VCA Handbook 2025-2026 by concordiseducationpartners

THEMISSION

ByprovidingaclassicalandChristianeducation,weseektonurturetheheartsandmindsofour studentsintruthandrighteousnesssothattheymayglorifyGodandenjoyHimforever.

OurVision

Throughimplementingandfulllingourmission,weenvisionourschoolwillbeaplacewhere students…

…willbelifelonglearnerswhohavedevelopedaloveoflearningthroughtheirtimeatVCA.

…willbefreemenandwomen,inthesensethattheyknow,understand,andlovethetruth(John 8:32)andthattheywillbewise,exercisingself-controlandnotenslavedtotheirpassions willbeequippedforalloflifebecausetheywillnotjustlearnbutbegiventhetoolsoflearning togureoutanyproblemtheyfaceandbeabletojumpcondentlyintowhateverGodcallsthem todo.

…willsettheirhopeinGod,andbeeagertodowhathecommandsasPsalm78laysout.

…willplaytheirpartintheCreationMandateaswebelievethatGodhasacallingoneachof thestudent’slivesanditistheirresponsibilityandprivilegetodeterminewhatthatisandfulllit.

…willbelongtoacommunity,alongwiththeparents,sta,andfaculty,thatisknownforalove, defense,andpursuitofthetruth Thistruthshinesoneverythingfromacademicexcellenceto virtueinthelivesofstudentstothededicationofallthoseinvolvedintheschooleort.

OurDeepHope

OurdeephopeforourstudentsisthattheyndcompletehappinessinChristthatmanifestsina contentedandrichlife,shapedbyadesiretofollowChristandliveinawaythatpleasesGod.Wepray thisentailslivingcounter-culturally,rootedinthetruthofGod'sWord,becomingshapersofculture ratherthanconformists AsChristiandisciplers,wewantourstudentstobecome leadersmarkedby discernment,hardwork,andcreativity,reectingtheCreator Wehopethatstudentsarecalledtolive livesofcreativityandcultivation,beingminicreatorsandimagebearers,usingtheir imaginationto honorGod.Ourprayeristhattheylivealifeofloveandcompassiontowardsothers,thattheyrespect andvalueauthority,embodyingtheprinciplesofChristintheir dailyinteractions Wealsoenvisiona

thrivingandsupportivecommunitywherestudents,parents,teachers,andstaseethefruitoftheir laborsasourstudentsgrowtolivefortheLord.

“Wewillnothidethemfromtheirchildren, buttelltothecominggenerationthegloriousdeedsofthe Lord,andhismight,andthewondersthathehasdone.”–Psalm78:4

OurLogo

OurlogoistheDNAofVCAexternalized.Becausewebelieveweareamulti-facetedschoolthat educatesthewholeperson,wecreatedalogothatcoversatleastfourdimensions:thesoul,themind, theheart,andthewill.ThesecorrespondtotheChristianfaithsigniedbytheTrinityknot;our emphasisonaClassicaleducationsigniedbythethree-pillaredbuilding;thecharacterofthestudents signiedbytheScalesofJustice;andtheirlegacytheywillbuilduponleavingourschoolsigniedby thetorch.Otherimplicitelementstothelogoistheshieldsignifyingourdefenseofthetruthandthe CrosshonoringourLordJesusChrist.

PHILOSOPHYOFEDUCATION

AtVeritasChristianAcademy,educationisapersonalrelationshipbetweentheteacherandthe studentthatleadsthestudenttowardswhatistrue,good,andbeautifulinthepaideiaoftheLord. ClassicalChristianeducationismorethanateachingmethod;it’satransformativephilosophyand mindsetrootedinaChristianworldview,seekingtoimpartChristianculturebynurturingwisdom andvirtuethroughtheliberalarts.*Weunderstandeachstudenthasadierent“frame”(Psalm 103:14)andwestrivetodiscoverandcultivatetheuniqueabilitiesandcallingseachchildhasbeen givenbyGod.Weteachbiblicalvirtuesinallthatwedoandfocusonteachingchildrenhowtothink, notsimplywhattothink WeequipthemtonavigateandengagewiththecomplexitiesofGod’sworld whilefosteringalifelongloveoflearning.Weemphasizeholisticcharacterdevelopmentalongside academicexcellence,†guidingourstudentstowardabiblical“good” life onemarkedbypeace, contentment,andjoyfoundintheLord.Throughtheclassicaltoolsofthetrivium‡andquadrivium,§

weaimtodevelopmasteryinalleldsofstudy movingfromknowledgeoftheconcreteto understandingtherelationshipbetweenpointsofknowledge,culminatinginwisdom(knowledgeand understandinginaction) Weequipourstudentsforarich,meaningfullifeinChrist

*Liberalarts:sevenskillsconsistingofthetrivium(languageskills)andthequadrivium(mathematical skills).

†Academicexcellence:mentorseachstudentchildtoglorifyGodineverythingtheydo,recognizinghow Godindividuallycreatedthemandstrivingtowardsindividualmastery.

‡Trivium:skillspertainingtowords;grammar,logic,rhetoric.

§Quadrivium:skillsaboutnumbers;arithmetic,geometry,astronomy,music.

“TheendthenoflearningistorepairtheruinsofourﬁrstparentsbyregainingtoknowGodaright,and outofthatknowledgetolovehim,toimitatehim,tobelikehim,aswemaythenearestbypossessingour soulsoftruevirtue,whichbeingunitedtotheheavenlygraceoffaithmakesupthehighestperfection.”

–JohnMilton

“Manbythefallfellatthesametimefromhisstateofinnocenceandhisdominionovernature.Bothof theselosses,however,caneveninthislifebeinsomepartrepaired;theformerbyreligionandfaith,the latterbytheartsandsciences”–FrancisBacon

CULTURALISSUES

OnGender,Marriage,&Sexuality

WebelievethatGodwonderfullyandimmutablycreateseachpersonasmaleorfemale,inconcertand consistentwithotherdichotomiesinHiscreation(lightanddark,seaanddryland).Thus,preserving theintegrityofgenderidentityandthecharacterofmaleandfemalesexualrelationshipsshouldnotbe seenassomethingculturallyboundorfoundinisolatedbiblicaltexts.Thebeliefsandthetextscited belowarepartofaconsistentcontextandinstructionthatpervadesallofGod'srevelationtous. Seekingtoupholdthiswitness,wearmthat:

WebelievethateverypersonismadeintheimageofGodandmustbeaordedcompassion,love, kindness,respect,anddignity.Hatefulattitudesandharassingbehaviordirectedtowardanyindividual orgrouparetoberepudiatedandarenotinaccordwithbiblicalscriptureandChrist-likebehavior (Mark12:28–31;Luke6:27–31;Genesis1:27)

WebelievethatinordertopreserveVCA’sintegrityandeectiveness,asabiblicallyfaithfulinstitution ofChristianeducationandasamodeltoourcommunity,itisimperativethatallpersonsemployedby VCAinanycapacity,orwhoserveasvolunteers,armandabidebythisstatement(Matthew5:16; Philippians2:14–16;1Thessalonians5:22).Wealsoexpectstudentstoupholdthesebiblicalvalues regardingsex,gender,andsexualactivityintheirspeech,dress,andconduct.

OnGender

WebelievethatGodwonderfullyandimmutablycreateseachpersonaseithermaleorfemale,bothin biologicalsexandingender Thesetwodistinct,complementarygenderstogetherreecttheimageof God(Genesis1:26–27).Torejectone'sbiologicalgenderisanactofrebellionagainstGod'sdesign.

OnMarriage

WebelievethataccordingtotheBible,marriagehasonlyoneappropriatemeaning:theunionofone manandonewomaninaholyrelationshipintendedtobeexclusiveandlifelong(Genesis2:18–25).We believethatGodintendssexualintimacytooccuronlybetweenmenandwomenjoinedinmarriage(1 Corinthians6:18and7:2–5;Hebrews13:4).

WebelievethatGodintendssexualintimacyonlytooccurbetweenamanandawomanwhoare marriedtoeachother(Deuteronomy5:18;Matthew5:27;Mark7:21;1Corinthians7:3),andthatno intimatesexualactivityshouldbeengagedinoutsideofamarriage(1Corinthians6:15–18;Ephesians 5:3;1Thessalonians4:3–5;Hebrews13:4).

OnSexuality

Webelieve,asaconsequenceofthefall,thattheworldandeachpersonissinfulandbroken,including sexualbrokenness.ButGodoersredemptionandrestorationtoallwhoconfessandforsaketheirsin, seekingHismercyandforgivenessthroughJesusChrist.(Genesis3;Acts3:19–21;Romans10:9–13;1 Corinthians6:9–11;1Timothy1:12–16)

WebelievethatparticipatinginorapprovingofanyformofsexualactivityforbiddenintheBible (includingunmarriedsex,adultery,homosexualorbisexualbehavior,andpornography)issinfuland oensivetoGod(Matthew15:18–20;Romans1:24–32;1Corinthians6:9–10)

OnSanctityofHumanLife

WebelievethatallhumanlifeissacredandcreatedbyGodinhisimage Humanlifeisofinestimable worthinallitsdimensions,includingpre-bornbabies,theaged,thephysicallyormentallychallenged, andeveryotherstageorconditionfromconceptionthroughnaturaldeath.Wearethereforecalledto

defend,protect,andvalueallhumanlife(Psalm139).Webelievethisisthestartingpointforall discussionsrelatedtothesanctityoflife(e.g.,abortion,euthanasia,war).

STATEMENTOFFAITH

VeritasChristianAcademybelievesinthefaiththatwasonce“deliveredtoallthesaints”(Jude1:3) In this,webelievethatalldoctrineisimportant,butnotalldoctrinefunctionsinthesameway.Thereare doctrineswhichareessentialtosavingfaith(essentialdoctrines)andtherearedoctrineswhichadorn thegospel(secondarydoctrines) WebelieveallChristiansoughttohaveunityinessentialdoctrines, butcharityinsecondarydoctrines(evenwhenaccompaniedwithscrutiny)

VeritasChristianAcademyisdistinctlyrootedinthehistoricProtestanttraditionwhilerecognizingthe ChristianidentityofthoseinotherhistoricChristiantraditions

Essentialdoctrinesarethosedoctrineswhichthechurchhastaught,believed,andconfessed throughouthistory Essentialdoctrinesarefoundinthosestatementswhichhavehistoricallydened basicChristianorthodoxy:theApostlesCreed,theNiceneCreed,theChalcedonianDenition,and theAthanasianCreed.WealsoteachandfollowtheNewCityCatechismforstudents.

Secondarydoctrinesarethosedoctrineswhichreectdistinctivedenominationaldierencesin otherwisehistorically-orthodoxChristians.Thesedierencesincludeproperrecipientsofbaptism (paedobaptismorcredobaptism),expressionofspiritualgifts(continuationismorcessationism),views oftheendtimes(pre-millenialism,amillennialism,post-millenialism),etc.Thesearenotunimportant doctrinesandmaybediscussedandevenchallengedasstudentsprogressinmaturity

Asaschool,VeritasChristianAcademywillclearlyteachessentialdoctrinesandprovidestudentsthe importanttoolsindevelopingsecondarydoctrines Studentswillbeencouragedtoworkthroughthese withtheirparentsandintheirlocalchurch.

BasicBeliefs

● WebelievetheBibleconsistsofthe39booksoftheOldTestamentand27booksoftheNew Testament.TheBibleisGod’swrittenrevelationtoman,inspiredbytheHolySpirit,and withouterrorintheoriginalmanuscripts TheBibleisthewordsofaninfallibleGodandis authoritativeinallmattersoffaithandpractice

● WebelieveintheTriuneGod.ThereisoneGod,whoexistseternallyinthreepersons:the Father,theSon,andtheHolySpirit

● WebelievethatallaresinnersandtotallyunabletobesavedapartfromGod’smercy

● WebelievethatJesusisIsrael’sMessiahandtheeternalSonofGod,whothroughHisperfect life,andsacricialdeath,andbodilyresurrectionfromthedeadatonedforthesinsofallwho willtrustinHimaloneforsalvation

● WebelievethatJesusascendedbodilytotherighthandoftheFatherwhereHecurrentlyreigns withallauthorityandintercedesforallthosewhoareHis

● WebelieveGodisgraciousandfaithfultoHispeople,notsimplyasindividuals,butasfamilies insuccessivegenerationsaccordingtoHiscovenantpromises

● WebelievetheHolySpiritindwellsGod’speopleandgivesthemthestrengthandwisdomto trustChristandfollowHim

● WebelieveJesuswillreturn,bodilyandvisibly,tojudgeallmankindandtoreceiveHispeople toHimself

● WebelieveallaspectsofourlivesaretobelivedtothegloryofGodunderthelordshipofJesus Christ

SecondaryDoctrine

VeritasChristianAcademy’sStatementofFaithandtheNewCityCatechismdenethebeliefson whichtheschoolisbased.Veritasdenessecondarydoctrineasdoctrinalissueswhicharenotdirectly addressedinourStatementofFaithortheNewCityCatechism.

Inmattersofsecondarydoctrine,Veritasadministratorsandteacherswill:

1 Encourageandchallengestudentstothinkandbediscerningonallmattersaccordingtothe truthofGod’sWord

2 Fosteraclassroomenvironment,especiallyatthesecondarylevel,oflove,respectandcharity amongstudents

3. Beencouragedtocharitablypresentthevarioussidesofasecondaryissue

4. SeektomaintainunityamongourstudentsandfamiliesaccordingtoourStatementofFaith andtheNewCityCatechismandbynotteachingsecondarydoctrinesasprimaryandnot disparagingsecondarydoctrinalbeliefsthatarecontrarytotheirpersonalconvictions

5. Encouragestudentstoseekthesupportandinstructionoftheirparentsandtheirlocalchurch

Thefollowinglistisnotexhaustivebutrepresentssomeofthesecondarydoctrinediscussionsthatmay occur(mainly)atthesecondarylevel:

1.Ageoftheearth

WereadGenesis1–3fromtheframeworkofanorthodoxChristianperspective.Wewillteachfromthe perspectiveofaliteral24-hourdaybutwillopenthediscussionupinsecondaryyears,wherewewill discussotherorthodoxviewsasviableinterpretations

2.Eschatology

WewillteachabouttheimminentreturnofJesusandthatthedeadwillberaisedtoeternallifeor eternaljudgment.Thiswillexpand,inthesecondaryyears,todiscussionofthreeheldviewsof eschatology:historicalpremillennialism,*amillennialism,†andpartialpreteristpostmillennialism ‡

*Historicalpremillennialism:Anon-literalinterpretationofthetrialsdescribedinRevelation,thisview holdstotheimminentreturnofChristafteraperiodoftribulationwithafollowingageofpeacewhere Satanisbounduntilrightbeforetheﬁnaljudgment

†Amillennialism:ThemillenniumissymbolicandrepresentsthetimeofChurchgrowththatisspiritual ratherthanphysical Jesus'imminentreturnwilloccuraftera“millennium”ofpeoplecomingtoChrist Therearevariousaspectstotimingheldwithinthisview.

‡Postmillennialism:Satanwasboundatthecross,themillennialperiodisaperiodoftimeratherthana literalthousandyears.Duringthismillenniumthegospelwillspread“totheendsoftheearth”until deathisthelasttobeconqueredandputunderJesus’feet, whentheearthwillbetransformedinthe “blinkofaneye”withJesus’imminentreturn.ThisviewholdsthatmanyoftheNewTestamentprophetic passageswerefulﬁlledbythefallofJerusalemin70AD

3.Baptism

Weholdthatbaptismisnotsalvic ItisthewashingwithwaterinthenameoftheFather,theSon, andtheHolySpirit;itsigniesandsealsouradoptionintoChrist,ourcleansingfromsin,andour commitmenttobelongtotheLordandtohischurch(NCC,question44).Inthesecondaryyearswe willdiscussthetwomainpositions,credobaptism§andpaedobaptism,**asaviable,orthodoxbelief

§Credobaptism:Thispositionteachesthatbaptismisasignofabeliever’sfellowshipwithChristinhis deathandresurrectionandshouldbeadministeredtothosewhoprofessrepentancetowardGodandfaith

inandobediencetoourLordJesusChrist.BelieversaretobebaptizedinthenameoftheTriuneGodby immersioninwater.

**Paedobaptism:Thispositionteachesthatbaptismisasignandsealofthecovenantofgrace.Immersion intowaterisnotnecessary,butisrightlyadministeredbypouringorsprinklingwateruponthepersonin thenameoftheTriuneGod Infantsofoneorbothbelievingparentsaretobebaptized,notforsalvation, butsothatthepromisedgraceofGodisexhibitedandconferredbytheHolySpirittosuchasthatgrace belongsto,accordingtoGod’sownwillandinHisappointedtime.

4.Cessationism&Non-cessationism

WewillteachthattheHolySpiritisGod,coeternalwiththeFatherandtheSon,andthatGodgrants himirrevocablytoallwhobelieve(NCC,question36)andthatHeisthebeliever’sHelperwho convictsusofoursin,comfortsus,guidesus,givesusspiritualgiftsandthedesiretoobeyGod;andhe enablesustoprayandtounderstandGod’sWord(NCC,question37).Inthesecondaryyearswewill discussthetwomainpositionsconcerningthegiftsoftheSpirit,cessationism††andnon-cessationism,‡‡ asaviable,orthodoxbelief

††Cessationism: Cessationism is the view that the “miracle gifts” of tongues and healing have ceased—that the end of the apostolic age brought about a cessation of the miracles associated with that age. Most cessationists believe that, while God can and still does perform miracles today, the Holy Spirit no longer uses individuals to perform miraculous signs.1

‡‡Non-cessationism: Continuationism is the belief that all the spiritual gifts, including healings, tongues, and miracles, are still in operation today, just as they were in the days of the early church. A continuationist believes that the spiritual gifts have “continued” unabated since the Day of Pentecost and that today’s church has access to all the spiritual gifts mentioned in the Bible.2

1 Taken from: https://www gotquestions org/cessationism html

2 Taken from: https://www gotquestions org/continuationism html

DISCIPLINEPOLICY

DisciplinePolicy

“Nodisciplineseemspleasantatthetime,butpainful.Later,however,itproducesaharvestof righteousnessandpeaceforthosewhohavebeentrainedbyit”–Hebrews12:11

Importanceof‘Virtue’atVCA

VCAseekstoprovideaChrist-centeredcommunitywhereChristianvirtueispracticedand communityrelationshipsamongstudentsandwithfacultyarefostered,developed,cultivated,and encouragedinaccordancewithPhilippians2:2–8.

“…beingofthesamemind,havingthesamelove,beinginfullaccordandofonemind.Do nothingfromselshambitionorconceit,butinhumilitycountothersmoresignicantthan yourselves.Leteachofyoulooknotonlytohisowninterests,butalsototheinterestsof others Havethismindamongyourselves,whichisyoursinChristJesus,who,thoughhewas intheformofGod,didnotcountequalitywithGodathingtobegrasped,butemptied himself,bytakingtheformofaservant,beingborninthelikenessofmen.Andbeingfoundin humanform,hehumbledhimselfbybecomingobedienttothepointofdeath,evendeathona cross ”

Expectations

VCAstudentsandfacultystrivetoliveinawaythatrealizesweareintheverypresenceofGod. EverythingwedoisforHisglory,andthemoreconsciousweareofGod’spresenceamongus,the moreharmonywendinourschool.

Theintegrityofrelationshipsisoneofourtoppriorities,sothedesiredendofalldisciplineisthe reconciliationofstrainedrelationshipsbetweenstudentsorbetweenstudentsandtheirteachers. Facultymembersareempoweredtohelpstudentsmaintaintheirrelationshipswitheachotherand theirteachersandotherschoolstaastheyshould.

Wealsoteachstudentstolivewithinconventionalsocialstandards,soeventhoughtheBibledoesnot telluseverythingstudentsshoulddo,VCAasksthemtodemonstratetheirknowledgeofordinary courtesies(eg,dressingappropriately,notinterruptingeachother)

AVCAstudentreectsthemissionandidentityoftheschool,nomatterwhereheorsheis.Students areexpectedtobehaveatalltimeswithconsiderationforothersinthought,word,anddeed,and

studentsmustabidebytheschool’sstatedrulesandanyothersstipulatedbyfacultymembers.Therst (andusuallytheonly)persontodealwithadisciplineinfractionistheteacheronthespot,whetherin oroutoftheclassroom Facultymembersmayalsoconsultwithotherteachersand,accordingtothe seriousnessofasituation,withtheHeadmaster.Whendisciplineisnecessary,parentsmayrelyupon theteachersandadministrationtocorrectbehaviorinwaysthatwillarmBiblicalstandardsof fairnessandjustice,thedignityofeachchild,andtheneedfordamagedrelationshipstobe appropriatelyrestored

Discipline

1. Thekindandamountofdiscipline(punishment)willbedeterminedbytheteachersandthe Headmaster Thedisciplinewillbeadministeredinthelightoftheindividualstudent’s problemandattitude.Alldisciplinewillbebasedonbiblicalprinciples,e.g.restitution, apologies(publicandprivate),restorationoffellowship,forbiddingofsinful,lingering attitudes,etc.Thevastmajorityofdisciplineproblemsaretobedealtwithattheclassroom levelbytheclassroomteacher Administratorswillgetinvolvedandaddressdisciplineissues whentheissueisofaseriousnatureorwhenthebehaviorsorattitudesbecomepatterns. Teachersandadministratorswillcommunicatewithparentsaboutdisciplinemattersthrough variousmeans,includingaccountabilityforms,emails,ParentNoticationForms,conferences, etc

2. Itisvitalforparentsandstudentstorealizethatmaintaininganorderlyatmosphereinthe schoolandtheclassroomiscriticaltothelearningprocess Asinallotherareasoftheeducation atVCA,loveandforgivenesswillbeanintegralpartofthedisciplineofastudent

3 OceVisits:Therearesixbasicbehaviorsthatwillautomaticallynecessitatedisciplinefrom theHeadmaster(insteadoftheteacher) Thosebehaviorsinclude:

● Disrespectshowntoanystamember.Thestamemberwillbethejudgeofwhether disrespecthasbeenshown

● Dishonestyinanysituationwhileatschool,includinglying,cheating,andstealing

● Rebellion(i.e.,outrightdisobedienceinresponsetoinstructions)

● Fighting(ie,strikinginangerwiththeintenttoharmtheotherstudent(s))

● Obscenelanguage,includingtakingthenameoftheLordinvain.TheHeadmaster andstawilljudgewhatconstitutesobscenelanguage

● Vandalism(i.e.,anydestructionordefacingofthebuildingandfacilities,schoolbooks andsuppliesbelongingtoVeritasChristianAcademy,orotherpeople’sproperty)

4. DuringthevisitwiththeHeadmaster,theHeadmasterwilldeterminethenatureofthe disciplineandmayrequirerestitution,in-schoolsuspension,janitorialwork,parent’s attendanceduringtheschoolday,orothermeasuresconsistentwithappropriatebiblical guidelines

Ifforanyoftheaboveorotherreasons,astudentreceivesdisciplinefromtheHeadmaster,the followingaccountingwillbeobservedwithineithersemesteroftheschoolyear:

● ThersttwotimesastudentissenttotheHeadmasterorprincipalfordisciplinethe student’sparentswillbecontactedandgiventhedetailsofthevisit Theparents’ assistanceandsupportinpreventingfurtherproblemswillbesought

● Thethirdocevisitwillbefollowedbyameetingwiththestudent’sparents,the student,andtheHeadmaster

● Shouldthestudentrequireafourthocevisit,atwo-daysuspensionfromschoolwill beimposedonthestudent

● Ifafthocevisitisrequired,thestudentwillbeexpelledfromtheschool

5. NoteonExpulsion:VCArealizesthatexpellingastudentfromschoolisaveryseriousmatter andshouldalwaysbecarefullydealtwithonacase-by-casebasis.Forgivenessandrestitutionare fundamentaltoourtotaldisciplinepolicy.However,shouldastudentandhisparentsnotbe abletoeliminatebehavioralproblemsbeforeafthocevisit,thestudentwillbeexpelled

6. SeriousMisconduct:Ifastudentcommitsanactwithsuchseriousconsequencesthatthe Headmasterdeemsitnecessary,theoce-visitprocessmaybebypassedandsuspensionor expulsionimposedimmediately.Examplesofsuchseriousmisconductcouldinclude:acts endangeringthesafetyorlivesofotherstudentsorstamembers,grossviolence,vandalismto theschoolfacilities,violationsofcivillaw,oranyactinclearcontradictionofscriptural commands

7. Re-admittance:ShouldtheexpelledstudentdesiretobereadmittedtoVCAatalaterdate,the VCAandHeadmasterwilldecidebasedonthestudent’sattitudeandcircumstancesatthe timeheorshereapplies

SchoolRules

Allstudentsshouldbeawareofandareexpectedtoadheretothefollowinglistofschoolrules:

1. StudentsareexpectedtomaintainChristianstandardsofbehaviorandattitudeinallactions andformsofcommunication,includingspeech,bothpublicandprivate,writing,andbody language.

2 Thereshouldbenotalkingbackorarguingwithteachersorsta Promptandcheerful obedienceisexpected Requestsfromtheteachershouldnothavetoberepeated

3. Gunsorweaponsarenotallowedonschoolgrounds.

4. Studentsarenottohaveorchewgumwhileatschool.Gumonschoolgroundscreates problems.

5. Studentsarenottoeatanddrink(exceptforwater,attheteacher’sdiscretion)intheclassroom exceptonspecialoccasionsorpartiesasallowedbytheteacher.Snacktimeandlunchtimeare excludedfromthisrule.

6. Ifstudentsbringcellularphones,iPods,orpersonalelectronicdevicestoschoolortoschool functions,theyshouldbekeptoutofsight.Duringschoolhourscellphonesshouldbekeptin thedeskandturnedo Therearenoexceptionstothisrule Ifastudentneedstomakea phonecall,theycanreceivepermissionfromtheirteacher.

7 Studentsmaynotbringpocketknives,multitools,orotherknivesintotheschoolbuilding,on eldtrips,orontotheplayground,athleticelds,etc

8. Studentswillbeheldresponsiblefordamagedonetoschoolproperty,includingtextbooks. Replacementorrepaircostswillbeassessed

9. Studentsarenottoleaveschoolwithoutreportingtotheschoolwelcomedesk.

10.StudentsarrivinglatetoschoolaretoreporttotheHeadmasterbeforegoingtoclass.

11 Nodrugs,alcohol,ortobaccoproductsareallowedatschoolorschoolfunctions Theknown andillegaluseofdrugs,alcohol,ortobaccoproductsoutsideofschoolwillbeconsideredas detrimentaltothereputationoftheschoolandwillresultinameetingwiththestudent,the parents,andtheHeadmaster.

12.Studentsmaytakemedicationsonlywithparentalapprovalviaanoteordirectcontactwith sta.

13.Studentsmaynotleavetheschoolgroundsafterarrivingatschoolwithoutadministrative approvaluntiltheendoftheschoolday.Studentsmaynotleaveforlunchunlesstheirparents pickthemup

14.Studentsarenottousethecopierorthetelephoneforpersonalbusiness.

15 Theschooldaybeginsat8:00am After8:00,studentsaretardy Theseventhtardyinany givenquarterwillresultinoneabsence.

16 StudentsfromotherschoolsorfriendsofVCAstudentsarenotallowedtovisittheschool,the parkinglot,orclasses,unlesstheyhavebeeninvitedbytheschoolstamembers.

17 Parentswillbenotiedifstudentsdonotcomplywiththedresscodeandappearance standardsofVCA.Studentswhocontinuetobeoutofcompliancewillbesubjectto disciplinaryaction.

EtiquetteCode

VCAstudents

● willbeseatedandquietwhenclassiscalledtoorder

● willnotwalkacrossdeskseatsordashacrosstheroomtogettotheirdesks

● willnotthrowpaperfromtheirdeskstothetrash

● willnotchewgum

● willnoteatordrinkinclassexceptduringsnacktimeandlunchtimeorclassparties

● willnotdisturbanythingontheteacher’sdesk(includingreferencebooks)withoutpermission

● willnotsitattheteacher’sdeskoropendrawersinthedeskwhentheteacherisnotinthe room

● willnotproptheirfeetuponother’sdesks

● willnotthrowanythingacrosstheroomtoanotherstudent

● willnotwriteondesks,walls,textbooks,posters,etc.

● willnotwriteonclassroomwhiteboardswithoutpermissionfromtheteacher

● willpickupanytrasharoundtheirdesksbeforeleaving

● willnotadjustblindsoropenorclosewindowswithoutpermissionfromtheteacher

● willnotrearrangedeskswithoutpermissionfromtheteacher

● willnotpassnotesoraskotherstopassnotes

● willnottalkwhiletheteacheristalkingorinterruptotherstudentsduringclassdiscussion

● willnotbringgames,PEequipment,electronicdevices(e.g.,toys,gameboys,PDA’s,recorders, etc.)withoutpermissionfromtherespectiveteacher

Anti-BullyingPolicy

VCAhasaNo-Tolerancepolicywhenitcomestobullying.Studentswhoarebulliedmayexperience negativephysical,social,emotional,academic,andmentalhealthproblemsandstudentsandfaculty areexpectedandrequiredtoreportsignsofbullyingimmediately.

TeachersandstaatVCAwill:

1. Modelandteachrespectfulbehavior

2 Addressbullyingwithbystandersandstressimportanceandresponsibilitytostopbullying VCAstudentswillbeencouragedto:

1. Reportinstancesofbullyingtheysee

2 Showkindnesstoallstudents

3. Reachouttostudentswhoarebeingbullied

Mostimportantly,VCAwillkeepthelinesofcommunicationopenwithstudentsandparents.

ElectronicDevicePolicy

Useofpersonalelectronicdevices(i.e.,phones,smartphones,portablegamingdevices,smartwatches, etc.)bystudentsisprohibitedoncampus.Suchdevicesmaybebroughttoschoolbuttheymustbe checkedinattheschooloceduringschoolhours

Watchesthatoerparentalcontrolsettingsandareusedstrictlyascommunicationdevicesbetween parentsareallowed,pendingnodistractionsensueinclassrooms.

● Useoflaptopsispermissibleforsecondaryacademicpurposesonlyunderthepre-approved directionandsupervisionofateacher

● Arstviolationofthispolicywillresultinimmediateconscationofthedevice,tobereleased toaparentorguardian

● Asecondviolationofthispolicywillresultinaparentconferencewithadministration

● Athirdviolationofthispolicywillresultinadisciplinaryhearing

● VCAacceptsnoresponsibilityforuse,breakage,theft,orlossofphoneorotherpersonalitems

Cheating&Plagiarism

Cheatingisdenedaslookingatanother’sworkwithouttheteacher’spermissionorcommunicating withanotherduringanexamwithouttheteacher’spermission.

Plagiarismisdenedasusinganother’sworkwithoutacknowledgingandthankingthemfortheuse. Ifeithercheatingorplagiarismisnoticed,theassignmentorexamwillimmediatelyreceivea0 Parents willbenotied.AsecondcheatingorplagiarisminfractionwillresultinanEducationCouncilreview.

OURPROGRAM

OnCurriculum

AtVeritasChristianAcademy,webelievethatcurriculumisatool,whichisessential,buttheteacher bringseducationtolifethroughuseofthattool.Assuch,inadditiontousingvariouscurriculaanda developedlistofskillsandobjectiveswewillobtainthemostqualiedanddedicatedteachersas possible:teacherswhoexemplifyaloveoflearningandpointyoungstudentstoJesusChristthrough immersingtheirteachingingoodness,beauty,andtruth.

GradingPolicy

Gradingshouldtellastoryofachild’sprogressinlearning,andbecause,asChristians,webelievethat educationofthewholemanisessential,VCAusesbothacademicandcharactergradessothatparents

canseewhetherapoorgradeisasinissueoranacademicstruggle.Reciprocallyparentscanseethata goodgradedoesnotnecessarilyimplyrighteousness.ForthisreasonVCAwillgivebothacademic gradesandconductdescriptionssothatwecantrulydisciplethewholechild

ConductItems

● Diligenceintheclassroomandintheirwork

● Respectforauthority

● Kindnessfortheirpeers

● Joyfulattitude

● Initiative/grit

● Livingcourageously

Primary&SecondaryWeightedCategories

● 30%PracticeWork

● 70%MagnumOpus

PrimaryGrading

Secondary&SecondaryPrepGrading

Assessment&GradingProtocol

Humanities

● Softgradingthroughouttheweekonvariouswritingandspeakingassignments

● MagnumOpusforeachweekthatisgradedinthegradebook(maybewrittenororal)

● Assessmentattheendofeachbookthatincludes:

○ Grammarsection

○ Logicsection

○ Rhetoricsection

Mathematics

● 1hardgrade*perweekofhomework/practicework

● 1assessmenteveryotherweekasahardgrade*

Science

● 1hardgrade*perweekofhomework/practicework

● 1assessmenteveryotherweekasahardgrade*

Music&Art&PhysicalEducation

● Assessment-basedgeneralobservationsandencouragementsbytheteachers,buthardgrades arenotgivenforelectives.

Latin

● 1hardgrade*perweekofhomework/practicework

● 1assessmenteveryotherweekasahardgrade*

*Hardgrade:afterpracticingthechildwillbeassessedonmasteryorimprovement ReviewweekandnalsweekbeforeChristmas.

Reviewweekandnalsweekattheendoftheyear.

ParentCommunication

● GradeswillbecommunicatedthroughClassReach

● ConductitemswillbeenteredpriortotheFallandSpringParent-TeacherMeetings

● Teacherswillcontactparentsifastudentisstrugglingacademicallyorsocially

● PleaseuseClassReachasthebestwaytocommunicateimportantinformationwiththesta

HomeworkPhilosophyandGuidelines

VeritasChristianAcademyiscommittedtowholepersoneducationofthestudent,evenoutsideofthe fourwallsoftheschool Werealizethattheremaybeothereducationaltools,settings,events,and activitiesthatparentsmaywanttoinvolvetheirchildrenintohelpthemtobecomewellrounded persons.

VCAisalsoaChristianinstitutionwhereweseektohonortheSabbath Wedonotintendnorwishto assignhomeworkthatneedstobestressedoverorcrammedtogetdoneonSunday.Sundaysshouldbe dedicatedtoworship,family,andrest,andnothomework.

Godhasequippedpeoplewithdierentacademicgiftsanddierentstylesofworking.Parentsand studentsmustconsiderthecostintimeandsacricesneededtomarkwellinacademics.Whilesome parentsandstudentsmaydeterminetostriveformakingallA’sandthereforeputthehighestpriority onhomework,othersmaybecontenttoplacetheirchildreninextracurricularactivitiesoutsideofthe school,knowingparticipationintheseextracurricularactivitiesmayimpacthomeworktimeand thereforetheoverallgradeofthestudent.Somestudentscanscorewellontestsandrecallinformation withlesseortthanothers.Somestudentsareabletoaccomplishworkmorequickly.Somestudents areinvolvedinmanyoutsideactivities,whileothershavemoretimeforstudy Somestudentsmake gooduseofstudytimeatschool,whileothersdonot.Ourteachersconsiderallofthesefactorsbefore assigningstudentshomework,soweaskparentstokeepthesefactorsinmindaswell.Shoulda situationarisewherehomeworkisassigned,herearetheprimarycauses:

1. Studentsoftenneedsomeamountofextrapracticeinspecic,newconcepts,skills,orfacts.In certainsubjects(e.g.,mathorlanguages),thereisnotenoughtimeinaschooldaytodoas muchpracticeasmaybenecessaryformastery

2. Repeated,shortperiodsofpracticeorstudyofnewinformationisoftenabetterwaytolearn thanonelongperiodofstudy

3. Studyingfortests,memorizationwork,reviewingnotes,readingofliterature,projectsand researchareallexamplesofworkthatmaybedoneoutsideofclass

4. SinceVeritasChristianAcademyrecognizesthatparentalinvolvementiscriticaltoachild's education,homeworkcanbeusedasanopportunityforparentstoactivelyassisttheirchildin hisstudies.Thiswillalsokeeptheparentsinformedastothecurrenttopicsofstudyintheclass

Parentsconvincedthattheirstudentisregularlyexceedingtheselevelsshouldkeeparecordoftime spent(actualdiligentstudytime,notdawdling,daydreaming,etc.)foratwo-weekperiodandcontact theteacher/Headmaster Atthatpoint,itcanbedeterminedifthestudentfallswithinthenormofthe class,andifso,adjustmentswillbemade.Ifastudentisbelowaverageinperformance,everyattempt willbemadetooerstudyhabitsuggestionstoimproveeciency,buthomeworkloadcannotbe adjustedinthosesituations.

Currently,VCAoperateswithmulti-gradedclassroomsonafour-dayschedule.Thismeansthatthe teachersareonverytightlessonplansandschedulestoattendtotheacademicneedsofeachstudent andeachclassasawhole Homeworkisimportantbecauseitkeepstheclassesonscheduleandmoving forward Studentsnotkeepingupwiththeirpeersimpactsthedailyandweeklylessonplans

Sincehomework,byitsnature,takestimeathome,itisnottobeassignedduetotheteacher’spoor planningorinplaceofanassignment,whichcouldhavebeencompletedinschool Thenecessityfor doinghomeworkwillvaryfromgradetogradeandevenfromstudenttostudent.Theguidebelow shouldberegardedasmaximumtimes,notasrequiredminimumtimes,andthenonlyifhomeworkis assigned.

Toencourageanddevelopaloveforreading,15-20minutesofuninterruptedreadingeverydayis expected.Thiscouldincludereadingatgradeappropriateleveltoasiblingorfamilymember,listening toastorythewholefamilyreadswithmomordadreading,readingtheBibleformorningdevotions, etc.Thetimerecordedbelowaretimesdedicatedtohomeworkoutsidethe15-20minutesofreading.

3 30–45mins(asneeded) 120–180mins

4 45mins 180mins

5 45mins 180mins

6 45–60mins 180–240 mins

7–8 60–90mins 4–6hours

IndividualGrades

VCAwilluseauniquemethodofgradingthatensuresstudentshavetimeto“practice”beforethey receiveagrade Thereforeregularfeedbackwithinthescopeoftheclassregardingnewconceptswillbe givenand“practice”gradeswillberecordedwithinthegradebook.MagnumOpusassignments(best work),thatwillmoregreatlyaectoverallstandings,willalsoberecordedfortranscriptpurposes. Consistentwitheducatingthewholechild,bothattitudeandeortwillbeconsideredwithinour gradingsystems

GroupProjectGrades

“Andweurgeyou,brothersandsisters,warnthosewhoareidleanddisruptive,encouragethe disheartened,helptheweak,bepatientwitheveryone.”–1Thessalonians5:14

Groupprojectsareapartofcourseworkanditshouldbeexpectedthatgradingofthesewillnotbe individualizedbecausewebelievethatcharacterincommunityrevealstheheart.VCAcaresevenmore abouttheheartthantheacademics,groupprojectsallowteacherstoseewherecharacterworkis needed,andsincewearepreparingstudentsforlife,notjustcollege,characterinChristiancommunity isintegralto“lovingGodandlovingneighbor”(Matthew22:36–40)

MathematicalGradingPolicy

Becausemathproblemsareobjectivelyrightorwrong,gradingwillfollowasimplenumbercorrectout ofthenumberofproblems.

● Mathexaminationsare70%ofthenalgrade

● Mathhomework,practicums,andprojectsare30%ofthenalgrade(grouporindividual) 23

ScienceGradingPolicy

Sincescienceistaughtthroughexperiments,anddiscovery,thiswillbeaparticipationandgroup projectgradeintheprimaryyearsandwillmovetowardsmasterygradingthroughthevariousscientic eldsofstudyinthesecondaryyears.

LatinGradingPolicy

LatinistaughttobuildvocabularyandcontinuetogrowEnglishaswellasLatingrammarskills. Assessmentswillbebasedontheseconceptsandpointswillbeawardedforthepurposeof demonstratingmastery

HumanitiesGradingPolicy

Vocabularyterms,spelling,grammar,anddirectcharacternamesordateswillbeobjectivelygradedand willbeonapoints-basedsystem.Withmasteryasourgoal,studentswillbeaskedtocorrectthewrong answers.

Assignmentsthataremorephilosophicalinnaturewillbegradedonascale.Withineachassignment, grammaticalandspellingmistakeswillbeclearlymarkedandstudentswillbeaskedtoreviewtheword orgrammaticalruleandedittheirwriting Thispromotesmasteryinwritingassignments

Failing&Retakes

Retakeswillbelefttotheteacher’sdiscretion Astudentwhohassimplyfailedforalackof understandingmaybegivenanotheropportunitytoprovetheirunderstandingafterfurtherpractice. Astudentwhoneglectedtheirstudiesandthereforefailed,maynotbegivenaretakeopportunity.

Ifastudentfailsanentirecourse,thestudent,parents,andteacherwillmeetwiththeEducation Counciltodeterminethebestcourseofactionforthestudent.Circumstances,understandingof directionsandeortwillallbetakenintoconsideration.

Parentswillbenotiedwithinthreeweeksoftheendofthegradingperiodiftheirstudentisin jeopardyoffailing.

PARENTCOMMUNICATION& INVOLVEMENT

Therelationshipbetweenschoolandhomeisadelicateonerequiringtheutmostrespectforthe authorityinthehomeandtheauthorityoftheschool.Onceenrolledintheschool,thefamilymustbe willingtosubmittotheschool’sauthorityingoverningitsaairs Yet,theschoolmustalsoupholdthe family’sauthorityingoverningitsaairs.Giventhesetworealmsofauthorityandconsideringthe vastnessoftheresponsibilityintrainingandeducatingourchildren,disagreementsareinevitable.They maybesmallorgreatbuttheywillinevitablyoccur.WebelievethatGodcanbegloriedinthemidst ofthesedisagreementsthroughthepeacemakingactionsofthoseinvolved Everyparentmustbe willingtoseekproperresolutiontoanyconict.Sometimesthismeanssimplyoverlookingtheaction (Proverbs19:11),andsometimesitmeansspeakingthetruthinlove.Harboringbitternessorkeeping recordsofoensesisneitherbiblicalnorprotable(1Corinthians13).Weencourageeveryfamilyto attempttobeatpeacewithallmenandhaveoutlinedtheproperlinesofcommunicationbetweenthe schoolandhomeaccordingtothebiblicalprinciplesfoundinMatthew18.Webelievethatscripture teachesthatconictsshouldbehandleddiscreetlyandcarefully,whilebelievingandspeakingthebest abouteachindividualinvolved VCAstaandHeadmasterwillabidebythesesameprinciplesin communicatingwithparentsandstudents

ClassroomVisits

VCAseekstoassistparentsintheireortstobringuptheirchildren“inthedisciplineandinstruction oftheLord"(Ephesians6:4).Asasupportandextensionofthefamilyunit,VCAconsidersthefamily tobeofrstimportancetoachild.God,throughHisWord,theBible,indicatesthatthefamilyisthe mostimportanthumaninstitutionHedesigned,sinceHecomparesittotherelationshipbelievershave withChristandtheFather.Therefore,atVCAwearecontinuallyseekingwaystoactivelyinvolvethe parents,siblings,andgrandparentsofourstudents.Thefollowingarejustafewofthecommonways thisisdone.Youmay:

1. Visittheschool/classatanytime.Parentsarewelcometoobserveinourclassrooms.Someread, helpgrade,orplanactivities,whilesomejustcomeforthejoyofwatchingtheirchildrenlearn

2. Assistintheclassroom,regularlyorinfrequently(arrangementsshouldbemadewiththe teacherconcerned)

3. Assistwithlunchduty

4. Serveasastory-reader,song-leader,orguestartist;oeryourspecialtalents

5 Shareyourexperiencesortravelsastheymayrelatetoanareaofstudyinaclass

6. Helphostclasspartiesasaclassroomparent

7. Assistwithlargeocemailingsorphotocopying

8 Supportateacheroradministratorthroughregularprayer

9. Accompanytheclassoneldtrips

10.Volunteertoleadanelectiveclass:Art,Music,orPhysicalEducation

FormoreinformationabouthowtobecomeaVeritasChristianAcademyVolunteer,pleasereachout totheHeadmaster.

Parent-TeacherConferences

Thereisadedicateddayattheendoftherstandthirdquartersforparent-teacherconferencesat VCA.Seetheschoolcalendarforthespecicdates.Additionalparent-teacherconferencesare scheduledasneeded.ContactateacherortheHeadmastertosetupatime.Parentsareencouragedto beproactiveindevelopinganongoingdialoguewithallteachers

RegularCommunicationfromSchool

VCApublishesaweeklyNewslettercontainingocialinformationconcerningschoolactivitiesand otherimportantannouncementsforthemonth.ParentsareresponsibletoreadtheNewsletter, familiarizethemselveswithitscontents,andplaceschooleventsontheircalendarsforreference.

TeachersmaybecontactedthroughClassReachoutsideofregularworkinghours.Whenaddressing anyconcerns,parentsshouldcopytheHeadofSchooltokeeptheschoolinformedofclassroom circumstances Teacherswilldothesamewhenaddressingconcernsviaemailswithparents

Ifyouhaveaconcernaboutcurriculumcontent,VCApolicy,orphilosophy,communicatewiththe HeadofSchool.Ifyouhavequestionsabouttheweeklyworkingsofaparticularclassroom(e.g., homeworkload),contacttheteacherthroughClassReach Atnotimeshouldanindividualstudent’s problembeaddressedtonon-involvedparties.Inthegreatmajorityofcases,ifyouhaveworked patientlyandingoodfaith,withtheteacheranddirectors,youwillndasatisfactoryresolution.

PleasefollowMatthew18:15todeterminetheproperorderofcommunication:“Ifyourbrothersins againstyou,goandtellhimhisfault,betweenyouandhimalone.Ifhelistenstoyou,youhavegained yourbrother”

InternetUse&SocialMedia

Studentsareheldtothesamestandardofbehaviorwhethertheyareoncampusoronlineathome Individualsagreetousethesetechnologicaltoolshonorablyandresponsibly.

Thefollowingisnotpermitted:

● Sendingordisplayingoensivemessagesorintimatepictures

● Usingobscene,vulgar,orprofanelanguage

● Harassing,tormenting,threatening,embarrassing,humiliating,insulting,orattackingothers

● Textingorsocialmediainteractionwithteachers

ClassReachcommunicationispermittedforstudents,parents,andteachers.

HEALTH&WELLNESS

Lunch

Studentswillbringpackedlunchestobeeatenintheirclassroomoroutsideiftheweatherpermits Pleasepacklunchesthatdonothavetobeheatedorrefrigerated.Pleasealsoalertusofanyallergies yourchildhassowecanaccommodateasneededandalertotherfamilies(iftheallergyisverysevere). AtVCA,wevaluehealthandwellness,sopleasekeepthisinmindwhenpackinglunches,asyour youngstudentswillbelearningaboutnutrition,abalanceddiet,etc

Snacks

Parentsarewelcometosendaneasytoeatsnack(werecommendanutritioussnack)formid-morning Wateristheonlybeverageallowedtoaccompanysnacks.

HealthRecords

VeritasChristianAcademyshouldbenotiedofanysevereallergiesorhealthconcerns.

AdministrationofMedicines

VeritasChristianAcademyAdministrationmayadministerover-the-countermedicationtothe childrenintheircarebutonlywithauthorizationfromthechild’sparentorguardianthroughthe ClassReachreleaseform.

VCAreservestherighttorefusetheresponsibilityofprescriptionadministrationforanyreason Ifthis occurs,wewillbehappytoaccommodateparentvisitsduringthedayforthepurposeofmedication administration.

IllnessPolicy

Inconsiderationofyourchild’swellnessandtopreventthespreadofillnesstoclassmatesandteachers, wekindlyaskthatayoungstudentshouldbesymptom-freeafull24hoursfromthefollowingbefore returningtoonsiteclasses:

● Fever Temperatureof100degreesorabovewithouttheuseoffever-reducingmedication

● Vomiting/diarrhea

● Pleasedonotsendchildrenwithahighlycontagiousillnessessuchasstrep,hand/foot/mouth, orpinkeye(tonameafew)

GovernmentAgencyRequests

VCAvaluesourparentpartnershipandassuchwewillnotifyparentsofanyinteractionwitha governmentagencysuchaschildprotectiveservices,asitrelatestoyourchild.Ourpolicyisasfollows:

● Parentswillbenotiedandtheirpresencerequestedpriortoagovernmentagencybeing allowedtointerviewachildduringschoolhours

● VCAwilldoitsbesttoholdupthispolicywithanygovernmentagencybutcannotbeheld liableifwearenotabletogetaholdofafamilyorifthegovernmentagencyuseslegalforceto demandtheinterview

ACADEMICSCHEDULE

Calendar

TheAcademicCalendarislocatedonourwebsite.

INSTITUTIONALGUIDELINES

AttendancePolicy

Thispolicyisdesignedtoencouragestudentattendanceatschool.Atschoolastudentisexposedto varioustypesofinstruction.Becauseeachclassperiodshouldcontributesignicantlytothe curriculumobjectivesofVCA,andbecausetheinstructionalprogramisprogressiveandsequential, studentsshouldattendallprescribedclasses.Muchofwhatastudentlearnsinschoolcomesfromthe classroomexperiencesthatarenotrecordedasagrade.However,inrecognizingtheauthorityof parentsovertheirchildren,weunderstandthatparentsmaydecidethatitisinthebestinterestsoftheir childnottoattendschoolonaparticularday

PlannedAbsences

Plannedabsencesareanyabsencesthataretheresultofparentsdecidingtoexcusetheirstudentfrom attendanceatschoolforreasonsthatareforeseeable.Examplesincludeabsencesduetofamily vacations,doctorordentistvisits,programsthatarenotschool-related,etc.

UnplannedAbsences

Unplannedabsencesareanyunforeseeableabsences.Specicexamplesincludeillnessesorfamily emergencies

Procedure

Arecordofattendanceforeachstudentwillbekeptandthetotalnumberofdaysabsentwillbe recordedonthestudent’squarterlyreportcard.Intheeventthatastudentmissesmorethanvedays inanyonequarter(foranyreason),thestudent’sparentsneedtomeetwiththeHeadmasterand teacherstoconsidertheacademicconsequencesofthestudent’sabsences Intheeventastudentis

absentfromaclass,orfromschool,formorethantendaysduringonequarter(foranyreason),the student’sgradesfortheclassesmissedmaybedroppedonelettergrade.Uponrequestfromparents, theHeadmasterisauthorizedtoconsiderwaivingrequirementssetbytheattendancepolicy Indoing so,hewilltakeintoaccountthefollowing:student’smasteryinallsubjects,attitudetowardworkand study,anddisciplinaryrecordatschool.

Theseventhtardy(foranyreason)inanygivenquarterwillresultinoneabsence Eachsubsequent tardywillbecountedasanabsence.Nodistinctionwillbemadeforexcusedorunexcusedtardies.The teacherisnotobligatedtore-teachanylessonorextendanyopportunitytocompleteorturnin assignments

Astudentwhomissesmorethanhalftheclassenteringlateorleavingearlyistobecountedabsent fromthatclass.Suchcaseswillbeexcusedornotexcusedbytheocebasedonthecircumstances.For example,doctor’sappointmentsorsicknesswouldbeexcused,whileunexplainedlatenesswouldbe unexcused.

AttendanceGuidelines

1. UnplannedAbsences:

a Assignmentduedates:Anextensionmaybegivenforassignmentsdueonaparticular dateatthediscretionoftheteacherandHeadmaster.Theextensionwillnotexceedthe numberofschooldaysmissedduringtheabsence.Assignmentduedateswillbe establishedbytheclassroomteacher

b. Studentsmustcompleteallworkassignedduringtheirabsence.However,intheevent ofanillnesslastingthreedaysormore,theteachersmay,attheirdiscretion,excusethe studentsfromsomeoftheassignmentsmissed

c. Studentswillreceivefullcreditforsubmittingassignedworkuponreturningtoschool afteranexcusedabsence

d. Note:Inthecaseofillness,itisrecommendedthattheparent/studentcontactthe schooltondoutwhatassignmentsweremissed

2. PlannedAbsences(oneortwodays):

a Assignmentduedates:Itistheparent/student’sresponsibilitytoaskforandcomplete missedassignments.Generally,noextensionofduedateswillbegiven.However,one

additionaldaymaybegivenforabsencesresultingfromattendanceatschool-related functions.Duedateswillbesetbytheteachers

b. Studentsmustcompleteallworkassignedduringtheirabsence.Theteacherwill compileassignmentsandcourseworktobesenthomewiththestudent

c. Pointsmaybedeductedforgradesoncompletedassignmentsforeachdaythat assignmentsaresubmittedpasttheassignedduedate

3 PlannedAbsences(threedaysormore):

a. Duedate:Studentswillhavenomorethanhalfofthetimetheywereabsentto completeallassignedwork Specicduedateswillbesetbytheteacher

b. Teachersmay,attheirdiscretion,excusethestudentfromsomeoftheassignments issued Otherwise,allmissedworkistobecompleted

c. Studentswillreceivefullcredit(nogradededuction)forcompletingassignmentsgiven totherestoftheclassduringtheirabsence

SigningStudentsOut/In

Whenitisnecessarytosignstudentsout(andconsequentlybackin,eg,foradoctor’sappointment) duringthecourseoftheschoolday,parentsarerequestedtogototheWelcomeDeskandsignout/in withthe“SignOutLog.”Parentsareaskedtoprovidethedate,timeout/in,student’sname, homeroomclass,andparentsignature.

Forregulardismissal,studentsmustremainwiththeirclassandteachersuntilpickedupbyan authorizedadultorolderstudent.

ParkingforStudentDrop-o

Driversaretorememberthethreegoalsofdrivingintheparkinglotforstudentdrop-o:safety, eciency,andcourtesy.

Driversmayarrivebetween7:45am and8:00am todrop-oandsign-instudentsandbetween3:30 p.m.and3:45p.m.tosign-outandpick-up.

DriversmayuseanyparkinglotspacethatisdesignatedforLivingWaterBibleFellowship.Pleasebe courteousofotherdriversintheparkinglotandfamilieswalkingtotheentrance.Donotuseyourcell phonewhilemaneuveringthroughtheparkinglotanddonotpassotherdrivers

Facultyandstarelyondriverstopickupstudentsontime.ForgradesK–8,theend-of-daypick-upis from3:30to3:45pm Intheeventastudentisnotpickedupbytheendoftheirpick-upperiod,we willbringthestudenttotheappropriateoceandVCAwillbegincallingtheemergencycontactlist Ifyouknowyouarerunninglate,pleasecontacttheappropriateoceassoonaspossibletogiveusan ETA.Wedonothaveanafter-careprogram.Astamembermuststaywhenastudentisleftafter pick-uphours

Building

LivingWaterBibleFellowshiphostsVCAstudentsingradesK–8 Classesareheldonthesecondoor ofthebuilding.Alloutsideandrstoordoorsaremonitoredduringschoolhoursandwhenclassisin session,classroomdoorsarelocked.TheHeadmasteroceislocatedonthesecondoorofthe building.

Allvisitorsshouldcomethroughthemainentrancedoorsonthenorthsideofthebuildingforentry duringtheschoolday.Pleasenotethesignsthatwilldirectyouinside.Visitorsmustsigninandoutat theocesoweareawareofallpeopleinthebuilding Ifyouarebringingitemsforyourchild(lunch, etc.)pleasebringthemtotheoceandthestawilltaketheitemstotheclassroomatthenextclass break.

Boundaries

Studentsarerequiredtoremainwithinthecampusboundariesduringtheschoolday.Studentsshould alwaysbeinsightandsoundofaVCAmemberorvolunteer Studentsmaynotgointothe surroundingareasortheparkinglotswithoutpermission

Cleanliness

Cleanlinessofacampusreectstherespectfulnessandstewardshipofitsstudents.Everyoneshouldgo beyondsimplynotlitteringandshouldtakeresponsibilityforpickingupanytrashtheynoticelying aroundcampus.

ElevatorUse

StudentsarenottousetheelevatorwithoutpermissionfromtheHeadmaster Permissionmaybe grantedonaone-timebasisforaspecicreason,orforalong-termbasisintheeventastudenthasan injuryorillness.Studentsmustonlyusetheelevatorfornecessarytravel.Insomecases,astudentmay beallowedtobringoneclassmatetocarryabagorotheritems.

FoodandDrink

VCAstudentsaretoeatonlyduringdesignatedtimes,typicallymorningbreakandlunch Studentsare permittedtobringwaterbottlestoclass Waterbottlesmustcontainonlywater;otherbeveragesare notpermittedinclassrooms.Studentsmaynotchewgumatschoolunlessgivenpermissionbya teacher.

FieldTrips

Fieldtripsareanintegralpartofthe“handson”learningprocessatVCA.Eachchildmusthaveaeld trippermissionformonlebeforeheorshewillbeabletoparticipateinanyeldtrip Teacherswill notifyparentsofupcomingeldtripsintheirTeacherNotesandmayaskforparentstoserveas chaperonesand/ordrivers.Weencourageparentalparticipationandbelievethataparent’sattendance enhancesthelearningprocessandthemoraldevelopmentofourchildren.Parentswhowishto chaperoneand/ortransportVCAchildrenmustsubmitproofofautomobileinsurance Guidelinesfordrivers/chaperonesandstudentsincludethefollowing:

● Chaperones/driverswillbeassignedaspecicgroupofchildrentoride/drivewithbothtoand fromtheevent

● Whileinthevehicle,childrenmustremainseatedwithseatbeltsappropriatelyfastened(one childperseat no“double-buckling”).Nochildbelowtheageof12ispermittedtositinthe frontpassengerseat

● Normally,childrenarenotallowedtohaveoruseelectronicequipmentoneldtrips(phones, handheldelectronicgames,etc.)

● Driversshouldbemindfulofallfamiliesrepresentedwhenchoosingmusicinsidethevehicle whiletraveling

● BehavioralstandardsshouldmirrorVCAexpectationsintheclassroom,bothduringthedrive andatthesiteoftheeldtrip.Studentsshouldshowrespectandhonortootherclassmates,the audience,performers,andchaperones WeexpectVCAstudentstoactwithimpeccabledignity andmanners,doingonlywhatispleasingtoGod.Chaperones/driversareexpectedtobe presentandassistinmaintainingthesestandardsoneldtrips

● Forstudentsafetyandsecurityreasons,itisimportanttohavethechildrenleave,travel,and arriveatrelativelythesametime.Driversshouldnot“runerrands”whendrivingfortheschool, includingstoppingforlunchorgasapartfromthegroup/caravan

● Ifstudentscanwearspecialattireasidefromthenormalschooluniformduringtheeldtrip, familieswillbenotied

LunchandSnacks

VCAstudentsmustbringtheirsnacksandlunchestoschool.Studentswillnormallyeatinthe fellowshiphalldownstairsnexttothewarmingkitchenwithsupervisionfromanaideand/orteacher Ondayswheretheauditoriumisbeingusedforotherevents,studentswilleatintheirclassrooms. Self-containedlunchesthatdonotrequirerefrigerationorheatingarethemostconvenient,and thereforerequiredinorderforeveryonetomakeadequateuseofthelunchhour.Ifyourstudentneeds speciclunchaccommodations,pleasecontacttheHeadmaster

Inaddition,studentsaretobringanyutensilstheymayneedaswellasnapkins.Foryoungerstudents, pleasepurchaseeasilyopeneddrinksandsnacks

BirthdayObservances

VCAstudentsthathaveabirthdayduringtheschoolyearandwouldliketocelebratewithclassmates maybringcupcakestoclasswithteacherpermission.Parentsshouldarrangedetailsofthesmall celebrationwiththestudent’steacherandplantoprovideatreatforeachstudentthatdoesnotrequire specialserving(i.e.,cake,largebowlsofpuddingorjello,etc.).

LostandFound

VCAwillmaintainalostandfound Pleaselabelallclothing,books,andpersonalarticleswiththe student’sorfamily’sname Thelostandfoundwillbecleanedouteverymonth Unclaimeduniform itemswillbedonatedtotheuniformexchangeandotherunclaimeditemswillbedonatedtoalocal charityordisposedof.

PhotographyandPublicity

VCAstudentsarephotographed(andvideoed)onaregularbasis Thesephotosandvideosmaybe usedtopromotetheschoolonsocialmediaandthewebsite.Ifastudentorfamilydoesnotwishsuch pictures,orastudent’sworktobeusedinschoolpublicationsorpromotions,theschoolshouldbe notiedbyllingoutthePhotographyPermissionForm,whichcanberequestedviaemailto info@veritaschristianacademy ParentscanreturnthePhotographyPermissionFormtothe Headmaster’soce.

InclementWeather

VCAwilltakeallnecessaryprecautionstoinsureyourchild’ssafetyandtoaidinyourfamily’s preparationforsevereweatherand/orotheremergencysituations.Incaseofinclementweather,the administrationandboardwillconsultwithauthoritiestodeterminethebestcourseofaction Inmost occurrences,VCAclosingsordelayswillcoincidewiththeAlamosaSchoolDistrict

Fornoticationofschoolclosings,delayedopenings,andearlydismissals,VCAoersthefollowing options:

1. SignuptoreceiveatextmessagebyemailingVCA(info@veritaschristian.academy)and providingyourcellphonenumberandcellphoneserviceprovider

2. Allparentsreceiveanemailfromschoolocials

3. LikeandFollowVCA’sFacebookpage,whereallurgentannouncementsareposted

EmergencyDrills

VCAwillconductperiodicdrillstoacquaintteachersandstudentswithvariousemergency procedures.Thiswillincludere,tornado,andschoollockdowndrills.Ifyouhavequestions regardingspecicprocedures,pleaseseetheHeadmaster

ENROLLMENTPOLICY

EnrollmentRequirementsforParents

ThoughnotrequiredtobeChristians,theparentsofstudentsatVCAshouldhaveaclear understandingofthebiblicalphilosophyandpurposeofVCA,includingtheschool’smission,vision,

andStatementofFaith.Thisunderstandingincludesawillingnesstohavetheirchildclearlytaughtthe school'sStatementofFaithinvariousandfrequentwayswithintheschool'sprogram.Parentsshould haveaclearunderstandingofouruniqueclassicaleducationalapproach Parentsshouldcarefullyread theinformationalmaterialsabouttheschool.

Ourenvironmentislargelyaproductofthevaluesheldbyourfamilies WeseekcommittedChristian familieswhoshareourvalues FamiliesneednotbeevangelicalChristianstobeadmitted,thoughwe areanevangelical,Bible-believingorganization.ItisourhopethatfamiliesofmanyChristian denominationswillndsuccessinattendingourschool.Familiesareexpectedto1)supportourethic ofdisciplineintheirhome,2)permitustoteachtheirchildreninmattersoffaith,accordingtoour statementoffaith,and3)supportourculturalvaluesbyobservingthestandardssetforthinthis handbookforclothing,music,language,andotherculturalinuenceswhileattheschooloratschool functions.

SpecialNeeds

VeritasChristianAcademyaimstoteachstudentsofallabilitylevelsthroughsolidChristianpedagogy andmaterials Becauseweareabletotakebothconventionalanduniquelearners,ourprogramisvery distinct.Weoerclassicalteachingasinputbutonlyexpectclassicaloutputbasedonthegiftingof eachindividualstudent.Ourteachingisdoneina“roundtable”setting,wherewemovefromthe concretetothephilosophicalasthestudentsareready Aslongasweareabletoservethestudentwell, weareopenforenrollmentwithstudentswhostruggle Astudentneedstobeabletokeepthe disciplinepolicyandwhilewemaybeabletosupportadiagnosisandassistwithtoolsachildmayneed wedonotallowadiagnosistobeanexcuseforsin.

Anti-Discrimination&ADAStatement

VeritasChristianAcademyadmitsstudentsofanyrace,color,nationalorigin,andethnicorigininall rights,privileges,programs,andactivitiesgenerallyaccordedormadeavailabletostudentsatthe school.Itdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,color,nationalorigin,andethnicoriginin administrationofitseducationalpolicies,admissionpolicies,scholarshipandloanprograms,and athleticandotherschool-administeredprograms.

ChildrendiagnosedwithalearningdisabilityarewelcometobeapartofVCAsolongastheycan meet,orbeassistedtomeet,thedisciplinestandardsoftheclassroom,discussions,anddailyroutine.

Studentsapplyingforadmissionsshouldhaveadesiretoreceivethisformofeducation.Wedonot mindassistingparentsinfosteringthisdesire,butthestudentneedstoattheveryleastbe“willingtobe madewilling”tobediscipledthroughaclassicalChristianeducation

EnrollmentProcess

1 GeneralInquiry

2. FamilyInterviewRequest

3. AdmissionsInterview

4 Assessmentofstudent

5. Application

6. Enrollment

7 TuitionAgreement

TUITION

PleaseseeourtuitionpolicyHERE.

TuitionAssistance

WedonotwantnancestobeareasonthatafamilycannotsendtheirchildrentoVeritasChristian Academy,whilewealsowanttobegoodstewardsofdonorfunds.Weaskthatfamiliesinneedof tuitionassistanceaskgrandparents,churches,andfamilybeforeapplyingfornancialaid Iftuition assistanceisstillnecessaryweuseathirdpartynancialaidprocessorcalledBeneFAQ Theapplication is$35andVCAreceivesareportrelatedtowhatafamilycanfeasiblyaordbasedontheirnancial portfolio.Withthisinformation,ourcommitteemakesadecisiontakingintoaccountthereportand anyextenuatingcircumstance Ourdesireisthatafamilyinneedoftuitionassistanceisabletopaya minimumof10%oftheirsalarytowardsChristianeducation,butwealsoreviewthenancial circumstancesinmakingourdetermination.

Step1:Askforhelpfromyourchurch(manychurcheshaveeducationfunds)

Step2:ApplythroughBeneFAQ.

Step3:Thecommitteewillreviewandmakearecommendation.

Step4:Youwillbenotiedofanyaidtobeawarded

Step5:Payyournewtuitionamountthroughmonthlytuition.

EVALUATIONS

1 Teacherswillevaluatestudentsregularlyforthepurposeofassessingskillandknowledge

2. Teachersareevaluatedunannouncedthroughouttheyear

3. Theadministrationwillbeassessedperiodicallybythesta

4 Parentswillevaluatetheschoolannually

GeneralAgreement:AllparentsandstudentswhoareenrollinginVeritasChristianAcademyaﬃrmby theirapplicationandenrollmenttheirintentionalwillingnesstoabidebytheexpectationsandrules presentedinthishandbookandallotherschooldocuments,bothexpressedandimplied.Thisincludesall policiesstatedherein.

Disclaimer:Thereadershouldtakenoticethatwhileeveryeﬀortismadetoensuretheaccuracyofthe informationprovidedherein,VeritasChristianAcademyreservestherighttomakechangesatanytime withoutpriornotice.Parentswillbenotiﬁedofanychangestothehandbookthatoccurduringthecurrent academicyear.VeritasChristianAcademyprovidestheinformationhereinsolelyfortheconvenienceof thereaderand,totheextentpermissiblebylaw,expresslydisclaimsanyliabilitywhichmayotherwisebe incurred.