision to keep a child home from school can be a difficult one, however certain conditions should warrant keeping a student at home, such as vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, sore throat, 52

productive cough, earache, red burning eyes, severe flu symptoms, lice, pinworms, or any sign of an infectious disease. Please notify the school office when a child will be kept home. If a child is kept out of school for three or more days, a doctor’s release will be required before the student returns to class.

SAFETY & SECURITY The Board and Administration of LIBERTAS ACADEMY recognize the awesome responsibility we have in ensuring the safety of the students and staff of our school. We will continually strive to maintain stringent safety and security procedures, and be proactive in responding to any potential threats to our facility or its members.

We conduct annual fire drills and active shooter drills to practice security on our campus.

BACKGROUND CHECKS Since we value the protection and safety of our students, we ask volunteers who might have unsupervised access to children go through an application and screening process, available through Live Scan (a reimbursable expense).

POLICY ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT CFLC is committed to maintaining a work environment where all individuals treat each other with dignity and respect, free from all forms of intimidation, exploitation, and harassment. We are prepared to take action to prevent and correct any violations of this policy. Anyone who violates this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination. We encourage immediate reporting of any sexual harassment.

Where to Report Sexual Harassment LIBERTAS ACADEMY principal LIBERTAS ACADEMY board chairperson/vice-chairperson LIBERTAS ACADEMY head teacher

GUIDELINES FOR DISCRETION We want relationships that are above reproach; between staff, faculty, students and teachers, and our relationship with parents.

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To assist with this, we have an “open view” policy. Any private conversations should be in view of others. If there is not a window in sight of others then the door will remain open or the conversation should move to a location that maintains a conversation that is “above reproach.”

Social media and smartphones have created a dangerous ground for inappropriate relationships. In an effort to be above reproach in this area, teachers will not communicate with students through any social media platform, cell phone or texting unless a parent has directed the conversations. We ask that parents monitor any social media accounts to make sure that appropriate conversations are happening between students and peers.

ClassReach provides a safe, monitorable, platform for email communication.

One-on-one contact between Staff/Volunteers and students is prohibited both inside and outside of school. ● In situations requiring a personal conference, the meeting is to be conducted with the knowledge of, and in view of another adult and/or youth. ● Private online communications (texting, phone calls, chat, IM, etc.) must include the principal or parent. ● Communication by way of social media (Facebook, Snapchat, etc.) must include the principal or parent.

STUDENTS IN CLASSROOM SPACES Primary students are not allowed in classrooms without the presence of staff or faculty. Please remain outside your classroom until your teacher arrives. If a student forgets an item in the classroom, they should ask a teacher or staff member to assist them in retrieving that item.

SCHOOL SECURITY - CLOSED CAMPUS In order to maintain safety, LIBERTAS ACADEMY has a closed campus. This means that students are not permitted to leave campus during school hours. This also means that all outer doors will remain locked during school hours and access will only be granted by staff responding to the doorbell installed to the right of the front doors. Students who leave during the day must be signed out at the office and signed back in upon their return to the school that same day.

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Parents of all students are asked to complete the list of individuals that will likely be picking up their child throughout the school year through our ClassReach system. This can be done in the LIBERTAS ACADEMY Emergency Contact and Medical Information form under “Authorized Person(s) to Pick Up Child,” located in the online application. Please make sure to update the school of any change via the “Keep Information Current” form. If a change is needed, please log on to ClassReach and update your family’s information. If any change(s) are made to the “Authorized Person(s)” Names list, the classroom teacher should be notified, and the School Office should be provided an updated LIBERTAS ACADEMY Emergency Contact and Medical Information Form, where “Authorized Person(s) to Pick Up Child” is indicated. If an adult other than the parent, guardian, or regular carpool adult is to pick up a student, they must only pick up the student in the school office. They will need to sign out students in the logbook.

School staff will make every effort to identify anyone attempting to take a child from the premises.

Parents are responsible for providing names and descriptions of individuals who are not allowed to pick a child up from school. Please send a note to your child’s teacher and also notify the school office when there is any change from your regular schedule. All visitors are to sign in and out at the school office

ALARM SYSTEM LIBERTAS ACADEMY maintains an alarm system for the protection of the premises and its contents. The code for the alarm system will be disseminated to office personnel, board members, staff and janitorial crews. In addition, the alarm code will be given to key church personnel for the purpose of after-hours church use, inspection, and emergencies. The code will be changed periodically at the discretion of the principal or the board chairman.

CRIME REPORTING Any suspected criminal activity on the premises of LIBERTAS ACADEMY, or during any function of LIBERTAS ACADEMY will be reported immediately to the nearest staff member. If the situation is deemed to be non-urgent, the issue will be taken to the principal who will then contact the appropriate law enforcement authority. If the situation is deemed urgent, action will first be taken to protect the students, followed immediately by calling 911. Any criminal act by a student, staff member or parent will be handled in the same way. If it involves a student, the parents will be notified immediately.

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Given our responsibility as mandated reporters, we will notify Child Protective Services if any situation regarding abuse of a minor comes to our attention.

SCHOOL GOVERNANCE & ACCREDITATION SCHOOL BOARD The school board’s primary responsibilities include long-range planning, assisting in formulating school policy, budgeting, and finance. The school board meets monthly, scheduled by the chairman.

Long term planning meetings will be scheduled periodically during the school year. Board meetings are open for public comment at the beginning of every meeting. A copy of the constitution and by-laws are located below.

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS 2022-2023 Mr. Mike Melton, Board Chairman Mr. Bart Rush, Board Vice Chairman Mr. Jason Brixey, Treasurer Mr. Joseph Wilcox, Secretary Mrs. Debbie Wittman, Board Member

EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE Libertas Academy is not accredited by any specific body of governance at this time. The School Board and the Libertas Academy Education Council reviews decisions made by the principal/administrator, vets teachers and brings in outside support as needed to ensure that the education at Libertas Academy is one of excellence. Teacher training, review of policies, and review of curricula is a routine part of the administration’s duties at Libertas Academy.

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FACULTY EXCELLENCE CONTINUED EDUCATION FOR TEACHERS Because LIBERTAS ACADEMY understands that learners make the best teachers, we provide continuing education opportunities for our teachers. Through various in-services, workshops, and conferences, we help equip our teachers to instruct well.

EVALUATIONS LIBERTAS ACADEMY understands that evaluations of our processes, our pedagogy, our instruction and our organization as a whole are valuable. Therefore we seek critique in the following areas: ● We will periodically send out surveys to our families to see how well our faculty and staff are serving our families. ● We will periodically ask students to evaluate their teachers. ● We will have our administrative team and board members vet our teachers. ● We will periodically invite faculty & staff from other schools to evaluate our classes.

FACILITIES FACILITIES USE The premises of LIBERTAS ACADEMY are intended for the instruction of its students. The premises will be used for any and all functions related to the academic and extracurricular activities of LIBERTAS ACADEMY. All uses of the premises outside of regular school hours must be pre-authorized by the Administration. The premises may not be sublet, nor use granted to any other organization without the express written consent of the LIBERTAS ACADEMY Board of Directors.

NON-EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES USE The school has arranged in its lease agreement with Foothill Community Church that the church may use the premises during non-school hours for the purpose of religious instruction and other designated activities. (Please refer to the existing lease agreement).

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ADMINISTRATIVE PRACTICES LIBERTAS ACADEMY is a 501C3 as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service. We have a board of trustees who function as the governing body. They employ the principal/administrator of the school who governs the school on behalf of the board of trustees.

School Structure

FINANCIAL POLICIES The principal/administrator is responsible for utilizing the budget in planning and approving expenditures in the day-to-day operations of LIBERTAS ACADEMY. Any significant deviations in planned expenditures that affect the budget need to be presented to the board. The principal/administrator is expected to communicate any developments in school operations, which will affect the school budget planning process.

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BUDGET The budget for the operation of LIBERTAS ACADEMY shall be developed in accordance with both sound fiscal methods along with Biblical principles. The budget is understood to be a means to maintain financial viability for the school.

BUDGET PLANNING The process of evaluating and developing a budget will be conducted on a year-round basis by utilizing the existing budget. The board will be made aware of any significant deviations from the existing budget by the treasurer, the principal/administrator or the board chairman. Planning shall be an ongoing process of monitoring existing financial information at regularly scheduled board meetings.

BUDGET PREPARATION The annual budget for LIBERTAS ACADEMY will be prepared by the board treasurer in coordination with the board chairman and the principal/administrator. A draft of the proposed budget shall be presented to the LIBERTAS ACADEMY Board at the regularly scheduled board meeting by at least the March board meeting. The budget shall be prepared in a logical and readable format utilizing standard expenditure and income line items. Any significant deviations in the budget format from the prior year will be explained to the board prior to adoption.

BUDGET PROPOSAL The proposed budget shall be presented to the board for consideration after the board has received the proposed budget at least one week prior to adopting it. Any amendments or corrections that are necessary will be approved by voice vote prior to adoption.

BUDGET ADOPTION The LIBERTAS ACADEMY Board, after careful consideration of the budget and thorough discussion with the principal/administrator, will adopt it by voice vote. The budget in a summarized form, (omitting the specific salaries for the personnel), will be presented to the parents at the Annual Meet and Greet held in late August. Any adjustments in the tuition schedule will be communicated and explained with any pertinent questions answered. The budget will then be given to all board members and the principal/administrator. The budget may be amended during the current year to reflect changes in the financial status of the school. The LIBERTAS ACADEMY Board of Directors

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and principal/administrator are solely responsible for the development, approval, and implementation of the budget.

BOARD PROCEDURES Adapted from Robert’s Rules of Order – the Basics (https://www.pta.org/docs/default-source/files/training/course-tools/president/english/roberts-rules-o f-order-basics) Board Chairman: ● Calls meeting to order ● Clarifies the verbiage of a question ● Calls on members for discussion ● Must remain impartial -o remain impartial during debate, the presiding officer must relinquish the chair in order to debate the merits of a motion and may not chair the meeting again until after a vote has been taken on the motion and has been disposed of ● Votes only to create or break a tie (or 2/3 for matters requiring a 2/3 vote) – exception: the presiding officer may vote on any vote by ballot ● To introduce business in proper order per the agenda ● To recognize speakers ● To determine if a motion is in order ● To keep discussion germane to the pending motion ● To maintain order ● To put motions to a vote and announce results general procedure for handling the main motion Vice-Chairman: ● Functions in the chairman’s capacity if the board chairman is absent.

Board Secretary: ● Takes minutes at all board meetings ● Sends the minutes out to the board within 1 week following the board meeting Treasurer: ● Reviews all financials prior to the meeting with the principal/administrator

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principal/administrator: ● principal/administrator is given discussion time within each section of the meeting Order of the board meeting: ● Meeting is called to order by chair ● Minutes are read from prior meeting ○ Minutes are approved or amended ( If corrections were made to the minutes, the minutes are then approved as corrected.) ● Treasurer’s reports are read & discussed ● The principal/administrator gives a statement on the “cultural pulse” of the school Recommendations, bylaws, rules, resolutions, budgets, and audits are adopted ● Reports are filed. ● Resignations are accepted ● Bills and minutes are approved ● Treasurer’s statement is neither approved nor adopted; but after questions are answered regarding any item as reported, it is placed on file for audit as stipulated in the bylaws ● Motions are recorded as “adopted” or “lost” ● Motions are put in writing and cannot be changed without discussion by at least ⅔ of the board that held the majority vote on the original decision The following principles will apply to all board meetings: ● Justice and courtesy for all ● Maintenance of order ● Consideration of one item at a time ● All sides get heard ● Ability for each member to provide input ● Majority rule ● Scriptural truth must be foundational to all decisions ● All members have equal rights, privileges, and obligations The following method of discussion will apply to all board meetings: ● No person can speak until recognized by the chair ● Personal remarks during debate are out of order ● Only one question at a time may be considered, and only one person may have the floor at any one time

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● Members have a right to know what the immediately pending question is and to have it restated before a vote is taken ● Full and free discussion of every main motion is a basic right ● A quorum must be present for business to be conducted The following decision making process will apply to all board meetings: ● A majority decides a question except when scriptural truth is being compromised. If a member claims that Scriptural truth is in question, then an outside organization must be brought in to examine the question. ● A 2/3 vote is required for any motion that deprives a member of a right in any way (e.g., cutting off debate) ● Silence gives consent. Those who do not vote, allow the decision to be made by those who do vote ● The chair should always remain impartial ○ A formal proposal made to bring a subject before amendment. Before the vote is taken on a motion, it may be amended by: ■ Striking out words Inserting or adding words

○

■ Striking out words and inserting others in their place The following will apply to all board meetings: ● Every board meeting must have formal minutes taken, recorded, submitted for record-keeping and submitted to all board members within 1 week of the board meeting. ● A member must obtain the floor by being recognized by the chair. ● The member makes a main motion. ● A motion must be seconded by another member before it can be considered. ● If the motion is in order, the chair will restate the motion and open debate. ● The maker of a motion has the right to speak first in debate. ● The main motion is debated along with any secondary motions that are debatable. ● Debate on subsidiary, privileged and incidental motions (if debatable or amendable) take precedence over debate on the main motion and must be decided before debate on the main motion can continue. ● Debate is closed when a discussion has ended. ● The chair restates the motion, and if necessary, clarifies the consequences of affirmative and negative votes.

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● The chair calls for a vote by asking “all in favor?” Those in favor say “aye.” Then asking “all opposed?” Those opposed will say “no.” ● The chair announces the result (general rules of debate apply) The following will apply to all board members: ● No member may speak until recognized by the chair. ● All discussion must be relevant to the immediately pending question. ● No member can speak more than twice to each debatable motion. The second time takes place after everyone wishing to debate the motion has had an opportunity to speak once. ● No member can speak for more than ten minutes or as decided by members. Many PTAs limit debate to three (3) minutes per speaker by general consent at the beginning of the meeting. ● All remarks must be addressed to the chair – no cross debate is permitted. ● It is not permissible to speak against one’s own motion (but one can vote against one’s own motion). ● Debate must address issues not personalities – no one is permitted to make personal attacks or question the motives of other speakers. ● The presiding officer must relinquish the chair in order to participate in debate and cannot reassume the chair until the pending main question is disposed of. ● When possible, the chair should let the floor alternate between those speaking in support and those speaking in opposition to the motion. ● Members may not disrupt the assembly. ● Make Motions that are in order. ● Obtain the floor properly. ● Speak clearly and concisely. ● Obey the rules of debate, and most of all, be courteous! That’s always in order!

In Making a Motion: ● Member makes the motion. I move that… ● Another member seconds the motion (without recognition). Second [or] I second the motion. ● The chair states the motion and opens debate. It is moved and seconded that… Is there any debate? Or Are you ready for the question? ● After debate concludes. Chair restates the motion and puts the question to a vote. The question is on the motion to… ● Those in favor of the motion say “aye.” Those opposed say “no.” ● Chair announces the result of the vote and what action will be taken. The “ayes” have it, and the motion is adopted. We will [stating action to be taken]. The chair continues with the next 63

business in order. Common methods of taking a vote: General consent: "If there is no objection, we will…” (Pause) “Since there is no objection, we will…” Voice vote: “As many as are in favor, say “aye.” As many opposed, say “no.” The “ayes/noes” have it and the motion is adopted/lost.” Rising vote (not counted): “Those in favor will rise. Thank you, be seated.

Those opposed will rise. Thank you, be seated. There is a majority (or 2/3) in the affirmative and the motion is adopted.” Or “There is less than a majority (or 2/3) in the affirmative and the motion is lost.” Methods of Amending By striking out: “I move to amend the motion by striking out the word “Denver.” By inserting: “I move to amend the motion by inserting the word ‘Las Vegas’ after the word ‘Portland’ and before the period.” By striking out and inserting: “I move to amend the motion by striking out the word ‘$35’ and inserting the word ‘$50.’”

BOARD HONOR CODE (Signed by board members of Libertas Academy, A Christian Family Learning Center.) Libertas Academy is an entity existing underneath the governance of CFLC , where CFLC is delineated as the organization Libertas Academy is indubitably included.)

As a board member of CFLC, I agree to uphold the constitution of CFLC by following the by-laws set forth by the organization.

I understand and agree that, although this is a volunteer position, it is a position that must be executed well. I realize the weight of this position and will agree to be above reproach in my actions inside and outside of board meetings so that I represent CFLC well.

I understand that any vested interest for students, attending CFLC must be set aside as I work diligently to uphold the organization’s mission and vision and will recuse myself if I find I am unable to do so.

I understand that any vested interest for faculty or staff working for CFLC must be set aside as I work diligently to uphold the organization's mission and vision and will recuse myself if I find I am unable to do so.

I understand that as a board member I may be approached with school concerns by parents, faculty or staff. I agree to encourage Matthew 18:15 where appropriate and to notify the board as a whole if it is an issue beyond the scope of Matthew 18:15.

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I understand that disagreements may occur as we seek the best means of upholding CFLC’s mission and vision. During these times, I agree to “be at peace with everyone, so long as it depends on me.” I will work hard to be in unity unless a biblical or missional issue is at hand that compromises the constitution of CFLC. I agree to resign from the board if the remaining board members unanimously believe I am divisive, cause undue tension, am absent extensively, or am not above reproach within the community.

Because I do not want to be a hindrance to the mission of CFLC, I hereby agree to this code and will serve CFLC to the best of my ability under the authority and Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

BOARD BY-LAWS

CFLC Board of Directors Policies Libertas Academy is an entity existing underneath the governance of CFLC , where CFLC is delineated as the organization Libertas Academy is indubitably included

CFLC Board of Directors Confidentiality ●

● ● ●

No board member shall knowingly disclose confidential information gained from information shared at a board meeting. This includes details about property, operations, personnel, policies, affairs of the school, or discussions held within a board meeting.

Board members shall not use any information to advance personal interest, financial or otherwise.

Board members will keep confidential all student and employee records.

A breach of this policy will be reviewed by the board chairman and may result in censure of the member from the board.

Roles Of CFLC Board of Directors The CFLC Board members are elected to serve on behalf of the parents and staff for the purpose of effectively leading CFLC in its operations. They should remain adherent to the bylaws of the organization, honoring God in all decisions. They are expected to be exemplary in

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their involvement, support, and regular prayer for the school. Specific duties of the board include: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Developing and maintaining policies and procedures that support the Libertas constitution.

Selecting and supervising the school administrator.

Ensuring financial solvency and integrity.

Ensuring legal and ethical integrity.

Developing and pursuing strategic and organizational goals in fundraising, and excellence in education.

Encouraging the administrative and teaching staff through prayer and training.

Providing resources for professional development to the administrative and teaching staff.

Recruiting and electing new board members.

Exhibiting preparedness in their attendance and participation in board and parent meetings.

Overseeing an Education Council (committee that assists the school’s administrator).

Organization The board will be comprised of four levels.

I. At least one representative of board must adhere to the following criteria: A. Member must be a parent of a current student(s).

B. Member will serve a three year term of office beginning July 1 of the year inaugurated.

C. Membership will be renewed by unanimous board vote.

II. A minimum of one and a maximum of three foundational board member(s) must adhere to the following criteria: A. Member must be either a retired teacher, past administrator, past board member, or a individual that was foundational to the school’s inception.

B. Member will serve a three-year term of office beginning July 1 of the year inaugurated.

C. Membership will be renewable by unanimous board vote.

III. At least two outside board members must have no direct family connection with school staff, faculty or students, and: A. Serve a three-year term of office beginning July 1 of the year inaugurated.

B. Membership will be renewed by unanimous board vote.

IV. At least one board member must be a male pastor/elder, and: A. Serve a three-year term of office beginning July 1 of the year inaugurated.

B. Membership will be renewed by unanimous board vote.

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Chairman The chairman shall preside at all CFLC Board and parent meetings. He shall determine the board calendar, develop the agenda with the input of the school administrator and the board, delegate tasks to the board, appoint and supervise committee chairpersons, and communicate directly and regularly with the administrator. The chairman may represent the board, but does not act independently in decisions that affect it. The chairman will be selected by a vote of the current board prior to the initiation of the subsequent term. The chairman shall recommend the officers to the board each year, and the board shall vote on the chairman’s recommendation.

Vice-Chairman It shall be the duty of the vice-chairman to assist the chairman whenever possible in the discharge of the chairman’s duties, including development of board priorities and agendas. In the absence of the chairman, the vice-chairman shall assume the chairman’s duties. The vice-chairman will annually create and lead any board nominations, pursuant to the bylaws.

Secretary The secretary shall take care of all official documents of the board, record the minutes of all official meetings of the board and parents of the association. Minutes will be approved by the board and/or parents and shall be signed by the secretary and board chairman. The secretary shall record and respond to all correspondence addressed to the board. The secretary shall maintain current copies of the bylaws and Policy and Procedures manual.

Treasurer The treasurer is entrusted with overseeing and ensuring the proper maintenance of the association’s funds. The treasurer shall report the status of the association’s finances at each board meeting, confer with the administrator regarding budgeted expenditures, preside as chairman of the Financial Aid Committee, assist in the development of the annual budget, ensure the ethical and legal management of funds in collaboration with accounting consultants, and oversee the funds in off budget accounts.

Education Council - Committee Chairman The board chairman will determine whether the administrator of Libertas Academy or a board representative will function as the Education Council - Committee chairman. The Education Council - Committee chairman will preside over the Education Council - Committee of Libertas

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Academy along with the school administrator (if not functioning as chairman) and its council members, and will apprise the board on the state of education at CFLC. This Education Council - Committee chairman will call for an annual board vote that adopts curricular choices, teacher training, and scheduling.

CFLC Fundraising Chairman The Fundraising Council chair will sit on the Fundraising Council Committee and will apprise the board on the state of funding at CFLC. This member will call for an annual board vote on scheduled fundraisers and a fundraising strategy.

Members at Large Members at large are expected to fulfill the roles of board and be prepared to accept specific responsibilities as assigned by the chairman.

CFLC Board of Directors Nomination Process The board chairman will ask for nominations from existing board members in January for any positions that will be vacated on July 1. The nomination form can be found on Class Reach. The chairman will present any upcoming vacancies within the board, at the specific various levels as defined in the bylaws. Nominations will be accepted at the February board meeting where discussions on individual nominees will be opened.

Nominees must have the following qualifications: ● ● ● ●

All nominees of the board must be in agreement with the Constitution of CFLC and Libertas Academy.

They must be members in good standing of a church whose doctrine is consistent with the constitution.

They must be scripturally sound in the administration of their current duties, and they must lead exemplary Christian lives.

Further qualifications shall include: ○ They shall be regular attendees of their churches. ○ They shall exemplify a life loyal to the word of God and the teachings of their churches. ○ They shall have any eligible children enrolled in CFLC or Libertas (unless special circumstances prevent their attendance).

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○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

They shall show evidence of personal integrity and be clearly convinced of the values of Christian education.

They shall be prepared to devote sufficient time to fulfilling the duties of board leadership.

They shall be willing and able to make sacrifices of their time, knowledge, and personal pleasure for the benefit of the school.

They shall be willing to educate themselves regarding their roles and responsibilities on the board and the concepts of Christian education.

They shall be earnest, wholehearted followers of Christ who is the source of their faith.

They shall aspire to the character qualities in Titus 1:5-8 and I Timothy 3:1-12.

They shall be willing to sign the CFLC Board of Directors Honor Code.

They shall have read the bylaws.

All applicants must read Serving on a Christian School Board of Directors (by Roy W. Lowrie) prior to their inauguration.

The submission process will be as follows: 1. Nominee names will be presented in advance of the meeting via email with arguments supporting their nomination, fulfillment, and qualification as a board member.

2. The vice-chairman will announce all names at the February board meeting.

3. The vice-chairman will announce the levels of board positions that will be vacant.

4. Each nominee’s qualification will be opened for discussion.

5. After each nominee has been discussed, a vote will be taken for each individual.

A unanimous vote will produce an invitation from the chairman to join the board.

The chairman will ensure the following applies to the nominee: a. They are willing to sign the CFLC Board of Directors Honor Code. b. They expressly agree with the Libertas Constitution. c. They understand and are willing to follow the bylaws of the board.

6. Should the nominee accept the position, he/she will be invited to sign the honor code, and will begin attending meetings beginning in March. The nominee will not have voting rights until officially in-stated at the July 1 meeting.

7. If nominee receives a dissenting vote, their name will be tabled for later discussion. If CFLC does not fill all board seats during the selection process, tabled nominees will be re-considered. If/when all board seats have been filled, tabled names will be officially declined as board members for the upcoming year.

Resignation and Filling MidTerm Vacancies If a board member cannot fulfill his or her obligation to serve on the board, he or she shall give the board written notice as to the effective date of resignation. The board shall then proceed

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with finding a suitable candidate to fulfill the remainder of the vacated term. Any board member elected to complete the term of a vacating member will hold that board seat and begin attending meetings immediately, but will not be officially in-stated and gain voting rights until July 1.

Conflict of Interest No CFLC Board member shall perform labor, provide services, or furnish equipment/supplies for financial compensation or remuneration. The following guidelines shall be followed to avoid any conflicts of interest: ●

●

●

When any matter involving financial compensation comes before the board for consideration, and a board member discovers he/she has a direct or indirect personal interest, said board member shall declare this interest to other members of the board.

In the event of any potential conflict of interest as described above, the board member shall be excused from, and will abstain from any discussion or vote on the matter. The remaining board members shall consider and determine the most ethical procedure to follow.

Each member has the responsibility to immediately declare any personal interest in any item of business under consideration by the board, and will be obligated to abide by a majority ruling of the remaining board members on the issue.

CFLC Board of Directors Committees Libertas Academy is an entity existing underneath the governance of CFLC , where CFLC is delineated as the organization Libertas Academy is indubitably included

Education Council - Committee The CFLC Education Council - Committee has the important role of upholding educational standards at CFLC school. This includes a review of discipline, policies, pedagogy, curriculum, and teacher training. The Education Council - Committee additionally reviews student progress and grants diplomas to graduating seniors.

The Education CouncilCommittee’s primary purpose is to oversee excellence in education for CFLC and Libertas Academy. They will accomplish this through the research and development of: ● Curriculum ● Teacher training ● Best practices for classroom management ● Furnishings that foster solid pedagogy ● Scheduling that offers the best structure for meeting student educational needs ● Handbook changes

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Members of the Education Council - Committee Members of the Education Council Committee will be voted on by the board. The administrator will make faculty nominations to the board for these seats. The board chairman will make board member nominations for these seats.

The Education Council - Committee, seats will be filled by a minimum of: ● Two CFLC Board members ● Two faculty members (in leadership positions) ● The administrator/principal of the school A committee member may be nominated who sits outside of the board or faculty, but this nomination must be accompanied by arguments showing the need for an outside member. This outside nomination may include a board member whose term is ending.

Any nomination will be presented to the board by May of the preceding academic year. ● The chairman of the board will present any board members’ names. ● The school’s administrator will present school leadership names. ● The Education Council - Committee chairman will be selected by the board.

Terms of the Education Council - Committee are as follows: ● ● ● ●

Elected board members will remain for the duration of their term (and may continue on the council if nominated as an outside member).

School faculty will remain on the committee for the duration of their employment.

School administrator will remain for the duration of their employment.

The chairman of the committee will remain in this position for the duration of his/her board term.

The qualifications for sitting on the Education Council - Committee are as follows: Committee members must have a willingness to: ● Vet teachers in the classroom ● Research curriculum ● Visit other schools ● Organize teacher trainings ● Oversee new teachers as act as mentors ● Read educational philosophy books ● Review homework loads Committee members must show a desire for: ● Excellence in the classrooms ● Solid theology within curriculum

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●

Excellence from students graduating

An annual presentation of the following academic year’s curricular, scheduling, and training choices, accompanied by the affiliated budget, will be presented at the January board meeting for a final vote.

Timeline for the Education Committee Process MAY Committee members are selected and approved.

JUNE All teaching contracts will be presented, along with the grades they will be instructing and subjects they will be teaching.

All curriculum will be presented for each grade and subject.

Expected homework loads will be formally documented.

Teacher Training will commence (either locally or remotely).

New teachers will be assigned a mentor teacher.

Mentor teachers will begin regular meetings with their assigned teacher.

JULY Mentor teachers will continue to meet with their assigned teachers.

As a committee, an educational philosophy book will be read.

AUGUST The Education Council - Committee will assist the administrator/principal during a one week in-service to foster excellence in education.

Schedule teacher vettings for the year.

Review the scope, sequencing and objectives submitted by each teacher.

Review the handbook with teachers (special focus on communication and classroom management).

SEPTEMBER Begin the cycle of vetting all teachers in first semester.

Send out homework surveys to families.

Hold a meeting in mid September to get teacher feedback on curricular choices.

Create a SWOT for each teacher.

Create a SWOT for each curriculum.

Review the constitution and line up curriculum with the philosophy of education written therein.

OCTOBER Review the mathematics curriculum throughout the K-12 program.

Research philosophies in teaching mathematics.

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Create board recommendations on mathematics.

Continue vetting teachers (keeping careful notes on discipline policies).

NOVEMBER Review science throughout the K-12 program.

Research philosophies in teaching science.

Create board recommendations on science.

Continue vetting teachers (keeping careful notes on discipline policies).

DECEMBER Review humanities throughout the K-12 program.

Research philosophies in humanities.

Create board recommendations on science.

Continue vetting teachers.

Create board recommendations for handbook changes.

JANUARY Presentation to the board of full curricular choice with coinciding budget will include furniture needs, handbook recommendations, and curriculum needs, etc.

FEBRUARY Continue vetting teachers.

Make recommendations for teaching contracts to the administrator.

Create an academic program schedule for the upcoming academic year.

MARCH Continue vetting teachers.

APRIL Begin vetting graduates for the purpose of meeting graduation requirements.

Review committee terms of service, and begin considering new nominees.

MAY Continue vetting graduates for the purpose of meeting graduation requirements.

Nominate new committee members.

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CFLC Fundraising Committee Libertas Academy is an entity existing underneath the governance of CFLC , where CFLC is delineated as the organization Libertas Academy is indubitably included This committee holds the vital responsibility of fundraising for CFLC through annual events, personal asks and donor platforms. They will manage all funds received while also managing donor relationships.

The committee will be chosen by the board chairman annually, and will assemble in May of the preceding academic year to begin fundraising initiatives for the upcoming academic year.

The committee will present their fundraising initiatives to the board at the August board meeting, at which time it will be discussed and approved.

The CFLC Fundraising Committee will be chaired by a board member (see CFLC Fundraising Chairman).

The Fundraising Committee has the authority to: ● Fundraise under specific guidelines given by the board. ○ Ask for funds. ○ Create fundraising events. ○ Create fundraising platforms. ○ Create sponsorship programs. ● Manage funds that are procured through donations. ● Release funds for CFLC. ○ Approval of scholarships. ○ Provide for capital needs. ○ Provide for operational needs. ● Manage donor relationships. ● Give donors re-assurance that money is going to the school specifically. ● Thank donors. ● Hold donor events.

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CFLC Board of Directors Meeting Procedures Libertas Academy is an entity existing underneath the governance of CFLC , where CFLC is delineated as the organization Libertas Academy is indubitably included Adapted from Robert’s Rules of Order – the Basics (https://www.pta.org/docs/default-source/files/training/course-tools/president/english/roberts-rules-o f-order-basics) The board chairman shall: ● Call meeting to order. ● Clarify the verbiage of a question. ● Call on members for discussion. ● Remain impartial. In order to remain impartial during debate, the chairman, as the presiding officer, must relinquish the chair to debate the merits of a motion, and may not chair the meeting again until after a vote has been taken on the motion. ● Vote only to create or break a tie (or 2/3 for matters requiring a 2/3 vote). Excepting the presiding officer may vote, if necessary, by ballot. ● Introduce business in proper order per the agenda. ● Recognize speakers. ● Determine if a motion is in order. ● Keep discussions germane to the pending motion. ● Maintain order. ● Put motions to a vote and announce results for general procedures in handling the main motion.

The vice-chairman: ● Functions in the chairman’s capacity if the board chairman is absent.

The secretary: ● Takes the minutes at all board meetings. ● Sends the minutes out to the board within 1 week following the board meeting.

The treasurer: ● Reviews all financials prior to the meeting with the principal/administrator.

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The school principal/administrator will be given discussion time within each section of the meeting.

FLC Board of Directors Meeting Policy The board has been elected to provide effective and efficient disposition of the affairs of the school. Board members are exposed to many issues concerning the school, resulting in the accumulation of proprietary and confidential information. In order to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive matters pertaining to CFLC, it is necessary and appropriate that board meetings be limited to board members only.

The following policy in no way diminishes the ability/responsibility of parents, staff and students to assist in leading and guiding the school in our collective effort to provide a God-centered, high-quality education for our children: ● ●

●

All board meetings will be conducted as closed sessions unless otherwise announced.

The board will provide an ‘open session’ opportunity at the beginning of each meeting for any individual to present his/her concerns, suggestions or advice. After hearing and addressing comments, the board will move into closed session to conduct regular business.

Parents, staff and students are nevertheless strongly encouraged to provide constructive input on matters pertaining to school operations, functions and maintenance to the administrator, and when appropriate, to the board.

Order of the CFLC Board meeting: 1. Meeting is called to order by chair.

2. Minutes are read from prior meeting. a. Minutes are approved or amended (if corrections were made to the minutes, the minutes will then be approved as corrected).

3. Treasurer’s reports are read and discussed.

4. The principal/administrator gives a statement on the “cultural pulse” of the school.

5. Recommendations, bylaws, rules, resolutions, budgets, and audits are adopted.

6. Reports are filed.

7. Resignations are accepted.

8. Bills and minutes are approved.

9. The treasurer’s statement is neither approved nor adopted, but after questions are answered regarding any item, it is placed on file for audit as stipulated in the bylaws.

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10. Motions are recorded as “adopted” or “lost”.

11. Motions are put in writing and cannot be changed without discussion by the members who gave the first and second motion being present, and a ⅔ vote of the board.

The following principles will apply to all CFLC Board meetings: ● Justice and courtesy for all ● Maintenance of order ● Consideration of one item at a time ● All sides get heard ● Ability for each member to provide input ● Majority rule ● Scriptural truth must be foundational to all decisions ● All members have equal rights, privileges, and obligations

The following method of discussion will apply to all CFLC Board meetings: ● No person can speak until recognized by the chair. ● Personal remarks during debate are out of order. ● Only one question at a time may be considered, and only one person may have the floor at any one time. ● Members have a right to know what the current pending question is, and to have it restated before a vote is taken. ● Full and free discussion of every main motion is a basic right. ● A quorum must be present for business to be conducted.

The following decision making process will apply to all CFLC Board meetings: ● A majority vote makes a determination except when scriptural truth is being compromised. If a member claims that scriptural truth is in question, then an outside organization must be brought in to examine the question. ● A 2/3 vote is required for any motion that deprives a member of a right (e.g., cutting off debate).

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● Silence gives consent. Those who do not vote allow the decision to be made by those who do vote. ● The chair should always remain impartial. ● A formal proposal is made to bring a subject before amendment. Before the vote is taken on a motion, it may be amended by: ■ Striking out words ■

Inserting or adding words

■ Striking out words and inserting others in their place

The following will apply to all CFLC Board meetings: ● Every board meeting must have formal minutes taken, recorded, submitted for record-keeping, and submitted to all board members within one week of the meeting. ● A member can only obtain the floor by being recognized by the chair. ● The member makes a main motion. ● A motion must be seconded by another member before it can be considered. ● If the motion is in order, the chair will restate the motion and open debate. ● The maker of a motion has the right to speak first in debate. ● The main motion is debated along with any secondary motions that are debatable. ● Debate on subsidiary, privileged and incidental motions (if debatable or amendable) take precedence over debate on the main motion, and must be decided before debate on the main motion can continue. ● Debate is closed when a discussion has ended. ● The chair restates the motion, and if necessary, clarifies the consequences of affirmative and negative votes. ● The chair calls for a vote by asking “all in favor?” Those in favor say “aye.” Then asking “all opposed?” Those opposed will say “no.” ● The chair announces the result (general rules of debate apply).

The following will apply to all CFLC Board members: ● No member may speak until recognized by the chair. ● All discussion must be relevant to the immediately pending question.

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● No member can speak more than twice to each debatable motion. The second instance can occur only after every member wishing to debate the motion has been afforded an opportunity to speak once. ● No member can speak for more than ten minutes, unless permission is granted by general consent at the beginning of the meeting. ● All remarks must be addressed to the chair – no cross debate is permitted. ● It is not permissible to speak against one’s own motion (but one can vote against one’s own motion). ● Debates must address issues, not personalities – no one is permitted to make personal attacks or question the motives of other speakers. ● The presiding officer must relinquish the chair in order to participate in debate, and cannot reassume the chair until the pending main question has been disposed of. ● When possible, the chair should alternatively give the floor to those speaking in support and those speaking in opposition to a motion. ● Members may not disrupt the assembly. ● Members should make motions that are in order. ● Members should obtain the floor properly. ● Members should speak clearly and concisely. ● Members should obey the rules of debate, and most of all, be courteous! That’s always in order!

Making a Motion ● A member makes a motion by stating, “I move that…” ● Another member seconds the motion (without recognition) by stating, “Second, or I second the motion.” ● The chair states the motion and opens debate by stating, “It is moved and seconded that… Is there any debate? Or Are you ready for the question?” ● After debate concludes, the chair restates the motion and puts the question to a vote, by stating, “The question is on the motion to…” ● Those in favor of the motion say “aye.” Those opposed say “no.” ● Chair announces the result of the vote and what action will be taken. “The ‘ayes’ have it, and the motion is adopted. We will [state action to be taken].” The chair continues with the next business in order. Common methods of taking a vote: General consent: "If there is no objection, we will…” (Pause) “Since there is no objection, we will…” Voice vote: “As many as are 79

in favor, say ‘aye.’ As many opposed, say ‘no.’ The ‘ayes/noes’ have it, and the motion is adopted/lost.” Rising vote (not counted): “Those in favor will rise. Thank you, be seated.

Those opposed will rise. Thank you, be seated. There is a majority (or 2/3) in the affirmative and the motion is adopted.” Or “There is less than a majority (or 2/3) in the affirmative and the motion is lost.” Methods of Amending By striking out: “I move to amend the motion by striking out the word ‘Denver.’ By inserting: ‘I move to amend the motion by inserting the word ‘Las Vegas’ after the word ‘Portland’ and before the period.’ By striking out and inserting: “I move to amend the motion by striking out the word ‘$35’ and inserting the word ‘$50.’”

CFLC Board of Directors Honor Code (Signed by CFLC Board members of Libertas Academy) Libertas Academy is an entity existing underneath the governance of CFLC , where CFLC is delineated as the organization Libertas Academy is indubitably included As a CFLC Board of Directors member of CFLC, I agree to uphold the constitution of CFLC by following the bylaws set forth by the organization.

I understand and agree that, although this is a volunteer position, it is a position that must be executed well. I realize the weight of this position and will agree to be above reproach in my actions inside and outside of CFLC Board of Directors meetings so that I represent CFLC well.

I understand that any vested interest for students, attending CFLC must be set aside as I work diligently to uphold the organization’s mission and vision and will recuse myself if I find I am unable to do so.

I understand that any vested interest for faculty or staff working for CFLC must be set aside as I work diligently to uphold the organization's mission and vision and will recuse myself if I find I am unable to do so.

I understand that as a CFLC Board of Directors member I may be approached with school concerns by parents, faculty or staff. I agree to encourage Matthew 18:15 where appropriate and to notify the CFLC Board of Directors as a whole if it is an issue beyond the scope of Matthew 18:15.

I understand that disagreements may occur as we seek the best means of upholding CFLC’s mission and vision. During these times, I agree to “be at peace with everyone, so long as it depends on me.” I 80

will work hard to be in unity unless a biblical or missional issue is at hand that compromises the constitution of CFLC. I agree to resign from the CFLC Board of Directors if the remaining CFLC Board of Directors members unanimously believe I am divisive, cause undue tension, am absent extensively, or am not above reproach within the community.

Because I do not want to be a hindrance to the mission of CFLC, I hereby agree to this code and will serve CFLC to the best of my ability under the authority and Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

_____________________________________________________________________________________ The reader should take notice that while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided herein, Libertas Academy, A Christian Family Learning Center reserves the right to make changes at any time without prior notice. Parents will be notified of any changes to the handbook that occur during the current academic year. Libertas Academy, A Christian Family Learning Center provides the information herein solely for the convenience of the reader and, to the extent permissible by law, expressly disclaims any liability which may otherwise be incurred.

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