2024-25 Employee Handbook

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Employee HANDBOOK

2024-2025

MESSAGE WELCOME

SCA Partners in Ministry,

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! I believe that God has placed each of us here, at this specific time, for His specific purposes. I pray that we would remain intentional in prayer for each other, and the children and families we are called to serve.

Chris Hahn Head of School

I want to begin this letter a little different, some may even interpret it as childish…. Do you remember as a child being dared to do something? How about being doubled dog dared? May I challenge you to consider joining me and our SCA c ommunity to ASPIRE HIGHER in caring for each other and our community in the 20242025 school year. Our theme, based on Colossians 1:29, encourages us (dares us) to work harder as HE works through us.

As you think about Aspiring Higher, what kinds of habits, words and actions must you retire? Are you willing to work hard, perspire, and inspire others?

Three specific challenges for you to consider. Will you ASPIRE HIGHER with your words and how you talk with one another, see James 3. Will you ASPIRE HIGHER with your actions in how you help one another, see 1 Corinthians 16. Finally, will you ASPIRE HIGHER with your attitude and become more selfless, see Philippians 2. I believe this is what God is calling me and us to do. Will you join me? I double dog dare you!

We have an incredible responsibility and opportunity, to ASPIRE and inspire, encourage, challenge, pray with and for, motivate, question, and hold accountable one another and the children of SCA.

May we be led and empowered by God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit in our mutual service. I look forward to working with and for each of you.

Chris Hahn, Head

INTRODUCTION

This Employee Handbook is designed to acquaint employees with Summit Christian Academy (SCA) and provide information about working conditions, employee benefits, and some of the policies affecting employment. An employee should read, understand, and comply with all provisions of the handbook. It describes many employee responsibilities and outlines the benefit programs developed by SCA. The handbook is not a contract. However, your compliance with it is a condition of employment. One of the objectives is to provide a work environment that is conducive to both personal and professional growth.

This Employee Handbook is our attempt to keep employees informed of the terms and conditions of their employment, including company policies and procedures. SCA reserves the right to revise, add to or delete from this handbook regarding the terms or conditions of an employee’s employment to the extent allowed by law. Employees will be notified when there are changes made to the handbook. No oral statements or representations can change the provisions of this handbook. If you believe any provisions of the handbook conflict with your understanding of the terms or conditions of your employment, you should immediately speak to your supervisor for clarification.

WAIVER OF BREACH

The waiver by SCA of any violation of any term or condition set forth in this employee handbook shall not operate as a waiver of any subsequent violation. No waiver shall excuse compliance with the provisions of the employee handbook unless placed in writing and signed by an officer of SCA.

VISION/MISSION/ CORE VALUES

VISION

The school of choice for Christian families whose priority is excellence. Colossians 3:23, Philippians 4:8

MISSION

To inspire students to achieve their God-given potential through excellent academics and Christian training in a compassionate environment.

CORE VALUES

Christ-centered

Pursuing grace and truth

Inspiring excellence in learning

Encouraging spiritual growth

Cultivating community

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT HANDBOOK

The Employee Handbook describes important information about SCA, and I understand that I should consult my supervisor regarding any questions not answered in the handbook.

Since the information, policies, and benefits included in the Employee Handbook are necessarily subject to change, I acknowledge that revisions to the handbook may occur. All such changes will be communicated through official notices, and I understand that revised information may supersede, modify, or eliminate existing policies.

I acknowledge that I have access at any time to the SCA Employee Handbook in Google docs. In consideration of my employment with SCA, I agree to review the handbook and refer to it when questions arise and agree to observe and abide by the conditions of employment, policies, and rules contained in the Employee Handbook. I also understand and agree to all other company policies set forth.

I understand that I have the right and ability to have this Employee Handbook reviewed by an attorney of my choosing and that I sign the Acknowledgement of Employee Handbook Receipt without duress or misunderstanding. I understand that my signed copy of the Acknowledgement of Employee Handbook will be placed in my personnel file. I understand that I will be asked to sign an acknowledgment of this handbook sometime the first few weeks of school.

BELIEFS FOUNDATIONAL

VISION - The school of choice for Christian families whose priority is excellence.

MISSION - Inspire students to achieve their God-given potential through excellent academics and Christian training in a compassionate environment.

VALUE PROPOSITION – A transformational education for each child - refining and testing faith. Renewing the mind and proving truth. Revealing and equipping purpose. Increasing in wisdom and favor.

STATEMENT OF FAITH

As a community school, it is not our intention to promote the doctrines of any one church or denomination. Instead, we will center on those beliefs that we share in common with each other.

We believe the Bible to be the only inspired, infallible, authoritative, inerrant Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21).

We believe there is one God, eternally existent in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:1, Matthew 28:19, John 10:30).

We believe in the deity of Christ (John 10:33), His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:35), His sinless life (Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 7:26), His miracles (John 2:11), His vicarious and atoning death (1 Corinthians 15:3, Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 2:9), His resurrection (John 11:25, 1 Corinthians 15:4), His ascension to the right hand of God (Mark 16:19), and His personal return in power and glory (Acts 1:11, Revelation 19:11).

We believe in the absolute necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit for salvation because of the exceeding sinfulness of human nature; and that we are justified on the single ground of faith in the shed blood of Christ and that only by God’s grace and through faith alone we are saved (John 3:16– 19, John 5:24, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8–9, Ephesians 2:8–10, Titus 3:5).

We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost—the saved to the resurrection of life, and the lost to the resurrection of condemnation (John 5:28–29).

We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 12:12–13, Galatians 3:26–28).

We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life (Romans 8:13-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:1920; Ephesians 4:30; 5:18).

The Summit Christian Academy Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe.

For purposes of Summit Christian Academy’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, the school’s Board of Education is the final interpretive authority on the Bible’s application.

POSITION ON MARRIAGE, SEXUALITY, AND GENDER IDENTITY

Summit Christian Academy (SCA) believes that the term marriage has only one meaning: the God-ordained union of one man and one woman in a covenant commitment, distinguished by sexual exclusivity, permanence and devotion to their good and to the welfare of any children within the family, as delineated in Scripture (Genesis 2:18-25).

We believe that God intends for sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other (1 Corinthians 6:18, 7:2-5; Hebrews 13:4.) We believe that God’s command is that there be no sexual intimacy outside of or apart from the man-woman marriage relationship.

Summit Christian Academy (SCA) believes that God wonderfully foreordained and immutably created each person as either wholly male or wholly female in conformity with their biological sex. These two distinct yet complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God (Genesis 1:26-27).

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

SCA believes that Christian education is a vital link in the successful rearing of children. It is the desire of the founders and staff of SCA to work together with the family and their church in reinforcing high moral values and the Christian lifestyle, while providing an excellent academic experience (Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:23; Genesis 2:18-25; Proverbs 9:10; Romans 1:21-27; Romans 12:1-21).

SCA can never replace the significant spiritual impact of a godly home and church. The parents maintain the ultimate responsibility in spiritual matters, but the school can assist them by including sound biblical teaching and through the example and leadership of the faculty (Romans 8:29; Proverbs 1:7).

BELIEFS FOUNDATIONAL

To educate and prepare for life without including God as central to life does not fully prepare a child. The home, church, and school must work together to prepare children spiritually, morally, socially, and academically for their adult lives. The school’s primary responsibility is to provide the student with the necessary academic skills. This responsibility cannot be fulfilled in a spiritual vacuum. The school must also provide spiritual and moral direction in academic pursuits as well as personal life (John 8:32 and Romans 12:2).

Teachers are expected to understand and use the school’s mission statement and philosophy of education as a guide.

CORE VALUES

Christ-centered. Our belief in God and His Word is central to SCA. Through a faculty who practice a personal and active faith, we foster a thoroughly Christian environment where God’s Word is the standard for decision making. Placing Christ at the center of all enables us to educate the whole student, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, socially, and physically.

Pursuing grace and truth. SCA seeks to model the life Christ demonstrated on earth, a life full of grace and truth, that rejected legalism for the higher priority of focusing on the inner man. We recognize that Christ looks inward at the motivations of the heart and pursues a relationship with us. We exercise spiritual discernment, speaking the truth in love in order to promote the spiritual growth of the individual without compromising the student body as a whole.

Inspiring excellence in learning. The SCA faculty inspires students to discover and develop their Godgiven gifts and talents. We nurture an enthusiasm for learning, providing an atmosphere wherein students may express creativity, discern truth, think critically, and choose wisely. In academics, the arts, and athletics, we uphold a standard of excellence to encourage students to achieve their individual best.

Encouraging spiritual growth. We desire that every student know Christ personally and grow in His grace and knowledge, so they may impact their world for Him. We understand the importance of godly staff and faculty who model the Christian walk and mentor students to pursue their personal relationship with the Lord.

Cultivating community. We recognize that the SCA community extends beyond the walls of our school. Coming from diverse backgrounds, we unify around a simple statement of faith that binds us together. We acknowledge the responsibility of the parent, the role of the church, and the authority of the Holy Spirit in training students.

Igniting leadership. SCA embodies a culture of servant leadership that is sparked by a sense of individual purpose. With competency, credibility, and compassion, we add value to others and influence the marketplace of ideas.

STUDENT OUTCOMES

As part of our reaccreditation process, we were required to develop Schoolwide Expected Student Outcomes. The administration met with faculty members and students to discuss, brainstorm, and develop the outcomes. The Student Outcomes are tied to the SCA Core Values that were developed several years ago and are traits we hope all graduates will have when they leave SCA. Summit Christian Academy seeks to graduate students who:

Christ-centered

have an active faith driving independent pursuit of a personal relationship with Jesus; have developed the skill set necessary to demonstrate a consistent and genuine desire to live out God’s will as revealed in His Word; have a biblical framework to discern and make Christ- like decisions; are able to articulate and defend a Christian worldview.

Pursuing grace and truth

humbly communicate grace with discernment in their interaction with others; humbly communicate and demonstrate truth with discernment in their interactions with others; view themselves through the lens of grace and truth, rejecting legalism for the higher priority of the heart.

Inspiring excellence in learning

demonstrate standards of excellence across the curriculum to show mastery of academic requirements for higher education; prioritize the discovery and development of their gifts and talents; confidently use knowledge and critical thinking skills to gather, analyze, and apply information; consistently and accurately evaluate information through a biblical worldview; exercise time management skills and navigate the learning process as a persistent and independent learner, understanding the value of hard work; embrace a lifelong love of learning. 9

BELIEFS FOUNDATIONAL

Encouraging spiritual growth

have been spiritually impacted or mentored by SCA faculty and/or staff; exercise spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible reading, fasting, worship, giving, and serving; value fellowship with believers; are confident in their ability to lead and disciple others in Christ; recognize the value of seeking wisdom from godly counsel;.

Cultivating community demonstrate compassion which motivates action toward a world in need; as a Christian living in a diverse world, will demonstrate awareness, appreciation, and sensitivity toward others without compromising their faith; promote unity without sacrificing the essentials of faith; discern truth and lead others in their field of influence.

Igniting leadership initiate leadership by using their God-given purpose and talents to influence others and add value to the marketplace of ideas; have active involvement in a local church; identify Christ as the true example of servant leadership and strive to lead as He led; lead with competency, credibility, and compassion.

SCA GOALS

Spiritual

To provide a thoroughly Christian learning environment for students.

To teach the Bible as the only inspired, inerrant, infallible, authoritative Word of God.

To teach the deity of Christ including His virgin birth, perfect life, atonement on the cross, resurrection, and return.

To teach all men have sinned and salvation is based on acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior, with the goal of leading each student to a personal decision of confessing Christ as Savior and Lord. To develop students with integrity, high morals, and a respect for God’s Word.

To encourage self-discipline and responsibility in students, based on respect for the submission to God.

To work with parents and churches as they train children for a life of service to God.

To train students to achieve the very best that God has for them, providing them with a strong sense of who they are in Christ and how they should relate to God and man.

To help students develop a biblical worldview.

Academic

1.

To provide an excellent academic education for students, preparing them for admission to colleges, universities, or the workforce consistent with their abilities and academic performance.

2.

3.

To thoroughly integrate biblical principles in all subject areas.

To instill in students a pursuit of excellence in all things.

4.

5.

To teach and encourage the use of good study habits.

To teach students how to do independent research and to reason logically.

6.

7.

To develop creative and critical thinking skills.

To help students discover their God-given gifts and talents.

Social

2.

To provide a safe, caring school environment. 1. To adequately prepare students to become productive, interactive members of society.

3.

To develop Christ-like character in students and a desire to treat others with respect (i.e., academic competitions, sports, etc.).

4.

To develop in students a spirit of Christian service as exemplified in the person of Jesus Christ.

5.

6.

To promote physical fitness and good health habits.

To impart a respect for the sanctity of life and abhorrence for the sins of abortion, euthanasia, sexual impurity, and substance abuse.

BELIEFS FOUNDATIONAL

SCA LIFESTYLE STATEMENT

Summit Christian Academy (SCA) is a religious, nonprofit Christian school organization representing Jesus Christ throughout the greater Kansas City metropolitan community. SCA requires its employees to be born-again Christians, living their lives as Christian role models (Romans 10:9-10; I Timothy 4:12; Luke 6:40). Employees will conduct themselves in a way that will not raise questions regarding their Christian testimonies. A Christian lifestyle should reflect the biblical perspective of integrity and appropriate personal and family relationships, business conduct, and moral behavior. An employee is expected to demonstrate a teachable spirit, an ability to share love for others, a willingness to live contentedly under authority, and a commitment to follow the Matthew 18 principle when an issue arises with fellow employees or management.

Our belief in the Bible as the only inspired, infallible, authoritative, inerrant Word of God, as stated in our Statement of Faith, is our guideline for biblical standards and moral conduct. Moral misconduct, which violates the bona fide occupational qualification for employees to be Christian role models includes, but is not limited to, promiscuity, homosexual behavior or any other violation of the unique roles of male and female (Romans 1:21-27; I Corinthians 6:920).

Summit Christian Academy (SCA) believes that the term marriage has only one meaning: the God-ordained union of one man and one woman in a covenant commitment, distinguished by sexual exclusivity, permanence, and devotion to their good and to the welfare of any children within the family, as delineated in Scripture (Genesis 2:18-25).

SCA employees will maintain a lifestyle based on biblical standards of conduct. Failure to do so may result in a reprimand or, in some cases, dismissal from employment. It is the goal of SCA that each employee will have a lifestyle where “…He might have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:18).

EMPLOYEE’S DECLARATION OF MORAL INTEGRITY

SCA expects all of its employees and volunteers with unsupervised access to children to model the same Christian values and lifestyle that it seeks to inculcate in its students. As an employee or volunteer for a ministry position at SCA, I recognize, understand, and agree to live by the Christian moral standards of the school. I understand that I will be asked on an annual basis to sign this form as part of my contract or hire-on agreement.

I declare that as a follower of Christ, I am not engaging in and commit to not engage in inappropriate sexual conduct.

Inappropriate conduct includes, but is not limited to, such behaviors as the following: heterosexual activity outside of marriage (e.g., premarital sex, cohabitation, extramarital sex), homosexual or lesbian sexual activity, transgender identity or behavior, sexual harassment, use or viewing of pornographic material or websites, or sexual abuse or improprieties toward minors as defined by Scripture and federal or state law. I further declare that I will refrain from such activities as drunkenness, use of illicit drugs, and the use of vulgar and profane language.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

Subject to the Constitution of the United States and all applicable state and federal laws, Summit Christian Academy does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, color and national or ethnic origin in its employment practices, nor does it discriminate against its employees on the basis of race, color and national or ethnic origin in the administration of policies, procedures, programs, or activities.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

& AFFILIATION

SCAisanot-for-profitcorporationwithaBoardof Educationthatdirectstheoperationoftheschool throughaHeadofSchool.TheBoardofEducationis composedofeightpersons.Fiveareelectedbythe parentsforthree-yeartermsandthreearepastors appointedbytheBoardfortwo-yearterms.

BOARDOFEDUCATION

TimWiseman,President

JodiButler,VicePresident

PhilVanDeusen,Treasurer

EmilyArmstrong

AngelaSchumer

PastorJohnBrooks

PastorFelBagunu

PastorToshaunAvery

BOARDMEETINGSTRUCTURE

Boardmeetingswillbeheldregularlythroughoutthe schoolyear.Allmeetingsareclosedsessions,which allowsforfocusedandconcentratedtimeforthe boardtodeliberatemajorboardresponsibilities,i.e. vision,financialresponsibility,futureplanning,etc. Theboardmayoccasionallyofferopensessionswhere parentscanattend.Openmeetingswillbenotedas suchontheschoolcalendarandannouncedtoschool stakeholdersatleastaweekinadvance.

Inanefforttomaintaingoodcommunicationbetween parents,faculty,staff,andtheBoardofEducation,a boardreportwillbeincludedintheSOARING newsletter.Inaddition,anemailaccounthasbeen establishedfortheBoard.Pleasesendall communicationstoBoardSecretaryBrittanyMilesat bmiles@sca-kc.org.TheBoardwillreviewcommentsas abodyandthenrespond.TheBoardstrongly encouragesstakeholderstopursuequestionsand commentswithyourprincipal/supervisorfirst,then withtheHeadofSchoolbeforebringingtotheBoard.

ACCREDITATION/AFFILIATION

SCA is fully accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and by Cognia.

Teachers are expected to obtain and maintain ACSI or state certification. For information on the certification process, check with the Human Resources Coordinator.

SCA is a member of the Great Plains Alliance of Christian Schools (GPACS).

COVENANT CHURCHES

Summit Christian Academy is a nondenominational community school serving families from a wide variety of churches in Lee’s Summit and surrounding areas. Currently we have more than 215 covenant churches. A covenant church is one who agrees to:

Be in agreement with the SCA Statement of Faith. Actively support, promote and pray for SCA among their congregation.

Permit limited dissemination of school information to church families.

In return, Summit Christian Academy extends to covenant churches the following:

Enrollment opportunities prior to the beginning of open enrollment.

50% off enrollment fee.

Pray regularly for our covenant churches.

To find an updated list of covenant churches, go to summit-christian-academy.org.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS OF

I agree to faithfully participate in a local church whose fundamental beliefs are in agreement with the Statement of Faith of this school (Hebrews 10:25), as well as with the Position on Marriage, Sexuality, and Gender Identity.

I agree to observe appropriate confidentiality in regard to pupil, parent, and school matters.

I agree to avoid highly debatable topics as much as possible that tend to divide Christians. I agree that a student is to be referred to his/her local church if a debatable topic arises of a theological nature.

I agree to inform the school administration, without delay, of any fraud, false entry, substantial error, embezzlement, or employee misconduct, that I discover or know to have taken place in any records, property, or funds of the organization, and to report to the administration any transaction or matter that seems damaging to the organization.

PROCESS ADMISSIONS

ENTRANCE AND ADMISSION STANDARDS

The following standards have been established for entrance into Summit Christian Academy:

At least one parent must be a born-again Christian. Parents or legal guardians must be in agreement with the school’s Foundational Beliefs. Parents must be willing to actively support and pray for our academic program.

Families must actively attend and support an area Bible- believing church and receive a positive pastor’s recommendation.

The student’s record of behavior at home, church, and school should reflect good citizenship, and the student must agree to abide by the standards and guidelines of our school. Secondary applicants must express a desire to be a student at SCA.

Parents and students (grades 5-12) must read and sign agreement with the school’s Community Compact.

The student must be of suitable age for the grade assigned. Children entering Kindergarten must be five years of age (six for entering first graders) on or before July 31 of any school year. Preenrollment testing determines the suitability for enrollment and placement in our program.

An entrance examination is required for all prospective Kindergarten students. Students in other grade levels may be given entrance examinations if deemed necessary by SCA staff. If SCA is to administer the examination, it is necessary to schedule an appointment. Testing serves as an aid in determining the suitability of enrollment and placement in our program. There will be a nonrefundable fee for all testing.

An initial interview with parents will be required as part of the admissions process.

Upon completion of all enrollment steps, parents are notified as to whether their child has been accepted in the school. According to Board of Education Policy No. 4.000, all students who are accepted will be subject to a probationary period that lasts until the student has completed one full grading period. This is to ensure that the child adjusts properly to our school.

REENROLLMENT

Students who are presently enrolled at SCA are given first opportunity to reenroll for the following year.

Accounts must be current in order for a student to be eligible for reenrollment.

Payment of the enrollment fee reserves a place for a student for the coming school year.

Reenrolling students must continue to meet all admission standards.

Enrollment is then opened to families of our covenant churches.

After a specified period of time, enrollment is opened to the general public.

PROCESS APPLICATION & HIRING

APPLICATIONPROCESS

SCAhasanin-depthandrigoroushiringprocessthat includesthefollowing:

Allapplicantsmustsubmitacompletedapplication thatincludestheirChristiantestimony,qualifications, references,andmore.

Applicantsareaskedtosigntheschool’sFoundational Beliefdocuments.

Applicantsmustincludenamesandcontactinfo, includingvalidemailaddressesfor1pastorreference, 2personalreferences,and3professionalreferences. Ifthedecisionismadetomovetheapplication forward,referenceformsareemailedtoreferences listedbythecandidate.

Onceseveralreferencesaresecured,includinga pastorreference,aninterviewwillbescheduledwith theappropriatemanager.

Dependingupontheposition,asecondand/orthird interviewmaybescheduledwithmembersofthe administrativeteam.

SCAdoesnotdiscriminateinitsemploymentpractices againstanypersonbecauseofrace,color,nationalor ethnicorigin,gender,age,orqualifieddisability.

AMERICANSWITHDISABILITIESACT(ADA)

ItisthepolicyofSCAtocomplywithallfederalandstate lawsconcerningtheemploymentofpersonswith disabilitiesandtoactinaccordancewithregulationsand guidanceissuedbytheEqualEmploymentOpportunity Commission(EEOC).Furthermore,itisSCA’spolicynotto discriminateagainstqualifiedindividualswithdisabilities inregardtoapplicationprocedures,hiring,advancement, discharge,compensation,trainingorotherterms, conditions,andprivilegesofemployment.

SCAwillreasonablyaccommodatequalifiedindividuals withadisabilitysotheycanperformtheessential functionsofajobunlessdoingsocausesadirectthreat totheseindividualsorothersintheworkplaceandthe threatcannotbeeliminatedbyreasonable accommodationoriftheaccommodationcreatesan unduehardshiptoSCA.Contacthumanresources(HR) withanyquestionsorrequestsforaccommodation.

HIRINGPROCESS

Attheconclusionoftheinterviewprocess,anofferof employmentmaybemadetoacandidate.Whena candidateacceptsanofferofemployment,theHuman ResourcesCoordinatorwillreachouttothembyphone andinwritingwithdetailsontheon-boardingprocessto includeschedulinganappointmenttosignallrequired paperwork.

Newhirepaperworkincludesdetailedinformationon schoolcalendar,jobdescription,benefitsscheduleand more.

Hiringprocesscontinued... Thenewemployeemustalsocompleteanumberofofficial documentsforpayrollpurposes.

TheapplicantisalsoaskedtocompleteaBackground CheckAuthorizationForm.Alloffersofemploymentare contingentuponclearresultsofathoroughbackground check.

Inaddition,SCAreservestherighttoconductrandom backgroundchecksatanytimeandatitssolediscretion. EmployeeswillbeaskedtocompleteaBackgroundCheck AuthorizationForm;failuretocomplymayresultin disciplinaryactionuptoandincludingtermination.

Continuedemploymentiscontingentuponclearresultsof athoroughbackgroundcheck.

EMPLOYEECONTRACTS&HIRE-ONS

Allemployeessigneitheracontractorahire-onattimeof employmentandagainatthebeginningofthenewschool year.

SCAoffersbindingcontractstofacultyandmembersof theadministrativeteam.Theschoolplansforthe academicyearwiththeassumptionthattheseemployees willfulfilltheircontracts.Whenemployeesrequesta releasefromacontractduringthesummerbeforethe schoolyearstartsorduringtheschoolyear,thelearningof impactedstudentsisgreatlydisrupted.Employeesmay notbereleasedfromtheircontractexceptforunusual circumstancesthatwillbereviewedbytheBoardof Educationbeforesuchreleaseisgranted.TheBoard considerseachrequestforreleasefromacontractonan individualbasis,butcontractedemployeesmust understandtheywillnotbereleasedunlessasuitable replacementisfound.Inaddition,theBoardmayrequirea DissolutionFeeasaconditionofreleasefromacontract. DetailsoftheDissolutionFeeareincludedinthecontract thatcontractedemployeessign.

SCArecognizesandaffirmsthegreatvalueoffellowlaborersintheSCAministrywhoserveinsupportstaff positions.Eachemployeeservesanimportantroleinthe successfuloperationofourministrytostudents.The schoolunequivocallyadherestothe"EmploymentatWill" doctrine;underwhich,ahire-onemployeemaybe dischargedatanytime,withorwithoutcause.The employeehasthereciprocalrighttoresignatanytime. TheemployeehiredunderthisHire-OnAgreementisnot hiredunderanemploymentcontract,andneitherdoany SchoolBoardpolicies,employeehandbook,orjob descriptioncreatesuchacontract.Shouldasupportstaff personnelneedtoleavetheschool'semplyment,the schoolrequeststhattheysubmitaletterofresignationa minimumoftwoweeksinadvanceoftheirlastday.

BENEFITS EMPLOYEE

SCA makes every effort to offer a fair and generous benefit package to employees. The following is a brief description of the various benefits. Additional information is available from the Human Resources Coordinator.

EMPLOYEE LEAVES OF ABSENCE

The following leaves with pay will be granted to all eligible employees in accordance with the Schedule of Fringe Benefits approved by the Board of Education.

Some leaves of absence mention immediate family, the definition of which is “spouse, child, father, mother, sister, brother, grandparents, grandchildren, or any person residing in the employee’s home.”

Paid Days Off (PDOs)

Eligible full-time employees will be entitled to 10 PDOs per year. Employees who start mid-year will receive a prorated number of PDOs. Eligible part-time employees will receive leave proportionate to the weekly hours worked based on the following formula:

Weekly hours ÷ by total weekly full-time hours x days awarded per year. Example: 24 hours schedule per week ÷ 40 hours FT schedule x 10 paid days off = 6 PDOs.

PDOs for hourly employees accrue on a monthly basis and should only be used after they have accrued. If supervisor authorizes the use of unaccrued PDOs and the employee leaves the school’s employment before those days accrue, the finance department will charge unaccrued hours against the employee’s final paycheck.

PDOs may be used in half or full day increments. Employees may not receive double pay by working on a PDO. If an employee is called in to work on a PDO, their PDO time will be reduced by either 4 hours or all 8 hours, depending on the number of hours worked. Unused paid days off will accrue to a total of 30 days.

PDOs may be used when you are sick or for any personal reasons. When you know the leave in advance, please arrange with your supervisor so the appropriate substitutes may be secured. Except when you are sick, leave should not be taken:

Just prior to or immediately after a holiday or inservice day

During orientation

First week of school

Last two weeks of each semester

On professional development days

During Standardized Testing Week

Paid Days Off Continued...

Exceptions under special circumstances may be made at the discretion of the administration.

PDOs are not paid out when an employee resigns or is dismissed. An employee’s termination date is the last day actually worked. PDOs may not be used to extend the final date of employment.

School Principals may approve an Administrator Approved Paid Day Off to work on and complete assigned expectations as leaders and members of faculty. This could include, but is not limited to, curriculum review and evaluation, accreditation task force assignments, leadership and planning in and for school events such as a Musical or Science Fair, or a Spiritual Health Day. Administrator Approved Paid Days off must be approved in advance and such approval is not guaranteed.

All employees, either before or after a paid day off, must turn in an Absence Report Form to their supervisor.

Please keep in mind that unused PDOs roll over into an Accrued Days Sick Bank (see below.) Having days in your sick bank is beneficial when unexpected life circumstances require a long period of time off.

Accrued Days Sick Bank

Unused PDOs roll over to an accrued days sick bank. These accrued days may be used after the current year’s paid days off have been used and may only be used in the case of illness or injury of the employee or immediate family member.

Immediate family is defined as:

Spouse, child, father, mother, sister, brother, grandparents, grandchildren, or any person residing in the employee’s home.

The school reserves the right to require a physician’s certification attesting to the illness, injury, or disability of the employee or immediate family member if the absence is for more than 5 days. Teachers will be reimbursed at the end of each school year for any accrued days over 30 at a rate as specified in the Schedule of Fringe Benefits. Accrued sick days are not paid out when an employee resigns or is dismissed.

Return to Work Authorization

If an employee is off work for more than 3 days due to illness or injury, notification to Human Resources and your supervisor will determine if a return-to-work authorization from their physician must be presented before returning to work. If needed, HR can provide the employee with a form and job description for this purpose.

BENEFITS EMPLOYEE

Bereavement Leave

Bereavement leave, in accordance with the Schedule of Fringe Benefits approved annually by the Board of Education, of up to three days shall be granted without loss of sick pay or sick leave when death occurs in the immediate family (defined above) of the employee or the employee’s spouse, or any person residing in the employee’s household. Additional time, not to exceed two days, shall be granted without loss of pay or sick leave, at the discretion of the administration when it is necessary to travel in connection with the death of an immediate family member.

Jury Duty

In accordance with the Schedule of Fringe Benefits approved annually by the Board of Education, an eligible employee summoned to jury duty shall be granted a paid leave of absence while fulfilling the jury duty assignment. The employee is required to notify the administration immediately upon receipt of jury duty assignment.

The following leaves without pay may be granted eligible employees:

Military Service Leave

The Board of Education will grant military leave pursuant to federal law, which mandates that employment and re-employment rights shall be maintained for periods of service up to five (5) years.

FMLA (Family & Medical Leave Act) (including pregnancy-related or childbirth disability):

Leave that qualifies for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protection will be administered in accordance with federal law.

Eligibility for FMLA benefits: 1.

a.

b.

Employed by the school for at least 12 months.

Worked at least 1250 hours the previous 12 months.

c.

d.

Work where 50 or more employees are employed.

Provide the school at least a 30-day notice of an expected absence, if practical.

e.

Provide the employer with sufficient information for the employer to determine if the leave may qualify for FMLA protection and the anticipated time and duration of the leave.

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2. Leave Entitlement. A covered employer must grant an eligible employee up to a total of 12 work weeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period for one or more of the following reasons:

a.

The birth of a child and to care for the newborn child within one year of birth.

b. To care for the employee’s spouse, child, or parent who has a serious health condition.

d.

The placement with the employee of a child for adoption or foster care and to care for the newly placed child within one year of placement.

c. A serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

e.

Any qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that the employee’s spouse, son, daughter, or parent is a covered military member on “covered active duty.”

3.The school shall apply paid days off and vacation time (if available), to an FMLA absence to the extent allowed by law, giving proper notice to the employee. If an employee’s accrued paid leave is exhausted but an FMLA-qualifying reason for absence persists, or a new FMLA-qualifying reason for absence occurs, the resulting absences will continue to be protected FMLA leave until the aggregate of 12 work weeks of designated FMLA leave has been reached, but such absences will be unpaid. FMLA health certification procedures apply to FMLA-qualifying absences, even if such absences are paid sick leave.

4. Employees who need leave due to a medical issue, but are not eligible for FMLA, will be notified accordingly.

5.Formula to Determine Daily Pay Deduction for Leaves Without Pay for Salaried Employees Any absence requiring a deduction in pay will be computed in the following manner: The salaried amount divided by the number of contract days equals the deduction amount per day.

BENEFITS EMPLOYEE

HEALTH INSURANCE

Due to the rising costs of health care, the school reserves the right to offer different, but comparable, health insurance coverage to the various divisions of employees. The school also reserves the right to change insurance providers midyear since insurance contracts expire in December.

As a result of Affordable Care Act (ACA) rules, health insurance must be offered to any employees who work 30 or more hours a week.

SCA, and many other companies/organizations across the country are unable to absorb the additional health care costs that would result in offering many part-time employees health insurance. Consequently, it is necessary that the hours of all part-time people be limited to 29. We recognize that this places a burden on our employees and on our department heads. Please know that we will continue to monitor health care laws and will adjust our procedures should they change.

Health insurance is available to all faculty members and year-round employees who work an average of 30 hours a week. The school pays 75% of the employee’s base plan health insurance premiums. Waiting periods may apply in accordance with the Schedule of Fringe Benefits approved by the Board of Education.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

All standard school holidays, including Christmas and spring break as noted on the school calendar, are approved by the Board of Education. Level II, III, IV, and VI employees are eligible for vacation in accordance with the Schedule of Fringe Benefits approved by the Board each year.

VACATION DAYS

Vacation days may not be taken within the employee’s first 90 days of employment unless agreed upon at time of hire. Pre-planned vacation time off within the employee’s first 90 days will be taken without pay. Vacation days may be used in half or full day increments and may be taken Monday-Friday. Please complete and have your supervisor approve an Absence Request Form for vacation time.

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New hourly employees receive 6 vacation days for two years, which increase to 10 days per year after two years of satisfactory service. Employees who start mid-year will receive a prorated number of vacation days.

Vacation days for hourly employees accrue on a monthly basis and should only be used after they have accrued. If a supervisor authorizes the use of unaccrued vacation days and the employee leaves the school’s employment before those days accrue, the finance department will charge unaccrued hours against the employee’s final paycheck.

Employees may not receive double pay by working on a vacation day. If an employee is called in to work on a vacation day, their vacation time will be reduced by either 4 hours or all 8 hours, depending on the number of hours worked. Unused vacation days are not paid out when an employee resigns or is terminated. An employee’s termination date is the last day actually worked. Vacation may not be used to extend the final date of employment.

TAX SHELTERED ANNUITY

This is available for eligible faculty and staff members who choose to participate.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT (FSA)

A flexible spending account is offered and runs simultaneously with the employment contract. This plan allows for pretax dollars to be withheld from an employee’s check to pay for medical or dependent care expenses. FSA information and forms are available from the HR Director.

LIFE INSURANCE

Optional life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance are available to employees who qualify for health insurance.

BENEFITS EMPLOYEE

TUITION DISCOUNT

SCA offers a Tuition Reduction Plan for full-time and part- time employees who are under contract, including those who are employed by written agreement with the school.

Tuition reduction will be given for students of eligible employees as follows:

Full-time employees will receive a 50% tuition reduction for their dependent children to attend SCA.

Part-time employees will receive a discount proportionate to the discount offered to full-time personnel. For calculation purposes, a teacher’s school week shall consist of 35 hours. All other employee calculations will be based upon a 40-hour week. Example: a part-time teacher teaching 11 hours a week would receive a 16% reduction in tuition for their dependent children to attend SCA (11 hours ÷ 35 hours x .50 = 16%).

When an employee selects a qualified tuition reduction plan, no other discounts (including multiple children discounts) shall apply.

Substitute teachers and temporary employees are not eligible for discounted tuition under this policy.

FT staff grandparents may receive a tuition discount of 20% for their SCA grandchildren. Eligible PT grandparents will receive a discount prorated based on weekly hours worked.

DENTAL INSURANCE

A group plan will be available for eligible employees who wish to participate at their expense.

VISION INSURANCE

A group plan will be available for eligible employees who wish to participate at their expense.

TELADOC

The optional Teladoc benefit will be offered, at employee expense, to all full and part-time employees with the exception of substitutes, coaches, and temporary employees.

GRADUATE TUITION REIMBURSEMENT

SCA offers faculty and administration employees graduate tuition reimbursement plan for advanced degrees and graduate courses in their field of study. This benefit covers tuition only, not enrollment fees, books, or incidental expenses.

Employees interested in advanced courses, must meet with their Principal or the Head of School to get preapproval for the degree and/or individual courses they are interested in pursuing. As courses are completed, a grade report and copy of a payment statement must be submitted to Human Resources who will complete the Graduate Tuition Reimbursement form and give to the finance office for payment. If additional graduate hours result in moving up a level on the teacher salary schedule, an official transcript is required. Official and conferred transcripts must be received by Human Resources by July 31st to receive a salary adjustment effective the upcoming school year.

EMPLOYEE GAP POLICY

The primary purpose of GAP is to operate as a service to the parents and staff of SCA.

Staff members receive up to 25 hours of daycare for their children per week free of charge while performing their SCA duties (not to be used for personal business).

GAP is available to staff members until 5:00 p.m. on regular school days and 4:00 p.m. on early release days.

At no time are children of employees to be left unattended by a parent. Parents should remain on campus.

Children of employees should not be on any electronic devices unless care is being provided during an eCampus day.

Employees should use GAP/study hall services as provided until contract hours are fulfilled.

Should only an employee’s child be left in GAP, the child will be escorted to the parent.

ATTENDANCE EMPLOYEE EXPECTATIONS -

PUNCTUALITY

It is extremely important to the school and parents that you come to work on time and complete school reports, work assignments, class schedules, and other projects on time.

We expect employees to strive for perfect attendance and to arrive for work on time. We recognize that on occasion you may not be able to come to work or need additional time before you arrive. Sickness and other emergencies cannot always be anticipated and may require you to miss all or part of your workday.

ATTENDANCE

The good attendance of staff and faculty is important to the overall success of the school and allows each department to run most efficiently. Excessive absenteeism creates an undue burden on other employees to make sure all responsibilities are adequately covered.

For your protection and the protection of others, employees should stay home when they have any of the following symptoms:

Severe cold symptoms (chronic coughing, sore throat, etc.)

Temperature. An employee must have a normal temperature for at least 24 hours prior to returning to school.

Upset stomach, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. An employee must stay home until there has been neither vomiting nor diarrhea for at least 24 hours. Questions should be referred to the health clerk.

Undiagnosed rash or skin lesions, red or discharging eyes (i.e., conjunctivitis/pink eye), earache, or swollen glands. Employees should stay home with any of these symptoms until diagnosed by a doctor and have been symptom free for at least 24 hours. Please notify the office in the event you have been diagnosed as having a communicable illness.

If you cannot report to work as scheduled, you must notify your manager or the human resources department who will let your principal/supervisor know your situation. If your need for time off is foreseeable, you must provide as much notice as possible. If your need for time off is not foreseeable, you must provide as much notice as practicable, but in no event less than one hour prior to your normally scheduled starting time. Of course, if you cannot contact your principal/supervisor yourself, you may have someone do it for you.

An Absence Request form should be submitted to your principal/supervisor as soon as practically possible. Absence Request forms are available in both offices.

When you contact your immediate supervisor, you must let them know how long you will be out and when you expect to return or, as the case may be, arrive for work. If you are off work for more than 5 consecutive days due to illness or injury, a return to work authorization from their physician must be presented before returning to work. If needed, HR can provide the employee with a form and job description for this purpose.

Excessive absences, tardies and excessive patterns of absences or tardies may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

If you are absent from work for three consecutive days without notice, the school will consider that you have voluntarily resigned your position.

Secondary teachers should be at school at 7:05 a.m. and ready to receive students at 7:30 a.m. Secondary teachers may leave at 3:20 except on days when they have help sessions, faculty meetings or other meetings called by administration.

Elementary teachers should be at school at 7:35 a.m. and ready to receive students at 8:00 a.m. Elementary teachers may leave at 3:45 except on days when there are faculty meetings or help sessions.

Secondary teachers are expected to be at the classroom doors in the hall during change of classes to see that order is maintained. New faculty missing induction days are required to make up training with appropriate trainer within two weeks. Confer with your principal.

ATTENDANCE EMPLOYEE EXPECTATIONS -

FACULTY MEETINGS/DEVOTIONS

Each of us in Christian education must have a continuous encounter with Jesus. This is done through a consistent time of reading God’s Word and praying. We, as a school, will only be as effective as our devotions and prayer life are to the Lord.

Elementary staff devotions are at 7:35 a.m. as follows: Thursday - All Elementary Staff Friday - Bible Study

Elementary faculty meetings are held on monthly on Tuesdays at 3:30p.m.

Faculty Meetings and Devotions should be attended in person.

Secondary staff devotions are on on Wednesdays at 7:05 a.m.

Secondary faculty meetings are required for all fulltime and part-time secondary teachers. Meetings will be held twice a month for 1 hour on Mondays after school (3:15-4:15 p.m.) and the following Tuesday mornings before school (6:30-7:30 a.m.) Teachers may choose each month which meeting they want to attend.

Dates are as follows:

August 26 & 27, September 23 & 24, October 28 & 29, November 18 & 19,December 16 & 17, January 27 & 28, February 24 & 25, March 24 & 25, and April 28 & 29

ABSENCES - CLASSROOM TEACHERS

If possible, please help us prepare for your absence by notifying the office at least a day in advance. If advance notice is not possible, call the principal or administrative assistant as early in the morning as you can, preferably by 6:00 a.m. An Absence Request form should be submitted to your principal as soon as you are aware of your absence. Absence Request forms are available in both offices.

Elementary teachers contact Mary Tovar at Cell (816) 868-3320

Secondary teachers contact Mr. Mickelson at Cell (816) 726-9511

If you are absent from school for a day, call before 3:00 p.m. to let us know if you will be returning the following day or if a substitute will be needed.

SUBSTITUTEINFORMATION

ElementaryTeachers:Eachteachermustpreparea “subfolder”withinformationsheets.Asperyour principal,elementarysubfoldersshallbelocatedon theelementaryteacher’sdesk.

SecondaryTeachers:Mustpreparelessonplansand turnthemintothesecondaryadministrative assistant(s).Withintheplanspleaseidentifyresource andinternationalstudentsandprovidemodifiedlesson plans(ifnecessary).

Writtenlessonplansmustalwaysbeprovidedevenif studentworkforthedayison-lineonlyorstudent workday.

ATTENDANCEATSCHOOLFUNCTIONS

Teachersshouldbepresentatschoolfunctions representingorinvolvingtheirgradelevel.Thisgivesa realtestimonytoyourinterestinyourstudentsandthe schoolaswellastheopportunitytomeetwithparents. Therewillbesomemandatoryevents,andsomewillbe optional.Teacherattendanceateventsshowssupport oftheschoolandourprograms.

Secondaryteacherswillberequiredtochaperone certainsocialevents.Thiswillbecoordinatedatthe beginningoftheschoolyear.Pleaseobservethestaff dresscodeatallschoolfunctions,unlessotherwise authorized.

Elementary-Gradelevelteachersmustattendall gradeleveleventswhichoccurintheevenings(i.e., programs,fieldtrips,etc.).Teachersshouldattendallschoolfundraisersandevents(concerts,etc.),as attendanceshowssupportandpromotescamaraderie.

PARKING-DESIGNATEDFORSTAFF

Staffisrequestedtoparkindesignatedareas.Seepage 68ofthishandbook.

ATTENDANCE EMPLOYEE EXPECTATIONS -

HOURLY EMPLOYEES TIME IN/OUT PROCEDURE

Summit Christian Academy uses a timeclock and/or an online app for hourly employees to record hours worked. The system currently in place is a Payclock system that identifies the employee by their fingerprint. The actual fingerprint is not stored in the clock but is recognized by a mathematical equation. Seven timeclocks have been installed in convenient locations throughout the elementary and secondary buildings, which provide easy access to all employees.

The following guidelines apply to all hourly employees who clock in and out:

Employees must clock themselves in and out to accurately record their hours worked.

Only the employee should perform his assigned duties –not a child, spouse, or any other person. Only the employee should clock himself in – not another employee, family member, etc.

If an employee fails to clock in/out, he should contact the finance office as soon as possible so hours can be recorded.

The finance office may manually enter hours worked for an employee on occasion, however, in an effort to be good stewards of school resources this must be kept to a minimum.

Any hourly employee who needs to work from home, must secure prior authorization from their supervisor.

EMERGENCY AND INCLEMENT WEATHER

NOTIFICATIONS

SCA Emergency Alerts. SCA utilizes an emergency notification tool that automatically pulls phone numbers and emails from the FACTS SIS system. In the event of an emergency or school closing/delayed start, you may be notified by text, email, and/or voice message.

REPORTING ACCIDENTS/INJURY

Employees should fill out an accident report (located on the landing page) and report any and all work related injuries to human resources and the nurses within 24 hours of the incident.

LEADERSHIP EMPLOYEE EXPECTATIONS -

BE YOUR PERSONAL BEST

As indicated in the contracts of faculty and administration, employees should feel called to the ministry of Christian education. As employees of a Christian school, they must be mindful that they are to impart the gift of faith to students by modeling their faith, displaying faithfulness, and being a godly example both on and off campus.

As a teacher, you are a role model 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Be aware that students will examine every part of your life. Examine the following areas to put yourself forth as fulfilling your God-given potential:

Spiritual Leadership

One of our major goals is to train young people to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s direction and conviction. We must be continually on guard to be sure that we do not commit any act or speak any word that our students might interpret as counter to the best Christian testimony. In some cases, we will refrain from activities, actions, dress, or conduct unacceptable to this ministry because our students will be adversely affected or confused (Romans 14).

As mature Christians, you are expected to have sound spiritual discernment and maintain the highest standards. Sexual immorality, either heterosexual or homosexual in nature, will warrant immediate dismissal (Romans 1:2628). Careful discretion should be exercised with regard to TV, movies, music, and any activity that might be questionable and would jeopardize your testimony (Matthew 18).

Live a consecrated Christian life, setting an example for students.

Encourage loyalty and dedication to Christ. Be a member in good standing of a Bible-believing church with regular attendance, and if possible, actively participate in a church program.

Uphold all Christian truth and observances. Communicate biblical truth with vitality. Communicate the gospel to each child with dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Evidence integrated Christian outlook in speech and actions.

Integrate constructive interpretation of Christian view in relation to curriculum.

Reflect Christian values on any social media used.

Communication Leadership

Return phone calls and emails within 48 hours. Speak audibly, articulately, and clearly. Use acceptable grammar and well-chosen words and sentences.

Write legibly.

Spell correctly.

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Observesocialamenities:respondratherthanreact! Maintainarespectfulrelationshipwithallstaff members,students,andparentsasbrothersandsisters inChrist.

Maintainacooperativerelationshipbetweentheschool andhomebybeingproactiveincommunication. Ensurewrittencommunicationtoparentsiscarefully composedwithattentiontogrammarandsyntax. Evidenceaconfidentwillingnesstodiscusswith parentsthedevelopmentoftheirchildren. ShouldyoubecomeawareofanySCAinappropriate studentbehaviors,especiallyintermsofbehaviors betweenstudentsofdisparateages,itisyour responsibilitytobringsaidbehaviortotheattentionof boththestudent’sprimaryteacherandthebuilding administrator.

Refrainfromcommunicatingondivisiveissuesonsocial media.Cautionshouldbeusedwhenpostingonsocial media,knowingthatitreflectsnotonlyonyourselfbut alsoontheschool.

EmotionalLeadership

Exercisecalmself-controlundercriticalconditions. Consistentlystoptoreflect.

Speakandactonlywhenfullcomposureisattained. Refusetobeoffendedandshowobjectivityinhandling criticism.

Havereasonableassuranceofpersonalworthand professionalcompetencereinforcedbyscripturaltruth. Remember,fromtime-to-timeadministrationmay discussproblemsorareasforimprovementwithyou. Thesediscussionsarenotpersonalconfrontations,but anefforttostrengthenthetotalprogram.Respond accordingly.

PhysicalFitnessLeadership

Carrythefullassignmentofyourload. Carrytheshareofextraassignments. Assumeresponsibilitytostudentsbyregular attendance.

RememberyourbodyisthetempleoftheHolySpirit.

CommunityLeadership

Beactivelyinterestedandparticipateinchurchand communitylife.

Promoteinterestinchurchandcommunityamong students.

Exhibitdiscretionandtactwhendealingwithparents. AttendParent/Teachermeetings. Recognizetheneedforgoodpublicrelations. Employees’commentsandsocialmediashouldreflect towardtheorganizationandcompetenceinpersonal professionalism.

Setanexampleforstudentsinpatriotism,recognition ofresponsibility,honesty,forthrightness,andcourage.

PROFESSIONALISM EMPLOYEE EXPECTATIONS -

MAINTAININGANATTITUDEOFPROFESSIONALISM

Employeesareexpectedtomaintainanattitudeof professionalismandshowsupportoftheschooland schoolpolicies.Allemployeesshouldrefrainfrom discussingtheirsalary,contract,evaluations,orschool businesswithparents,students,andotherstaff members.Employeesshouldupholdandsupportthe schoolrulesandtheschool’sdisciplinepolicies.Atno timeshouldadoubtastothevalueofaruleor disciplinemethodbeexpressedbeforechildrenor theirparents.Suchdoubtsshouldbesharedonlywith administration.

AsanemployeeinaChristianschool,wehavean opportunitytoministertoandmentorourstudents. However,employeesshouldunderstandthattheyare anauthorityfigureinthelivesofstudents-theyare nottoactintheroleofasocialfriend.JimKeithisan educationlawyerwhorepresentsseveralschool boardsinMissouri.Hesays,“Asaneducator,thereisa lineofdemarcationbetweenyouandyourstudent.It isalinethatyoucannotcomecloseto,letalonestep over.”

Donotdiscusschildren’sbehaviorasapastime.You maygotoaco-workerforadviceortosomeonewho canhelpsolvetheproblem,butgeneraldiscussionis notethicalorprofessional.Donotdiscussanissuein thehallorwhereyourdiscussionmaybeoverheard.If youtalkwithsomeonewhocannothelp,youare gossiping.

Occasionshavearisenwheremisinformationhasbeen giventoparents.Pleasedonotcommentonsituations thatdonotdirectlyinvolveyou.Youareneverseenas abystander,butalwaysasthevoiceoftheschool. Send(ortake)thequestionertotheappropriateparty. Remember:Isitkind?Isittrue?Isitnecessary? (Philippians4:8).

Arrivepromptlyatscheduledmeetings. Completewhatyoustart.

Accepttheresponsibilityforbeingpartofa professionallearningcommunity. Haveabroad,generalbackgroundknowledgeof everysubject.

Serveoncommitteesandacceptresponsibility willingly.

Respecttheprofessionalstatusandviewpointof othersanduseproperchannelsforsuggestionsand recommendations.

Followtheproperchannelsofauthority. Continueadvancedstudyandreading.

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Participateinworkshopsandattendconferences. Bealertanddiscriminatingconcerning developmentinfieldasappliedtoparticular problems.

Returnbooksandequipmentonschedule. Undernocircumstancesmayateacheruseschool emailorclassliststoadvertisetheiroutside business.

PROFESSIONALRESPONSIBILITIES

Remember,teachingisadivinecalling.Seekto ministertothetotalpersonofthechildthrough theresourcesthattheschooloffers.

EncouragestudentstoseeChristianteachingasa desirableoccupation.

Bepositiveinyourportrayalofthecallof educationtothecommunityatlarge.

Becooperativeandresourcefulinplanningand promotingschoolactivitiesingeneral.

Stimulatestudentstotakeawholesomeinterestin schoollife.

Encourageloyaltyandprideintheschool. Beeagertoself-improve.

Bereceptivetosuggestionsandassistance. Receiveconstructivecriticism.

Testthemeritofeverysuggestion.Don’tbeafraid tosolicittheopinionsofyourcolleagues. Takeadvantageofoffersavailabletoimprove. Bealoyalemployee.

Keepconfidences.

Reportnegativecommentstoyourprincipal. Upholdyourco-workersandtheschool. Refrainfromconveyingnegativeattitudes concerningstudents,teachers,administration, staff,orschoolboardmembers.

Knowandpracticethepoliciesoftheschool. Becooperative.

Recognizetheneedforteamwork. Acceptresponsibilityfortheregularload,andmore ifnecessary.

HelpandENCOURAGEothermembersofthestaff. Leaveequipmentandfacilityingoodcondition. Usematerialseconomically.

Reportneedsforservicesuchasroomcleanup, lightbulbreplacement,etc.,ormaterialstothe properauthoritiesandwithadequatetime allowance.

Befamiliarwithmission,philosophy,andgoalsof SCAinordertoactivelypracticetheminthe classroom.

Stayup-to-dateonbestpracticewithinyourfield ofservice.

AS MINISTRY LEADERS EMPLOYEE

Summit Christian Academy expects all employees to represent the Lord and the school in a positive manner even when they are not on school grounds or attending school functions.

SOCIAL MEDIA

The people served by the school expect the social media presence of employees to reflect a ministry calling. Social media accounts allow those called to ministry to multiply the Gospel message. The personal and ministry social media accounts should exhibit the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Postings by school employees on any social media site (including but not limited to Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Tik Tok, etc.) are subject to review. Postings should be done with great discretion and discernment and be wholesome, uplifting, and in line with the school’s mission. Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial and constructive. Nobody should seek their own good, but the good of others I Corin 10:23.

Any postings that include, but not limited to, the following will not be tolerated and will subject the individual to discipline:

Proprietary and confidential school information. Discriminatory or sexual innuendoes regarding coworkers, management, school families, or vendors. Defamation or threats regarding the school. Use of racial slurs.

Any reference to the school must include a disclaimer, which states that any opinions expressed are the employee’s own and do not represent the school’s position, strategies, or opinions. These prohibitions apply to postings and blogging occurring at any time, whether on or off campus, and from any computer.

Negative actions that may or may not cause notoriety for the school, an employee, a student, or a family, could result in a separation from the school.

PUBLIC NOTORIETY

Representing the school in a positive manner includes postings on any social networking or Internet sites (including but not limited to Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, etc.)

As Christians, we should use discretion and discernment in keeping with I Corinthians 10:23. Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial and constructive. Nobody should seek their own good, but the good of others.

The administration will deal directly with any employee who draws attention to the school or influences students in a negative or disparaging manner.

Negative words or actions that may cause notoriety could result in separation from the school.

The heart of the SCA community is to minister compassionately to all stakeholders while maintaining the best educational environment.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

SCA is committed to providing a safe, quality, and productive work environment. For this reason, the school is committed to the eliminination of drug and alcohol use in the workplace. When employees are working, operating any SCA vehicle, present on school premises, or conducting company-related work offsite, they are prohibited from possessing, being under the influence of us, buying, selling, manufacturing, or dispensing any legal or illegal drug, or mind-altering, non-prescribed drug and/or possession of drug paraphernalia, including alcohol or marijuana.

NOTICE OF POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST

As medical professionals, our health clerks appreciate the trust given them by employees. Please know that their heart is to support all employees in such a way that they will serve to disciple and bring healing to the physical person as much as possible.

With the above in mind, along with the knowledge that all are employees of SCA and have committed to follow the school’s Employee Handbook, Lifestyle Statement & Declaration of Moral Integrity, and Position on Marriage and Sexuality, the below protocol will be followed should an employee seek SCA Health Office support that is in conflict with the above mentioned belief statements. The below actions will ensure that there is no conflict of interest between the health clerk’s responsibilities as an SCA employee and their responsibilities as a health provider to you as an individual. Should conflict arise, you will receive a form title Notice of Potential Conflict of Interest. This form will direct the following:

Without delay and within two weeks, speak to your direct report or a member of the administration of your choice concerning your health issue. The health clerk would be willing to accompany you as your sister in Christ to provide emotional support.

Please understand that although the clerk will not disclose any personal information (your name or the situation), she is obligated to let appropriate administration know that a Notice of Potential Conflict of Interest has been shared with an employee.

Please note that the health clerk may provide an outside referral to support your needs in order to avoid any future conflict of interest.

Despite this difficult circumstance, please know this situation brings no harsh judgment or condemnation (Romans 8:1). This notice is due only to the mutual previous agreement to uphold the high standards of the calling to Summit Christian Academy.

TEACHING PRACTICE

UNDERSTANDINGTHESTUDENT

Studythestudents’cumulativerecordsforareasof weakness.Recordsmaynotberemovedfromthe office.

Understandchilddevelopmentandage-appropriate behavior.

Acquirefirsthandinformationaboutachildifneeded foreffectiveguidance.Seekparentalinputaswellas theinputofformerteachers.

Observestudentswithobjectivityandconsistency, seekingtounderstand.

Listentostudentswithunderstanding.Respect confidences.

Exercisefriendlinessandconsideration,treatingeach studentimpartially.

Respectindividualdifferencesandchallengeeach studenttodohisbest.

Demonstrategenuineconcern.

PROVIDINGANENVIRONMENTOFINSTRUCTION

Givecarefulattentiontoproperlightingandheating. Ensureyourroomisneat,colorful,andinorder. AlwaysdisplayelementsofChristianity.

Provideneat,well-arrangedbulletinboardsandother displaysappropriatetothelearningsituationand meaningfultostudents. Changedisplaysregularly.

INSPIRINGSTUDENTSTHROUGHINSTRUCTION

Usevocabularysuitedtothesituation. Recognizethevalueofinterestinlearning. Anticipatedifficultiesandexplaininadvance. Explainthesignificanceofeachobjectiveandpresent objectivesclearly.

Engagestudentsinactsofdiscovery,demonstration, discussion,creation,andexplanation. Don’testablishthehabitofalwayssittingat podium/desk.

Developavarietyofmethodologiesbeyondlectureto instructavarietyoflearners. Employavarietyofresources. Maintaincontrol.SeeTheFirstDaysofSchooltoaidin ideasforprocedures. Observerulesconsistently.

Remembereveryminutecounts.Keepstudents engagedinanactivelearningprocess. Refrainfromdiscussingpersonalordivisiveissues withstudents.

HELPINGSTUDENTSSOAR

Itistheteacher’sresponsibilitytoenableaculturewhere studentscanSOAR.ThisSCAacronymstandsforServing Others/AlwaysRespect.

Assuch,nounkindness,eveninajokingmanner,should betolerated.Studentsmustbelievetheyareinasafe environmentsoastolearn.

Personal commentary that is negative in any way should be dealt with quickly, privately, and documented as appropriate.

Teachers should facilitate conversation with students as needed to ensure a Christ-honoring culture.

Any inappropriate comments that are sexual or racist in nature must be immediately reported to administration to determine the best course of action to disciple both the victim of the comment and the one making the comment.

LESSON PLANS

Lesson planning is essential in any successful classroom. The following guidelines should be applied to lesson plans:

Plans should be tied to semester outlines and curriculum maps. Manage time for long-range goals. Curriculum Trak must be kept current.

Elementary lesson plans must be turned in to the elementary principal by Friday at 5:00 p.m.

Secondary lesson plans must be presented to the secondary principal through Canvas by end of day on Fridays.

Plans should adjust to the unexpected.

Plans should reflect evaluation and revision according to need.

Elementary teachers should lesson-plan during special classes. Secondary teachers are provided with planning periods and “flex” time for meetings, etc.

STUDENT PRIVACY PROCEDURES

According to Board Policy 4.008, “Student records shall be maintained in a confidential, secure, and fireproof file cabinet.”

Student records may be reviewed by teachers but are not to be taken from the office. File examiners should use file card place holders. Note file of the review. You are encouraged to review records within the first month of school.

Parents should not be allowed to grade papers of their own child’s class.

During those infrequent times a teacher has a class grade its own work, students should grade their own papers in different colored ink rather than trading papers with another student.

TESTING

SCA provides annual testing for preschool through 11th grade students. Teachers should schedule no academic tests during testing periods. The following tests will be provided:

PS-PK: DIAL IV

New K: Missouri KIDS Test 10-11: PSAT (optional)

K-6: IOWA Assesments 11: ACT

7-10 - PreAct

STUDENT RESOURCES

REFERRAL FOR SERVICES

Any time you, as a teacher, observe a student with a potential need for an academic and/or behavior evaluation, thoroughly document your concerns on the SCA Needs Assessment form and discuss with your principal before any specific information is conveyed to the parents. Document all specific facts pertinent to the situation excluding any reference to an assumed condition.

Follow protocol as outlined in the Resource Services handbook that is available on the staff drive.

STUDENT SERVICES

There are growing resources available to meet students’ educational needs at SCA. A teacher should speak to his/her principal concerning emerging student needs. The following resources are offered on campus at an additional fee:

Discovery Therapy

Speech Therapy

Private Practice

Through R7 if qualified

Occupational Therapy

Physical Therapy

Resource Room

Stewards

Sparkle STAR

Additional information is available in the Resource Services Handbook.

SCHOOL COUNSELOR

SCA has two counselors (one male and one female), available to support student success. All appointments should be made through the counseling offices located in the elementary building and secondary building. Counselors may refer students to an outside biblically minded agency as deemed appropriate.

PHILOSOPHY OF EQUITABLE TREATMENT OF STUDENTS

At SCA, we believe that all students come with a unique set of gifts and talents and we strive to help them develop those to their God-given potential. In this spirit, we maintain that “fair” does not always equal sameness but means that each child’s needs are being met. Some students have documented academic, social, behavioral, physical, and/or medical factors that affect their ability to succeed in the classroom. For these students and for others who may have a temporary situation, modifications to the curriculum, behavior plan, time spent in the classroom, and/or other modifications may be necessary to help them succeed. When we help the individual child succeed, we are helping the classroom as a whole be successful and are developing a spirit of helpfulness, tolerance, inclusion, and love in our classrooms and our school as a whole. Such modifications are determined on an asneeded basis by the administration and staff.

STUDENT INTERVIEWS WITH OUTSIDE AGENCIES

Should an entity official, court appointed special advocate, a representative from Missouri Children’s Division, or a guardian ad litem request an interview with a student on campus, the building principal will work to ensure the least amount of disruption to the student’s schedule.

Upon arrival of the interviewer, identification will be verified by a member of administration. A private room will be assigned for the interview. A member of the administration or the counseling office will sit in the interview as a witness. Should the student have an allegation against an employee, the interview will not occur in the facility wherein the abuse allegedly occurred.

REPORTING MANDATORY

CHILD ABUSE REPORTING GUIDELINES

CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE

800-392-3738

In accordance with state law, school staff and volunteers are obligated under penalty of fine and jail term to report the reasonable suspicion of physical, sexual, or child abuse/neglect. In this very serious and legally narrow area, the school may not contact parents in advance of making a report to authorities, which would be the procedure in most other legal matters.

The clear intent of the law, based on the seriousness of the crimes listed above, is to mandate that a report of reasonable suspicion of abuse be made. The school will make such reports in the best interest of the affected child and do not, once reasonable suspicion is established, have any legal alternative except to make the report to the proper authorities for their investigation and review.

The following information is from the Missouri Division of Social Services website and is for your review and understanding.

Reporting child abuse is everyone’s responsibility. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, information for the Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline Unit Reports are to be made immediately to the 24 hour, 7 day a week Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline telephone number (1-800-392-3738 or 1-844-CAN-TELL) maintained by Children’s Division. Mandated reporters may also report online at http://dss.mo.gov/cd/can.htm

If you are mandated by law to report child abuse and neglect, you can make a report online (https://apps.dss.mo.gov/OnlineCanReporting/default.aspx). We encourage mandated reporters to make a report online when possible to keep the hotline open for the general public.

Who can make a report? Anyone can report suspected child abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the Missouri Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline. Certain people are mandated reporters (mandated-reporters.htm), meaning they are mandated by occupation to report any concerns.

Mandated reporters may not make child abuse/neglect (CA/N) reports anonymously provided the reporter is informed that reporter information will be held as confidential. Being able to contact you later helps the Children’s Division staff complete a more thorough investigation (responding-to-a-report.htm). They may also need to ask you for more information during the investigation.

What information will I need when I call? When making a report, be sure to have the following information:

Name of the child

Name of the parent(s)

Name of the alleged abuser

Where the child can be located

You will also be asked to describe your concerns and for any other helpful information you can provide.

What if I’m not sure it’s abuse or neglect? Err on the side of over-reporting. If you have the thought, “Maybe I should call…” – DO! Not all calls to the hotline are determined to be abuse/neglect. However, the Children’s Division can often provide services and assistance that can help families prevent abuse or help the family in crisis.

STUDENT SAFETY

SCHOOL SUPERVISION

Teachers have a supervisory responsibility whenever a student is present. All students must be supervised at all times. The following guidelines should be followed:

If a teacher must leave their classroom for any length of time, they should notify one of the teachers close by so he/she may step in.

Students must be supervised when moving between classrooms. Only adult-to-adult transfer is acceptable at the elementary level. At the secondary level, teachers should monitor their assigned areas (i.e., outside classroom doors, etc.).

All students must be under teacher supervision for recess. Teachers should not leave any child alone or in their room while they and their class go out for recess.

A hall pass is necessary for individual students going to the office, restroom, library, etc.

Facilitators of after-school activities (i.e., coaches, tutors, etc.) must wait with the child until the child is picked up by an adult. Unsupervised children should NEVER be allowed to wait on any part of school property.

Students who have not been picked up should never wait on school property without an advisor being present.

SAFE SCHOOL PROCEDURE

To help ensure the safety of all staff, faculty, and students, SCA requires all employees to be aware of and follow the below procedures:

Staff members should wear ID badges/nametags when on campus.

All volunteers/visitors whose primary business is not in the school office must wear a volunteer or visitor badge and sign in at the office.

Modular classrooms should remain locked during class hours.

A sign at each entry will advise all volunteers and visitors to check in at the school office.

All staff and faculty are expected to address all non-staff without a badge and to notify the office.

Notify the office immediately if someone approaches the playground or if there is a problem of any kind. Secondary doors open at 7:30 a.m. and elementary at 8:00 a.m.

In an effort to keep students safe, please do not prop open outside doors, unlock locked doors, or let visitors in an entrance other than the front entry door.

SAFE STUDENT TRANSPORTATION

SCA places a high priority on student safety and has high standards for all employees who transport students whether by bus, van, or car.

All SCA drivers must agree to an annual Motor Vehicle Record search. The school will adhere to a rubric that includes major and minor violations that may disqualify an employee from driving students.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

A Crisis Manual is provided to all teachers and should be stored in an easily accessible location for faculty and any substitutes. Please refer to the Emergency Response Procedures Notebook for all crisis procedures.

DEVELOPMENT

The Development Department’s role is to sustain the mission and vision of the school through charitable giving, volunteerism, recruitment and retention, marketing, and public relations. By building partnerships among students, parents, teachers, churches, and the community, the Development Department seeks to build a solid foundation of support and cooperation for Summit Christian Academy.

The school’s Annual Fund is executed by the Development Department in cooperation with teachers, parents, administration, board members, grandparents, and friends. Dollars raised help keep tuition affordable while providing funds for important initiatives within the school.

The Development Department also oversees capital campaigns, planned giving, and long-term endowment.

SPECIAL FUNDRAISING EVENTS

All special fundraising events must go through an approval process. A fundraising form, available in the development department, must be submitted in advance in order to be considered for the following school year. The form must be submitted to Development at least 8 weeks before date of event.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Great customer service happens when we meet or exceed customer’s expectations. Studies show that a satisfied customer will tell 2-3 people about his experience with a company. A dissatisfied customer will share their lament with 8-10 people, and some will push that number to 20. Each SCA employee is an ambassador for our school. Our goal is to serve the needs of our families through best practices in customer service. Our ultimate goal is to mirror Christ in servant leadership.

FACILITY USE EMPLOYEE

WISE STEWARDSHIP

The school strives to be good stewards of the resources God has given us. In light of that, please keep the following guidelines in mind: Paper and copying costs are very high, so we are working to keep costs as low as possible. Please make copies only when necessary and limit the use of card stock

Turn lights off in your classroom when it is not in use.

Personal appliances must be approved by the administration.

Double check your curriculum order to ensure that all items are necessary to the instructional program.

When your order is delivered, please verify receipt of all items ordered.

As postage costs continue to rise, these expenses are an area that we try to monitor. If you must mail something from school and don’t have a stamp, please see the finance office to purchase a stamp.

INVENTORY

Two separate inventories will be maintained: SCA property.

Personal property.

Inventories for elementary staff shall be updated and saved on the staff drive. All updates must be complete by Oct. 1.

A copy of inventory should be located at the back of your curriculum guide. An electronic copy is located on the staff drive in the folder “Inventories on Excel.”

CARPET CARE

No dark liquid drinks may be used by students on carpet (i.e., colas, red Kool-Aid).

Please do not use masking, scotch, or packing tape on carpet, floors, gym, or stage. Use painter’s tape only.

Watch for markers that may bleed through paper onto the carpet when students color on the floor.

CARE OF BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT

Teachers are responsible for picking up and straightening their room throughout the day. Teachers are asked to put their trash bags in the hallway before leaving each day.

Teachers should enforce no chewing gum in the school.

If a student or parent asks permission to put up a poster about an event sponsored by another group or church, it must be approved by administration. Teachers must monitor class usage of bathrooms and check to see that bathrooms are picked up and clean following their students’ usage (i.e., no paper towels on the floor, no water or soap on counters, stools/urinals flushed, etc.)

Teachers and/or students should put chairs on student desks.

Students shall be required to clean up after themselves. Work to build a ‘pride of school’ attitude. Do not allow students to walk by trash anywhere. Make it a joyful thing to have a clean school.

Pets may be used as an educational tool. Teachers should get administrative approval before bringing in any animal. Teachers must maintain responsibility for feeding, care, and hygiene even during the summer months. Maintenance employees are not responsible for the care of pets. All cleaning chemicals should be obtained through the maintenance office. We are required by law to have Material Safety Data Sheets on all chemicals in the building.

Due to safety issues, no open-flame or hot-wax candles are allowed in classrooms.

Due to safety concerns, please do not use chairs, tables, or other unstable items as ladders. If you need to hang an item high, call for a ladder or request a maintenance employee to do it for you. Due to safety concerns, no students are allowed on ladders over 6 ft., chairs, tables, etc.

Heaters and other small appliances should be unplugged at night.

Classrooms should have an obvious display of biblical/Christian décor.

Seasonal decorations must be rotated in a timely fashion (no Christmas decorations in January). No masking tape on the drywall walls.

FACILITY USE EMPLOYEE

CARE OF BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT CONTINUED...

The Facility Manager has requested that posters, signs, and other instructional aids be adhered to the walls only in the following ways:

Yellow or white sticky tack (but not the blue)

Adhesive pull tabs

3M products

Please use the following guidelines when decorating your classroom:

No rubber cement

No adhesive foam strips

No push pins

No staples

Nothing on the doors

FACILITY MANAGER

Create a workflow ticket to request maintenance for any of the following:

Moving heavy furniture

Light bulb change (students may not be on ladders over 6’ without administrative approval.)

Desk or chair repair

Hanging heavy objects on wall

Carpet stains

Broken toilet or sink

Any other request not met by routine cleaning

REQUEST FOR FACILITY USE

When desiring to use a room outside normal school activities, email the Facility Coordinator with the date, time, location, and purpose. For specific set-up needs, employees should request an Internal Facility Request Form from the Facility Coordinator, complete, and return.

FACILITY SAFETY

From time to time, teachers and coaches need to enter the building before or after school hours and/or on weekends. If so:

Always LOCK the entry door behind you. It will NOT lock automatically for non-magnetic locking doors. Be observant – If it looks like the building has been left open, call your supervisor or the facility manager Tim Dyer at 816-651-5605.

Be alert – If someone you don’t know is in the building, call the SRO IMMEDIATELY – extension 429!

Lock before you leave – If you are the last to leave, please be sure all doors are locked, and lights turned off.

Special Events/Athletics – Employees or coaches supervising any event on campus are responsible for the building! Know where the students are at all times. Please be sure that all doors are locked, and lights are off!

FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY REASONS, DOORS MAY NOT BE PROPPED OPEN.

Employees should display the car ID tag issued by the secondary office.

During school hours in a facility emergency, call 9-1-1 and then the office.

If an emergency arises after school hours, call 9-1-1 first. Then both Facility Manager Tim Dyer and Assistant Head of School Joe Hesman should be alerted. Both of their phone numbers should be added to your cell phone. Note: In the event you suspect a burglar or other dangers, please always do the following in this order:

Call 9-1-1 first!

Call Tim Dyer at 816-651-5605

Call Joe Hesman at 816-920-3047

COMMUNICATION EMPLOYEE

SCA COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES TELEPHONES

The telephones at school are for necessary school business calls. Please do not make any personal longdistance calls from the school phones. Students must have the permission of a teacher or the office to make calls and then only in case of an emergency. All student calls from school must be made in the school office and require the student to have a hall pass. Have them report to their next class and ask that teacher for a pass. Leaving homework or other items at home does not constitute an emergency.

Please do not give out the phone numbers of other faculty members without their expressed permission.

New staff and returning staff with new phone extensions - different from last school year – should set their personal options (personal greeting, name, directory, and security code) as soon as possible. The office will use the phone intercom system to call into your classroom for a student or to relay important messages. You may choose to listen and respond without picking up your handset. If the call is of a private nature, you will be asked to pick up the handset.

When the office transfers a call to you, it will be announced, and it will ring in for you to pick up. Please do not use cell phones in the classroom, during class time, or when students are present and in your care.

Students should never be allowed to use their cell phones during school hours.

SCA prefers that school-related communication flow through school channels.

PHONE SYSTEM

SCA uses a voice over IP system through Vision. All administrative and office employees, early ed faculty, and elementary faculty have a phone and a voice mail.

Secondary faculty will have an extension number that is not connected to a phone but will have voice mail. Voice mail messages will go to your email inbox, and you can listen to them on your device.

Faculty may also choose to use the Linkus App on their phones, which results in outgoing calls appearing as though they are from SCA.

Those who have a phone and voice mail will see a blinking red light on the upper right corner of the phone that indicates a voice mail message in their inbox. Voice mails can be accessed by hitting the “envelope” icon on the right. The password is the phone’s extension number. Follow the instructions for listening, then saving or deleting your messages. Voice mails will also go to your email inbox and can be listened to from your device.

The SCA Phone Extension List can be found on the SCA Landing Page. The Extension List will be kept up-to-date here and is easily accessible.

When setting up voice mail, please use a version of the below language:

You have reached the voice mail of [your name here], Summit Christian Academy. I am unable to take your call at the moment. Please leave your name, number, and a brief message and I will return your call as soon as possible. I can also be reached at [your email here].

FACTS SIS STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEM

FACTS SIS is a web-based program that is customized to meet the special and specific needs of K-12 schools. Parents, teachers, and students have access to school information from any computer with a browser connected to the Internet. Faculty and designated staff will be provided with thorough training on how to make full use of the opportunities FACTS SIS provides.

Emails can be sent to parents and students using the Communications tab of FACTS SIS. An adult should always be part of communication to students, whether it be the principal, parent, or another employee. Group texts/emails with other students are also appropriate. A group entails three or more students.

There is no Inbox in FACTS SIS and replies to emails sent through the Communications tab must be accessed in Gmail. Other mail systems are not permitted on SCA staff computers or the network (Hotmail, AOL, etc.). The mail system is for school related business - please do your best to limit personal mail sending and receiving at your sca-kc.org address.

It is best practice to check the Carbon Copy Self button when composing an email message in the Communications tab to keep records of email messages you send.

Please keep FACTS SIS open and minimized on your task bar for easy access throughout the day.

COMMUNICATION EMPLOYEE EXPECTATIONS -

FACTS SIS Communication

Continued...

Secondary staff should check email throughout the day. It is used to send announcements, student attendance information, requesting of assignments, and to send messages to pass on to students. The office will send announcements by the end of first period.

Elementary staff should check email for communications and schedule changes, etc.

Teachers are encouraged to respond to parent calls or emails within 48 hours.

Training will be provided on how to access FACTS SIS from home.

Parents and students will have access to teacher home pages in grades K-12 through ParentsWeb. Parents and junior high and high school students will have access to grades (and the dates they were input).

NOTES TO AND FROM PARENTS

Notes, announcements, and letters that you plan to send home to parents should be placed in your principal’s mailbox at least two days in advance. This practice will allow the administration to be informed of any upcoming activities and identify problems before they occur. Realize that most of the time there will be no acknowledgement of materials received.

Notes from parents are to be kept on file by the teacher and shared with the principal as necessary. Notes dealing with health, special problems, or changes in address or telephone numbers should be brought to the office.

Duplicates of significant notes to parents should also be kept in the teacher’s file for documentation purposes. Please remember to document all issues surrounding a child’s behavior and character.

GOOGLE EMAIL

Emails to employees can be accessed through your Google email account. Family email addresses are updated in FACTS SIS but not in Google, so please do not set up a Google group to communicate with parents.

EMAILS, TEXTING, AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media direct messaging, texts, pictures, etc. should always include three or more students or an adult.

As teachers are always representatives of the school, great care should be taken when commenting on social media.

Best practice dictates that employees never have 1:1 electronic, private communication with students. Always include a parent or member of the administration in your communications.

GUIDELINES TECHNOLOGY

INTRODUCTION

SCA’sInformationSecurityPolicydefinesthefundamental principlesfortheprotectionoftheschool’sinformation resources,thepropercontrolsneededtoensurecompliance withinternalandexternalregulations,andtoupholdthe school’sreputationwithitsschoolfamiliesandthecommunity. Allboardmembers,administration,faculty,staff,external vendors,volunteers,andstudentsareresponsibleforensuring compliancewiththeSCAInformationSecurityPolicy.

MISSION

Ourmissionistoprotecttheconfidentiality,integrity,and availabilityoftheschool’sinformationinfrastructureand resourcesthroughtheestablishment,implementation,and managementoftheInformationSecurityPolicy.Thisinvolves creating,administering,andoverseeingpoliciestoensurethe prevention,detection,containment,andcorrectionofsecurity breaches.

PURPOSE

ThepurposeoftheInformationSecurityPolicyistoensure satisfactorysecuritycontrolsthatSCAhasimplemented,and thatstudents,parentsandbusinesspartnersareconfident theirinformationisadequatelyprotected.

Theuseofpersonaldevicesandwirelessaccesswillallow facultyandstudentstoengageinmanyavenuesofeLearning whichwillprovideopportunitiesforauthenticandreal-world learningexperiencesintheclassroom.Thoseinvolvedinthe eLearningenvironmentmustworktoprotecttheintegrityof SCA’sstatementoffaith,communitycompact,andthe educationalvision,mission,andcorevaluesoftheschool.

SOCIALMEDIA

SCArealizesthatsocialmediasitesandblogsarepopularand thattheypresentanopportunitytosharewithothersina positiveway.However,abusescanoccur.Therefore,these guidelinesapplytoallInternetcommunicationsavailabletothe public.AllInternetcommunicationsduringworkhoursare subjecttotheseguidelinesandtheschool'sInternetEmployee TechnologyGuidelines.

AllemployeesareexpectedtoreflectapositiveChristian testimonyandserveasChristianrolemodels,inandoutof school.Theschool’spoliciesagainstdiscriminationorother harassmentapplytoanyInternetcommunications.

Therefore,anyInternetcommunicationsthatadverselyreflect ontheemployees’ortheschool’sChristiantestimony,that containconfidentialstudent,parent,orschoolinformation, thatdisparagetheschoolorotheremployeesorofficers,or thatviolatetheschool’sdiscrimination/harassmentpolicies mayresultinarequesttoremovethecommunicationsandin employeediscipline,includingtermination.

Theschoolshallholdemployeespersonallyresponsibleforall materialtheypostorblogonawebsiteorforcontentposted bythirdpartiestoemployees’socialmediaorblogwebpages.

ViolationofSCAguidelinesmayresultinlimitingorsuspension oftheprivilegetouseSCAtechnologyresourcesor,inextreme cases,termination.Ifyouneedhelp,usethefollowing resources:

EMPLOYEE HELP ACCESS

SCA technology is handled by Dan Cockrell and Kreg Welch. Employees needing technology support should follow the below action steps:

1.

For immediate assistance, contact the technology help desk at Ext. 412. If not answered, the voice mail will be sent to everyone in the technology department.

2.

3.

If not a technology emergency, create a workflow ticket using the SCA WorkTicket Link in Chrome.

Access help provided by the direct sites or call Kreg Welch at extension 414:

b.

a. Google Classroom(https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/? hl=en#topic=6020277)

c.

FACTS SIS (https://www.nbshubhelp.com/FACTS_SIS)

CanvasGuides

(https://community.canvaslms.com/community/answe rs/guides/)

ADMINISTRATIVE MITIGATION OF STUDENT TECHNOLOGY USE

Using digital media and having constant access to the Internet requires certain behavioral standards, which themselves have spiritual ramifications. With this in mind, SCA will be instructing students on what appropriate behavior looks like when dealing with technology.

SCA maintains an Internet filtering system required for all student-registered devices on campus.

SCA requires parents to read and sign a Technology Use Agreement during the enrollment process. 3rd through 12th grade students will review the agreement and require student signatures at the beginning of each school year. These agreements will then be reviewed. SCA requires a semester-long digital citizenship course to be taken in junior high. In addition, the SCA technology usage and Internet safety unit within this class is a required component for all students transferring in post eighth grade. This unit will be available electronically or students may choose to take a secondary semester elective.

EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY OVER STUDENT CONDUCT/BEHAVIOR

Classroom management must prohibit frivolous, disruptive, or inconsiderate conduct in the computer labs or at any SCA computer areas.

No SCA IT system may be used for playing games, unless approved by a supervising teacher as having educational value.

Teacher computers and devices function at an adult level of filtering. Therefore, all users are required to lock their computers before stepping away from the terminal. This prevents unauthorized access by other users. It is recommended that teachers/employees not allow students to use their computer or devices.

Should a teacher/employee choose to allow a student to use their assigned technology items, the teacher/employee is fully responsible for all material accessed by the student, regardless of whether that access was intentional or unintentional.

GUIDELINES TECHNOLOGY

EMPLOYEERESPONSIBILITYOVERSTUDENT CONDUCT/BEHAVIOR-Continued...

Sitesthatacceptcommentsorpostingsbyanyoneother thanthesiteadministrator(i.e.,Canvas,Classblogs/vlogs, etc.)mustbediligentlymonitoredtoensurethat informationdisplayedfitswithinSCA’seducational philosophy,objectives,policy,andtechnologyguidelines. Alwaysnotifytheprincipaland/orthetechnology departmentifyoudoencounteroffensivematerials,note disruptiveordamagingbehaviorstoequipment,network surfinginareasthatareinappropriate,oranyotheractivity thatyoufeelisinviolationofSCAtechnologyguidelines.

ConsequencesforPoorStudentTechnologyChoices seepage 16oftheStudentHandbook.

EMPLOYEEUSAGEPROCEDURES

SummitChristianAcademy-ownedoroperatedcomputing resourcesareprovidedforusebyfaculty,staff,students,and authorizedassociatesofSCA.Allfaculty,students,staff,and associatesareresponsibleforuseofSCAcomputingresources inaneffective,efficient,ethical,andlawfulmanner.

Toensuremattersofintegrityandsafety,theon-campus computerusageofSCAemployeescanandwillbemonitored. Employeesshouldhavenoreasonableexpectationofprivacy whileusinganyschool-issuedcomputersandotherelectronic devices.

Thefollowingguidelinesrelatetotheuseofthesecomputing resources:

Asmuchaspossible,pleaselimitpersonaluseof computersandemailinyourplanningperiods. Technologyuseshoulddemonstrategoodstewardship.Not onlyisSCApreparingstudentsfortheirfuturebygoing digital,weareprotectingourenvironmentandcutting downphotocopyingcostsandwasteinordertohelpmake familytuitiondollarsgofurther.

Allmaterialsshouldbesavedontheuser’sschoolissued Googledrive.Thesefilesareyourprivatefiles.Publicfiles forotherstaffmemberscanhaveaccesstoshouldbe storedontheproperTeamdrive.Anythingstoredonthe user’s“C:”drive“MyDocuments”willnotbesupportedor berecoverableintheeventofanequipmentfailure. Computingresourcesandaccountsaretobeusedonlyfor thepurposeforwhichtheywereassignedandarenottobe usedforcommercialpurposes(i.e.,emailsforhome businessprofit,etc.)ornon-SCArelatedactivities.The continueduseofanaccountafterthefaculty/staff/ associateemploymentendsisnotacceptable.

Programs and files are confidential unless they have been explicitly made available to others by the owner (either via written approval or security systems). The SCA Technology Director, the school administration, or their designee may access files when necessary for the maintenance of computing systems or during investigation of serious incidents.

SCA computing resources shall not be used to intimidate or create an atmosphere of harassment. Fraudulent, threatening, or obscene email or graphical displays used to harass or intimidate are prohibited. Chain letters, mass mailings, and repeated sending of email after being requested to stop are also examples of inappropriate uses of SCA electronic communication resources.

All school-group emails should be approved and sent through the Administration or Development Department.

No one should deliberately attempt to degrade the performance of a computer system (including network resources) or to deprive authorized users of resources or access to any SCA computer system.

It is a violation of these guidelines to use knowledge of loopholes in computer system security or unauthorized knowledge of a password to damage any computing systems, obtain extra computing resources, take resources from another user, gain access to computing systems, or use computing systems for which proper authorization has not been given - either on campus or off campus.

Never deliberately ‘hack’ into the SCA network. Always report suspicious activity of staff, students, or visitors.

Software use must conform to copyright laws and licensing agreements.

Do not interfere with the operation of the SCA network by installing software on any individual workstation including, but not limited to, browser toolbars, add-ons, shareware, freeware, extensions, etc.

Updates will be installed by the technology department. SCA provides a network with licensed software for a predetermined number of seats on the network and will not tolerate the use of unauthorized software. Many applications are actually spyware and are a security and privacy liability to the user and to the SCA network. The technology department will install, maintain, and support only the aforementioned software. If a machine failure occurs, only the aforementioned software will be reinstalled.

Do not waste limited resources storing personal photographs, music, or documents on the server. SCA resources are to be used for assignments and for staff and administrative functions only. The unauthorized storage of materials not associated with such assignments or administrative functions is a violation of SCA technology guidelines.

GUIDELINES TECHNOLOGY

For the protection of all SCA computer users, an individual's computer use privileges may be suspended or restricted immediately upon the discovery of a possible violation of these guidelines or other campus policies. Whenever possible, users whose computer access has been restricted or suspended will be notified of the restrictions and the means for resolving the matter.

The account may be removed or deactivated or privileges removed from one or all SCA computing systems permanently or until the matter is completely resolved. If a criminal offense is considered to have been committed, further action may be taken to assist in the prosecution of the offender(s).

Employees should not expect privacy with respect to any of their activities using Summit Christian Academy provided Internet access or services. The school reserves the right to monitor and review any files, messages, or communications sent, received, or stored on the school network, including contents on any school-issued devices.

ONE-TO-ONE COMMUNICATION

Teachers should not exercise one-to-one electronic communication with students.

Teachers communicate with students using the student’s school-provided email address (@realschoolspirit.org) and through Canvas and FACTS SIS.

Teachers should only communicate with students using their school provided email address @realschoolspirit.org.

All electronic communication with students should occur between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Wise exercise of electronic communication will always cc or bcc a second party, preferably the parent.

Teachers must maintain absolute transparency and professionalism while exercising electronic communication.

MUSIC

Employees may play Christian and instrumental music during school hours as long as it is not disruptive. Employees may use headphones to listen to personal music when not in the presence of students.

VIDEOS AND PICTURES

Pictures and videos must be used with sensitivity to others. Liability begins with any opportunity for “undue public humiliation and ridicule.”

Employees and families must not profit commercially in any way from posted pictures which contain images of SCA students at SCA events. Never view, send, or display offensive messages, videos, or pictures.

You must not post or display any photography of individuals or groups of individuals without proper authorization from administration or IT personnel. Never use photography or videos to intimidate or create an atmosphere of harassment. Fraudulent, threatening, or obscene photos or graphical displays used to harass or intimidate or embarrass are prohibited.

LOANINGOFTECHNOLOGYANDDATASENSITIVITY

Othersmustnotuseanaccountassignedtoan individual,includingstudentuseaccounts,without writtenpermissionfromtheITDepartment,theschool, orthedepartmentthatgrantedtheaccount.

Faculty,students,staff,andassociatesareindividually responsiblefortheproperuseoftheiraccounts, includingproperpasswordprotectionandappropriate useofInternetresources.Allowingfriends,family,orcoworkerstouseaccountswithSCApasswords(datawith Levels1-3sensitivity-seetableonpage34),eitherlocally orthroughtheInternet,isaseriousviolationofthese guidelines.

Ifnotspecifiedinthispolicy,sensitivedataisdefined aseitherLevel1orLevel2,andnon-sensitivedataas Level3.

Anydatanotspecifiedshouldbetreatedassensitive Level2datauntilclassificationofsuchdatacanbe determined.

Sensitiveinformationisinformationaboutaperson oranentitythat,ifdisclosed,couldplaceeitherthe personortheentityatriskofcriminalorcivilliability, orbedamagingtofinancialstanding,employability, orreputation.

SCAisboundbylaworbycontracttoprotectsome typesofsensitiveinformation.Additionally,SCA requiresprotectionofsomeotherkindsof informationbeyondlegalorcontractualrequirements asanadditionalsafeguard.

PERSONALDRIVES

Allfaculty,staff,andstudentswillhave“MyDrive”on Googlethatcanbeaccessedfromanycomputer.

SCAITdoesnotallowstorageofnon-workornon-classrelatedpersonaldata,i.e.audiofiles,audiobooks,movieor videofiles,orimagefilesontheSCAservers.SCAIT periodicallyconductsauditsofdiskspaceusage.Ifauser hasexcessivestorageofnon-workornon-class-related audio,image,ormoviefilesstoredinapersonaldrive,the userwillbeaskedtoremovethisdata,orinsomeextreme cases,thedatamayberemovedwithoutnotifyinguser.

EMAIL

Facultyandstaffmemberswillbeissuedan@sca-kc.orgemailaddress,whichcanbemanagedthroughGmail.SCAIT recommendsthatfacultyuseGmailtotakefulladvantageof theGoogleAppsforEducationfunctionalitywhichwill enableeasyfilesharingwithstudents.Allstudentswillbe issuedan@realschoolspirit.orgemail,whichismanaged throughGmail.Usersaretotakeprecautionstopreventthe unauthorizeduseofemailaccountpasswords.Passwords arenottobesharedwithothersandtheirconfidentialityis tobestrictlymaintained.Userswillbeheldaccountablefor allactionsperformedwiththeirpasswords,includingthose performedbyotherindividualsasaresultofusernegligence inprotectingpasswords.Nooneistouseanother individual'saccount,withorwithoutpermission.

GUIDELINES TECHNOLOGY

Allemailmessagesoriginatingfrom@sca-kc.organd @realschoolspirit.orgemailaddressesarethepropertyof SummitChristianAcademy.SCAcannotguaranteethe security,privacy,andconfidentialityofemail.Usersshould notassumeconfidentialityoftheiremail.Usersareadvised nottosendLevel1or2datainemailcommunications.

USEOFMULTIPLEPERSONALDEVICES

WeissuealaptoporChromebooktoallstaffmembers.Dueto thenumberofdevicespermittedonournetwork,ITwould prefernotusingpersonaldevices(includingSmartphones, tablets,laptops,anddesktopsystems)onournetworkunless clearedandpermittedbytheITstaffmayaccesstheSCA domain.Eachstudentwillbeallowedoneelectronicdevice (includingtherequiredscreendevice).

INCIDENTMANAGEMENT

Informationsecurityincidentscanbesummarizedas: Theftorlossoflaptop,USBdrive,portableharddrive, screendevice,orsensitiveinformation; Malicioussoftware(i.e.,virus,spyware,malware,etc.);

UnauthorizedaccesstoaPC/laptoporanyschool application(i.e.,throughpersonalpasswordbecoming known,leavingyourworkstationunlockedwhen unattended,etc.);

Unauthorizedaccesstotheschoolbuilding/office(i.e., breakinoraccesstounlockedandunattendedroom)that couldleadtounauthorizedaccesstothenetworkortheft ofequipment.

Shouldanincidentoccur,theusershouldimmediately reportthefactstotheTechnologyDirectorwhowill arrangefortheissuetobepromptlyinvestigated. Employeesareresponsibleforensuringthatallportable devicesaresecured(i.e.,lockedinclosetorcabinet,etc.) ShouldanemployeehaveSCAportabletechnology equipment(i.e.,digitalcamera,screendevice,etc.)lostor stolenafternotbeinginasecuredSCAlocation,the employeeisresponsibleforthefirst$100.00ofthe replacementvalue.Theemployeemustmakepayment arrangementsthroughthefinanceoffice.

Shouldanemployee’sSCAtechnologyequipmentneed repairduetocarelessusage,theemployeewillassume responsibilityforthefirst$100.00requiredforrepair. Usersarepersonallyandsolelyresponsibleforthesecurity oftheirownpersonaldevices.Theschoolisnotresponsible forthetheft,loss,ordamageofpersonaldevicesand assumesnoresponsibilityforanychargesincurredbya user.

PERSONALUSEOFSCAINFORMATIONSYSTEMS

Alluseractivityissubjecttologgingandsubsequentanalysis. UsersmustnotperformanyactivityonSCAinformation systemsthatcoulddamageSCAhardware,software,or networkinfrastructure.Unbecomingconductcouldleadto disciplinaryactionincludingrevocationofaccesscontrol privileges.IncidentalpersonaluseofSCAinformationsystems ispermissiblesolongastheusagedoesnotinterferewithjob performance,doesnotdenyotherusersaccesstothesystem resources,anddoesnotincursignificantcosts.

PersonaluseofSCAinformation(suchasamailinglist)is prohibited.

Usersmustnottestorattempttocompromiseany informationsecuritymechanismunlessspecifically authorizedtodosobytheInformationTechnology Department.Usersareprohibitedfrompossessingsoftware orothertoolsthataredesignedtocompromiseinformation securityonschoolproperty,i.e.,passwordcrackingsoftware.

VIRUSESANDMALICIOUSSOFTWARE

AllhardwareconnectedtotheSCAdomainmusthaveup-todatevirusprotectioninstalled.Allsecuritypatchesfor softwareandoperatingsystemsmustbeinstalledregularly. Spywarescanningsoftwareshouldalsobeinstalledandupto-date.

SCAITdiscouragestransferringandusingCDs,USBdrives, andDVDsfromhometoschoolorfromschooltohome.This practicewillassistintheeliminationofpotentialvirus outbreaks.SCAITrealizesthatsometimesexceptionswill occurandarenecessary.

SCAITwillperformmonthlyauditsofrandomsystemsto ensurethatallupdatestovirussoftwareandspywareare installingandscanningregularly.Thisauditwillalsoensure allapplicationandoperatingsystemsecuritypatchesareupto-date.

Informationsharedbetweenhomeandschoolshouldbe managedthroughGoogleand/orDropbox.

USEOFOUTSIDEFILMMEDIA

Teachersareresponsibleformonitoringliterature,speakers, videos,etc.,thatarefromoutsidesources.Anyliterature postedmustbeapprovedbytheadministration.Inour culture,withmuchsocializationbeingreplacedwithscreen time,itisdifficulttojustifystudentswatchingscreensduring schoolforextendedperiodsoftime.Filmsshouldnotbe usedasameansofclassroomcontrolduringparties,etc., withoutapprovaloftheadministration.Intherareinstancea filmisshownforrewardpurposesorsocialgatheringson schoolproperty,itmustbeapprovedbytherespective principal.

EducationalValidity

Allfilmsmusttiedirectlytocurriculum.Filmcontentand, therefore,preparationmustbedocumentedasaresource onlessonplans.Ifafilmisayearlyrepeat,itshouldbein curriculumguidesaswell.

Content

Filmsorclipsnotlocatedinthecurriculumguidemust haveapprovaloftheadministration.

FilmclipsofmoviesratedPG-13shouldnotbeshownto studentsunder13.ClipsfromratedRmoviesshouldnot beshownbelowthe11thgradelevel.Rratedmoviesmust haveadministrationapprovalfirstandparentpermission slips.

Nofilmwithsexualinnuendoorfoullanguageis acceptable.

GUIDELINES TECHNOLOGY

Preparation

Preview the film—never show a film you have not seen.

When you preview, plan your introduction. It should answer these questions:

What is the film topic?

Why is the material being presented?

What are the students to look for?

Which vocabulary words are used that should be emphasized or defined before showing? Prepare questions for discussion, review, or testing following the film.

Copyright Laws

Copyright laws allow films to be shown as long as they are directly tied to curriculum.

Legally, we cannot show films for entertainment or reward without explicit written permission from the company. As a school, we have permission from Big Idea Productions (Veggie Tales) and Bill Gunter Ministries.

All copyright laws will be observed and followed. For information or access to copyright laws, please see your principal.

Prepare the Room Properly

Check the seating arrangement. Can everyone view the film without a distorted image?

Think of your film as a miniature production and do it right.

Stay in the rear of the room while the film is running. Never cross in front of the screen.

Prepare Your Students Properly

Students must be taught to learn from films. If they have developed the mental attitude “this isn’t important,” teachers must retrain them by creating an academic environment with careful preparation and follow-up.

Follow the introductory notes you completed during the preview.

If an outline is necessary to master certain points, you may want to hand it out before the film. Inform the students of a review, discussion, or test that may follow the film.

Don’t reveal everything; a good introduction heightens anticipation.

Remember, your introduction is the key to the effectiveness of your teaching with films. Provide post-film review. Follow through with a review of points mentioned in the introduction and assess.

For the most part, film clips of no more than 10 minutes should be shown rather than full-length features.

PRINTER / COPIER AVAILABILITY

Copiers in the staff workroom and the office are accessible from your workstation and laptop. Please only use the copier in the office when the workroom copier is not working.

If a copier is not working properly, please let the office know.

Only students trained by the office may use copiers.

Teachers should refrain from sending copy work to the office.

Please limit copies to school-related documents.

Level of Sensitivity

GUIDELINES TECHNOLOGY

Type of Data

Child protection/legal matters

Level 1

Highly sensitive and mission critical information for limited consumption

Level 2

Essential to the successful running of the school, much of which can be accessed via the private side of the school’s own learning platform (FACTS SIS), Team Drives.

Behavior logs and discipline records

Student personal information

Staff personal information

Family financial information

Student attendance information

Staff performance management information

Staff profiles and performance reviews

Student individual education plans (IEP)

School financial information

Lesson plans

Teaching notes

Level 3

Much is in the public domain and accessed via the public facing website (sca-kc.org) or learning platform (FACTS SIS), Canvas and Google Classroom, Team Drives.

School calendar, staff bulletins

School policies and procedures

Student work

Student learning logs

General school/class letters

Student photographs (parental consent)

Classification of Data

Level of Protection

Not available beyond school buildings

Electronically encrypted with limited access to need-to-know parties only

Never located on portable devices

Teacher access

Login password

Limited to own classes/students

Password on specific teacher, department or class files / folders

Student access

Login only to their own progress records

Parent/guardian access

Login to own child(ren) records only

Student or parent login

Password on student specific files / folders

No SCA staff shall divulge any aspect of the IT infrastructure without the express consent of a member of the technology department. Damage that occurs while someone other than the teacher/ employee is using the technology is the sole financial responsibility of the teacher/employee.

A guest Wi-Fi is available for visitors of Summit Christian Academy. Access to the Wi-Fi is determined by the administrative staff and the technology director.

DRESS CODE EMPLOYEE EXPECTATIONS -

DRESSCODE-STAFF

Apparelshouldreflectaprofessionalappearanceator abovestudentdresscode.Appearanceinandofitselfdoes notnecessarilyreflectaperson’sspiritualcondition.

AppearancestandardsforaChristianschoolarenecessary, however,forconsistencyandtoeliminateconformityto theworldofquestionablefadsandinfluences(Romans 12:1-2),facultyandstaffmembersaretobeneat,clean,and professionalinappearanceandreflecttheirbiological gender.Students,facultyandstaffshouldrefrainfrom wearingtight-fittingclothing.

Femalestaffmaywearsmallnoseringorstud.Minimalear piercingsareacceptableandmaynotincludestretchingor gaugingofearlobes.

Womenshouldweardressesorskirtswiththehemlineat leastattheknee.Blouses,shirts,andtopsmaybe sleevelessbutnotsundresstype.Whenchoosing sleevelesstops,pleasebemindfulofmodesty.Dressslacks maybefullorcaprilength.Footwearshouldbeneat,clean, andappropriatefordressattire(norubberpool-type shoes).Leggingsmaynotbewornaspantsbutmaybeworn underdresses.Allarticlesofclothingshouldnotbetoo tightorrevealing.

Menshouldweardressslackswithcollaredshirts.Sports coatsorsuitsmaybeworn.

Crew,v-neck,orcardigansweatersmaybewornwitha collaredshirtunderthem.Hairshallbeofashortor moderatelength(aboveeyebrows,collar,andmid-ear, andremainoutoftheeyes).Hairlengthexpectations shouldbemetwithouttheuseofanyhairaccessories. Formaleventswithparents(i.e.,conferences,Christmas musical,etc.)mayrequiremoreprofessionaldress.

OnBlueCrewdays,teachersandofficestaffmaywear BlueCrewt-shirtswithjeans.

Staffshouldrefrainfromwearinghatsinsidethebuilding unlessitisforaspecialdressupday.

PhysicalEducationteachersmaywearneatcasualslacks orcolor-coordinatedwarm-upsuitsormodestshorts whenappropriate.

Staffshouldbesensitivetodressappropriatelyatschool functions,keepingmodestyandneatnessinmindinan efforttoreflectpositivelyontheschoolatalltimes.

Custodians,lunch,anddaycareemployeesmaywearwork clothesappropriatetotheirassigneddutiesasoutlinedin theirjobdescription.

Note:Theadministrationisresponsiblefortheinterpretation andtheimplementationofthispolicy.Thedresscodemaybe modifiedforuniquesituationsattheirdiscretion.The administrationisalwaysavailabletoansweranydress relatedquestions.

PROCEDURES EMPLOYEE

FINANCE OFFICE MATTERS

All purchases must be preapproved through use of school purchase order forms submitted to your supervisor. Purchase order forms are available in both offices. Once the item is purchased, the PO and the receipt can be turned into the finance office. Please allow one week for payment/reimbursement. Receipts must accompany purchase order form for reimbursement. Staple receipt to form and submit to principal.

All student incidental charges, i.e. field trips, sports fees, etc., will be billed to families through their FACTS account. Teachers, department heads, coaches, etc. are responsible for providing their supervisor with a list of students to be charged. School-issued credit cards may not be used for personal purchases.

REPORT CARDS

The school reserves the right to withhold report cards and/or student records when accounts fall in arrears.

ReportCardscontinued...

Studentswillnotreceivefinalreportcardsuntilall financialaccountsarepaidinfull.Thisincludestuitionand fees,lunch,librarybooks,fines,etc.

CLASSTIME

Assembliesmaybeauthorizedthroughouttheschool yearforactivitiesthatwillbroadenstudents’knowledge andunderstandingofsubjectareastaughtinthe classroomsandtogivestudentsaneducational experiencenototherwiseavailable. Theseactivitiesshallbeeducationalinnatureandnot promotedoctrineinconflictwiththeSummitChristian AcademyStatementofFaith.

Assembliesareonlyscheduledthroughtheprincipal’s office.

Assembliesmaybeall-schoolorincludeonlyspecific grades. TEACHERSLEAVINGCAMPUS

PROCEDURES EMPLOYEE

INTRODUCING A CLUB/ACTIVITY

1.

To begin a club/activity, please proceed as follows: Write up a proposal/constitution to include the following:

When/where club will meet

Check school calendar for conflicts

Check with facilities coordinator for potential conflicts

Expectations of costs (i.e. we pre-order books for elementary book club and pass cost on to students)

Potential students to be involved

Recruitment plan (i.e. announcements, invitationonly, recommendations-if so by whom, etc.)

Secure a sponsor and co-sponsor

2.

3.

Present proposal to your principal.

Once approved, send club description to Human Resources Coordinator for addition into the student handbook.

4.

Remember, any additional activities beyond the proposal (i.e. Club Christmas caroling, etc.) must have additional approval by the principal.

5.

All fees collected should be turned in to the finance office and all purchases should be presented to the finance office with a PO.

EMPLOYEE LUNCH ACCOUNTS

Teachers/employees have lunch accounts through FACTS SIS. Employees will receive a monthly billing notice by email with a specified due date. Employees are required to set up a FACTS incidental account. Lunch charges will be billed the first week of each month for prior month charges.

LUNCHROOM GUIDELINES

The commons in the elementary building and the gymnasium in the secondary building will be used as lunchrooms.

Students will be given a monthly lunch menu. Hot lunches are available five days a week. Elementary students may not purchase pop from the vending machines.

Salad bar is available daily for secondary students and all elementary and secondary teachers. Teachers are expected to remain on campus during the lunch period.

After two weeks, as volunteers are scheduled or a cooperative assignment is in place, teachers may move toward a more duty-free lunch period. Lunchroom aides must have teacher training on lunchroom rules before being allowed to perform lunch duty.

ELEMENTARY LUNCHROOM RULES K-3

Enter and exit quietly and in order. Ask permission before leaving your seat. Take care of your area, above and below. Stay silent or talk in whispers for first ten minutes.

4-6

Enter and exit quietly and in order. Ask permission before leaving your seat. Take care of your area, above and below. Speak using positive words and at an appropriate volume level.

SECONDARY LUNCHROOM RULES

Secondary students shall leave backpacks in their lockers or place them on the bleachers during lunch to avoid slips, trips, and falls.

PARTY PROCEDURE GUIDELINES

Elementary

School-wide parties include Christmas, Valentine’s Day, teacher birthdays, Incentive (WOW), and the last day of school. The following procedures should be followed:

No party should be scheduled longer than 1½ hours. All parties should occur at the very end of the day. Party foods should be finger foods. Healthy foods and drinks are encouraged. No red/dark drinks are allowed on carpets. Student food allergies should be considered. Teachers may not dictate “special clothing” for parties; i.e., pajamas, jeans, etc.)

Handheld electronic devices may not be brought in during school time for use as a “reward.”

In the event Valentine’s Day falls on a weekend, the parties will be held on the Friday before. Parties canceled due to unforeseen circumstances are to be rescheduled at the administration’s discretion.

No group grade-level parties may be held until the 6th grade year. Sixth grade teachers may schedule group activities with administrative approval.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips will be scheduled through the main office.

Trips must foster creativity, increase the excitement of learning, and be tied to curriculum. The first step in arranging a field trip is to submit a request form to the appropriate principal 30 days in advance for approval. Field Trip Request forms are available in both offices.

PROCEDURES EMPLOYEE

Field Trips

continued...

Field trip checklist should be followed and submitted upon request before each trip. Field Trip Checklists are available in both offices.

Students may be asked to pay a nominal fee for some field trips, depending on the event. The office will arrange transportation.

Financial arrangements for field trips should be arranged through your principal. Fees associated with field trips are billed through FACTS.

Parents will be made aware in the student handbook that school nurses will not be able to accompany students off campus for field trips and other special activities. For students with special care plans, parents should make arrangements to attend field trips or have a designated adult provide care as needed.

The following Field Trip Procedures must be followed for both elementary and secondary field trips: A field trip request must be submitted to the principal and forwarded to the head of school when funds will be involved.

Students should be in dress code unless otherwise approved. Neat and modest will guide all apparel at all times.

A copy of the approved field trip request will be returned to the requesting teacher. A copy of the approved field trip request will also be forwarded to all affected areas, i.e., lunch, departmental staff, maintenance, etc., by the administrative assistant. The original request, when approved, will be forwarded to the appropriate school secretary.

The Director of Transportation will schedule vehicle(s) and driver(s). A copy, front and back, of the driver's license must be on file at the school.

On the day of the trip, teachers will have completed a field trip checklist. All preschool/ elementary students will wear lanyards and ID with agendas. On the day of the trip, the driver will report to the transportation coordinator to pick up the vehicle. Upon return, the driver will turn in the vehicle and submit a payroll form.

GUEST SPEAKERS

Guest speakers should be preapproved by the principal. Please complete a Guest Speaker Request form at least one week in advance. Guest Speaker Request forms are available in both offices. A Facility Request should be made when necessary.

TRANSPORTATION & CHAPERONES

Transportation will be provided by the school or, on occasion, by private vehicle. Supervision of students for field trips will be as follows:

At the elementary level there will be one supervisor for each six (6) students.

At secondary level there with be one supervisor for each ten (10) students.

Each vehicle will have at least one supervisor plus the driver for trips over five (5) miles.

The transportation director is responsible for ensuring that buses are clean, running properly, and fueled for all field trips.

Teachers/advisors should ensure that students clean up after themselves.

Lunches, snacks, or refreshments are not normally provided by the school. Students may be requested to bring a snack or money for refreshments.

No faculty or staff member is to take a student on an outing off campus for any reason without a signed permission from the administration and parents. If an employee chooses to transport students during times that normally would not be considered school time or school functions, the employee should be prepared to assume liability for that student and any recourse which may transpire due to this practice.

The principal should be notified of the location, day, and time of any outings with students.

STUDENT/TEACHER SAFETY

We love that our teachers want to promote relationships with students; however, in an effort to protect both employees and students, it is best not to be alone with a student in a room with the door closed. It is best to avoid situations where you are alone with a student. If tutoring or meeting with a student one-onone, the door should be kept open or moved to a location that is in the open. For off-campus activities, please provide parents and the school with detailed information of your outing.

CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Employees should refrain from personal use of cell phones and electronic devices during class/work time and should also adhere to the established SCA Information Security Policy. Please also review the technology section of this handbook.

ELEMENTARY STUDENT ID CARDS

The school issues a picture ID card to each student for security on field trips and identification.

PROCEDURES EMPLOYEE

CONCUSSIONPROTOCOL

Inanefforttohelpsupportstudentswhohavehadan extendedabsenceorsufferedaconcussion,thefollowing protocolwascreatedbaseduponthelatestmedical researchregardingconcussions.Thestepslistedbelowwill helpidentifythosestudents,monitorthem,andthen ensurethattheyarereleasedattheappropriatetime(not tooearlyandnottoolate).

ConcussionProcedures

Latestresearchstatesthatstudentsshouldonlystayhome foradayortwoandthenstartbecomingactive.Walkingis verybeneficialinthehealingprocess-notrunning,playing sports,orputtingoneselfatriskforfallingorbeinghitin theheadorneck-butbeingactiveandwalkingpreferably outside.

Toreceivetheconcussionprotocol,astudentmusthavea writtendiagnosisfromamedicalprofessionalthatstates thestudenthasaconcussion.Thatwrittenformmustbe submittedtothehealthclerkinthehealthoffice.The healthclerkwillthennotifytheadministrators,academic advisors,andteachersofthediagnosisandthebeginning ofthefollowingprotocolitems:

Teachersshouldprintcopiesofnotesandgiveto students,sotheydonothavetousetechnology. Quizzescanbeexcusedandnotmade-upormaybe requiredtobemade-upbasedupontheimportanceof thematerialinanefforttosupportsuccessonfuture testsandmasteryofthecontent.Thefinaldecisionon excusedvs.made-upwillbeatthediscretionofthe teacherwithinputfromtheprincipal.Studentsare responsibleforinformationonquizzes.Copiesof quizzeswithanswersshouldbegivenforanyexcused quizzes.

Electronicdeviceuseshouldbereplacedwithhard copiesofmaterialswherepossibleifneededduetoa concussion.

P.E.maybemodified.Studentsshouldbeactiveand walkingbutnotparticipatinginanyactivitythatcould causehittingofthehead.TheHealthServicesManual says,“NoP.E.untilclearedbythedoctor.”

Projects/majoressaysmustbereviewedbytheprincipal andteacherforindividualassessmentofnecessary action.Testswillneedtobemadeuponceastudent returnstoschoolorisclearedofconcussion.Insome instances,testsmaybeproctored. Whenaconcussioninitiallyoccurs,mostlikelyall testingwillbepaused.Notestsshouldbegiventhefirst twoweeksafterconcussionwithoutexpressdoctor permissionorthestudentisclearedfromthe concussion.Formakinguptests,theschoolwillworkin conjunctionwiththestudent,doctor,parents, administration,advisor,andhealthofficetodetermine bestproceduresformakingupexams. Testsshouldbeonpaperratherthanonscreens.

Students may start making up work after two weeks if agreed upon by the doctor, parent, student, and administration that the student is able to handle it and not have a recurrence of symptoms.

The health clerk will follow up every couple of days with the student who has been diagnosed and the parents. A student must be cleared by a supervising physician or designee. All elementary students must be cleared by an outside health care professional. The school’s athletic trainer may clear secondary students only if the concussion occurred during the student’s sports season. When a secondary athlete is cleared by the athletic trainer, written documentation will be provided to the health clerk. Once a student is cleared, the health clerk will notify administrators, academic advisors, and teachers of the student being cleared, and the student will return to full academic expectations. Return to play for secondary student athletes will be completed by the athletic trainer.

Parents and students need to work with individual teachers to schedule make-up tests and items that need to be completed.

HEALTH PROCEDURES

Before the first day of school, every new student entering SCA must present records showing that all immunizations are current or submit a signed exemption form.

SCA will adhere to the following procedures recommended by the Missouri State Health Department when dispensing medication:

All medications (prescription/nonprescription) shall be given to a child only with a signed Authorization to Administer Medication Form on file in the health clerk’s office.

All prescription medicine/drugs shall be in the original container and labeled with the child’s name, physician’s name, and written instructions. Ibuprofen or Tylenol will only be dispensed with verbal or written permission from a parent.

A log will be kept in the health office to record each time medication is given.

For elementary students, notification will be sent home with the student when Tylenol or Ibuprofen is administered. The teacher will staple the health clerk’s note to the child’s daily planner. Note will include time of day medication was given and the student complaint.

Minor cuts and scrapes may be dealt with in the classroom. More serious injuries should be dealt with in the health office.

Teachers should not allow students to call parents about an illness from the classroom. All calls must come through the health clerk’s office.

PROCEDURES EMPLOYEE

Healthprocedurescontinued...

Theschooldoesprovideprocedurestoimplement whendealingwithsevereallergies. AnnualTBtestsarerecommendedforGAP,anyone whogoesonamissiontriportravelsoutofthe country,etc.

MEDICALCAREPLANS

Anystudentwithachronicorseveremedical condition(asthma,nutallergies,diabetes,seizures, etc.)musthaveaMedicalCarePlanonfileinthe healthclerk’soffice.

ThenursewillprovidecopiesofMedicalCarePlans toallteachers,recessaides,andlunchroom attendantswhohavedirectcontactwiththestudent.

TeachersshouldreviewMedicalCarePlansregularly toremainfamiliarwithemergencyguidelines. TeachersmaychoosetofileaMedicalCarePlanwith thehealthoffice.AMedicalCarePlanformis availableinthehealthoffice.Recordswillbe confidential.

VOLUNTEERS

AvolunteerisonewhoisinvestinginSCA’sministryto students.Theymaybeassignedtoassistteachers,work inthelibrary,lunchroom,playground,oranyotherarea thatwillenhancetheoperationoftheschool.

Volunteerswillbeassignedatthedirectionofthe classroomteacherorprincipalandwillworkunder thesupervisionofthepersonwhorecruitedthem andtheprincipal.

Recessandlunchaidesmustgothroughtrainingwith ateacherorlunchroomstaff.

Noevent,i.e.,recess/lunch,istobesupervisedsolely byvolunteers.

Classroomvolunteersmaynotgradepapersfortheir child’sclass.

Volunteersaretoreferalldisciplineproblemsto theirsupervisingteacher.

Asageneralrule,volunteersshouldbedirectly involvedintheirchild’sclassroomnomorethanfour hoursweekly.

SCHOOLVISITORS

SCAparentsarewelcometohavelunchorobserve classeswiththeirstudents.Visitorsshouldsigninat theofficeusingtheSchoolSafeIDsystem,and badgesshouldbeworn.Parentsareaskedtoarrange fortheobservationofaclassatleast24hoursin advancethroughtheappropriateprincipal. Anyotherguestsmustbepreapprovedbythe principalatleastonedayinadvance,withthe exceptionofalumni.Theirdressandconductmust beappropriateforourschoolenvironment.

School Visitors continued...

Any guest who has not been preapproved will not be admitted into the school.

Students should be instructed to greet all visitors with dignity and respect.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

The parties ascribing to a contract or a hire-on agreement to work at Summit Christian Academy believe the Bible commands them to make every effort to live at peace and to resolve disputes with each other in private or within the Christian community in conformity with the biblical injunctions of I Corinthians 6:1-8, Matthew 5:23-24, and Matthew 18:15-20. Therefore, the parties agree that any claim or dispute arising out of or related to the agreement, including any claim or statutory claims, shall be settled by biblically based mediation.

As we seek to resolve problems, let us always remember that it is God’s reputation, not our own, that we are seeking to promote. We do that best when we seek to do things His way. Guidelines to consider as we seek to do this are as follows:

Seek to gain knowledge of all sides of a problem before passing judgment on the matter. Go to the source of the problem (i.e., teacher, finance office, etc.) and seek to resolve the problem at this level before going any further. Go with the assumption that everyone has the best interests of the school and students at heart.

If the problem cannot be resolved with the initial source, present your concerns to the principal. Continued dissatisfaction should lead to the Head of School. Contact the Human Resources Coordinator to schedule an appointment with the Head of School.

Inability to resolve at the Head of School level may lead to a request to be added to the Board of Education agenda. A written request to be placed on the board agenda should be submitted to the Board Secretary at least one week prior to the meeting. Clearly state the specific topic to be addressed including the results of conversations or meetings with school personnel on the matter.

The Head of School or Board President will review the request and determine if it will be placed on the agenda or if a separate course of action is appropriate.

The board will have final say in resolving the issue at hand.

POLICY SEXUAL HARASSMENT

The Board of Education is committed to maintaining an environment for its students and employees that is free from sexual harassment. Furthermore, the Board of Education strongly believes that no person in the school shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity.

I. Definition of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

Submission to such conduct is made either implicitly or explicitly a term or condition of an individual’s academic status, progress, or employment;

Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is the basis for educational or employment decisions affecting that individual;

Such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational or work environment; 3.

4.

Qualified students or employees are denied educational or employment opportunities or benefits because the opportunities or benefits are given to another student or employee who submitted to any sexual advance or requests for sexual favors.

II. Examples of Sexual Harassment

Unwelcome Sexual Advances. Whether the advance is “unwelcome” is determined on a case- by-case basis.

Unwelcome advances may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Any invitation (even subtle) intended to result in a sexual liaison;

Invitations to dinner or social events, when refusal results in the loss of a promotion or in other adverse employment action;

Propositioning an employee or student

b.

Unwelcome Verbal Conduct of a Sexual Nature. This may include, but is not limited to, the following:

Sexually provocative or explicit speech;

Publicly expressed sexual fantasies;

Jokes of a sexual or crude nature;

Derogatory comments directed to males or females as a class (language directed toward a specific employee is more likely to be viewed as sexual harassment);

Demeaning comments;

Threats for not agreeing to submit to sexual advances;

Writing sexually explicit memos.

c.

Unwelcome Physical Conduct of a Sexual Nature. This may include, but is not limited to, the following:

Grabbing or twisting an individual’s arm;

Any unwarranted touching;

Sexually offensive pranks;

Drawing sexually explicit cartoons, other drawings, or graffiti;

Gestures indicating sexual behavior;

Suggestive winks;

Kissing.

d.

Students. In addition to the foregoing examples, students may experience harassment that is unique to their situation, some of which may not be immediately recognized as sexual harassment, but which may support a potential claim against the school and/or its employees if not remedied. Such harassment may include, but is not limited to, the following:

Unwanted sexual behavior such as touching, oral comments, sexual name calling, spreading sexual rumors, jokes, pictures, leers, overly personal conversation, cornering or blocking a student’s movement, pulling at clothes, students “making out” on the school premises;

A student in a predominantly single-gender class who is subjected to sexual remarks by a teacher or students who regard the comments as joking and part of the usual class environment;

Interfering with a student’s achievement in a predominantly or historically single-gender class by hiding tools or equipment, questioning the student’s ability to handle the work, or suggesting that the student is “abnormal” for enrolling in the class;

Purposefully limiting or denying students’ access to educational resources because of their gender; Teasing a student about the student’s enrollment in a predominantly or historically single-gender class.

POLICY SEXUAL HARASSMENT

III. Nature of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is not limited to conduct by males toward females. 1. Sexual harassment may occur between any or all of the following: 2. Student to student; Staff to student; Student to staff; Staff to staff; Male to male; Female to female; Male to female; Female to male.

IV. Investigation of Sexual Harassment Complaints Complaints Involving Employees 1.

a. If the employee feels that such contact with the supervisor would be inappropriate, if the supervisor does not satisfactorily resolve the situation, or if the employee simply feels more comfortable speaking with someone other than the supervisor, the employee should contact an administrator of the school.

c.

If an employee believes that he or she is being sexually harassed, the employee is encouraged to bring the concern to the attention of the employee’s supervisor.

b. If the employee’s supervisor is not of the same sex as the employee, or the employee for any other reason would prefer to report the employee’s concern to an administrator of the school, the employee may do so. However, it is essential that the report be made to someone with the authority and obligation to act upon the concern.

d.

Any supervisor, teacher, or administrator who receives a report, orally or in writing, from any employee regarding sexual harassment of that employee by another employee, non-employee doing business with the school, or student must notify the school head of school within twenty-four (24)hours or within a reasonable time thereafter.

e.

Oral complaints of sexual harassment will be put in writing by the complainant or by the person who receives the complaint and should be signed by the complainant. However, the complainant’s refusal to sign a complaint does not relieve the school of the obligation to investigate the complaint.

f.

An employee who believes that he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment shall not be required to confront the alleged harasser prior to making the report.

h.

g. The school will maintain the confidentiality of the complaint and the details of the investigation to the fullest extent possible.

i.

Following receipt of the report, school personnel will promptly and fully investigate the complaint and will notify the employee and alleged harasser of the results of the investigation. Investigations will be conducted with full recognition of the rights of all parties involved. The investigation shall commence within forty- eight (48) hours, weekends or holidays excepted.

The investigator will put his or her findings in writing and will forward a copy to the head of school within one week after concluding the investigation, or within a reasonable extension of time thereafter, for good cause shown.

If the investigation substantiates the complaint, the school will take appropriate disciplinary action against the offender(s), commensurate to the severity of the harassment (up to and including termination of employment). If the offender is not an employee of the school, the school will take appropriate action within the scope of its authority to eliminate and redress the harassment. If the offender is a student, disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the school’s discipline policy.

k.

j. If the investigation is indeterminate, the matter will be designated as unresolved, and the investigation file will be maintained by the head of school in a file separate and apart from any student or personnel file.

l.

There will be no retaliation against, or adverse treatment of, any employee who uses this procedure to resolve a concern when such complaint has been brought in the good faith belief that the complainant has been subjected to sexual harassment.

m.

The responsible supervisor shall follow up regularly with the complaining employee to ensure that the harassment has stopped, and that no retaliation has occurred.

POLICY SEXUAL HARASSMENT

2. Complaints Involving Students

a.

If a student believes he or she is being sexually harassed, the student should bring the concern to the attention of the building principal.

b. If neither the student’s building principal nor any available teacher is of the same sex as the student, or the student for any other reason would prefer to report the student’s concern to another teacher or administrator within the school, the student may do so. However, it is essential that the report be made to someone with the authority and obligation to act upon the concern.

If the student feels that such contact with the building principal would be inappropriate, if the situation is not satisfactorily resolved by the building principal, or if the student simply feels more comfortable speaking to someone other than the building principal, the student may contact any teacher or administrator.

c. Any teacher, counselor, or administrator who receives a report, orally or in writing, from any student regarding sexual harassment of that student or another student by a student or adult in the educational setting must forward that report to the building principal and the head of school within twenty-four (24) hours, or within a reasonable extension of time thereafter, for good cause shown.

e.

d. Oral complaints of sexual harassment will be put in writing by the complainant or by the person who receives the complaint and should be signed by the complainant. However, the complainant’s refusal to sign a complaint does not relieve the school of the obligation to investigate the complaint.

f.

A student who believes that he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment shall not be required to confront the alleged harasser prior to making the report.

g.

Following receipt of the report, school personnel will promptly and fully investigate the complaint and will notify the student and the alleged harasser of the results of the investigation. Investigations will be conducted with full recognition of the rights of all parties involved.

h.

Upon receipt of the report, the principal and/ or the head of school will appoint an investigator to investigate the complaint, which investigation shall commence within forty-eight (48) hours (weekends and holidays excepted) after such appointment.

i.

The school will maintain the confidentiality of the complaint and the details of the investigation to the fullest extent possible.

j.

The investigator will put his or her findings in writing and will forward a copy to the principal and head of school within one week after concluding the investigation, or within a reasonable extension of time thereafter, for good cause shown.

l.

m.

If the investigation substantiates the complaint, the school will take appropriate disciplinary action against the offender(s), commensurate to the severity of the harassment (up to and including termination of employment). If the offender is another student, disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the school’s established discipline policy. If the offender is not an employee of the school, the school will take appropriate action within the scope of its authority to eliminate and redress the harassment.

k. If the investigation is indeterminate, the matter will be designated as unresolved, and the investigation file will be maintained by the head of school in a file separate and apart from any student or personnel file.

There will be no retaliation against or adverse treatment of any student who uses this procedure to resolve a concern when such complaint has been brought in the good faith belief that the complainant has been subjected to sexual harassment.

n.

The responsible administrator shall follow up regularly with the complaining student to ensure that the harassment has stopped, and that no retaliation has occurred.

Nothing in this reporting and investigation procedure shall relieve any employee of the school from his or her obligation, under Missouri law, to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect.

POLICY SEXUAL HARASSMENT

V. Enforcement

Employees. Each supervisor, teacher and administrator is responsible for maintaining an educational and work environment free from sexual harassment. In accordance with that responsibility, each site manager, or his or her designee, shall take appropriate actions to enforce the school’s sexual harassment policy including, but not limited to, the following:

a.

b.

The supervisor/administrator shall provide an in-service regarding sexual harassment to all staff by the end of the first full calendar week of each school year;

The supervisor/administrator shall provide a copy of the policy to all new employees of the school prior to the commencement of the employee’s duties;

c.

The supervisor/administrator shall further instruct employees regarding the procedures for reporting sexual harassment in the educational setting on an as needed basis;

The supervisor/administrator shall take prompt action to investigate all complaints of sexual harassment; d.

The supervisor/administrator shall take appropriate disciplinary action, as necessary. e.

1.

Students. Each building administrator is responsible for maintaining an educational and work environment free from sexual harassment. In accordance with that responsibility, each building administrator, or his or her designee, shall take appropriate actions to enforce the school’s sexual harassment policies including, but not limited to, the following:

All vulgar or sexually offensive graffiti shall be removed from the premises; a.

b.

The building administrator shall provide an in- service regarding sexual harassment (including sexual harassment involving students) to all staff by the end of the first full calendar week of school;

c.

Student instruction regarding sexual harassment shall be provided annually by the end of September to all students in grades seven through twelve. Age appropriate instruction will also be presented to prekindergarten through sixth grade students, as appropriate;

d.

Written copies of the policy shall be given to each student in grades seven through twelve (and in lower grades as may be appropriate). Any discussion, at any time, shall be conducted in age appropriate manner and should assure students they need not tolerate any form of sexual harassment.

e.

f.

All teachers, counselors, and administrators shall instruct students on the procedures for reporting sexual harassment within the educational setting on an as-needed basis;

The building administrator, or his designee, shall take prompt action to investigate all complaints of sexual harassment;

The building administrator, or his designee, shall take appropriate disciplinary action as necessary. g.

VI. Notifications

1.Employee/Students

A copy of the school’s sexual harassment policy shall: a.

Be displayed in a prominent location at each work site;

Be provided to each current employee, and to each new employee prior to commencement of his or her duties;

Appear in any school handbook, newsletter, or work site publication that sets forth the school’s comprehensive rules, regulations, procedures, and standards of conduct for employees and/or students;

Be included in the notifications that are sent to parents/guardians at the beginning of the school year;

Be available at each principal’s office;

Be included in any orientation program conducted for new students in grades seven through twelve;

Appear in any school or building publication that sets forth the school’s, or the building’s comprehensive rules, regulations, procedures, and standards of conduct for students.

The school administrators will be available to answer all questions regarding this policy or its implementation.

POLICY SEXUAL HARASSMENT

VII. Discipline/Consequences

1.

Complaints Involving Employees

a.

b.

Any employee accused of sexual harassment may be placed on administrative leave.

Any employee who engages in sexual harassment of anyone while on school property, or while in the employ of the school off school property, will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

c.

d.

Any employee who permits or engages in the sexual harassment of a student will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

Any employee who receives a complaint of sexual harassment from a student and who does not act promptly to forward that complaint to the principal or the head of school shall be disciplined appropriately.

e.

Any employee who retaliates or engages in conduct that could be interpreted as retaliation, against any person who has made a complaint of sexual harassment or who has participated in the investigation of a complaint of sexual harassment will be subject to discipline, up to and including dismissal.

f.

Any nonemployee doing business with the school who engages in sexual harassment, or who retaliates against any person who has made a complaint of sexual harassment or who has participated in the investigation of a complaint of sexual harassment, will be subject to discipline to the extent that the school has control over the nonemployee and his or her employer.

g. Complaints Involving Students 2.

a.

Any employee who brings a false charge of sexual harassment shall receive appropriate discipline. The term “false charge” means a charge brought in bad faith, that is, without the good faith belief that one has been subjected to sexual harassment. The term “false charge” does not include a charge that was brought in good faith, but which the school was unable to substantiate.

Any student who is the subject of a sexual harassment investigation, either as the perpetrator or the recipient of the alleged harassment, may be separated from the student body if deemed appropriate by the head of school.

b.

Any student who engages in sexual harassment while on school property or while participating in school activities will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.

c.

d.

Any employee who permits or engages in the sexual harassment of a student will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

Any employee who receives a complaint of sexual harassment from a student and who does not act promptly to forward that complaint to the principal and the head of school shall be disciplined appropriately.

e.

Any student who brings a false charge of sexual harassment shall receive appropriate discipline. The term “false charge” means charges brought in bad faith, that is, without the good faith belief that one has been subjected to sexual harassment. The term “false charge” does not include a charge that was brought in good faith, but which the school was unable to substantiate.

ATTENDANCE STUDENT

DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP PROCEDURES

Elementary

Front elementary doors will remain locked until 8:00 a.m.

Students arriving before 8:00 a.m. should report to GAP at the north Commons door.

Parents of K-3rd graders should enter at NE driveway and drop off students along the sidewalk area at the front of the building.

Parents walking their children in may park in the front elementary lot.

Parents of 4th-6th graders should enter at NE driveway and drive behind modulars to drop off at elementary door on the south side of the building. Pick-up door for 3:15 p.m. dismissal will be the same as drop-off.

Tutoring teachers/coaches may not leave a child unattended at any time.

All students will remain in their classroom until 3:30 p.m. At that time, students will be escorted to GAP. It is preferred that staff pick up their students no later than 4:45. Staff must be on campus or on school business to have students in GAP as an employee benefit.

ATTENDANCE RECORDS - STUDENTS

All teachers are to take attendance each day, daily for elementary and by class period for secondary students. Elementary teachers will keep daily attendance FACTS SIS. For record keeping purposes, elementary attendance and tardies will be defined as follows:

TARDY/ABSENCE

PROCEDURESELEMENTARY STUDENTS

Elementary attendance will be tracked by the elementary office. Notice of absences will be issued via the elementary office. Students may lose credit after the 20th absence in a school year.

The office will notify teachers when a student has reached a 3rd tardy in a semester or a 7th absence in a school year.

Elementary teachers will need to make a courtesy call to parents in order to inform of our full tardy/absence policy and ask if there is any intervention help you can give (i.e., Is all of their makeup work completed?).

Tardy letters will be sent out at the 6th tardy and thereafter. Copies of letters are kept on file. The 7th, 8th, and 9th tardy and all tardies thereafter will result in 15-minute after-school detention with the teacher. Teachers are to set the date after receiving detention slip from the office. Ten tardies and beyond will result in a parent conference and office-issued discipline. Parents with questions should call the elementary principal.

A letter will be sent at the 10th and 15th absences. At the 20th absence, promotion will be discussed. Copies of letters are kept on file in the school office.

Elementary Students Continued... Tardies go back to “0” at semester. Absences accumulate throughout the year.

TARDY/ABSENCE PROCEDURESSECONDARY STUDENTS

It is our recommendation that students stay home when they are sick so as not to risk infecting others. Students are, however, required to complete and turn in all assignments in line with the below guidelines. Any and all illnesses that result in either an absence or in late work should be reported to the school office.

Teachers must record attendance and tardies in each class period. The assistant principal and teachers are responsible for tracking attendance to ensure requirements are met.

Students may miss no more than 10 days per semester. Secondary students will lose credit at the 11th absence in academic courses. To address extenuating circumstances, the school has established an Attendance Review Committee, which consists of administration and faculty. Extensive absences may prohibit a student’s ability to participate in field trips. Life Prep/Aide credit will be lost at the 10th absence.

Office staff will make changes in FACTS SIS as students sign in and out.

In-school activities such as spelling bee are not recorded as absences.

If a student has 10 or more absences due to extenuating circumstances, the administration will evaluate and may implement a plan to maintain academic integrity. Extensive absences may prohibit a student’s ability to participate in field trips.

For juniors and seniors, a one-time mission trip for up to 5 days will not count against allowable days of absence if students submit a pre-approved absence form at least a week in advance of the trip and are able to submit post-attendance proof to the attendance office and the advisor. Travel days will count against attendance, but actual mission days will not.

Students arriving tardy may not be admitted to their first class without a tardy slip supplied by the office.

Definitions:

ATTENDANCE STUDENT

Attendance - Roll taken by teacher within 10 minutes of class bell. Roll includes tardies and absences.

Tardy - Missing up to 20 minutes of class. Absence - Missing 21+ minutes of class.

Secondary Tardy Procedures

When students are tardy to first hour, they must report to front desk. Receptionist will note the first hour tardy in FACTS SIS and send students to first hour teacher with note.

Recording of tardies for hours 2-8 will be handled as follows:

Tardies must be recorded immediately.

For student tardy without a pass or note, the teacher will note the tardy. Students must be verbally told they have been given a tardy. For student tardy with a pass from an SCA staff member, the staff member will note the attendance “with staff.”

When students check in at front desk (i.e., doctor appointment), receptionist will note the tardy and reason, then provide a note to class.

Office will track number of tardies within individual classes and issue.

Parents will be emailed from the office.

Teachers will be emailed when a student is assigned a detention for tardies from their class.

It is possible for a student to have more than one detention given on a day (i.e., if 3rd happened on Wednesday, 4th tardy on Thursday, they would have two detentions.

Secondary students who arrive between 7:00 and 7:30a.m. should report to the Secondary Gym.

After school, secondary students who have not been picked up will be escorted to the Learning Commons or GAP at 3:10.

Secondary students are to be dismissed promptly at the end of each period. Assignments should be given earlier in the period so there will be no last-minute confusion. All classroom and co-curricular teachers must adhere to the schedule.

ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL TIME - STUDENTS

Elementary students have been instructed to arrive in the classroom between 8:00-8:15 a.m. Secondary students should arrive in classrooms between 7:30 and 7:40 a.m.

Elementary students are to report directly to their rooms and be in their seats ready to start work at 8:15 a.m.

At dismissal, elementary children must wait quietly in their room and walk quickly to the designated door/pick- up area when called for dismissal. All elementary students remaining after 3:30 p.m. will be escorted to GAP.

ACADEMIC PROCEDURES FOR EXTENDED ABSENCE

Elementary and Secondary Staff

In the case of an extended student absence of five days due to a severe illness, administration may employ the following procedures for makeup work: The student must provide a doctor’s note.

Teacher should provide photocopies of all notes given in class.

All quizzes should be excused with no make-up. Students are responsible for information on quizzes. Copies of quizzes with answers should be given.

Projects must be reviewed with the principal and the teacher for individual assessment of necessary action.

Tests which contain information foundational for future units should be made up in a timely manner. Teachers should confer with administration within two days of the student’s return in order to determine testing schedules.

For tests not giving foundational information (i.e., spelling, history, etc.), teachers may excuse students from the test while requiring knowledge for final exams.

OF SALVATION EXPLAINING THE PLAN

The plan of salvation is frequently presented in chapel services and in classrooms. The following are truths that are emphasized:

If we are not born again, we are spiritually dead. Once we accept Jesus as our Savior, our sins are forgiven, and we become a new creature.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Except a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God (John 3:3).

How do we receive His salvation?

Admit that you’re a sinner and need forgiveness. (I John 1:9 and Acts 20:21).

Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose from the dead. (Romans 10:13 and Acts 2:17). Confess your faith in Jesus Christ and His Lordship over your life (Romans 10:9).

Why did God send His son into the world?

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not His son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:16-17).

How did sin enter the world?

Because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve (Romans 5:14).

With what words did John the Baptist introduce Jesus?

Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

According to the Bible, what should a Christian do if he sins?

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9).

According to the Bible, why did Jesus come to earth? I have come that they might have life; and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10).

Is it God’s will for all men to be saved?

God wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (I Timothy 2:4).

What is the penalty of sin?

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).

Helpful word pictures:

Picture Christ on the cross, his death as “payment in full” for our sins.

Picture Christ as a “Gift,” but not ours until we accept it and open it.

Picture Christ as the “bridge” across a chasm that separates us from heaven.

Picture Christ as wanting to be the “Driver” in our car of life.

SPIRITUAL LIFE STUDENT

Christian Character Award

Criteria for Christian Character Award

The purpose of this award is to encourage students to earnestly pursue their potential toward attaining the highest level of academic and personal development during their tenure of enrollment at SCA. The administration of this program is accomplished using the following guidelines:

Nominees will be selected from four areas:

1st, 2nd, 3rd Grades (1 student per quarter) 4th, 5th, 6th Grades (1 student per quarter)

Junior High (2 students per semester, (1 male-1 female)

Senior High (2 students per semester, (1 male-1 female)

Students receiving the quarter/semester Christian Character Awards are presented with a $25.00 gift card.

Near the end of the school year, the elementary teachers and principal will choose one student from among all the quarterly Christian Character Award winners as Elementary Student of the Year. The Elementary Student of the Year will receive a trophy and a $100 Mardel gift card.

The secondary teachers will choose one student from among all the semester Christian Character Award winners as Secondary Student of the Year. The Student of the Year will be presented with a $100 gift card.

Criteria for Christian Character Award:

Consistent attitude of honesty and integrity.

Consistent spiritual attitude in general and in responsiveness toward teachers and a consistent display of the character trait of the month (character trait - elementary only).

Demonstrates respect for people and property.

Consistent role model for classmates and student body in general.

Consistent quality academic achievement.

Consistent choices and actions that glorify Jesus Christ, reflect biblical truth, and demonstrate interest in growing in regard to personal Christian faith.

CHAPELSCHEDULE

GradesK-6: Thursday's8:25-8:55a.m.

Grades7-12: Tuesday's10:40-11:25

Hear,OIsrael,TheLordourGod,theLordisone.Love theLordyourGodwithallyourheartandwithallyour soulandwithallyourstrength.Thesecommandments thatIhavegivenyoutodayaretobeuponyourhearts. Impressthemonyourchildren.Talkaboutthemwhen yousitathomeandwhenyouwalkalongtheroad, whenyouliedownandwhenyougetup.Tiethemas symbolsonyourhandsandbindthemonyour foreheads.Writethemonthedoorframesofyour housesandonyourgates.

Deuteronomy6:4-9

DRESS CODE ENFORCEMENT STUDENT

Teachers are expected to enforce dress code as written in the student handbook. This demands a thorough understanding of dress code requirements. Any questions should be directed to your principal.

Board Policy 4.014 states students violating dress code will be counseled individually on biblical principles used to formulate dress code (I Timothy 4:12). The student is expected to dress neatly and modestly, avoiding extremes.

ELEMENTARY

1st offense: Student conference and parent contact.

2nd offense: Lunch/Recess detention and parent contact.

3rd offense: 1 day ISS and parent/principal conference for readmittance.

SECONDARY

For each incident, students are expected to immediately comply with dress code requirements. 1st offense: Verbal correction from teacher.

2nd offense: Verbal correction and parent communication. 3rd offense: Detention assigned by teacher.

Students will be required at all times to be in compliance with the dress code. This may result in the parent bringing items to the school or the child wearing a school-supplied item.

ELEMENTARY LIBRARY LEARNING COMMONS &

The secondary learning commons and elementary library are designed with equipment and resources that serve both students and faculty. Teachers should take an active part in submitting requests to the elementary librarian or academic dean to ensure the student stacks and teacher resources are up-to-date with curriculum needs.

Elementary Library

In grades K-6, students are scheduled specific time in the library. Use outside of these times should use the following guidelines:

Ensure through librarian’s schedule that supervision is available. Ensure student use of Hall Pass.

Students in grades 4-6 will participate in Library 2.0 as part of library time. Book fairs occur twice yearly and will allow teachers to make selections to build their classroom stacks.

Learning Commons

The secondary learning commons provides opportunities for collaborative learning and cross-curricular involvement. Peer support may be received by students in the Math Corner and Writers’ Corner. Some books are available for check out to read for pleasure for both students and teachers.

PLAYGROUND RULES STUDENT RECESS/

PLAYGROUND

The playgrounds are available for grades K-6.

Secondary students are not allowed on the playgrounds.

Elementary teachers are to accompany students on the playground.

Recess should not be withheld as punishment without parental permission in every instance. Absolutely no bullying or profanity will be tolerated.

The teacher is responsible for ensuring that all volunteers obtain recess training through the principal. Recess aides will always carry radios and whistles.

Teachers are required to provide outdoor recess daily unless weather is described as inclement by the office.

Supervise and move around the area to spot trouble before it happens, and pray that we have an accident-free play area this year!

Supervisors should position themselves in posted stations in order to observe all areas. Should an accident occur, the adult in charge of the class must immediately fill out an Accident Report form in the school office. Failure to enforce guidelines will result in censure of the teacher and volunteers being moved to a different area.

Students may use lower-level restrooms in “emergency” situations.

Students should travel in pairs when adult-to-adult transfer is not possible due to extenuating circumstances.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Students MUST be supervised at all times. Adults should always be the first ones on the play area, children following. No child is to be left behind in the classroom.

HOMEWORK STUDENT GRADING &

PRINCIPLES OF ASSESSMENT

All teacher assessments must demonstrate the following four components:

Reliable: Anyone grading has same conclusions –clear questions and clear answers.

Fair: (As pertains to the individual) Process is clear to the student, and student needs are taken into consideration. At times, a resource specialist may need to be consulted.

Flexible: (AQs pertains to the class.) Consideration given to assessment beyond paper and pencil. Consider student time on online tools to support assessment of objectives, as well as student gifts.

Valid: Each question can be mapped back to the “unit” and a specific day of teaching. Each objective is assessed.

TYPES OF ASSESSMENT

Diagnostic: Know where your students are before beginning a unit.

Formative: Assessment to prepare your students FOR the summative test. Helps teacher know how to improve lessons. Also supports teacher knowledge concerning student ongoing efforts to learn the material.

Summative: Test to evaluate if important objectives have been met and to what extent they have been met. Confirmative: Is knowledge moved to long-term memory (finals, etc.)

Ipsative: Student compared to self over time.

HOMEWORK

- ELEMENTARY

It is our philosophy that worthwhile homework assignments can extend classroom lessons, build independent study habits, and encourage children to think and work creatively outside of school.

Criteria for Homework Assignments

When considering homework assignments, the following considerations are important: Is the assignment reasonable and consistent with the child’s abilities, needs, and interests? Does the homework assignment interfere with other worthwhile activities that the child may engage in while out of school?

Will the assignment extend the child’s knowledge without fostering discouragement and resentment?

Is the length of the assignment reasonable - a maximum of 10 minutes per grade level?

As a rule of thumb, please refrain from homework on Wednesday nights or nights where school programs are scheduled.

ORGANIZATION-ELEMENTARY

AllK–5studentswillbeprovidedavinyl,2-pocket folderwhichwillbeusedtotransferimportantschool information.Dependingonthegradelevel,thefolder mayincludesuchitemsasschoolflyers,gradedtests*, studyguides,bookreportinformation,andmajor projectguidelines.Parentsshouldcarefullycheckthis foldereveryFridaytoensureclearcommunication. Shouldateacherneedtosendhometime-sensitive informationonadayotherthanFriday,that informationshouldbestapledtotheplanner.

*ThoughtestsarenotsenthomeuntilFriday,they shouldbegradedandaddedtoFACTSSISwithin48 hoursofthestudentshavingtakenthem.

GRADING-ELEMENTARY

Wemustbeabletojustifythegradesgiventoa student.Everyteachershouldcompileafolderofwork foreachstudent.Thiswillproveinvaluableat conferencetime.Gradesmustberecordedweeklyin FACTSSIS.Besuretohaverecordedsufficientgrades tojustifythegradegiven.Seestudenthandbookfor notesonmakingtestcorrections.

Allmajorprojectsmusthaveanassessmentrubric/ scoringguidethatisgiventostudents/parentstheday aprojectisassigned.

Mid-termreportsarerequiredforallstudents.Any timeastudent’sgradehasdroppedalettergrade,itis theresponsibilityoftheteachertocontactthe parents.Donotleavethisresponsibilitytothestudent. StudentsreceivingaDorFmusthaveweeklyparent contactuntilgradesimprove.

Thefollowingguidelineswillbeusedtodetermine HonorRolleligibility:

Principal’sHonorRoll:Astudentmustmaintainan“A” inallcoreacademicsubjectsforthequarter.

HonorRoll:(A-B):AstudentmustmaintainallA’s and/orB’s forallcoreacademicsubjects.

*HonorRollReportFormmustbeturnedintothe principal’sassistantatquarterend.Students’names areannouncedviaaquarterlyachievement announcement.

Thetherapistsofresourcestudentswillreviewall gradesgiventostudentsandmakeappropriate adjustmentswiththeknowledgeoftheteacher. Commentlinewillnote“GradereflectsCAPPlan Guidelines.”

ElementaryGradeScales

HOMEWORK STUDENT GRADING &

Nogradingcategorymaybeestablishedinagradebook withfewerthanfourassignmentswithinasemester exceptforafinalexam/project.Nosingleassignment maybeweightedmorethanafinalexamorfinal project.

GRADING-SECONDARY

GradingScale–9-12

67-69 C-

63-66 D+

60-62 D

00-59 D-

InterpretationofO/S/N/Ugrades

Outstanding= Qualityworkand/oreffortineverydetail. Satisfactory= Averageandabovework,roomfor improvement.

NeedsImprovement= Lowaverageandbelowwork,needs toimprove.

Unsatisfactory= Belowaveragework-mustimprove.

GRADESDUEBY5:00P.M.

Q1:10/11

Q2:12/19

Q3:03/07

Q4:05/22

ForstudentsreceivingaDorF,teachersmaybecalledto theprincipal’sofficetofilloutagradedeficiencyreport.

Amissingassignmentreportwillgohomeforparent signature.

ELEMENTARYLATEWORKPROCEDURE

Homeworkisgivenasanadditionaltooltoreinforce learningandisexpectedtobecompletedinatimely mannerasdirectedbytheteacher.Shouldastudenthavea lateassignmentforreasonsotherthananexcusedabsence, saidassignmentwilllose5%foreveryschooldaylate.Late assignmentsmaybegradednohigherthanan89%andno lowerthana59%.Shouldastudenthavereachedthe60% level,theywillbesenttotheprincipal’sofficetocomplete thework.Allmissingpapersmaybeturnedinfor59% creditbymid-quarterorquarterend.Studentsmaybe assignedan“I”toreflectanincompletegradeinaclass. Gradewillbeassignedoncemissingworkhasbeen received.

Wemustbeabletojustifythegradesearnedbyastudent. Recordedgradesmustbetakenfromworkevaluatedbythe teacher.Besuretohaverecordedsufficientgradesto justifythegradeentered.Recordedgradesshouldonly comefrommaterialdirected,taught,andevaluated.

Whentwoteachersteachthesameclass,theexactsame gradingsystemmustbeused.

Secondarystudentsshallbeassignedapercentage earnedforeachcourse.

Forthepurposesofanaveragedcumulative percentage,anumericalpercenttothehundredths placeshallbeused.

Semestercoursepercentagesandsemestercumulative averagesshallbeprovidedasunweightedwith cumulativeaveragesshowingasbeingbothweighted andunweighted.

CoursesofferedasAP,dualcredit,orhonorsshall receiveanadditional10%weightaddedtothe semestercoursepercentage.

Theschoolprofileandstudenttranscriptshould includethestatement: SCAusesapercentages-onlygradingsystem.IfaGPA conversionscaleisneeded,SCArecommendsthe following:

90–100=4

80–89=3

70–79=2

60–69=1

HonorRoll

Awardedatsemesterandendofyear: Principal’sHonorRoll.Studentmustmaintaina 90%oraboveinallsubjectsforthesemester. HonorRoll.Studentmustreceivean80%orabove ineveryclassforthesemester.

JuniorHighGradingScale

95-100 A 67-69D+ 90-94 A- 63-66D 87-89 B+ 60-62D83-86 B 01-59F 80-82 B77-79 C+ 73-76 C 70-72 C-

SECONDARYHOMEWORK

Eachteachershouldmakeeveryeffortnottogive homeworkonWednesdaynightstoallowourfamilies toattendmid-weekchurchservices.

HOMEWORK STUDENT GRADING &

LATE/ PROCEDURE - SECONDARY

Teacher-developed policies should demonstrate the value of assignments being done. Assignments should be recorded weekly so as to clearly track late/missing work.

Teacher-developed policy should outline student procedure for viewing missing assignments.

Teachers should work closely with colleagues in the same field to ensure cohesive and fair policies are adapted.

At the secondary level, the following procedure will be followed when students have late and missing assignments per semester:

There will be a 10% per day grade drop to 40%. 40% is the highest earned grade after 5 days (not including excused absences.)

Students will be required to turn in any late or missing work within 5 school days of the end of the unit. If an assignment is not submitted by this time, it will receive a “0” in the gradebook.

This does not apply to summative assessments (i.e. tests, papers, or projects).

In the instance of a student missing multiple days leading up to the end of the unit, the makeup work policy on page 58 of this handbook will help determine if an extension is warranted.

Please follow the below guidelines for missing assignments: 1st missing Talk with student 2nd concurrent missing Communicate with parent 3rd concurrent missing Communicate with parent & advisor 4th concurrent missing Teacher assigned academic detention & communicate with parent & advisor 5th concurrent missing Referral to administration

Multiple recurring missed assignments may result in the student being removed from the school. The grades of all missing work will include a .01 for easy tracking of students’ missed assignments, i.e. 70.01, 50.01, etc.

All academic discipline will be recorded on a student’s discipline record in FACTS SIS.

Students should not be assigned a 0%. Work should be turned in for percentage points off per day late down to a 50%.

At both elementary and secondary levels, students may be assigned an “I” to reflect an incomplete grade in a class. Grade will be assigned once missing work has been received.

Whenanassignmentisturnedinlate,teachersshould placeacommentnexttotheassignmentintheFACTS SISgradebooksoastonotifyparents.

5-ERRORRULE

Beginningthesecondsemesterofstudents’junior year,teacherswillmarkstudentpaperswitha checkmarkinthemarginofthepaperforeveryediting error.Onceastudentreachesfivecheckmarks,the paperwillbereturnedtothestudentforarewritefora gradenohigherthan75%.Teacherswillstopgrading andwillnotexplaincheckswithoutthestudentmaking anappointmentforpaperreview.Thepapermustbe editedproperlybeforereceivingthat75%.Allpapers mustbeturnedinbeforetheendofthesemester.

EXTRACREDITPROCEDURE

Extracreditshouldhavespecificacademicpurpose whichenhancesthecurriculum.Astimeisbestspent learningthecurriculumactivities,extracreditshould begivensparingly.

Usethefollowingguidelineswhenextracreditis offered.

Mustalwaysbeacademicinnature. Mustbeofferedtotheentireclassvs.asingle student

Shouldnotenableagradeofmorethan105%ona singleassignmentorsemestergrade(secondary ONLY, elementaryassignmentswillnotexceed 100%).

Examplesofappropriateextracredit:visitto Writers'CornerorMathCorner;creatinganitemfor theInternationalExperience. Performanceattendance,iftiedspecificallyto curriculumobjectives,maybegivenforextracredit.

ALTERNATIVETOEXTRACREDIT

Attheteacher’sdiscretion,tests,etc.maybe researchedandcorrectedforadditionalpointsup to½pointperproblem.

Dropthelowestquiz/testgradeeachsemester. Shouldyouhaveanyfurtherquestionsorideas, pleasereferthemtoyourprincipalortheacademic dean.

SECONDARYSYLLIBI

Secondaryteachersshouldrefertoadministrative directionforsyllabusrequirements.Classroomsyllabi shouldbepreparedandreadybytheMonday afternoonoftheweekschoolstarts.

Dualcreditteachersshouldbecarefultouse frameworksprovidedbyrespectivecollegesalongwith SCArequirements.

DISCIPLINE STUDENT

ELEMENTARY

The following are a few behaviors that will be brought to the attention of the principal:

Cheating

Physical contact in anger Excessive tardies

Firearms, knives, or weapons of any kind Drug and/or related paraphernalia Vandalism

Bullying (see page 57 for bullying policy) Disrespect

Sexual or racial comments

Students with electronic devices such as cell phones, iPods, electronic watches, etc., must have them turned off and put away at all times. Use of video games, radios, or CD players is not allowed.

Detention

1.

Students who are required to serve detention must stay after school to serve. Detention supersedes all afterschool activities.

2.

3.

Each student must enter quietly with pen, pencil, and paper to write.

No talking or disturbances of any kind. Parents may not enter the detention room until the child is dismissed.

PLEASE...no interruptions at all.

4.

Sports and extracurricular events do not excuse a student from detention.

5.

Excessive detentions may result in suspension.

6.

7.

Entering detention tardy will require staying later and a second detention may be issued.

Detentions for tardies will be served with the teacher to make up class time.

All infractions will be recorded on the appropriate discipline notice. Parents will be notified when a child is sent to the office. It is our desire to work with parents in the disciplining of each student. The following are a few infractions that may result in a detention or a call home:

Classroom disruption

Three tardies

Dress code violation

Use of profanity

Cell phone use

Disrespect

Lying

Public display of affection

Actions unbecoming of Christian character

Department Classes as Punishment

Classroom teachers shall not deprive a child from attending art, computer, keyboarding, Spanish, library, music, physical education classes, or recess as punishment.

SECONDARY

All infractions will be recorded on the appropriate discipline notice. Parents will be notified after the second occurrence of a minor infraction or immediately for any serious infraction. It is our desire to work with parents in the disciplining of each student. The following are a few infractions that may result in a detention or a call home:

Classroom disruption 3 tardies in a class

Dress code violation

Rude or obscene language

Disrespect

Actions unbecoming of Christian character

Detention

If a detention is given, the following guidelines apply: Detentions will be served as follows: 1.

After school each week on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday from 3:10 to 4:00; During lunch shifts on Thursday or Friday Students will be notified of the detention location and will not be admitted late. 2.

3.

4.

A detention takes precedence over any other school function (i.e., athletics, drama, band, etc.).

Students will be given work to do and must remain quiet. No headphones or electronics will be allowed.

5.

A student is allowed to reschedule one detention per semester but must receive verbal or written approval by an administrator before the end of lunch on the given day. If a student is absent on the day of their detention, they must serve detention on the next detention day.

6.

Missing a detention can result in a Saturday detention. Saturday Detention: This will be served on an appointed Saturday for three hours (8:0011:00 a.m.). The student will be charged a $30 administrative fee. Appropriate work will be given and expected to be completed by the student during this time. Manual labor may be given and may include cleaning the classrooms, facilities, etc.

7.

After a student receives a fifth detention, they will be assigned a Saturday School.

8.

9.

Students must be picked up promptly at 4:00 p.m. at the front entrance of the school.

In the case of a more severe offense, a student may receive an in-school or out-of-school suspension.

After two academic detentions, a Saturday detention will be assigned. 10.

DISCIPLINE STUDENT

STUDENTREPEATEDDISRUPTION

Thefollowingproceduresshouldbefollowedwhena studentshowsrepeatedanddisruptivedissatisfaction withtheirenrollmentatSCA.

Whenitisnotedthatastudentshowsrepeatedand disruptivedisagreementwiththeirenrollmentatSCA, ameetingisrequiredwiththeprincipal,academic advisor,counselor,student,andparentto communicatetheneedforaplanofintervention.

Ateamincludingateacherwithwhomthestudenthas aneffectiverelationship,theschoolcounselor,andthe principalwouldallbeinvolvedindevelopingtheplan. Theplan,whichwillbefacilitatedbythecounselor, mayincluderegularmeetings,mentoring/discipleship, behavioralobjectives,andparentalexpectations.A timelinewillbeestablishedinordertomeasure compliance.

Parentsandstudentsmustsigntheplanto demonstratetheirunderstanding.

If,afterthedesignatedperiodoftime,astudent continuestoshowdisagreement,theywillbe unenrolledornotallowedtoenrollforthefollowing year.

SUSPENSION-EXPULSIONBOARDPOLICY

Studentsuspensionorexpulsionisconsideredasevere anddrasticmeasuretobeusedonlywhenothermethods ofcorrectingastudent’sbehaviorhavefailed.The principalmaysuspend/long-termsuspendastudent.Any suspensionsover10dayswillbeinconjunctionwiththe HeadofSchool.TheHeadofSchoolmayexpelastudent.

Suspensionoccurswhenastudent’sconduct,and/or failuretorespondtocorrectivedisciplinaryprocedures, requiresthatastudentbetemporarilyremovedfromthe studentbody.Thesuspensionofastudentmaybeeither in-schoolsuspensionorout-of-schoolsuspension.A suspensionmaybechangedtoexpulsionforcause.

Expulsionofastudentisthepermanentremovalofa studentfromtheschool.Expulsioniswarrantedwhenall availabledisciplinaryprocedurestorehabilitatethe studenthavebeenunsuccessfulorthestudent’sconduct isofsuchaseriousnatureastowarrantimmediate removal.

StudentsexpelledhaveallgradesfrozenatSCAandmay notcontinuecoursework.

Suspendedandexpelledstudentsmaynotbeonany schoolpropertyoratanyschooleventwithoutexpress approvaloftheprincipal.

OncetheHeadofSchooldeterminesexpulsion,that decisionwillbecommunicatedbytheprincipal.

The following are examples of actions that could or would warrant an immediate suspension:

Repeated minor offenses

Missing detentions

Fighting

Possession of drugs or alcohol

Verbal or physical threats

Direct defiance

Skipping class

Leaving school without permission

Possession of a firearm, knife, or weapon of any kind

CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM

Cheating is a serious offense. It involves taking information from another source including, but not limited to, tests, quizzes, homework, and other printed materials. The following are consequences for cheating: First offense - a zero on assignment, meeting with the principal, and a call to parents.

Second offense - a zero for the semester in the given class and a conference with parents and principal. Third offense - expulsion from school.

Claiming another’s work as one’s own is defined as plagiarism and falls within our policy against cheating. If plagiarism is an issue, please refer students to the Academic Dean to ensure awareness of MLA and APA citation protocols.

Using words from another source and not using quotation marks and citing that source.

Paraphrasing a source and not citing the source. Copying a text (i.e., off the Internet or from a book). Using secondary sources (i.e., citing references used by someone else).

Artificial Intelligence (AI): The heart of the issue of AIgenerated content is one of academic honesty.

Copying and pasting any amount of text from AIgenerated content, unless otherwise directed by the teacher, is considered plagiarism. Suspicion of AIgenerated content will disqualify the assignment. Each disqualified assignment is subject to a review by the teacher and administration. After this review, if suspicion of AI-generated content is upheld, a plan will be created for the student to complete the assignment within the parameters given by the teacher. Confirmation of AI-generated content, whether through an online AI Detector or other means, will result in standard cheating or plagiarism consequences.

DISCIPLINE STUDENT

DISCIPLINE APPEAL - STUDENT

A student, or parent on behalf of the student, may appeal the action of a school staff member as follows: The student/parent will request reevaluation and reconsideration by the school administrative staff, within seven days of the discipline date. Any situation not satisfactorily resolved by the administrative staff and the student/parent will be referred to the SCA Board of Education. The Board of Education will consider the facts in the case and render a decision that will be the final determination of the issue.

The school reserves the right to withdraw, release, or remove a student at any time for any reason, including failure of the parent(s) to adhere to the policies, philosophies, and procedures of the school.

Bullying and Hazing Philosophy

SCA believes each person is made in the image of God and is worthy of respect as an esteemed member of the school community. SCA does not tolerate any form of hazing or bullying in any classroom, sport, or activity of the school whether on or off campus, or over the Internet or digital devices (cyberbullying.)

Consequences of bullying and hazing will be administered in accordance with the school’s overall discipline policy.

Definitions:

Hazing: The practice of rituals and other activities involving harassment, abuse, humiliation, or use of intimidation as a way of initiating a person into a group. Hazing may occur even when all students involved are willing participants.

Bullying: Intentional, repeated, aggressive behavior involving an imbalance of power when physical or verbal harassment is used to frighten, hurt, threaten, or intimidate. Bullying behavior can include repeated teasing, insulting, shoving, hitting, excluding someone, or gossiping, whether in person or over the Internet or other digital devices (Cyberbullying.)

Luke 6:31 – Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Leviticus 19:18b – Love your neighbor as yourself. Proverbs 6:16-19 – There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

Staff members, coaches, sponsors, and/or volunteers shall not permit, condone, or tolerate any form of bullying or hazing. Staff members, coaches, sponsors, and/or volunteers who witness or learn of any bullying or hazing shall report the incident to the building principal as soon as possible.

Parent concerns regarding bullying or harassment should be put in writing to the teacher with a cc to the administration. Administration will ensure timely follow-up.

Faculty Mitigation

To create a safe school environment, all faculty members must be proactive when any bullying concerns arise. Please review the below action steps to prevent bullying at SCA:

Greet students at your door between classes, being aware of hall activity.

Address any inappropriate comments/behavior made student to student. Should such comments be made during class time, require the offending student to remain after class to discuss the issue with you. Comments/behavior outside of class time should be addressed after school hours.

Incorporate an anti-bullying lesson into curriculum maps. Address spreading gossip, negativity, walking away, being proactive when bullying is observed, appropriate reporting of bullying, and reaching out to targeted individuals.

Immediately report bullying incidents to administration. This report should be a written description of the incident.

Report any observation of bullying (perpetrator or target) to parents. In this instance, a personal phone call or conference is recommended rather than email. Make parents aware that administration has also been notified. Stress that SCA has a no tolerance environment.

Awareness of bullying between or toward SCA students that occurs over social media websites must be immediately reported to administration. A printout of bullying should be provided with the report.

Periodically establish class meetings/informal class discussion to ensure a positive classroom environment.

Remember faculty is responsible for all students.

Continued Next Page...

DISCIPLINE STUDENT

Administrative Response to Target

If the incident of bullying/harassment is found to be true, the steps below will be taken in order to help the target deal with the situation. Often times, the target does not feel comfortable confronting the bully, depending on the severity of the offense. Administration will partner with target to fully resolve the issue.

The principal or counselor will meet with the target about things he/she can do to improve the situation:

Eye contact with the bully

Calling the bully by name

Maintaining respect for him/herself and not resorting to name calling

Using strategies like humor or straightforwardness

Why walking away and ignoring someone may not be enough

Sometimes role playing is done (depending on the student)

Student will also be asked to keep a log of every time there is contact between him/her and the bully. The log will include what happened and when, as well as how the target responded. The log will be used for reflection in future meetings and in case disciplinary action is needed.

Conference with parents, if deemed necessary. Review with student the biblical principles appropriate to the situation.

Deem whether words or actions are the result of intentional bullying. Intentional bullying should result in immediate principal detention or suspension. Follow-up with target and perpetrator to ensure appropriate behavior is restored. Should behavior continue to be repeated, exercise further discipline according to school guidelines. Determine the best course of action (i.e., mediation or separation).

Notify parents of both the target and the bully.

SCHEDULES ELEMENTARY

ElementaryOfficeHours:7:30am-4:00pm

Allelementaryclassesareona5-dayschedulewithspecialclassesatvariedtimesper teacher.

ElementaryChapelSchedule:

Grade: Date/Time: Location:

K - 6 Thursday, 8:25 - 8:55am Elementary Gym

ElementaryLunchSchedule:

ElementaryRecessSchedule: Lunchesarescheduledfor25minutes. 1st&2nd:20min--K,3-6:30min

K: 10:50 am 4th: 11:20 am

1st: 11:05 am 5th: 12:20 pm

2nd: 11:50 am 6th: 11:35 am

3rd: 12:10 pm

K: Davis: 11:20 am & 1:00 pm Grego: 10: am & 1:00 pm Santon 11:20am & 1:30 pm Wilfong: 10:15 am & 1:30 pm 4th: 12:45 pm 1st: 10:30 am & 1:15 pm 5th: 11:35 am 2nd: 11:15 am & 2:05 pm 6th: 2:30 pm 3rd: 1:35 pm

SCHEDULES SECONDARY

LAYOUT ELEMENTARY BUILDING

LAYOUT

CLASSROOMS CHURCH

FIELDHOUSE

1st Floor

2nd Floor

PARKING