Student handbook for 13 14 ( 8 3)

2013-2014 Parent Student Handbook The Woodlands Christian Academy (Woodlands Christian), founded in 1993, is an interdenominational Christian, college preparatory, day school governed by a self-perpetuating Governance Board. The school enrolls students Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. We proudly graduated our first class in 2001. The Woodlands Christian Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), an accreditation division of AdvancED, and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

The 2013-2014 Parent Student Handbook has been revised and updated to provide parents1 with the critical information they will need about the programs, policies, and procedures of the school. We hope that new parents will find this to be a valuable tool in their transition to Woodlands Christian, and that returning families will read it to review policies and note changes in previous policy and procedure. Read this handbook carefully at the outset of the school year, and keep it available for reference throughout the year.

The Woodlands Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

1

The term “parent” or “parents” used herein will usually mean the parents/guardians of a student.

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WELCOME Welcome to The Woodlands Christian Academy!

We are glad you appreciate the difference a Christ-centered education makes in the lives of students.

Woodlands Christian is dedicated to helping develop your student spiritually, academically, physically and socially. We offer a challenging college-preparatory curriculum and a broad range of co-curricular activities. At Woodlands Christian, you will find caring and nurturing teachers committed to equipping students not just for college but also for a lifetime of learning and serving God. Each year, we emphasize a spiritual theme throughout the school. Our spiritual theme for 2013-2014 is Rejoice, and our Scripture verse is Psalm 118:24 (NKJV): This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

At Woodlands Christian, we celebrate the gift of Jesus Christ. In all that we do, we strive to impart that love of Him to our students and believe that sincere gratitude for His sacrifice and blessings can produce a truly intimate relationship with Christ. Thus, we want to be a blessing to God and others this year as we focus on developing and expressing grateful hearts of thanksgiving.

This handbook applies to all students and is intended to provide guidelines, policies, procedures, responsibilities and rules of conduct. It is important that you read, understand and become familiar with this handbook and strive to comply with the standards that have been established.

This handbook is not intended to imply any contract or contractual rights. The Administration reserves the right to modify this handbook as needed, and implement actions set forth herein.

On behalf of the entire Woodlands Christian faculty and staff, thank you for trusting us with the education of your students. We are looking forward to a wonderful school year.

In His service,

Julie H. Ambler Head of School

Stephen Zeal School Principal

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TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME .................................................................................................................................................. 2 QUICK REFERENCE ................................................................................................................................. 7 OVERVIEW OF THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY ......................................................... 8 MISSION STATEMENT .................................................................................................................................. 8 VISION STATEMENT..................................................................................................................................... 8 STATEMENT OF FAITH ................................................................................................................................. 8 PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION ....................................................................................................................... 8 WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ENDS GOALS ....................................................................................................... 9 2013-2014 GOVERNANCE BOARD ............................................................................................................. 10 FACULTY AND STAFF STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT............................................................. 10 THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY STAFF ....................................................................... 11 CAMPUS ENTERING AND EXITING GUIDELINES ......................................................................... 12 GENERAL CAR LINE PROCEDURES FOR UPPER AND LOWER SCHOOLS ...................................................... 12 GENERAL PARKING LOT SAFETY............................................................................................................... 12 LOWER SCHOOL CARLINE ......................................................................................................................... 12 Car Line – Morning Drop-off ................................................................................................................12 Afternoon Dismissal ..............................................................................................................................13 Safety Issues ..........................................................................................................................................13 SAFETY BELT LAWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................................................... 14 UPPER SCHOOL CAR LINE ......................................................................................................................... 14 Car Line – Morning ...............................................................................................................................14 Dismissal ...............................................................................................................................................14 General Parking Lot Safety ...................................................................................................................14 COMMUNICATION ................................................................................................................................. 15 DONATIONS, GIFTS AND FUNDRAISERS ......................................................................................... 15 EXTENDED CARE.................................................................................................................................... 15 FIELD TRIPS ............................................................................................................................................. 15 HEALTH CLINIC...................................................................................................................................... 16 HEALTH CARE AND MEDICAL FORMS ...................................................................................................... 16 MEDICATIONS ........................................................................................................................................... 17 IMMUNIZATIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 17 HEARING, VISION AND SCOLIOSIS SCREENING .......................................................................................... 17 DRUG TESTING .......................................................................................................................................... 17 LIBRARY.................................................................................................................................................... 17 LOWER SCHOOL ........................................................................................................................................ 18 UPPER SCHOOL.......................................................................................................................................... 18 TRIPLE CROWN READING PROGRAM ......................................................................................................... 18 ADDRESSING CONCERNS & CONFLICTS ........................................................................................ 18 WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN PROCEDURES FOR CONFERENCES ...................................................................... 18 MATTHEW 18 PRINCIPLE ........................................................................................................................... 18 PARENTAL BEHAVIOR.......................................................................................................................... 19 VISITING CAMPUS ..................................................................................................................................... 20 PARENTAL COMMUNICATION WITH STUDENTS ........................................................................ 20 PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT................................................................................................................. 21 PARENTAL AND STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES............................................................................. 21 STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES ...................................................................................................................... 22 PTF (PARENT TEACHER FELLOWSHIP) .......................................................................................... 23 SAFETY AND CARE ON CAMPUS........................................................................................................ 23 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES ........................................................................................................................ 23 EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES ........................................................................................... 24 USE OF WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN NAME, LOGO, IMAGES AND PICTURES ......................... 24 SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES ..................................................................................................................... 24

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EARLY CHILDHOOD SECTION

PAGES 26 - 31

WELCOME TO EARLY CHILDHOOD PARENTS ............................................................................. 26 EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHERS ....................................................................................................... 27 EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY............................................................................................................. 27 EXPECTATIONS FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD SUCCESS ................................................................. 27 ACADEMIC PROBATION ............................................................................................................................. 27 DISCIPLINARY PROBATION ........................................................................................................................ 27 ATTENDANCE AND TARDIES ..................................................................................................................... 28 PARTIES..................................................................................................................................................... 28 BIRTHDAY PARTIES ................................................................................................................................... 28 CLASS PARTIES ......................................................................................................................................... 28 COMMUNICATION/PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES ............................................................ 29 DRESS CODE & CHANGE OF CLOTHING......................................................................................... 29 FIELD TRIPS ............................................................................................................................................. 29 GUIDING YOUR CHILD'S BEHAVIOR ............................................................................................... 30 LUNCHES................................................................................................................................................... 30 ID CARDS .................................................................................................................................................. 31

LOWER SCHOOL SECTION

PAGES 32 - 42

WELCOME TO LOWER SCHOOL PARENTS.................................................................................... 32 LOWER SCHOOL TEACHERS .............................................................................................................. 33 ACADEMIC PROGRAM.......................................................................................................................... 33 ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL .......................................................................................................................... 33 ACADEMIC PROBATION ............................................................................................................................. 33 GRADING GUIDELINES............................................................................................................................... 34 HOMEWORK .............................................................................................................................................. 34 TUESDAY FOLDERS ................................................................................................................................... 34 ATTENDANCE POLICY.......................................................................................................................... 35 CHAPEL PROGRAM ............................................................................................................................... 36 DISCIPLINE POLICY & STUDENT BEHAVIOR................................................................................ 36 DISCIPLINARY PROBATION ........................................................................................................................ 37 DRESS CODE............................................................................................................................................. 37 SPECIAL NOTES ......................................................................................................................................... 37 DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS (DCV) ............................................................................................................. 38 EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY............................................................................................................. 38 ACADEMICALLY ........................................................................................................................................ 38 SPIRITUALLY ............................................................................................................................................. 39 PHYSICALLY .............................................................................................................................................. 39 SOCIALLY .................................................................................................................................................. 39 SUMMER EXPECTATIONS FOR READING AND MATH................................................................ 40 FIELD TRIPS ............................................................................................................................................. 40 LOCKERS................................................................................................................................................... 40 LOST AND FOUND................................................................................................................................... 41 LUNCH........................................................................................................................................................ 41 MISCELLANEOUS ................................................................................................................................... 41 PARTIES IN THE CLASSROOM ........................................................................................................... 41

UPPER SCHOOL SECTION

PAGES 43 - 85

WELCOME TO UPPER SCHOOL PARENTS...................................................................................... 43 UPPER SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF......................................................................................... 44 UPPER SCHOOL DEPARTMENT CHAIRS AND FACULTY................................................................. 44 Department Chairs .................................................................................................................................44 Faculty ...................................................................................................................................................44 COMMUNICATION ................................................................................................................................. 44 SCHOOL COMMUNICATION ........................................................................................................................ 44 PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES ............................................................................................................. 45

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MINISTRY ACTIVITIES ......................................................................................................................... 45 CHAPEL PROGRAM .................................................................................................................................... 45 COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROJECTS .......................................................................................................... 45 STUDENT RETREATS .................................................................................................................................. 45 MIDDLE SCHOOL ADVISORY ..................................................................................................................... 45 SPRING FLING ............................................................................................................................................ 45 COMMUNITY SERVICE ............................................................................................................................... 46 PRAYER ..................................................................................................................................................... 47 CAMPUS PASTOR ....................................................................................................................................... 47 ACADEMIC POLICIES............................................................................................................................ 47 ACADEMIC PHILOSOPHY ........................................................................................................................... 47 ACADEMIC COMPETITIONS ........................................................................................................................ 48 ACADEMIC COURSES ................................................................................................................................. 48 Course Designation................................................................................................................................48 Recommended Placement......................................................................................................................49 AWARDS .................................................................................................................................................... 49 Head of School Award...........................................................................................................................49 End-of-the-Year Recognition ................................................................................................................49 GRADING ................................................................................................................................................... 50 Grading Scale ........................................................................................................................................50 Grading Schedule ..................................................................................................................................50 Grade Recording....................................................................................................................................50 Promotion and Retention .......................................................................................................................50 Semester Exams.....................................................................................................................................51 Exam Exemptions..................................................................................................................................51 Academic Probation ..............................................................................................................................52 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................................. 52 Physical Education ................................................................................................................................52 High School Credit for Middle School Students ...................................................................................53 Transfer Credit.......................................................................................................................................53 GPA .......................................................................................................................................................53 Valedictorian and Salutatorian...............................................................................................................53 Junior Marshals......................................................................................................................................54 HIGH-SCHOOL 4-YEAR PLANS .................................................................................................................. 54 HOMEWORK .............................................................................................................................................. 54 Student Planning and Responsibility .....................................................................................................54 Tests and Major Projects .......................................................................................................................55 Incomplete Grades .................................................................................................................................55 Late Work ..............................................................................................................................................55 Make-Up Work/Tests ............................................................................................................................55 STUDENT SCHEDULES ............................................................................................................................... 56 Schedule Changes/Drop Dates...............................................................................................................56 SUMMER READING AND MATH POLICY ..................................................................................................... 56 TEXTBOOKS AND EQUIPMENT ................................................................................................................... 56 Textbooks ..............................................................................................................................................56 Laptops ..................................................................................................................................................56 TUTORING ................................................................................................................................................. 57 ATTENDANCE POLICIES ...................................................................................................................... 57 GUIDELINES............................................................................................................................................... 57 ABSENCES ................................................................................................................................................. 57 Communication .....................................................................................................................................57 Excused Absences .................................................................................................................................58 Unexcused Absences .............................................................................................................................58 Excessive Absences ...............................................................................................................................58 Release from School ..............................................................................................................................59 Returning after Absence ........................................................................................................................59 Tardies ...................................................................................................................................................59 Truancy..................................................................................................................................................60

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COLLEGE ADVISORY ............................................................................................................................ 60 COLLEGE VISITS ........................................................................................................................................ 61 COLLEGE TESTING .................................................................................................................................... 61 PSAT and PLAN Test ...........................................................................................................................61 ACT and SAT Tests ..............................................................................................................................62 STUDENT DISCIPLINE POLICY........................................................................................................... 62 GENERAL DISCIPLINE STATEMENT ............................................................................................................ 62 STUDENT LIFESTYLE STATEMENT ............................................................................................................. 63 BIBLICAL GUIDELINES............................................................................................................................... 63 HONOR CODE PLEDGE ............................................................................................................................... 64 IN LOCO PARENTIS .................................................................................................................................... 64 STUDENT CONDUCT .................................................................................................................................. 64 Student Behavior ...................................................................................................................................64 DISCIPLINE POLICY ................................................................................................................................... 65 DISCIPLINE TERMS .................................................................................................................................... 66 DRESS CODE............................................................................................................................................. 72 DRESS CODE GUIDELINES ......................................................................................................................... 73 ATHLETIC POLICIES ............................................................................................................................. 74 ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHY ............................................................................................................................. 74 STUDENT ACTIVITIES........................................................................................................................... 74 CLUBS ....................................................................................................................................................... 74 STUDENT GOVERNMENT ........................................................................................................................... 75 STUDENT LEADERSHIP .............................................................................................................................. 75 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................................................... 76 VISITING STUDENTS .................................................................................................................................. 76 STUDENT SERVICES .............................................................................................................................. 76 DELIVERIES/FORGOTTEN ITEMS ................................................................................................................ 76 DRIVING PRIVILEGES/TRANSPORTATION/PARKING LOT SAFETY .............................................................. 76 ID CARDS .................................................................................................................................................. 77 LOCKERS ................................................................................................................................................... 77 LOST AND FOUND ...................................................................................................................................... 77 LUNCH....................................................................................................................................................... 77 STUDENT RECORDS ................................................................................................................................... 78 Transcripts .............................................................................................................................................78 Copies of Student Records.....................................................................................................................78 Updates to RenWeb Records .................................................................................................................78 Withdrawing From School ....................................................................................................................78 STUDENT TRIPS .......................................................................................................................................... 78 TECHNOLOGY POLICIES ..................................................................................................................... 79 COMPUTER ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (CAUP) ........................................................................................ 79 LAPTOP ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (LAUP).............................................................................................. 80 INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (IAUP)............................................................................................ 83

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QUICK REFERENCE Academic Issues, U/S – Bruce Hunter Academic Issues, L/S – Eve Allen Athletic game schedules (Directions, or questions) Athletics – Randy Hollas Attendance, L/S Attendance, U/S Business Office – Kathy Montes Cafeteria – Sean Smith Calendar – Athletic Calendar – L/S Calendar – U/S Campus Pastor, U/S – Ryan Highley College Advisor – Mackenzie Rollins Community Service Computer Questions – Wes Smith Conference with teacher Development/Fundraising – Kelli Armstrong Discipline – L/S Discipline – U/S Dress Code – E/C and L/S Dress Code – U/S Enrollment – D’Anne Surber Facilities – David Brignac Financial Questions – Kathy Montes Grades/Homework Illness – Nurse Laptop Usage – Wes Smith Marketing – D’Anne Surber Medical appt. – L/S Medical appt. – U/S Medical/Health Issues Parent/Teacher Fellowship RenWeb Issues – Cyndee Farra Report Cards – U/S Student Records – Cyndee Farra Teacher Conference Technology – Wes Smith The Armory – Shawn Lusk Transcripts – Cyndee Farra TWCA Weekly Newsletter – Nancy Sievert Update to medical records Update to school records Verification of Enrollment Website/Social Media – Shelie Goodwin

bhunter@twca.net eallen@twca.net www.twca.net rhollas@twca.net smcmillin@twca.net attendance@twca.net kmontes@twca.net ssmith@twca.net rhollas@twca.net smcmillin@twca.net jelinder@twca.net rhighley@twca.net mrollins@twca.net Your child's Bible teacher wsmith@twca.net Teacher's email* karmstrong@twca.net eallen@twca.net cmcdonald@twca.net smcmillin@twca.net jelinder@twca.net dsurber@twca.net dbrignac@twca.net kmontes@twca.net ParentsWeb at www.renweb.com nurse@twca.net wsmith@twca.net dsurber@twca.net smcmillin@twca.net attendance@twca.net nurse@twca.net PTF@twca.net cfarra@twca.net bhunter@twca.net cfarra@twca.net Teacher's email* wsmith@twca.net slusk@twca.net cfarra@twca.net nsievert@twca.net nurse@twca.net RenWeb at www.renweb.com cfarra@twca.net sgoodwin@twca.net

x1304 x1116 x1201 x1117 x1305 x1005 x1323 x1201 x1117 x1301 x1316 x1306 x1311 x1010 x1116 x1305 x1117 x1301 x1003 x1011 x1005 x1004 x1311 x1003 x1117 x1305 x1004 x1302 x1304 x1302 x1311 x1302 x1007 x1004 x1302 x1010

*Teacher and faculty email is first initial + last name @ twca.net.

Ex: Fred Jones would be fjones@twca.net

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OVERVIEW OF THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY MISSION STATEMENT The Woodlands Christian Academy is an independent, Christ-centered, college preparatory school that integrates learning with biblical faith and challenges students to reach their highest potential – spiritually, academically, physically and socially – for the glory of Jesus Christ.

VISION STATEMENT At The Woodlands Christian Academy, we equip servant leaders to impact their world and all eternity for Jesus Christ.

STATEMENT OF FAITH Because The Woodlands Christian Academy is an institution founded by the direction of Christ Jesus, and because the commitment of The Woodlands Christian Academy is to remain always faithful to Him, the following truths are to be held in continual agreement by all persons involved with the Christian Academy: x x x

x x x

We believe that the Bible is the only inspired word of God. Every part of it, as originally written in Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic is inspired of God and inerrant by His design.

We believe that there is only one True and Living God. He is Triune God – three distinct persons who are the same in nature and essence but differs in function – known to us as Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.

We believe that Jesus Christ is God. We believe in the literal physical birth of Christ to a virgin, that He lived a sinless life, that He died on the Cross for our salvation, that He literally physically rose from the dead and that He is now at the right hand of the Father making intercession for all who trust in Him. Christ’s death on the Cross paid the penalty for sin, and removed once and for all the separation from God caused by sin, for any person who personally trusts in Christ Jesus as his/her Lord and Savior.

We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer permanently at the moment of spiritual birth, that the believer is to be controlled by Him every moment through surrender and obedience; and that the Holy Spirit empowers the believer to accomplish the will of God for his/her life.

We believe that every person is called by God to accountability. The believer is required by God to obey Him in every area of life, and every believer must be diligent in learning all God desires of him/ We believe that salvation is a gift of God to all who trust in Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior, believing in the finished work of Christ on the Cross and Resurrection as sufficient to save one from the eternal penalty (Hell) of his/her sins. The blood of Christ is sufficient to secure the forgiveness of all sins, both before and after one’s rebirth. Since we could not do anything to earn our salvation, we cannot “unearn” it – we believe in the keeping power of God. We believe that Jesus Christ will one day literally return in power and glory, that He will reward the righteous, that the unbeliever will be eternally separated from God, and that “every knee will bow…and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”.

(Philippians 2:10-11)

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words, which I command you today, shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children.” Deuteronomy 6:5-7 “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

22:6

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Proverbs

“In whom (Christ) are hidden all the treasures of knowledge and wisdom.”

Colossians 2:3

“Fathers do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 Woodlands Christian will: x Uphold a thoroughly Christian world-view believing that all truth is God’s truth. x Demonstrate the integration of learning, faith and life. x Challenge students to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. x Promote a rigorous academic standard in the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom in every area. x Foster an atmosphere that encourages critical thinking through innovative teaching techniques, in order to engage students in the discovery of truth and promote a life-long appreciation for learning. x Recognize the parent’s ultimate responsibility for the child’s education and discipline by affirming the model of the family, church and school working together to direct the child. x Encourage the expression of a Christ-like community within the ethnic, racial, cultural and denominational diversity of our school. x Guide students to be responsible citizens while upholding the dignity due each individual. x Inspire a love of virtue through self-discipline fostered by precept and example.

WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ENDS GOALS The Woodlands Christian Academy exists to partner with parents to equip: Students who have received Jesus Christ as Savior and fulfill God’s purpose for their lives as leaders– spiritually, academically, physically and socially.

I.

Students who are rooted, built up, and strengthened in Christ (Colossians 2:6-8) x Students can articulate and defend a Christian worldview and understand how this worldview defines their values, beliefs and personal choices; and are equipped to courageously and compassionately transform the culture for Christ within the university and the marketplace. x Students are in community with other believers

II. Students who achieve their highest academic potential equipped to think critically and discern Truth (2 Tim 2:15) x Students demonstrate knowledge and are measurably proficient in all academic disciplines; x Students attend four-year colleges and universities upon graduation x Students are equipped to be lifelong learners in an ever changing world III. Students develop and care for their body as the temple of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 12:1, I Cor. 3:16-17) x Students pursue lifelong physical fitness and nutritional health x Students pursue Biblical purity x Students demonstrate a Christ-like attitude toward sportsmanship and competition IV. Students who foster relationships with people for the sake of the Kingdom (Mark 10:43-45) x Students uphold the dignity and respect due each individual as God’s image bearers x Students develop a heart for service toward those in their family, their church and their community x Students are responsible citizens x Students are good stewards of all God’s blessings

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2013-2014 GOVERNANCE BOARD The Woodlands Christian Academy is governed by a self-perpetuating Governance Board of Directors that represents both God and the moral owners of our school. Moral owners include parents, faculty and members of the greater Christian community who share the vision for the school and have a vested interest in its success. The Board is responsible for the school’s long-term mission and vision. The Board hires only one employee, the Head of School, and delegates all day-to-day operations through explicit governing policies to the Head of School.

Tom Earle – Chief Governance Officer Loren Regier – Secretary Janice Freet Ed Julius

Gary Mueck Jim O’Connor Paul Rogers

FACULTY AND STAFF STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.

Luke 6:40 The Woodlands Christian faculty and staff are dedicated to challenging Woodlands Christian students to reach their highest potential spiritually, academically, physically and socially for the glory of Jesus Christ.

Our faculty and staff are committed to go beyond their classroom and office duties to have a personal knowledge of students and involvement in their lives. It is the personal mentoring, discipling and guidance from faculty and staff members on a daily basis that continues to have a powerful impact upon Woodlands Christian student’s lives. It is the relationships between faculty, staff and students that contribute to the testimony of Woodlands Christian. All faculty and staff have ascribed to the Woodlands Christian’s statement of faith.

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THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY STAFF WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM Head of School Julie Ambler School Principal Stephen Zeal Head of Lower School Evelyn Allen Academic Dean Bruce Hunter Director of Athletics & Physical Education Randy Hollas ADMINISTRATIVE/SUPPORT STAFF Accounts Payable Manager Administrative Assistant, Front Desk Administrative Assistant, Lower School Administrative Assistant, Upper School Assistant Director of Marketing College Advisor Dean of Students Director of Development Director of Enrollment and Marketing Director of Business Office Director of Facilities Director of Human Resources Executive Administrator to the Head of School Executive Chef IT Manager Librarian Manager of The Armory Marketing Coordinator Nurses Registrar/RenWeb Coordinator Upper School Campus Pastor

Jodi Gilmore Marthel Cano Susan McMillin Jo Ellen Linder Shelie Goodwin Mackenzie Rollins Clint McDonald Kelli Armstrong D’Anne Surber Kathy Montes David Brignac Robin Sacks Nancy Sievert Sean Smith Wes Smith Gina Lunsford Shawn Lusk Stephen Mawire Angela Kontor (Lead Nurse) Felicia Noah Cyndee Farra Ryan Highley

Refer to each school section (early childhood, lower school & upper school) for faculty listings.

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CAMPUS ENTERING AND EXITING GUIDELINES GENERAL CAR LINE PROCEDURES FOR UPPER AND LOWER SCHOOLS x When entering in the morning from 242, turn onto Academy Way and as soon as possible, form two incoming lines. o UPPER SCHOOL vehicles MUST use the LEFT lane. o LOWER SCHOOL vehicles may use either lane. o All vehicles in the right lane will be required to turn right. o Vehicles in the left lane will be able to turn left or right. x All high school student drivers must use left lane and may only park in the upper school side of the parking lot. x Cars dropping off or picking up students should proceed around the curve and stop at the designated drop-off/pick-up areas. o When dropping off at the lower school, the students must exit/enter from the passenger side of the vehicle only. o When dropping off at the upper school, students should exit/enter from the driver’s side of the vehicle only. x After students have safely exited the vehicle, all vehicles will proceed forward and then merge as they enter the exiting driveway. x Do not at any time block traffic lanes or park in designated fire lanes.

GENERAL PARKING LOT SAFETY x Cell phone usage while operating a vehicle on campus is prohibited. x The campus speed limit is 15 MPH. x DUE TO FIRE AND EMERGENCY SAFTEY CODES, you may not form more than one line on Academy Way until 3:10 PM. We must leave room for emergency vehicle access. x When waiting in carline, parents should pull forward as much as possible. x Do not use the right (inside) lane to collect or drop off students. The right lane is for through traffic only. x Drivers should practice extreme caution when exiting carline; watch for other drivers and pedestrians. x Students and parents must use designated crosswalks to walk across the parking lot. x If you must walk in to drop off your child, parents should park in the Crossroads parking lot to avoid congestion of carline. Cars parked in the lower school parking lot will not be allowed to leave until car line is completed.

LOWER SCHOOL CARLINE Car Line – Morning Drop-off 1. Lower school students are welcome on campus beginning at 7:55 AM. There is no supervision for lower school students before then. Do not allow students out of your car unless a faculty member is present. For the safety and security of your student, only students under the direct supervision of a staff member, teacher, or coach will be permitted on campus before car line begins. Woodlands Christian is not responsible for lower school students dropped off prior to 7:55 AM, unless the student is formally signed into morning extended care*.

2. All lower school students will enter the school through the main entrance.

3. Please use the car line when dropping off students.

4. Tardy Students: School begins at 8:15AM for lower school students. All students arriving after this time should report to the front receptionist desk to receive a tardy slip. Pre-K students will wait with the receptionist until a faculty member can walk them to their class. Parents are not permitted to walk children to class.

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5. Vehicles carrying upper and lower school students must use the lower school drop-off/pick-up area. Lower school students are not permitted to walk to the main building from the upper school drop off location.

6. Do not walk across the parking lot except in the designated crosswalks. (Please see safety concerns below the dismissal section) *Morning extended care begins at 7:00AM in the lower school computer lab. Parents must sign their child into morning care.

Afternoon Dismissal 1. All lower school students will meet in the MPR for dismissal.

2. Please use the car line when picking up the students.

3. Parents are responsible for picking up their children promptly after school. Any students remaining after 3:40 PM will automatically be placed in extended care and charged any applicable fees.

4. The last bell rings at 3:20 PM in the lower school.

5. EARLY PICK UP: If you need to pick your child up early, please send a note to the front office before noon so your child can be located. Parents arriving after 3:15 PM will be asked to wait until car line begins.

6. After school pick-up will begin at 3:20 PM. 7. Begin forming one line in the left hand lane of Academy Way. At 3:10 PM, cars may pull into the parking lot and form two lanes (refer to car line schematic in the Appendix).

8. EMERGENCY VEHICLES: Due to fire and emergency safety codes, you may not form more than one line on Academy Way until 3:10 PM. We must leave room for emergency vehicle access.

9. Obey all posted signage.

10. Do not park your car in fire lanes or areas designated for faculty and staff.

11. Vehicles carrying upper and lower school students must use the lower school pick-up area.

Lower school students are not permitted to walk over to the upper school carline, even if they are accompanied by an older sibling. Previous arrangements must be formally made for your upper school student to drive your lower school student home.

Safety Issues 1. Please use the car line for dropping off and picking up students. a. Walking in to pick up your student is highly discouraged. b. With dual parking lots, it can be very unsafe to park and walk through the parking lots during arrival and dismissal. If you must walk in to drop off/ pick up your child during car line, you must park in the Crossroads parking lot and use the crosswalks to enter the building. x A teacher will be standing at the first set of doors into the main hallway at 3:20 PM to call for your child. x For safety, it is important that you do not go to the classroom or MPR to pick up your child, take your child from a teacher’s line, or motion for your child to come to you from the door. Your child may only be dismissed by the teacher on duty at the door and not before 3:20 PM. 2. Cars parked in the lower school parking lot will not be allowed to leave until car line is completed.

3. Do not cut in line or pass another car while in car line.

4. You are welcome to use your cell phone before 7:55 AM and after exiting the car line. For the safety of your children and our staff, cell phone usage is prohibited once the car line process has begun.

5. Do not engage car line duty faculty in conversation. This will help ensure safety, efficiency, and a car line that moves more quickly.

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6. Cars exiting the upper school side of the parking lot will NOT be allowed to turn left into the lower school parking lot.

7. Students leaving campus with other students must send documentation of the transportation change before noon. Transportation changes after noon will only be accepted in emergencies.

SAFETY BELT LAWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Texas Transportation Code 545.412 requires all children YOUNGER than 8 years old, UNLESS already 4’9” tall, to be in the appropriate child safety restraint system (car seat/booster seat/safety vest) anywhere they sit in a passenger vehicle. The Texas Department of Transportation's recommendations can be found at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_staff/public_information/carseat.htm.

UPPER SCHOOL CAR LINE Car Line – Morning 1. School begins at 8:00 AM for upper school students and students should arrive on campus with sufficient time to go to their lockers and be seated in class when the 8:00 AM bell rings. The general goal is to arrive at the entrance gate by 7:50 AM. Students who arrive on campus after 8:00 AM should follow the Tardy to School procedure.

2. Generally, students should arrive on campus between 7:30-7:50 AM. Students may arrive earlier than 7:30 AM only if they are attending a teacher supervised tutoring or study session, or a before school team practice or activity. There is no supervision for upper school students before 7:30 AM and Woodlands Christian is not responsible for students dropped off prior to 7:30 AM. 3. Students should be dropped off in front of the Nehemiah Academic Center to enter through the gate. Student drivers may park in the sections of the parking lot designated for student use.

4. Parents participating in field trips should move forward and park close to the flagpole.

5. Tardy to School: All students arriving after 8:00 AM should report to the upper school office to receive a tardy slip. Teachers will not admit students who are tardy without this slip.

Dismissal Dismissal is at 3:30 PM. It can be one of the most hazardous times of the school day. All of the US students are dismissed at the same time and location. Extra care must be taken as students are crossing traffic lanes to depart campus. The safety of the students is paramount. Dismissal can be both safe and relatively rapid if everyone follows these guidelines. Drivers must assume that students walking through the parking lot are not paying attention and drivers must always yield to individuals walking in the lot.

The campus speed limit is 15 MPH. 1. Upper school parents should use the left (outside) lane to enter the upper school and should remain in the left lane as they move to collect students after school.

2. High school students who drive themselves to school should exit into the right (inside) lane and proceed out of the lot following the overall traffic flow.

3. Frequently students will arrive at cars at different positions in the dismissal line. Drivers should practice extreme caution when pulling out of line to exit campus.

4. Both the US and LS car lines merge at the same point and caution should be used in alternating vehicles for exit.

Parents and/or students should arrange transportation away from the campus as soon as possible after completion of the school day or after-school activities. Lower school students will not be allowed to go to the upper school after school for pick up by parents.

General Parking Lot Safety 1. Cars parked in the lower school parking lot will not be allowed to leave until car line is completed.

2. Do not cut in line or pass another car while in car line.

3. Do not engage car line duty faculty in conversation. This will help ensure safety, efficiency, and a car line that moves more quickly.

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4. Cars exiting the upper school side of the parking lot will NOT be allowed to turn left into the lower school parking lot.

COMMUNICATION The majority of communication between school and families occurs through email, ParentsWeb or on our website. The weekly newsletter, lunch menus, school calendar and school events will be posted to our website at www.twca.net. It is important for parents to stay informed about their child’s academics, attendance and behavior as well as the life and administration of the school.

Notify the upper school office or lower school office if you have provided Woodlands Christian with an email address but are not receiving weekly emails or if your email address has changed. Make sure that any spam filters you have on your home computer will allow you to receive emails from Woodlands Christian.

Go to www.twca.net/Academics/Faculty and select the teacher's Profile to view contact information.

ParentsWeb can be accessed by clicking on the Parent Login button at the top of Woodlands Christian's home page.

DONATIONS, GIFTS AND FUNDRAISERS For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34 Tuition covers approximately 90% of Woodlands Christian’s operating expenses. Hence, Woodlands Christian depends on donations to the annual fund, the auction and other fundraising events to meet its operating budget and trusts that each family will participate as the Lord provides and leads. Woodlands Christian is grateful to the many parents who make donations and gifts to the school each year. Teachers and employees are prohibited from soliciting or accepting any donations or gifts to Woodlands Christian without prior approval from the Development Office. Any fund raising requests by staff or parents must also be coordinated and approved by the Development office. All donations and gifts to Woodlands Christian in excess of $250 will be acknowledged by the Development Office.

EXTENDED CARE Extended Care is available for PK-5th grade students at a rate of $7.50 per hour, per child. You may use this service on a “drop-in” basis at this rate, or you may register in advance if you will be using Extended Care on a regular daily basis. In that case, you will be charged a flat rate of $250.00 per month per child.

Snacks will be served in Extended Care. Any PK-5th grade student who remains on campus after car line will be taken to Extended Care. This policy will be enforced for the safety and security of our students on campus. Students should not be dropped off for Extended Care without being signed in. All students must be signed in and out of Extended Care by a parent or guardian. Extended care hours are 7:00 – 8:00 AM and 3:30 – 6:00 PM.

FIELD TRIPS Students will take field trips throughout the school year. These trips are educational in purpose; therefore, attendance is very important. Lower school field trips are planned by teachers and are approved by the

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Head of Lower School. Upper school field trips are planned by teachers and approved by the Academic Dean. Refer to additional information regarding field trips in the different school sections of this handbook.

Woodlands Christian parents may be asked to serve as chaperones for these trips. It will be the teacher’s ultimate decision as to who the chaperones will be and how many volunteers are needed for any given trip. When you are acting as a class chaperone, you are not allowed to bring any siblings on the trip with you. Remember that chaperones are to assist the teacher in accompanying and supervising students under the teacher’s direction.

Some field trips may be taken by chartered buses. When using charter buses, all students and chaperones must ride on these buses with the exception of the parent driving the designated emergency escort vehicle or if there is a need for additional vehicles.

In the event that parents drive students on field trips in their cars, a parent driver form, photocopy of your insurance card, as well as a photocopy of your driver’s license is required to be on file at the front desk.

Students may not purchase souvenirs unless everyone has been given the opportunity to bring money to buy souvenirs. A suggested appropriate amount of spending money will be advised by the teachers in these cases. When chaperoning, we ask that volunteers not purchase souvenirs or special treats for a child or group as this is an injustice for all other students concerned.

Students will be instructed in advance as to proper dress for each field trip.

HEALTH CLINIC HEALTH CARE AND MEDICAL FORMS The school is fortunate to have a registered nurse on campus from 7:45 AM to 3:45 PM, Monday through Friday. The purpose of the clinic is to render first aid and provide a place for a student to lie down for a short period until he or she is able to return to class, or until a parent is able to pick up the student. Due to limited space, students are not allowed to stay in the clinic for extended periods. If a parent needs to be contacted regarding an illness or injury, the nurse or her designee will make this contact.

An up-to-date medical form must be maintained for each student at all times. These forms are kept in the clinic for reference in case of a medical emergency.

Students exhibiting the following symptoms should be kept home from school for the well-being of the school community and to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

1. Running a fever over 100.5 2. Suspected contagious disease, including head lice 3. Vomiting or diarrhea 4. Severe stomach ache, headache or earache 5. Inability to remain in class due to illness or injury x x

All students must be fever, vomiting and diarrhea free for 24 hours without the use of symptom-reducing medication before returning to school.

If a student misses three or more consecutive days, a doctor’s note will be required.

In the event your child contracts a communicable disease such as strep throat, chickenpox, viral meningitis, mumps, head lice, measles, etc. notify the nurse immediately. For student and family safety, letters will be sent home noting a communicable disease has been detected on campus. Before your child returns to class, they must get confirmation from nurse on duty, that the child is healthy.

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Students who become ill or injured during the school day will be sent to the clinic. Students are not to text or call from their cell phones to ask to be picked up from school. If for any reason, you receive a text or call from your child, direct them to see the nurse on duty to analyze the illness or injury. The nurse follows school guidelines for the protection of all students and faculty or staff members. If a student develops the symptoms listed above during a school day, parents will be contacted to take their child home. If the nurse on duty determines that it is not necessary for the student to leave campus, the student will return to the classroom to finish the school day.

Woodlands Christian trains all staff members in First Aid, CPR and the use of the school’s two AED defibrillators in cases of emergencies. One defibrillator is located in the MPR and the other in the gym.

In the event a student requires immediate medical attention, and a parent cannot be reached, 911 will be called after administrative approval. Emergency personnel will determine care needed.

MEDICATIONS Any student requiring medication, either prescription or over-the-counter, must have a Medicine Authorization Form filed in the clinic. Medications must be checked into the nurses' clinic by the parent. All medication must be in its original container. Any prescription medication must have the student’s name on the label with directions for administration. Over-the-counter medication must be current by expiration date and within recommended dosage range for the student as directed by the label and should be supplied by the parent.

Woodlands Christian’s policy is that students are not allowed to carry medications of any type. This includes, but is not limited to, Tylenol, Advil, cough drops, inhalers (without a note from a doctor's note), vitamins, etc. Students caught with any type of medication in their possession may be subject to disciplinary consequences. Students who need to carry an inhaler may do so only with written permission from their doctor, which must be kept on file in the clinic.

IMMUNIZATIONS Students must have a copy of current immunizations on file in the clinic, as mandated by the Texas Department of Health. Students will not be allowed to attend classes at Woodlands Christian until all required immunizations are documented and reviewed by the nurse, prior to the first day of classes. For any questions, call the clinic. Students requiring immunizations during the school year will be notified by mail and will have 30 days to comply. Failure to comply will result in student not being allowed to attend school.

HEARING, VISION AND SCOLIOSIS SCREENING Hearing and vision screening will be done throughout the school year. All new students, as well as all students in grades Kindergarten, First, Third, Fifth, Seventh and Ninth will be screened. Scoliosis screening will be done on all students in grades five and seven.

DRUG TESTING Woodlands Christian is a drug and alcohol free campus. All students in grades 6 – 12, are subject to random drug testing.

LIBRARY Library hours are 7:45 AM to 4:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Hardback and paperback books are available for check-out by students, teachers/staff, and parents. Reference books, newspapers, periodicals are available for use within the library. Computers are available with filtered access to the Internet and to reference websites. These websites may also be accessed from home. To Page 17 of 85

log-on to these websites, select Library under the Academics tab on the school’s website. While using the library’s computers, the Acceptable Use Policy will be in force; changing any settings on the computers will result in disciplinary action. Printing and photocopying services are available for no additional charge. Replacement cost will be charged for lost/damaged books and report cards will be held for students with outstanding library materials.

LOWER SCHOOL Classes visit the library weekly for 30 minutes. Lessons include library skills, book talks, and literature appreciation with book check-out for one week. Students may also visit the library anytime with permission from their teacher.

UPPER SCHOOL The library is open on an as needed basis for book checkout and research. Students may come with their class and may also visit the library anytime with a pass from a teacher during break. Students may also use the library before or after school, during normal library hours.

TRIPLE CROWN READING PROGRAM The Woodlands Christian library promotes the Children's Gallery, Children's Crown, & Lamplighter Reading Lists to students in kindergarten through eighth grade. These lists of books are chosen by Christian librarians encouraging students to… x Read more books of enduring value x Become more discriminating readers

ADDRESSING CONCERNS & CONFLICTS It is our sincere belief that the discreet conduct and speech characterizing relationships within our school community will reflect our dedication to the highest standards of Christian behavior and speak to the surrounding community and prospective students of our love for each other and our desire to honor Christ.

WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN PROCEDURES FOR CONFERENCES Step 1 Document the concern and turn in to appropriate person prior to the conference either by email or by using the form that is available on Woodlands Christian website. Go to www.twca.net/Campus Life/School Forms and select the Parent Request for Conference form under the list of Miscellaneous Forms.

Step 2 Make an appointment to see appropriate person.

Step 3 Be aware that conference time will be opened in prayer and limited to a 30-minute session.

Step 4 Be aware that the conference time will be conducted in a biblical, gracious manner (See Colossians 4:6).

Step 5 Teacher or administrator will agree to respond to concern within three working days.

We practice the Matthew 18 Principle among administration, faculty, staff, students and parents at Woodlands Christian.

MATTHEW 18 PRINCIPLE Matthew 18 states the following: If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. Matthew 18: 15-16

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Issues between parents and teachers will arise from time to time. As a Christian school, we believe that issues and concerns should be resolved biblically. We recognize that Matthew 18 requires open and fair discussion of potentially difficult matters. We believe that the Matthew 18 principle is essential for maintaining good relationships. Therefore, we respectfully request that parents meet with the teacher first in order to clearly communicate the issue in question. The manner and tone of such meetings must be carried out in a Christ-like way – truth tempered with kindness.

In addressing concerns, we adhere to the following steps taken from the pamphlet entitled, The Matthew 18 Principle for Solving School Problems by Dr. Paul A. Kienel, ACSI Founder and President Emeritus: 1. Keep the matter confidential. (Proverbs 11:9) Share only with those directly involved and respect confidentiality. Do not involve other parents or Woodlands Christian staff.

2. Keep the circle small. Person-to-person problems are usually solved at the two-person level. Be straightforward and lovingly forthright. (Proverbs 27:6) Anger is a work of the flesh and should not be present during the meeting.

3. Be forgiving. (Galatians 6:1) Once the matter is resolved, wholeheartedly forgive and restore the person whose has offended you. Close your meeting in prayer.

4. If both parties agree that you have been unable to resolve the concern, then share the matter with the appropriate school administrator. Meet together, parent, teacher, and appropriate school administrator, in a spirit of prayer and humility, willing to submit to the Lord’s will in the matter and also willing to submit to reproof and correction if needed. An open and honest discussion and submission to godly principles will most likely result in an amiable solution.

5. If further intervention is deemed necessary due to a complex problem, all parties concerned will be required to meet together for a final resolution with a member of the senior administration.

Refer to the procedures below.

The Board has delegated to the Head of School the authority to operate the school on a day to day basis.

The Board does not involve itself in resolving conflicts, and we respectfully ask parents not to call Board members into school-related issues. By practicing problem resolution in this manner, positive relationships develop among teachers, students and parents and future problems are minimized and are more easily remedied.

PARENTAL BEHAVIOR For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just. Genesis 18:19 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13: As students and teachers are required to comply with Woodlands Christian policies, parents will be required to do so as well. Woodlands Christian is proud of its heritage as a Christian school founded on biblical principles. Failure to comply with school policy may result in the eventual dismissal of the family from Woodlands Christian.

Our key concerns are the spirit of fellowship among parents, teachers and administrators and the integrity of the classroom. We expect treatment of our teachers and administrators to be Christ-like. Woodlands Christian seeks to maintain ongoing written communications with parents about issues regarding parent behavior. Woodlands Christian reserves the right to terminate a student’s contract based on the poor behavior of the parents.

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Your children are watching your conduct and will follow your example. It is Biblical and Christian to submit to authority. Do not allow your child to suffer for your inappropriate behavior. We need your support so that we can effectively do the job that you would have us to do as educators of your children.

VISITING CAMPUS All visitors must check-in and check-out at the front reception desk when visiting the campus. Visitors will be asked for a valid driver’s license and will be given a visitor’s badge indicating a destination. Any parent or person who is not wearing a visitor’s badge on campus or is not in his/her destination area will be directed back to the reception desk or his/her destination. As there are many new faces on campus every year, do not be offended if and when asked for identification. This is for the safety of your children.

Parents may only go to the classroom during school hours at the invitation of teachers or the appropriate school administrator. Any parent entering classrooms during school hours without such invitation disrupts the integrity of the classroom. Parents should never enter a classroom when the teacher is not present due to the privacy issues. If your child is late, please walk them in to the front desk. If the child is too young to walk to class alone, a teacher will be called to escort your child to class. If you have any other concerns, the front desk receptionist will help you.

PARENTAL COMMUNICATION WITH STUDENTS Parents are encouraged to make arrangements such as carpool, etc. for children before school.

If a student forgets his/her lunch, the student will receive a lunch from the Warrior Café. All purchases will be charged to the student’s account. No cash will be accepted. Students have two options: bring a lunch from home or buy lunch from the Warrior Café. No outside food will be allowed for lunch.

Any forgotten items delivered throughout the school day will be placed on a designated table in the lunchroom for student pick-up; students are responsible for checking the table for their items.

If your child needs to contact you, he/she may ask to use the teacher's classroom phone, the nurse's phone, or school office phone. Cell phones must be turned off.

If a student violates this policy, then the electronic device will be confiscated and turned into the administrative office. Cell phones may be examined, including phone numbers called, pictures stored, and text messages sent and received. The finding of inappropriate materials may result in disciplinary action.

The student may come to the office at the end of the school instructional day to retrieve the device and parents will be billed $10. The fee will continue to increase by an additional $5 for each subsequent violation of the policy. Fees collected will be donated to a Woodlands Christian scholarship fund.

Violation of this policy during any student assessment (test, quiz, exam, etc.) is considered cheating and will require the appropriate disciplinary action.

High school students are not permitted to go to their vehicles during the course of the school day in order to use their cell phones.

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If you need to contact your lower school child, x Call the front receptionist at the main number (936-273-2555 Ext. 0) or the lower school administrative assistant at 936-271-3101. x Refrain from emailing your child’s teacher time-sensitive changes in transportation or messages as she is teaching and may not be able to check her email in time to make arrangements for your child. If you must email a teacher regarding an early pick-up or doctor’s appointment, copy the lower school administrative assistant as well.

If you need to contact your upper school child, leave a message on your student’s cell phone that they would receive at the end of the school day. However, because Woodlands Christian policy states that all cell phones must be off, and student’s use of cell phones (to call or text), is not permitted. Do not expect a response.

For emergencies, parents are to contact the Administrative Assistant in lower school (Susan McMillin) by phone at ext. 1117, or by email at smcmillin@twca.net. Contact the Administrative Assistant in upper school (Jo Ellen Linder) by phone at ext. 1301, or by email at jelinder@twca.net. We will not be able to guarantee a message is delivered if received less than 45 minutes prior to school dismissal. Teaching time and tasks in the classroom are important, therefore, we strongly urge that you do not ask for messages delivered other than for true emergencies.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 As a support and extension of the family unit, Woodlands Christian considers the family to be of first importance to a child. God, through His Word, the Bible, indicates that the family is the most important human institution He designed. We strive to support the family and respect parental authority and responsibility in all we do. Woodlands Christian believes in the concept of “in loco parentis” – in the place of the parent. At the core of our philosophy of education is the conviction that parents are ultimately responsible for the education of their children. We see ourselves as “subcontractors” of the parents. The parents are the contractors – the ones who are responsible for getting the job done. Our authority and our task is delegated to us from the parent. Therefore, we strongly encourage parental involvement. The staff works hard at communicating with parents to keep them abreast of their child’s progress – academically, spiritually and behaviorally. At Woodlands Christian, we are continually seeking ways to actively involve the parents, siblings, and grandparents of our students in the programs of the school.

A parent’s support, encouragement, and prayer increase the success of the spiritual and educational development of your child, the next generation of Warriors for Christ. Groups form each year through PTF to allow parents to be involved in these areas.

PARENTAL AND STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES Each student and parent must be familiar with the policies and practices in existence. This handbook has been prepared to serve as a guide to school officials, students and parents. If the contents of this handbook are known and the guidelines followed by all, the school will function smoothly and efficiently resulting in increased academic achievement and satisfaction.

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Enrollment in Woodlands Christian is a privilege and not a right. Students who are enrolled in the school and their parents must continually and consistently obey all rules. Parents may be asked to withdraw students who repeatedly violate minor rules or violate major ones. Lack of knowledge of a particular policy provided will not excuse a parent or student from the responsibility of obeying it.

Woodlands Christian believes that a positive and constructive working relationship between the school and the student’s parents (guardians) is essential to the fulfillment of the school’s mission.

Woodlands Christian reserves the right not to continue enrollment or not to re-enroll a student if the school administration reasonably concludes that the actions of a parent/guardian make such a positive and constructive relationship impossible or otherwise seriously interferes with the school’s mission or accomplishment of its educational purposes.

It is understood that this handbook does not specifically address all issues that may arise. In case of differences in interpretation, school administrators will render decisions that are fair and in the best interests of both the student and school.

Woodlands Christian reserves the right to change policies and procedures at any time without notice. The handbook does not constitute a contract between the school and the student or parent.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES Student Code of Conduct – The Woodlands Christian Student Code of Conduct illustrates good principles of life. All students are expected to abide by the school’s Student Code of Conduct. Basic expectations include, but are not limited to, the following list: x x x x x x x x x x x x

Students will avoid insults or unkindness toward one another.

Students will refrain from roughhousing. Students must conduct themselves in a manner that does not distract or detract from the learning environment nor be potentially injurious to another student.

Students will obey instructions and exhibit respect toward teachers and the school staff and supporting adults, promptly and willingly, avoiding a display of negativism of tone or attitude.

Students will refrain at all times from language which is vulgar and inappropriate and which demeans either God or mankind.

Students will protect the property rights of others and refrain from meddling with personal or assigned property of others.

Students will exhibit courtesy toward teachers and other students when asking questions and participating in classroom discussions.

Students will do all in their power to keep the school campus neat and clean and avoid destruction or defacement to school property in any form.

Students will remain only in authorized areas of the campus.

Students will not be in possession of, or use illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or weapons on campus.

Students will refrain from public displays of affection.

Students will exhibit honesty in all their dealings with the staff, students, and the wider school community.

Student actions committed on or off campus and at school-related functions, that are considered detrimental to a student's well-being and/or the school’s reputation in the community may result in the student receiving appropriate disciplinary consequences.

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PTF (PARENT TEACHER FELLOWSHIP) The Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) is the council of Woodlands Christian parents working together to promote the ideals of the school, to encourage fellowship among families, and to support the various needs of the teachers and classes while nurturing each other in Jesus Christ.

The purposes of the PTF are to: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Promote the ideals of the school Foster a sense of community and parent fellowship Encourage the building of lasting relationships between parents Facilitate parent involvement Assist teachers in enriching the learning experience Assist the administration of Woodlands Christian with special events Coordinate and disseminate information about events sponsored by PTF

During the 2013-2014 school year, the PTF will be involved in organizing and supporting homeroom moms in the lower school and grade level moms in the upper school. PTF will also welcome and support new families and host meetings and luncheons to inform the parents of Woodlands Christian.

SAFETY AND CARE ON CAMPUS Our key concerns are the spirit of fellowship among parents, teachers and administrators and the integrity and safety of the campus. Therefore, we ask that you abide by the following measures: x

x x x x x x x

All parents and visitors are required to sign in at the main building reception desk and receive a visitor’s badge/name tag. Any visitor not displaying a badge will be required to return to the main building reception desk to register. Parents who regularly volunteer will be given a custom name badge, but still must log into the computer system at reception.

Parents should only go to the classroom during school hours at the invitation of teachers or the administration.

Woodlands Christian does not allow pets on campus during the school day or at any after school events. If pets ride to school, make sure that they are restrained when students are getting in or out of the car.

Students, parents, and visitors – use the sidewalks and decks provided to move about the campus.

Cutting across the grass to classrooms or buildings causes excessive wear.

For safety reasons, Woodlands Christian is a closed campus. All employees wear badges. No one may be on campus without a badge.

Students are not allowed in a teacher’s classroom unattended, or in any of the teacher’s workrooms on campus.

Parents are not allowed in a teacher’s classroom unattended.

Students from other schools are not permitted to be on campus during the school day including during designated lunch periods.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Emergency procedures are in place in the event of fire, gas leaks, inclement weather, bomb threats and other crises requiring evacuation or securing of buildings. Fire drills will be conducted every month.

Depending upon the type of emergency, parents may be contacted to pick up students by school officials.

However, students will not be released to anyone during a severe weather warning, until the warning has passed.

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In the event of a school closing due to weather conditions, Woodlands Christian will close on the same days as the Conroe Independent School District; however, there may be times that Woodlands Christian is closed that CISD is not. Refer to local television news channels for this information. Woodlands Christian school policy dictates that in the event the student body has gathered due to a weather warning, your student may not be released to you until the warning is over.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES If a school-wide emergency occurs, Woodlands Christian will make every effort to communicate information. This will include but not be limited to email, telephone, school web site and local media outlets.

Woodlands Christian utilizes www.school-alerts.com to communicate with the media about school closings. Parents may sign up with this service to receive texts, emails or telephone calls in the event of a school closing.

If the campus is in a “lock down” for any reason, students will not be released under any circumstances until the danger has passed.

USE OF WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN NAME, LOGO, IMAGES AND PICTURES To assure that Woodlands Christian presents a consistent image to its families and the public, the Advancement team has established a Graphics Standards Manual. Therefore, all advertising, promotional products, publications and other printed material must first be approved by the Advancement team.

Furthermore, any promotional products may only be purchased through a vendor approved by Woodlands Christian.

SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES Since access to social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, classmates, and others, is off-limits on school property, students who develop and maintain personal websites and/or blogs, including but not limited to such freely accessible sites mentioned above, and who identify themselves as students at Woodlands Christian must keep in mind they are representing the school in a public forum.

The use of the Woodlands Christian name, logo, mascot, or images, movies or pictures of campus or cocurricular activities may not be used at any site, personal or professional, without prior written consent from the Advancement team. Any existing personal or business site which contains the name and identity of the school, the school logo, or images which represent the school must have approval on file or removal of all content must be initiated. Permission granted through the Director of Advancement and kept on file at the school does not give consent, written or implied, to use personal information about the students, inappropriate images or vulgar language, or even current songs or themes which could contradict the values of the school as stated in the school’s mission statement. When inappropriate websites and/or blogs created and maintained by Woodlands Christian members, students, faculty, or parents, mention the school’s name and/or use school images and/or logo, the school can and will hold violators responsible for its content.

If violations continue, the school may take the following actions: x x

A conference with student and administration will be held to request modification or removal of the school’s name and or images/logo off the website.

Notification to student’s parents or guardians about violation of use will be generated.

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x x x

Disciplinary consequences, which the administration believes are in line with the offenses, may be imposed.

If compliance is not achieved through modification or removal after request, firmer disciplinary action will be taken.

Woodlands Christian and its administrative team have sole discretion on what is deemed as appropriate and inappropriate use of the school’s name, logo, and images. Enforcement may be pursued with the local authorities for noncompliance.

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WELCOME TO EARLY CHILDHOOD PARENTS EARLY CHILDHOOD (PRE-K – KINDERGARTEN) August 2013 Dear Parents of Early Childhood Students, We want to thank you for listening to God’s call and trusting us to partner with you and God in the education of your young children at Woodlands Christian. We look forward to watching your child blossom spiritually and academically over the next year. It is exciting to see God’s hand at work in the life of a child.

This Parent/Student Handbook has been provided to you to communicate our philosophy and expectations for you and your child. Take the time to read and discuss this handbook with your student(s). Each Woodlands Christian student and parent must be familiar with the policies and practices in existence. The handbook has been revised and prepared for the purpose of serving as a guide to school officials, students and parents. Please also be sure to refer to the whole school sections of this handbook as well.

We prayerfully and thoughtfully consider policies before their development and revisit these policies every year. We believe our expectations for student and parent behavior are appropriate and biblically based and, therefore, expect that policies in this handbook be consistently obeyed. Lack of knowledge of a particular policy provided in the handbook will not excuse a parent or student from the responsibility of obeying it.

Woodlands Christian recognizes that no policy handbook can foresee every issue that may arise. In cases of differences in interpretation, the school administration will render decisions that are fair and in the best interest of both the student and the school. While we seek to partner with every parent in these differences of interpretation, it is important to note that we must also protect the reputation and learning environment of Woodlands Christian in the form of stable policies. We believe God asks us to hold steadfast to biblical principles and policies that have been prayerfully considered. God’s Word states in Job 17:9, “Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger.” We stand behind the guidelines in this handbook and ask that you read over it with your child and discuss the expectations and policies as a family.

Again, we are excited you are a part of the Woodlands Christian family and look forward to a wonderful year of growing in mind, body, spirit and community.

Blessings,

Evelyn Allen Head of Lower School

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EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHERS 4-Year-Olds 4-Year-Olds 4-Year-Olds

Whitney Dunn Antonia Randerson Belena Stewart

wdunn@twca.net aranderson@twca.net bstewart@twca.net

Ext. 1121 Ext. 1121 Ext. 1122

Kindergarten Kindergarten

Deminy Highley Christina Young

dhighley@twca.net cyoung@twca.net

Ext. 1110 Ext. 1110

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY At Woodlands Christian, we encompass Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) with biblical integration as the backbone for our Early Childhood Department. The guidelines for DAP were put into motion by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and embody the notion that early childhood is a time of life very different than later school years and adulthood.

We believe that children need to have many experiences each day through well-planned activities and centers. Every activity in the classroom should have a purpose and should intrigue students to investigate and discover the learning environment. These activities consider individual students’ developmental age, interests and abilities when constructing lesson plans. Activities encourage social interaction, fine and gross motor skill development, language development, reading readiness and critical thinking. Our classrooms are active and engaging. Children are on-task as they make educational connections through a variety of hands-on and interactive experiences. It is our goal to have students progress to primary grades with the skills needed for academic and social success.

EXPECTATIONS FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD SUCCESS ACADEMIC PROBATION Woodlands Christian strives to maintain excellence in all areas; therefore, grade-level performance and attendance are highly valued. Woodlands Christian understands the individual needs and tendencies of each student and consequently reviews academic progress throughout the year. Any student who does not meet the academic expectations of a grade level will be placed on probation. A meeting involving the student, his/her parents, the appropriate school administrator, and at least one teacher will be scheduled.

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the problem and possible solutions. The outcome of this meeting is the creation of an Action Plan put together for academic improvement. The student’s progress will be monitored throughout the school year. Students on academic or disciplinary probation will be subject for review for retention or dismissal from The Woodlands Christian Academy. A retained student will continue to be monitored and assessed each quad to reevaluate placement.

DISCIPLINARY PROBATION Students whose behavior does not exemplify Woodlands Christian standards may be placed on Disciplinary Probation and could place themselves in imminent danger of forfeiting their privilege of attending Woodlands Christian. The parents will be notified and the student will be placed on a behavior contract. If the student does not fulfill the conditions of the contract, he/she may be asked to withdraw from Woodlands Christian. The probationary status of the student will be reviewed at the end of the quarter and the appropriate school administrator will determine whether or not the student has fulfilled the behavioral contract. The school also has the right to determine if an enrollment contract is offered for the following school year.

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ATTENDANCE AND TARDIES We believe attendance at school is an important predictor of student success and are required by accreditation boards to prove we are serious about attendance. Students who are excessively tardy and/or absent miss out on the learning opportunities at school. We encourage our Pre-K students to attend school regularly to maximize the benefit of their Pre-K education.

Kindergarteners are required to maintain the proper attendance in order to be advanced to the next grade level. As Woodlands Christian is an accredited school by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) attendance must be taken seriously. We are required by their standards to plan for a minimum of 175 days of instruction. A total of 10 or more absences, excused or unexcused, will be subject to review by the attendance committee.

Please understand, students with excessive absences are subject to retention in kindergarten.

Attendance will be recorded first thing in the morning and in the following manner.

Absent 1 hour or less Absent from 1 to 3 1/2 hours Absent more than 3 1/2 hours

No attendance penalty, but counts as a tardy 1/2 day absence recorded Full day absence recorded

Five tardies are recorded as one day’s absence.

Excused absences: Students may be absent from school for situations such as sickness, deaths in the family, and other family related emergencies, but please be aware that these absences, while excused, still count as absences.

Unexcused absences: Vacations, scheduled or unscheduled, during the academic year are highly discouraged, and students taking such vacations put themselves in danger of review by the attendance committee. We strongly recommend that families plan vacation days only in accordance with the school calendar and scheduled time off.

Teachers are not required to provide work ahead of any absence. Teachers are also not required to teach or tutor students who miss school work due to unexcused absences.

PARTIES BIRTHDAY PARTIES Birthdays are very special to us at Woodlands Christian. We love to celebrate our children and emphasize that they are wonderfully made by an awesome God. Teachers will celebrate your child in the classroom in a variety of different ways appropriate to their age and grade. Please note that any special gifts that are delivered to the school for your child’s birthday will be held in the lower school office until the end of the day. These gifts will not be taken to the child’s classroom.

CLASS PARTIES Throughout the year, we will celebrate holidays and themes with class parties. The teacher will set the guidelines for her class party. Parent volunteers will be coordinated through the homeroom mom or dad.

Consult your homeroom mom as to appropriate healthy treats to be served at class parties. Alternative arrangements must be made for siblings for the parties unless otherwise specified by the teacher. If siblings are allowed for a particular event, the teacher is responsible only for students. Children not enrolled in the class must be supervised by their parents at all times.

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COMMUNICATION/PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES Your relationship with your child’s teacher is very important. Effective and productive communication is a high priority at Woodlands Christian Early Childhood. A note or email about any changes at home (new baby, parents away, illness or death of pet) will allow the teacher to help the student deal with his/her important feelings about such matters. Teachers will send home notes to provide additional insight into your child’s school day. School wide information will be sent home weekly in your child’s weekly communication folder. Parent Information Nights are held in early fall. You may also make arrangements with your child’s teacher for conference times if necessary, throughout the year. All conferences must be held during the teacher’s scheduled conference time. Please make alternate arrangements for siblings during this conference period. We do not publish our teachers’ home phone numbers; furthermore, we request that you respect their family time by NOT calling them at home.

What to bring to class daily (clearly label all items): x Standard size backpack x Light blanket or security item for rest time What not to bring to class: x DO NOT bring toys from home unless it is your child’s Show-N-Tell opportunity in PK only.

DRESS CODE & CHANGE OF CLOTHING For the complete outline on the dress code for Early Childhood students, refer to the Woodlands Christian website. Go to www.twca.net/Campus Life and select Dress Code 2013-2014. Contact Susan McMillin in the office if you have any specific questions not covered there. Send in a complete change of clothing (season appropriate) including socks, underwear and pants in a plastic Ziploc bag labeled with your child’s name. Make sure to replace clothes as needed. Label all items. These may be left in the backpack or classroom at the discretion of the teacher.

FIELD TRIPS Students will take field trips throughout the school year. These trips are educational in purpose and may relate to any area of the student’s academics; therefore, attendance is very important. Lower school field trips are planned by teachers and are approved by the Head of Lower School.

Woodlands Christian parents may be asked to serve as chaperones for these trips. It will be the teacher’s ultimate decision as to who the chaperones will be and how many volunteers are needed for any given trip. When you are acting as a class chaperone, you are not allowed to bring any siblings on the trip with you. Remember that chaperones are to seriously assist the teacher in accompanying and supervising students under the teacher’s direction.

In the event that parents drive students on field trips in their cars, a parent driver form, photocopy of your insurance card, as well as a photocopy of your driver’s license is required to be on file at the front desk.

Students may not purchase souvenirs unless everyone has been given the opportunity to bring money to buy souvenirs. A suggested appropriate amount of spending money will be advised by the teachers in these cases. When chaperoning, we ask that volunteers not purchase souvenirs or special treats for a child or group as this is an injustice for all other students concerned.

Students will be instructed in advance as to proper dress for each field trip.

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GUIDING YOUR CHILD'S BEHAVIOR The Early Childhood Team is sensitive and responsive to the specific needs and situations of each individual child. Children function best in a structured, yet loving environment; therefore, each teacher will follow a well-planned, developmentally appropriate schedule that will maintain a positive engagement of students. Teachers will focus on and praise behaviors that are appropriate and acceptable.

Each child will be expected to follow the rules in the classroom and in play areas. Development of selfcontrol is facilitated through modeling, redirection, allowing your child to verbally express his/her feelings and maintaining consistent behavior parameters within the classroom setting.

School rules that are common to all classes are: x x x x

Follow directions the first time (first-time obedience) Keeps hands and feet to yourself Use walking feet in the classroom and walkways Use an “inside” voice in the classroom and walkways

Each classroom teacher utilizes his or her own method to transition children smoothly from one activity to another. Specific expectations, including the discipline policy for the classroom, will be stated by the teacher, and classroom rules will be posted for easy reference. There will be no form of threat or physical punishment.

Most discipline will be handled at school. Teachers will further explain the system during Parent Information Night and in Parent/Teacher conferences. In some instances, it may be determined by the teacher that a quiet and reflective time away from the classroom will be most beneficial. A note may or may not be sent home. In the event of aggressive or uncontrollable behavior, the student may be sent to the Head of Lower School and the parents will be notified.

Ongoing communication between parents and teachers are essential when attempting to resolve behavioral issues. Parents are expected to communicate with the classroom teacher and work together to resolve undesirable behavioral issues.

LUNCHES Students have two options: bring a lunch from home or buy lunch from the Warrior Café. All purchases from the Warrior Café will be charged to the student’s account. No cash will be accepted. No outside food will be allowed for lunch.

When bringing a lunch from home, here are a few guidelines: x

Send pre-cut finger foods that do NOT need to be heated.

x

Send juice in leak-proof containers.

x

Carbonated drinks are not permitted.

x

Do not send glass bottles or containers.

x

Limit sugar.

If a student forgets his/her lunch, the student will receive a lunch from the Warrior Café and student’s account will be charged.

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Any forgotten lunches dropped off during the morning must be left at the front desk and not taken directly to the classroom. These lunches will then be placed on a designated table in the MPR where the students will be able to pick them up when coming in to lunch.

ID CARDS All Woodlands Christian students will be issued an ID card. This ID card will be used to purchase items from the Warrior CafĂŠ and for issuing textbooks and class materials. Early childhood school ID cards will be kept by the teacher.

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LOWER SCHOOL (1ST – 5TH GRADES)

WELCOME TO LOWER SCHOOL PARENTS August 2013 Dear Parents of Lower School Students, We want to thank you for listening to God’s call and trusting us to partner with you in the education your children at Woodlands Christian. It is exciting to see God’s hand at work in the life of a child.

This Parent/Student Handbook has been provided to you to communicate our philosophy and expectations for you and your child. Please take the time to read and discuss this handbook with your student(s). Each Woodlands Christian student and parent must be familiar with the policies and practices in existence. The handbook has been revised and prepared for the purpose of serving as a guide to school officials, students and parents.

We prayerfully and thoughtfully consider policies before their development and revisit these policies every year. We believe our expectations for student and parent behavior are appropriate and biblically based and, therefore, expect that policies in this handbook be consistently obeyed. Lack of knowledge of a particular policy provided in the handbook will not excuse a parent or student from the responsibility of obeying it.

Woodlands Christian recognizes that no policy handbook can foresee every issue that may arise. In cases of differences in interpretation, the school administration will render decisions that are fair and in the best interest of both the student and the school. While we seek to partner with every parent in these differences of interpretation, it is important to note that we must also protect the reputation and learning environment of Woodlands Christian in the form of stable policies. We believe God asks us to hold steadfast to biblical principles and policies that have been prayerfully considered. God’s Word states in Job 17:9, “Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger.” We stand behind the guidelines in this handbook and ask that you read over it with your child and discuss the expectations and policies as a family.

Again, we are excited you are a part of the Woodlands Christian family and look forward to a wonderful year of growing in mind, body, spirit and community.

Blessings,

Evelyn Allen Head of Lower School

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LOWER SCHOOL TEACHERS First

Karen Mahan Ariana Atler-Derr

kmahan@twca.net aatler@twca.net

Ext. 1107 Ext. 1124

Second

Cindy Rhee Karen McClenney

crhee@twca.net kmcclenney@twca.net

Ext. 1112 Ext. 1111

Third

Rachel Osborne Stephanie Williams

rosborne@twca.net swilliams@twca.net

Ext. 1109 Ext. 1109

Fourth

Jennifer Hudnall Sandy Ledbetter

jhudnall@twca.net sledbetter@twca.net

Ext. 1104 Ext. 1101

Fifth

Linda Baldwin Debbie Gonzalez

lbaldwin@twca.net dgonzalez@twca.net

Ext. 1106 Ext. 1103

Art Foreign Languages Music Library Technology/Reading

Susan Peterson Rebeca Bukowski Nancy Casey Gina Lunsford Chris Parker

speterson@twca.net rbukowski@twca.net ncasey@twca.net glunsford@twca.net cparker@twca.net

Ext. 1012 Ext. 1115 Ext. 1105 Ext. 1002 Ext. 1119

School email is always the encouraged method of communication with your child’s teacher. Due to accessibility, teachers can usually respond to emails in a timelier manner than voice mail. If it is necessary to call the teacher directly, please note that the teacher may not be able to answer during instructional or testing time.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL Students in the third through fifth grades are eligible for the All “A” Honor Roll at the end of the first semester and again at the end of the year. The All “A” Honor Roll requires that a student must have an A in all academic subjects (English/Language Arts subjects, Bible, Spelling, Science, History, and Math) and all E’s or S’s in special subjects (Art, Music, P.E. and Foreign Language). Students on disciplinary probation are not eligible for the All “A” Honor Roll. Citizenship Awards will be given to 3rd-5th grades students at semester and year-end, and Christian Character Awards and Perfect Attendance will be given at the end of the year.

ACADEMIC PROBATION Woodlands Christian strives to maintain excellence in all areas; therefore, grade performance and attendance are highly valued. Woodlands Christian understands the individual needs and tendencies of each student and consequently reviews grades for academic probation each quarter. Any student whose quarter grades include a D or an F will automatically be on Academic Probation for the next full quarter (9 weeks). A meeting involving the student, his/her parents, the appropriate school administrator, and at least one teacher will be scheduled during the first week following the grading period. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the problem and possible solutions. The outcome of this meeting is the creation of an Action Plan put together for academic improvement. The student’s grades will be monitored for the following quarter. Any student who is on academic probation for more than 1 quarter (9 week period) within a four-semester period will be subject for review for retention or dismissal from The Woodlands Christian Academy. A retained student will continue to be monitored and assessed each quad to reevaluate placement.

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GRADING GUIDELINES The school’s grading scale is as follows: 90 – 100 80 – 89 75 – 79 70 – 74 69 and below

A B C D Failing

Lower school grades will be available to parents through RenWeb. Progress Reports will still be emailed home half way through each quad, but RenWeb will allow you to see your students’ grades at any time.

We encourage you to take advantage of this feature.

The school year is divided into two semesters. Each semester is divided in half, creating two grading quarters, or quads, per semester. This creates four nine-week grading periods per school year. A numerical grade is reported at the end of each quad in most subjects, along with a conduct grade of E (excellent), S (satisfactory), N (needs improvement), or U (unsatisfactory). In the Tuesday Folder, teachers will inform parents regarding any student who received a grade of 69 or lower during the week.

Parents are encouraged to communicate with school faculty and staff by email and when necessary to call teachers and/or schedule conferences.

Grade changes will only be made in the event of an incomplete. Any of these changes must occur no later than 3 weeks after the close of the quad.

HOMEWORK Homework assignments are available on ParentsWeb. ParentsWeb is accessed by clicking the Parent Login button at the top of the Woodlands Christian home page.

Homework assignments are posted weekly, but may be subject to change due to curriculum pacing. Each grade level has systems in place to deal with changing homework assignments. Assignments are for the purpose of reinforcement of concepts, extension of understanding, building a sense of responsibility and developing work habits.

The average amount of homework each night per grade level is: First Grade Second Grade Third Grade Fourth Grade Fifth Grade

10 minutes homework 20 minutes homework 30 minutes homework 40 minutes homework 50 minutes homework

*In addition, students will be required to read independently each day.

Homework must be turned in on time. Grading policies regarding late or missing assignments vary based on grade levels. Teachers will address this issue during Parent Information Nights that will take place in August. If a student is having difficulty completing homework in a reasonable amount of time, the parent should contact the teacher for suggestions.

TUESDAY FOLDERS The Tuesday Folder is the primary vehicle for sending home graded tests, school papers, field trip permission slips, etc. All students will bring home this folder on Tuesday, and it should be returned on Wednesday. It is vital that parents review these folders for any additional school information and/or notices.

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ATTENDANCE POLICY For late arrival or early departure procedures, see the Campus Entering and Exiting Guidelines in the front section of the handbook.

Attendance will be recorded first thing in the morning and in the following manner.

Absent 1 hour or less No attendance penalty, but counts as a tardy Absent from 1 to 3 1/2 hours 1/2 day absence recorded Absent more than 3 1/2 hours Full day absence recorded Five tardies are considered as one day’s absence.

With any absences as listed above, your child will no longer qualify for Perfect Attendance at the end of the year. Five or more early pick ups (any time before 3:15 PM) or late arrivals (after 8:15 AM) in the year will result in ineligibility for a perfect attendance award.

Excused Absences: Students may be absent from school for situations such as sickness, deaths in the family, and other family related emergencies. Call ext. 1117 or email Susan McMillin at smcmillin@twca.net to notify the office by 9:00 AM regarding any such absence including scheduled appointments, which will take a student out of school.

Make-Up Work: In the event of a one day absence, teachers will not send work home. Students will make up work when they return to school. If a student misses additional day(s) from school, check with the student’s homeroom teacher for make-up work that will need to be completed. After the third absence due to illness, a doctor’s note will be required. These notes are to be turned into the office. Generally, work must be made up in accordance with number of days absent, beginning with the day after the student returns to school. If a student is absent for three days, he or she has three days to make up the work. Assignments should be requested from the teacher by the student upon his or her return.

Teachers are not required to provide work ahead of any absence.

Unexcused Absences: Vacations during the academic year are highly discouraged and are regarded as unexcused. Students taking such vacations will put themselves in danger of grade reductions or possible zeros on any missed work. All make up work for an unexcused absence is subject to a 25 point grade reduction.

As Woodlands Christian is an accredited school by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Association of Christian Schools International, attendance in school is taken seriously. We are required by their standards to plan for a minimum of 175 days of instruction. If a student must miss scheduled school days for reasons other than illness or family emergencies, Woodlands Christian will expect prior written communication between the parents and the appropriate school administrator. This absence will be considered unexcused.

A total of 10 or more absences will be subject to review by the attendance committee.

Consequences for tardies per quad are as follows.

1st & 2nd Tardy: Email warning is sent home with student for parent signature.

3rd Tardy: Lunch detention in the Head of Lower School’s office.

4th Tardy: Lunch detention in the Head of Lower School’s office and conference with parents. Possible grade reduction taken on work missed.

Five tardies are considered as one day’s absence.

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CHAPEL PROGRAM The chapel program is an integral part of Woodlands Christian, providing a regular worship opportunity for students and faculty to encounter Christ and grow in their faith through worship and a message. These services are a result of planning between the Chapel Coordinator and the lower school Chapel Team.

Chapel services will be held every Wednesday morning. They will be age appropriate and exciting, and will incorporate live music and worship. Early childhood – 2nd grade chapel will be from 8:30 – 9:15 AM and 3rd – 5th grade chapel will be from 9:30 – 10:15 AM. Each year a character value is selected to be prayerfully pursued within the school community. Our spiritual theme for 2013-2014 is Rejoice, and this theme will be emphasized in chapel as well as in Bible classes and special projects.

DISCIPLINE POLICY & STUDENT BEHAVIOR “If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it – how shortsighted to refuse correction!” Proverbs 12:1 General discipline statement – The purpose of the Woodlands Christian discipline policy is fourfold: 1) To obey biblical mandates as discipline is a scriptural principle, 2) to create an atmosphere that is conducive to learning, 3) to produce quality character in an individual, 4) to teach self-discipline and respect – respect for others, respect for self, and respect for property. If the purpose of any discipline is to leave an impression then, the purpose of Christian discipline is to leave an eternal impression.

Woodlands Christian does not condone or use corporal punishment with Woodlands Christian students.

“Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 All discipline is based on biblical principles, e.g. prayer, requesting forgiveness (public and private), restitution, swift discipline, restoration of fellowship, no lingering ungodly attitudes, etc. The vast majority of potential discipline problems will be dealt with at the classroom level. The specifics and nature of each discipline incident and the individual personality of the student involved will be considered in the administration of discipline.

It is vital for parents and students to realize that maintaining an orderly atmosphere in the school and the classroom is critical to the learning process; therefore, these policies must be adhered to. As in all other areas of the education at Woodlands Christian, mercy and forgiveness will be an integral part of the discipline of a child. It is because we love that we discipline.

The following is a general discipline guideline. Not all acts of misconduct can be itemized.

These are some basic behaviors which will automatically necessitate discipline. These behaviors are, but not limited to: disrespect, dishonesty, lying, cheating, stealing, rebelling, fighting, obscene language or behavior, damage to the school and bullying. Individual student behavior will be dealt with appropriately based on the offense.

Student disciplinary matters should not be discussed among parents, teachers, and students in order to protect the dignity of every student at Woodlands Christian. These are confidential matters that cannot be discussed by faculty and administration with other individuals who were not involved in the particular disciplinary action of a specific case. (refer to Matthew 18 and our school policy on gossip).

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As a Christian school we earnestly seek and ask for this discretion among all students, parents, and staff. Trust us to be fair and consistent with student issues in addressing these matters.

Students who consistently or repeatedly fail to uphold the standards of conduct and behavior expected of the school may be placed on disciplinary probation and may not be invited back the following year. This decision will be made by the Head of Lower School with faculty input.

DISCIPLINARY PROBATION Students whose behavior does not exemplify Woodlands Christian standards may be placed on Disciplinary Probation and could place themselves in imminent danger of forfeiting their privilege of attending Woodlands Christian. The parents will be notified and the student will be placed on a behavior contract. If the student does not fulfill the conditions of the contract, he/she may be asked to withdraw from Woodlands Christian. The probationary status of the student will be reviewed at the end of the quarter and the appropriate school administrator will determine whether or not the student has fulfilled the behavioral contract. The school also has the right to determine if an enrollment contract is offered for the following school year.

DRESS CODE The personal appearance of the student is important in the development of character, personal responsibility, and self-image. As such, parents and students should select clothing appropriate to both an academic and a Christian atmosphere. Thus, it is necessary that student dress reflects an atmosphere consistent with the standards of the school and that it be neat, clean and modest.

The intent of the dress code is both to present a student with a neat and appropriate appearance, as well as to avoid putting undue emphasis on outward appearance. Student compliance with the spirit and purpose of the dress standards is important. Refer to the Woodlands Christian website for the current dress code guidelines. Go to www.twca.net/Campus Life and select Dress Code 2013-2014.

SPECIAL NOTES 1) Boys’ hair must be off the collar in back and bangs no longer than the tops of the eyebrows. Hair must be clean and combed. Hair should not distract from classroom learning. No facial hair is allowed.

2) No unnatural hair color is permitted.

3) Uniform shirts should be tucked in at all times.

4) Clothing should be properly sized, not baggy or overly tight, and without holes, frays or rips.

5) Hats worn for warmth may only be worn before school, in between classes and after school, but are not allowed in the classrooms; bandanas and scarves may not be worn in school.

6) No jewelry should be worn that would distract from classroom learning. No more than two ear adornments may be worn per ear. No visible body piercing, with the exception of earlobes for the girls, is permissible.

7) It is unacceptable for students to write on their clothing, on themselves (their skin) or on each other.

8) Students may NOT wear their school sweatshirt without a polo shirt underneath.

9) Athletic shoes are to be worn. Vans or similar shoes are not permitted.

10) Black or brown belts must be worn with pants, jeans or shorts with belt loops. (Gr.1-5) 11) Socks must be worn with shoes at all times.

12) At the discretion of the Head of Lower School, girls will be permitted to wear khaki pants to chapel when cold weather dictates.

13) On days when blue jeans are allowed, students may wear blue jeans only.

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DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS (DCV) When students are dressed inappropriately, consequences will be given and parents may be contacted in order that they may bring the correct clothing to school. Discipline for dress code violations per quad will be: 1st DCV: Written warning notice sent home to parents via RenWeb. 2nd DCV: Loss of Spirit Day privilege for the following Friday 3rd DCV: Lunch detention in the office and loss of Spirit Day dress privilege on the next Friday.

4th DCV: Lunch detention in the office, loss of Spirit Day dress privilege on the next Friday and parent conference with the Head of Lower School.

During the first 3 days of school, dress code warnings will be given with no additional consequence.

Above outlined consequences will begin on the first full week of school and consequences will begin again at the beginning of each quad.

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 At The Woodlands Christian Academy, we know God has a plan for every child, no matter what his age.

In Romans 12:2, Paul says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing spirit of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” God calls us to develop each child to his full potential academically, spiritually, physically, and socially.

Our goal in the lower school is to set a strong foundation in these four pillars.

ACADEMICALLY We believe God calls us to continually grow and “renew” our minds. As a staff, we lead by example, continually studying about God and our profession. We stimulate the students' growth by using an instructional style that is both challenging and fosters the joy of learning.

Our emphasis in early childhood is learning through guided play, creating the groundwork in the core subject areas through the lens of the Christian faith. Teachers are intentional in planning differentiated center activities to meet the learning needs of the students in their classrooms.

Learning is extended from the early childhood program throughout the rest of the elementary years.

Literacy is taught through literature-based guided reading and a phonemic awareness program. By third grade, students begin a more in-depth study of literature and comprehension strategies. Math and science concepts are taught through hands-on experiences and then brought to abstract application. History and Bible are taught in dynamic, cross-curricular units. We believe students must touch and experience to learn.

In addition to core curriculum, we offer the following: x Fine arts (music and art) x Foreign Language (PK-5) x Physical education x Computer lab (PCs) and laptop cart (Mac) x Multiple educational field trips throughout the year x Several playgrounds for unstructured outdoor play x Basketball pavilion and open field for sports x After-school enrichment programs (Tae Kwon Do, gymnastics, etc.)

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SPIRITUALLY When Jesus was asked to identify the greatest commandment, he said, “'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” As a Christian school, we have the unique opportunity to not only change this world through the futures of our students, but to have an eternal impact on our students and those they will touch spiritually throughout their lives. We look at all subject areas through the lens of Christianity, always seeking to bring students closer to God. Some opportunities that foster a love for God include: x Bible classes x Weekly chapel services x Morning gatherings with worship and prayer x Christian integration throughout our curriculum PHYSICALLY Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price.

Therefore honor God with your body.” God expects us to not only work on our minds, but also our bodies and we strive to instill this value in children at an early age.

Each day, students can choose to purchase lunch at our Warrior Café. The Warrior Café offers a variety of choices that support a healthy diet.

The lunch menu is purposely designed to encourage healthy eating. In order to achieve this goal, parents are not permitted to bring fast food lunches to school.

SOCIALLY Jesus said the second greatest commandment is to, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This may also be the hardest commandment to keep. In our “me” society, it is sometimes difficult to think about others as we would ourselves. We acknowledge there will always be difficult relationships. Regardless, if Jesus tells us this is the second greatest commandment, we need to learn to love each other as brothers and sisters in Christ, even when it does not come easily. We believe Christian character development is crucial.

Jesus taught us how to treat one another in the Bible and we expect our students, teachers and parents to interact with each other using His principles. We explicitly teach these principles and refer to them in our daily routines and discipline management. Students are given many opportunities to grow relationships throughout the year through: x Small group activities x Field trips x Team building exercises x Athletic games x Retreats (4th and 5th grades) x Senior Buddies (Kindergarten) x Pi Day (2nd through 12th grades) x Plays and musicals By developing students academically, spiritually, physically and socially, we not only prepare our exiting 5th graders for further challenges in school, but also the difficult decisions they will make as they interact with our secular world. We hope to truly prepare our students to be lights in the darkness, to be in the world and not of it.

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SUMMER EXPECTATIONS FOR READING AND MATH It is the belief of the administration and faculty that a summer reading program at all grade levels is integral to developing an appreciation for and a love of reading, and an understanding of learning as a life-long activity. In addition, research shows that reviewing math skills during the summer is beneficial to the students, and therefore we require that a grade-level math workbook be completed during the summer. Reading expectations are outlined on our website at www.twca.net/Academics/Summer Academics. Materials for both reading and math are provided by the school and charged to the student’s account.

FIELD TRIPS Each grade level will take an appropriate number of field trips during each semester. These trips are educational in purpose and students are often held accountable for what is learned during the field trip.

These field trips may relate to any area of the student’s academics; therefore, attendance is very important. Field trips are planned by teachers and will always be coordinated through the appropriate school administrator.

Woodlands Christian parents may serve as chaperones for these trips. It will be the teacher’s ultimate decision as to who the chaperones will be and how many are needed for any given trip. Unfortunately, it is not possible for a large number of parents to go on all of their child’s field trips. When you are acting as a class chaperone, you are not allowed to bring any siblings on the trip with you. Remember that chaperones are to seriously assist the teacher in accompanying and supervising students under the teacher’s direction.

Most field trips will be taken on Woodlands Christian’s bus, Woodlands Christian’s vans or on chartered buses. All students and chaperones must ride on these vehicles with the exception of the parent driving the designated emergency escort vehicle. Additional adults following these buses and/or vans in their cars will not be allowed.

In the event that parents drive students on field trips in their cars, a parent driver form, photocopy of the insurance card as well as a photocopy of the driver’s license is required to be on file at the front reception desk.

Students may not purchase souvenirs unless everyone has been given the opportunity to bring money to buy souvenirs. A suggested appropriate amount of spending money will be advised by the teachers in these cases. When you are chaperoning, we ask that you not purchase souvenirs or special treats for your child as this is an injustice for all other students concerned.

Dress code for field trip will be determined by the teacher, depending on the nature of the field trip taken.

LOCKERS Students in the 4th & 5th grade will be issued a locker and lock at the beginning of school. Any properties, money and other valuables left in lockers are the responsibility of the student. Locks must be secured at the end of every school day. Lockers are the property of Woodlands Christian and are subject to periodic inspection by authorized school personnel. Sharing lockers is not allowed, as the responsibility of the locker contents falls on the student to which it is assigned. Woodlands Christian will charge $10.00 for any lost locks.

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LOST AND FOUND We highly encourage parents to mark all personal items with their child’s name. When items of clothing or personal property are left at school, they will be turned in to the Lower School Office. The item’s left will be returned to the student if a name is clearly marked. Otherwise, it will be placed in the Lost and Found located in the multipurpose room (MPR).

LUNCH Students may either take advantage of the Warrior Café lunch program or bring their lunch to school. All purchases from the Warrior Café will be charged to the student’s account. No cash will be accepted.

When bringing a lunch from home, it should not contain an excessive amount of sweets. Any student who does not have his or her lunch will receive a lunch from the Warrior Café and student’s account will be charged.

All students are required to eat lunch in the multi-purpose room.

Any forgotten lunches dropped off during the morning must be left at the front desk and not taken directly to the classroom. These lunches will then be placed on a designated table in the MPR where the students will be able to pick them up when coming in to lunch. No outside food will be allowed for lunch.

The lunch menu is purposely designed to encourage healthy eating. In order to achieve this goal, parents are not permitted to bring fast food lunches to school.

Students from other schools may not have lunch on campus with Woodlands Christian students except with prior permission from a teacher and/or the appropriate school administrator. Woodlands Christian is a partner with parents and welcomes them to eat with their children at lunch in the MPR. A monthly lunch visit from parents is encouraged.

MISCELLANEOUS x x x x x x

Students should eat a healthy breakfast before school each morning.

Teachers may choose to allow their students a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack; however, this snack will be of a healthy nature.

Snacks that include sweets such as candy, cookies, cake, brownies, carbonated beverages, etc. are not permitted.

Chewing gum during school hours is not allowed.

Students may bring a spill-proof water bottle each day. Fill these at home before sending to school and label with student’s name.

All Woodlands Christian students will be issued an ID card. This ID card will be used to purchase items from the Warrior Café and for issuing textbooks and class materials. Lower school ID cards will be kept by their homeroom teacher. Lost ID cards will be replaced and student’s account will be billed $10 per card.

PARTIES IN THE CLASSROOM Birthdays are very special to us at Woodlands Christian. We love to celebrate our children and emphasize that they are wonderfully made by an awesome God. Teachers will celebrate your child in the classroom in a variety of different ways appropriate to his/her age and grade. You may work with your child’s

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teacher to plan a special snack (limited sugar) after lunch for your child on his/her birthday. No birthday treat will take place during classroom instruction time. Any birthday celebration is limited to the child’s lunch period. Special gifts that are delivered to the school for your child’s birthday will be held in the lower school office until the end of the day. These gifts will not be taken to the child’s classroom.

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MIDDLE (6TH – 8TH) and HIGH SCHOOL (9TH – 12TH) WELCOME TO UPPER SCHOOL PARENTS

August 2013 Dear Parents, If this is your first involvement in Christian school education, we trust that this will be the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship. If you are returning or if you have had your children in Christian schools already, we pray that God will continue to bless you as you provide Christ-centered training for your children.

God gave the responsibility of properly training children to parents. This is made very clear in God’s Word. Take time and study such passages as Deuteronomy 6, Ephesians 6, and Colossians 4. The book of Proverbs is another excellent portion of Scripture that emphasizes the importance of the home in the training of children. Fathers and mothers must assume the responsibility of making sure that their children are taught the truths of God’s Word throughout all aspects of life.

You bring the greatest strength to your precious child’s education when you see the relationship between home and school as a partnership, a coming together “to train up a child in the way they should go.” In essence, Woodlands Christian should be an extension of your parenting, with special expertise in curricular and spiritual teaching and nurture.

Let us let you into a secret. Christian schools are not perfect! Woodlands Christian is filled with people and people make mistakes. There will be times when problems and conflicts will surface. However, when this happens, the key to solving them is to respond to them not to react. When problems are not handled properly, only one person ends up on the losing side. That person is always the child. Matthew 18:15-17 gives us God’s clear direction about how to handle a disagreement. The principle is simple.

One must go directly to the person involved and deal with the issue. If it cannot be worked out between the two of you, then ask if both of you could meet with the next person in authority.

Children today need to learn how to live before they can learn how to make a living. They need to develop character before developing a career. It is our hope and prayer that you will do whatever it takes to make sure your children receive such an education. We trust that this year is one of many, in which together home and school join hearts and hands to mold our children according to the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

The Lord’s richest blessings,

Stephen Zeal, M. Ed. School Principal

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UPPER SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF School Principal Academic Dean College Advisor Dean of Students Director of Athletics and Physical Education IT Manager Registrar/RenWeb Coordinator Upper School Administrative Assistant

Stephen Zeal Dr. Bruce Hunter Mackenzie Rollins Clint McDonald Randy Hollas Wes Smith Cyndee Farra Jo Ellen Linder

UPPER SCHOOL DEPARTMENT CHAIRS AND FACULTY Department Chairs Athletics/Physical Education – Randy Hollas Humanities/Fine Arts – Heidi Sweet Math – Anthony Bocciardi Science – Suzette Wheeler

rhollas@twca.net hsweet@twca.net abocciardi@twca.net swheeler@twca.net

Faculty A roster of Woodlands Christian faculty and staff members is available on the school website. Go to www.twca.net/Academics/Faculty and select the teacher's Profile to view contact information.

COMMUNICATION As a partnership, Woodlands Christian expects parents to check ParentsWeb regularly to be proactive about academic progress, and every effort will be made to communicate clearly and in a timely fashion with parents when academic concerns arise. Woodlands Christian expects parental cooperation in support of actions or requests communicated. Parents are encouraged to contact a teacher by e-mail, when a question or concern arises over their child’s progress.

SCHOOL COMMUNICATION Woodlands Christian utilizes the following electronic means as the primary communication vehicle with parents.

1. Email: Faculty and staff have an email address that begins with the first letter of the first name, followed by the complete spelling of the last name, ending with @twca.net. If you are unsure of who to contact for a particular issue, refer to the QUICK REFERENCE on page 8. Emails will be answered as promptly as possible within the time constraints of teaching and advising students.

2. Parents Web: Homework assignments, grades, Progress Reports and Report Cards are posted on Parents Web. Parents are encouraged to use this tool to help guide their children successfully through the school year.

3. Progress Reports and Report Cards: Progress Reports which provide a summative picture of a student’s progress to date in the Quad will be emailed according to the schedule posted in this Handbook. Report cards will be emailed the week following the end of the Quad. Parents are encouraged to make a copy of the report card for their records.

4. Woodlands Christian Website: Visit www.twca.net to stay informed. The weekly newsletter, school forms, Parent/Student Handbook, Dress Code, Athletic events, school events calendar, etc. are some of the many valuable tools contained on the website at www.twca.net.

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PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES During regular school hours, no conferences will be conducted either by phone or in person while a teacher is responsible for students. Supervising students between classes, during arrival or dismissal, lunch periods, and tutoring are examples of situations when faculty and staff are unavailable for conference. Parent/teacher conferences should be scheduled directly with the faculty member by email.

MINISTRY ACTIVITIES This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:8 CHAPEL PROGRAM The chapel program is an integral part of The Woodlands Christian Academy that provides a regular worship opportunity for students and faculty to encounter Christ and grow in their faith through small groups, inspiring music, thought-provoking speakers, and spirit-moving drama. These services are planned and lead by the Campus Pastor under the direction of the School Principal. Each year a character value is selected to be pursued within the school community. Our spiritual theme for 2013-2014 is Rejoice, and it will be emphasized in chapel as well as in Bible classes and special projects.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROJECTS Community outreach projects are scheduled and planned by the campus pastor. These outreach projects are geared towards getting the students outside of the classroom and serving in their community. The uniqueness of these projects that separate them from our individual community service is the team atmosphere that it fosters in the student body. These projects range from daily trips to local ministries to overseas mission trips led by school staff.

STUDENT RETREATS Retreats are planned as determined by school administration in consensus with individual faculty members. The students will participate in many physical activities (such as swimming, canoeing and rope courses, etc.) and will be exposed to devotionals and inspirational teachings that will help explore and deepen their relationship with Christ. In addition, these retreats serve to develop strong bonds among students and teachers. Parents should anticipate an extra cost for these retreats.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ADVISORY Middle School Advisory is a time in which the middle school students meet monthly during Bible class with the Campus Pastor. The class meets in the Campus Pastor’s Lounge and works through topics in a building block fashion throughout the semester in a time of discussion and applicable Bible study.

SPRING FLING Spring Fling is an event sponsored by the National Honor Society that is an outreach to the community.

One day during the spring semester, students host a day of fun and games, much like a carnival, for disabled children in our area. Children are transported to Woodlands Christian from schools all over the district, and paired with an upper school “buddy.”

This annual event is much anticipated by the special-needs children as well as their teachers, and it is a tremendous outreach for Woodlands Christian students. It provides not only a way to step outside of their comfort zone, but it also provides a way to give back to the community in a very positive way.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 Woodlands Christian Community Service is designed to engage our students in personal and direct contact with people and the environment by giving back to the community. The Community Service requirement is designed to encourage our students to give of their time and energy.

High School Minimum: 5 hours each quarter TOTAL 20 hours each year Middle School Minimum: 3 hours each quarter TOTAL 12 hours each year Community Service hours should be earned during the school year (approximately August 1st through May 31st).

Sources for Community Service Students are encouraged to get pre-approval for prospective Community Service projects. Examples of approved projects are as follows: x Mission trips through local churches x Animal Shelter, Public Library, Senior Citizens’ Center x Special Events (Art Festival, Children’s Festival, Triathlon and others) x Interact Activities Guidelines for Service x Students need to have direct contact with people in the community. x The goal is for students to give of their time and energy, rather than monetary gifts. x Service should be done through a non-profit organization. x The student cannot allow his/her parent to complete the hours on his/her behalf. x Helping a parent or family member will not be considered acceptable service hours.

As students perform service hours in the community, they should be mindful that they are seen as an ambassador of Woodlands Christian and a representative of Jesus Christ. Conclusions may be drawn both about the school and about our Lord based upon student’s actions. The goal should always be to show Christ’s love through service to the community.

Parental Involvement x Many of the service projects require adult supervision, and parent volunteers are a crucial part for the success of the Woodlands Christian community service project. x Parental ties with the community are very important for finding new volunteer opportunities. We welcome your suggestions to find suitable projects for our students.

Community Service Procedure x Community Service Forms are available in the upper school office, from the students' Bible teacher, or may be downloaded from Woodlands Christian website. Go to www.twca.net/ Campus Life/School Forms and select the Community Service form under the list of Miscellaneous Forms. x Bring the form to the volunteer site, fill out the form, and then get a signature from the person who supervised your time and work. x If you cannot get a signature, the person who supervised you must send an email to your Bible teacher or note stating the dates and times worked, before the deadline.

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x x x

Turn in the Community Service Form to your Bible teacher at least one week before the end of each quad. It is recommended that students turn in forms as soon as the hours are completed.

Forms turned in after the deadline or incomplete forms will not be accepted.

Students who do not complete the required hours for a quad will have 5 points deducted from that quad's Bible grade.

The deadlines for submitting completed Community Service forms will be posted at the start of each school year.

Service to Woodlands Christian will only be permitted under special circumstances and for no more than 25% of the required service time.

PRAYER Prayer is a vital ingredient in our program of Christian training. Woodlands Christian students are trained in the importance of establishing a consistent daily prayer life. Teachers lead students to understand how God is central to all of life and that continual communication with Him is essential to consistent Christian living. Students are encouraged to make their requests known before God and are given opportunities to pray and to share needs with others as they share their requests with Him. There are many opportunities throughout the year for parents and students to meet for the purpose of prayer.

CAMPUS PASTOR The role of the campus pastor is to lead the students to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and then build up those students so that they will be fully equipped to serve Christ according to the gifts and abilities that God has given them. The campus pastor is responsible to plan and facilitate chapel, develop small groups and student-led Bible studies, organize off-campus retreats, mission trips, and outreach projects, be available for spiritual insight and guidance, equip teachers spiritually, and partner with parents in the spiritual development of Woodlands Christian students.

ACADEMIC POLICIES ACADEMIC PHILOSOPHY In all academic departments, Woodlands Christian seeks to develop a Christian worldview in the minds and hearts of students. The principles of Scripture, especially Genesis 1:1 (In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.), apply to all subjects. An example of this is the presentation of the Darwinian theory of evolution. Woodlands Christian teachers present that theory as the science of one faith, Secular Humanism, as contrasted to Creationism, the science of another faith, Christianity.

Darwinian evolution will be presented as the science of a secular worldview apart from the Word of God, while Creationism, God as the author of the universe, will be shown to be both scientifically sound and biblically true.

As deemed appropriate, diverse sources of knowledge are presented for the purpose of discovering and understanding new aspects of God’s world, and when appropriate, enlightening the student to the existence of a secular world view that is inconsistent with Scripture. But, the goal of Woodlands Christian remains to establish and maintain a Christian school where the primary emphasis in teaching is the glorification of God by building Christ-like character into the lives of students as a foundation for excellence in scholastics.

More is done, in this effort, than merely adding a Bible class to a traditional middle or high school program. Scripture is integrated throughout the students’ history, art, literature, math, or science classes,

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and each subject is taught in the light of God’s existence and His revelation to humanity through His Son, Jesus Christ. Not only are students pointed to the truth of God’s Word, but each student is encouraged to develop a deep, authentic relationship with Jesus Christ.

The curriculum at both the middle school and high school level is a rigorous college-preparatory program.

The school provides an ongoing review of curriculum in each discipline, keeping textbooks current and in line with the best in educational theory, as well as Christian values. Woodlands Christian offers courses at the College Preparatory, Pre-AP, Dual Credit, and Advanced Placement levels.

ACADEMIC COMPETITIONS Any student interested in academic and fine art enrichment opportunities is encouraged to enter competitions. Events vary throughout the year, and students may enter competitions of interest to them.

Woodlands Christian students participate in TAPPS, ACSI, EfTA, and other sanctioned competitions.

ACADEMIC COURSES Course Designation Particulars of individual courses are contained in the syllabi issued the first day of class.

College Preparatory Courses – College Preparatory courses are designed to provide instruction at a high level that will equip students to successfully enter university-level classes in their post-secondary education.

Honors and Pre-AP Courses – The Honors and Pre-AP courses include the curriculum of the College Preparatory courses. These advanced courses differ from College Preparatory courses in that they proceed at a faster pace, study additional concepts, and provide a more in-depth study of the curriculum.

The Honors designation is given to an advanced course with enriched content in an area where no Pre-AP or AP courses are available. Both Honors and Pre-AP classes are taken to prepare students to take the next Honors-level course or the AP course in that subject area.

AP Courses – Advanced Placement (AP) courses are established by the College Board. When the AP exam is successfully completed, students earn college credit that is accepted by a vast majority of universities.

x x

x x

Students are required to complete and submit the Advanced Course Agreement Form to the Academic Dean before they will be officially enrolled in an advanced course.

The following AP classes may be offered as determined by administration: o AP Biology o AP Calculus, with dual credit o AP Chemistry o AP English Language and Composition o AP English Literature and Composition o AP US History o AP World History All AP students are required to take the AP test administered at the appointed dates and times set by the College Board.

Parents should expect to pay test fees as set by College Board.

Dual Credit Courses – Woodlands Christian offers high school students the opportunity to enroll in select, college-level Dual Credit courses through Lone Star College. If a student receives a grade of “C” or higher on a Dual Credit course, the student earns both college and high school credit for that course simultaneously. Dual Credit course credits are transferrable to Texas public colleges and universities and

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to some private and out-of-state colleges and universities. Students interested in enrolling at private or out-of-state institutions following high school graduation are advised to research those specific institutions’ policies for accepting Dual Credit before enrolling in Woodlands Christian Dual Credit courses.

Woodlands Christian students must satisfy the following requirements in order to enroll in Dual Credit courses: x Meet enrollment requirements as set by Lone Star College. x Exhibit the maturity and social behavior necessary to participate successfully in a college-level course.

Occasionally, individual students may take a class on the Lone Star College campus with advance permission from the Academic Dean. In general, permission for this is given only for classes not accommodated on the Woodlands Christian campus.

Recommended Placement Students and parents should make prayerful consideration before enrolling in advanced courses. These courses require more homework, research, and time for outside class preparation. In order to be successful, students are required to exercise more analytical reading skills, study skills, and initiative.

Students are expected to commit the time and effort necessary to be successful. Due to schedule constraints it will not be possible to change levels after the first three weeks of the semester.

A number of factors are considered in determining the appropriate placement of students in courses. The student’s performance in the preceding class is considered in the department recommendation. Generally, students should earn a grade of 85 or higher to continue in an advanced course sequence for the next year.

Students wishing to move from a college preparatory course into a Pre-AP or AP course the following year should earn A’s in the college preparatory course. Test scores, the overall academic record, and the long-term goals of a particular student are other factors, which are considered by the Academic Dean in making any final determinations.

AWARDS Head of School Award Students who meet the criteria listed below will earn the Head of School Award for that semester. The Academic Dean will publish the Head of School Award list within the first two weeks of the succeeding semester. Award recipients will be recognized at the Head of School Award luncheon.

Fall semester Head of School Awards will be presented in January.

Spring semester Head of School Awards will be presented in August.

Students who earn the Head of School Award for the fall semester and for the previous Spring semester will be recognized at the end-of-year awards ceremony in May. Head of School: Middle school students – a cumulative grade average of 95 percent or higher with no course grade below a 90 percent in both quads and no detentions.

High school students – a cumulative GPA of 4.0 or higher in both quads and no detentions.

End-of-the-Year Recognition An academic awards assembly will be held in May to recognize outstanding academic achievements for the school year. Students who attain the highest grade average in a course will be recognized as the outstanding student in that subject.

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The Daniel Award is a special award given to one student in the senior class, recommended by his or her peers, and chosen by the Woodlands Christian School Board, who best exemplifies the courageous and righteous behavior of this biblical hero.

GRADING Grading Scale Woodlands Christian uses a weighted 4.0 scale to calculate GPA. While each student has a GPA calculation, Woodlands Christian does not rank students.

The grading scale is as follows: 90-100 80-89 75-79 70-74 69 and below

A B C D F

College Preparatory Pre-AP/Honors 4.0 4.5 3.0 3.5 2.0 2.5 1.0 1.5 0.0 0.0

AP/Dual Credit 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 0.0

Grading Schedule The upper school year is divided into two semesters. Each semester is divided in half, creating two grading quarters, or “Quads,” per semester, to create four grading periods per school year.

Progress Reports Progress Reports are emailed to parents approximately every three weeks to provide a cumulative picture of a student’s academic progress.

Report Cards Report Cards will be emailed to parents after the conclusion of each quad. Academic grades will be reported numerically and Conduct grades will be listed as E = Excellent S = Satisfactory N = Needs Improvement U = Unsatisfactory A student’s grades are accessible at all times through Parents Web; however, report cards and progress reports are only accessible through ParentsWeb for 2 weeks after they are emailed.

Parents are encouraged to print a copy for their records. Access to ParentsWeb is closed during the last week in each Quad to allow for the posting of grades, semester exams, etc.

Grade Recording High school grades are entered into transcripts on a semester basis. Middle School operates on a yearly average system, averaging all four Quads into an annual grade. High school students who fail a course for the semester will have to make up the credit, either in summer school or by repeating the course the following year. Students who fail the first semester of a Dual Credit course but pass the second semester of the course with a sufficiently high grade to bring the yearly average to a passing level, will receive a full credit for the second semester of the course.

Promotion and Retention Middle School students who fail one of the core academic courses; English, math, science, or history, will be required to attend summer school for credit recovery in that course. Students must pass the credit recovery course in order to be promoted to the next grade. Middle School students who fail 2 or more

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core courses will be required to repeat the grade. Due to the small size of Woodlands Christian's Middle School program, students who fail the grade will not be permitted to enroll for the following year.

Semester Exams High School Semester Exams – At the end of each semester, a comprehensive examination will be given in each subject to all high school students. Exams will be scheduled in two-hour blocks during a week designated as exam week. High school semester exams will be counted as 20 percent of the semester grade; Quad 1 grades will count as 40 percent and Quad 2 grades will count as 40 percent. Only semester grades will appear on high school transcripts.

Middle School Semester Exams – Middle school students will take exams during semester exam week.

The material covered on these exams will not be weighted more than other tests. Middle school Quad 1 grades will count as 50 percent and Quad 2 grades will count as 50 percent of the semester grade. In all non-core courses a semester exam is a teacher’s option.

Classes for HS Credit – 8th grade students taking a course for HS credit will follow the HS semester exam policies listed above.

Designated review days will be held prior to semester exams to assist students in exam preparation.

Extra-curricular activities will be kept to a minimum during this time.

Exam Exemptions In the spring semester, high school students may earn an exemption from the semester exam in some classes. Freshmen may exempt 1 exam, and sophomores and juniors may exempt 2 exams. Seniors may exempt any class in which they meet the requirements listed below: x

A 91-100 average in each quad of the spring semester. The 2nd Progress Report will contain the 4th Quad grade used to determine exemption eligibility.

x

During the second semester, the student can have no more than 5 tardies to that class, have not served more than one attendance detention, and have no unexcused absences or instances of truancy.

x

Students who earn a detention for cheating or other types of academic dishonesty will be ineligible to exempt any exams.

x

Students who have earned more than one Saturday Detention, an In- or Out-of-school suspension, or have been placed on disciplinary probation will be ineligible to exempt any exams.

x

Prior to the AP exam, a test/evaluation exercise/assessment activity will be given in all AP courses that may be applied as a final exam grade if the AP student does not meet the above exemption criteria. Semester grades for those AP students meeting exemption criteria will reflect an exempt status indicating a final exam grade was not used in computing the semester average.

x

Students enrolled in Dual Credit courses are not eligible to exempt the semester exam in that subject.

Students who meet these standards are eligible to exempt one or more exams. The process for applying for an exemption will be emailed to all students and parents in early May.

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Academic Probation The Academic Dean will review grades each quad. A student with a failing grade (below 70) at the time report cards are issued will be placed on academic probation. The student and his/her parents will meet with the Academic Dean to ensure that the academic expectations of the school are clear and attainable by the student. An action plan will be developed at this meeting.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Students at Woodlands Christian must earn a minimum of 28 regular credits to graduate. The credits are listed below.

Many Woodlands Christian students will exceed these minimum requirements and may opt to take additional courses in the core academic subjects.

English History Math Science Bible Foreign Language

4 credits 4 credits 4 credits 4 credits 4 credits 3 credits

Fine Arts Technology Health Speech Electives Physical Education

1 credit 1 credit .5 credit .5 credit .5 credit 1.5 credits

In extremely rare instances, a student may seek to obtain an early graduation. This may happen when the student has been accepted to a Division I university on an athletic scholarship. Students and parents should meet with the Academic Dean as early in the process as is possible in order to determine if all of the graduation requirements can be met. Approval of requests for early graduation are considered on a case by case basis and are not automatically granted.

Students that are deficient more than one credit toward graduation requirements may not be permitted to participate in graduation ceremonies. Final transcripts cannot be issued until all graduation credits have been completed, and the student’s financial account has been cleared.

Transfer students will have their transcripts analyzed as the basis for developing their Four-Year Plan.

Physical Education Students must earn 1.5 credits in Physical Education for graduation from Woodlands Christian. Most Woodlands Christian students earn the required PE credits through participation on a Woodlands Christian sponsored, co-curricular sport. PE credits may be earned in 2 ways: 1. Woodlands Christian Athletics – Participate in at least 3 complete seasons of one of Woodlands Christian’s team sports. Team practices will be held outside of the regular school day, either after school or in the mornings.

2. Participate in the equivalent of 3 semester-long PE classes in off-campus, approved team sport or athletic training under the supervision of an approved trainer with the written approval of the Athletic Director.

Students are encouraged to earn their PE graduation credits by participating in a Woodlands Christian sponsored sport. .5 credits will be awarded for participating in one full season of any Woodlands Christian sport. Practices for these co-curricular activities will normally be held after school.

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Students who want athletic credit for approved off-campus physical activities must participate in the activity for at least 10 hours a week during the school year to receive credit. Credits earned off campus receive a “P” for passing, or “F” for failing. Students must complete the EXEMPTION FROM WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ATHLETICS PARTICIPATION form available in the Athletic Director’s office. The student, parents, Academic Dean and Athletic Director must approve all off-campus activity.

In addition, a log must be filled out and signed by the student and an authorized employee overseeing the activity.

High School Credit for Middle School Students Middle school students who successfully complete Algebra I in 8th grade will be awarded high school credit. Transfer students may earn credits in approved high school courses, taken in middle school.

These credits appear on the transcript but are not included in GPA calculations.

Transfer Credit Students who transfer to Woodlands Christian after attending a public or private high school will submit an official transcript. The courses and grades will be included in the Woodlands Christian transcript and the student’s GPA calculated based upon these grades. Transcripts from international schools that hold grading systems that are fundamentally different from Woodlands Christian will be transcribed into the Woodlands Christian transcript, but will not be calculated into the student’s overall GPA. Students must submit an official copy of their transcript from the previous school when applying to colleges.

Transcripts In certain situations, students may take courses from other accredited educational institutions. These situations are limited to the following: x Taking a course for credit recovery after failing the course. x Taking a course when a scheduling conflict prevents a student from taking the course on campus. x Taking a course as an elective or supplemental course when the course is not offered by Woodlands Christian.

Any off-campus courses must be approved by the Academic Dean prior to enrollment and must be taken through an accredited school. The course is entered on the Woodlands Christian transcript as earned from the credit granting institution. Only courses taken through our online partner, SevenStar Academy, will be calculated into the student’s overall GPA. An official transcript must be received from the credit granting institution before the course can be entered on the Woodlands Christian transcript.

GPA A student's Grade Point Average is computed each semester, and the overall GPA is updated at that time.

The GPA is based on a weighted 4.0 grading scale. Due to the small class sizes, Woodlands Christian does not rank students but sends the student’s GPA to interested colleges and universities. Due to the automatic acceptance at the University of Texas and Texas A&M University of those students in the top 8% of their class, Woodlands Christian will notify, upon request, either school if a student’s GPA places them in the top 8% of their graduating class.

Grades for courses taken for credit recovery, where a student failed a course and is repeating the course to regain the lost credit, do not replace the original grade. Upon successful completion of a repeated course, that grade will be entered into the transcript and the grade will be included in GPA calculations.

Valedictorian and Salutatorian The Salutatorian is the senior student who has the second highest GPA for his/her high school years. The Salutatorian is recognized at commencement and delivers a speech at the ceremony.

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The Valedictorian is the senior student with the highest overall GPA for his/her high school years. The Valedictorian receives the Texas Honor Graduate Certificate and is awarded free tuition for his/her freshman year at any Texas public university.

Students must be enrolled full time at Woodlands Christian for the last four semesters of high school to be eligible for valedictorian or salutatorian consideration.

Junior Marshals The top two Junior girls and top two Junior boys are named at the Upper School Awards ceremony to serve as Junior Marshals at the Commencement Ceremony.

HIGH-SCHOOL 4-YEAR PLANS The Academic Dean will provide students with the four-year plan that guides them to reach their highest level of academic achievement. A four-year plan is formulated and kept on file for each student as he or she enters high school. This plan is used to ensure proper progress in meeting graduation requirements.

The 4-year plan is updated annually and serves as the guide for course selection. Students should keep a copy of their four-year plan.

HOMEWORK A rigorous academic program, which challenges students to reach their highest potential, requires out-ofclass work. Homework will vary according to course load and individual study habits.

Some assignments are assigned well in advance of their deadline, to give the student time to plan, research, and prepare a more complex project. The student must plan and arrange the necessary time to complete the assignment, including any additional help or clarification from the teacher. Limited project materials (like poster boards) are available in the on-campus school store.

Teachers may assign a student an additional academic assignment at any time. The assignment is required to be completed in the time period set by the teacher. Additional academic assignments are used to reinforce class work and/or student discipline, not for the purpose of improving a low grade at the end of a semester.

Student Planning and Responsibility Managing time effectively is a vital skill for success in school and in life. Assistance is provided to students in the form of planning tools which can facilitate this effort.

Each middle school student is encouraged to use a daily planner, and to record all assignments and due dates on a consistent basis. High school students should take responsibility for recording all assignments and due dates in their Outlook calendars on their Apple laptop on a regular basis. Additionally, these planning tools may be used cooperatively by teachers and parents in the event a student begins to struggle.

Each week, assignments will be posted on Parents Web (on the Internet website through RenWeb), allowing both students and parents to look up any work that may be assigned. These homework postings are provided as a supplemental resource to aid parents only and are not intended to take the place of the student’s responsibility to record assignments in his/her planner. ParentsWeb can be accessed by clicking on the Parent Login button at the top of Woodlands Christian's home page.

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Tests and Major Projects When feasible, teachers will make every effort to schedule no more than two “core” class tests, or one “core” class test and 2 quizzes per day. Major-grade projects count as a test. The US test calendar is monitored regularly by the Academic Dean to help insure that students are not overloaded with tests on a particular class day.

Many of Woodlands Christian’s courses are taken by students in several grades. This fact makes it impossible to guarantee that a student will never have more than 2 tests or projects due. Every effort will be made by the faculty and administration to prevent this from occurring.

Incomplete Grades Students will have three weeks from the report card date to convert an incomplete grade on the report card. After that time, the student will lose the ability to change the grade.

Late Work The policy for late work will be explained by each teacher and included in the class syllabus.

Make-Up Work/Tests When students are absent from school it is crucial that they complete any missed assignments, tests, quizzes, etc., as soon as possible. The letter M is placed in the grade book to denote a “Missing” Assignment. It is the student’s responsibility to determine which assignments need to be made up and to turn-in the work within the time requirements. RenWeb is the main resource to use to determine what assignments must be completed. Students should make every effort to do any work possible, even when ill.

Faculty members regularly extend themselves to assist students in catching up on missed work. The general guideline is that students will have a number of days equal to the days they were excusably absent to turn in any missed assignments. Refer to the Attendance Section of this handbook for the specifics pertaining to attendance.

Students who fail to complete make-up work and turn it in, in a timely manner, may receive 0’s for those assignments.

Make-up Work Due to Athletics, Other School Events or Planned Absences A student who is aware of an athletic competition or other school-sponsored event, or an excused planned event, a college visit for example, that will cause him or her to be absent from a class is responsible for keeping up with his or her schoolwork. Any work that is due during a period that the student will miss should be turned in before the class period. Any tests that the student will miss should be taken ahead of time if possible and arrangements made with the teachers involved.

Unexcused Absences – Students who receive an unexcused absence will be allowed to make up all academic work missed; however, work missed may be subject to the maxium-of-75 percent rule.

Nurses’ Station Absences – Students who miss a class period because they are in the nurse’s station but who stay in school for the remainder of the school day will be responsible to turn in any assignments for the missed period before the end of that school day.

If a student is sent home by the nurse, any assignments due the day they were sent home are due the day of their return. Any tests missed due to these circumstances must be taken the day the student returns.

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Partial-Day Absences – It is assumed that students who miss part of a school day due to illness, doctor’s appointments or other excused absences should have all assignments prepared and test preparation complete.

A student who is absent for a period of time during the school day but who comes to school for a portion of the day, should be prepared to turn in any assignments due in the classes missed. Students should make arrangements with the teacher to take any missed tests sometime during that same school day or immediately after school.

Truancy – If a student is truant to a class period, he or she may receive a zero on any assignment missed or not turned in.

STUDENT SCHEDULES Schedule Changes/Drop Dates Students may apply for a course change/drop within the first full week of each semester with the Academic Dean. No schedules will be changed or courses dropped after the first progress report of the semester.

Schedule change forms are available in the school office and should be submitted to the Academic Dean after approval by parents and teachers. Students should continue to attend the original class until notified by the Academic Dean that the change has been approved, and the student has been enrolled into the new class.

SUMMER READING AND MATH POLICY Research indicates that students perform better academically in the fall when involved in summer reading programs. The summer reading program is integral to developing an appreciation of literature, a love of reading, and an understanding of learning as a life-long activity. Reading lists and expectations are available on our website at www.twca.net/Academics/Summer Academics. Books are available from various online bookstores.

Reviewing math skills during the summer is beneficial to the students and helps them retain necessary and relevant information upon their return in the fall. An online program is currently used for summer math practice.

TEXTBOOKS AND EQUIPMENT Textbooks Textbooks and resource materials are issued to students. These belong to the school and must be respected as borrowed property. Parents will be billed for any textbooks or equipment lost or damaged by their child.

In some advanced classes, i.e. Pre-AP, AP, and Dual Credit, textbooks are not provided, and must be purchased by student.

Laptops Apple Macbook computers are issued to all high school students at the beginning of the school year.

Students will be issued the same laptop each year for their high school careers at Woodlands Christian. x Students must sign and return the Woodlands Christian Laptop Sign-out Form when the laptop is issued. Parents should notify the IT Manager in writing within 48 hours of laptop receipt if the laptop is not in good working order.

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x x x

x x

Repairs to computers above what are designated as covered-warranty repairs will be the responsibility of the student and parents.

Repairs to the computers must only be done through the Woodlands Christian IT Manager and using Apple Authorized Repair Vendors. No repairs can be done without the authorization of the IT Manager.

It is strongly urged that parents purchase third-party insurance that is available to cover repairs such as screen breakage, cracked laptop cases, or any other damage to the laptop. Costs up to the Apple certified replacement cost will be incurred by parents who fail to purchase insurance. If the insurance is purchased through Safeware, Safeware will coordinate claims directly with Woodlands Christian. Parents will only be billed by the school for the current deductible.

Refer to the TECHNOLOGY POLICY section of the Handbook for Computer, Internet and the Laptop Acceptable Use Policies.

Students will turn in the computer at the end of the school year as part of the check-out process.

The same laptop as well as peripheral equipment; power supplies, hard drives, and laptop bags that were initially issued to the student must be returned in good working order or the parents will be billed the replacement cost if insurance was not purchased. Otherwise, only the deductible will be billed to the parents.

TUTORING Students are encouraged to ask their teachers for help when they are having difficulty in a class. A student may be required to attend a tutorial session at the discretion of the Academic Dean.

Teachers and coaches will make every effort to coordinate tutoring and practice/game schedules to the benefit of the student.

During the school year, Woodlands Christian faculty are not permitted to tutor students in their subject areas for remuneration.

ATTENDANCE POLICIES GUIDELINES Class attendance is essential for success as a student. Lost instructional time, due to absence, is difficult to make up for both students and teachers. Making up missed assignments adds homework to students’ schedules. Parents and students must work together and both take responsibility for regular and punctual class attendance, since class attendance affects class credit.

Families are urged to plan vacation days in accordance with the school calendar and scheduled time off.

Student attendance records will be reviewed each quad.

School begins at 8:00 AM. In upper school, attendance is taken every period. Students are expected to be in their seats, prepared to work when the bell rings. Dismissal is at 3:30 PM. Students are required to be present during achievement, standardized, or placement testing, semester exams, school-wide ministry days (on or off campus), or major field trips.

ABSENCES Communication Parents should contact the school by e-mail (attendance@twca.net) on the morning of absence, early release, etc. by 9:00 AM. All attendance issues are to be directed to the Dean of Students.

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Excused Absences Excused absences may be granted for, but not limited to, the following reasons: a. Illness b. Family emergencies c. Death in the family d. Dental or medical appointments* e. Funeral, graduation, or wedding of family member, f. Athletic clubs, tournaments, or competitions for sports not offered at Woodlands Christian g. College visits (see College Advisory section) h. Visits to the DPS to obtain or renew driving permit or license. One visit is excused per school year. *Students must bring the doctor's note to the upper school office upon returning to school.

All absences are initially entered in RenWeb as unexcused until documentation, a parent’s note or doctor’s excuse, is received. The unexcused status affects how grades are entered, and it is critical that parents and students make every effort to bring the necessary documentation to the office as soon as possible after the absence.

When excused absences are voluntary (rather than due to illness or emergency), the student should work ahead to reduce the amount of make-up work and to keep pace with the rest of the class. Students must make arrangements for making up tests, quizzes, or other in-class assignments. Students may be asked to complete assignments before departure. Because preplanning is assumed, all assignments will be due the day the student returns to campus. This includes block day classes also. See the Academic section for grades and credit given for make-up work and tests.

Parents should not request to excuse an absence for reasons other than those listed above.

Unexcused Absences Unexcused absences are recorded for any absence for reasons other than those listed above. If a doctor’s note is not provided for any doctor’s appointment within one day of the appointment, the absence will remain unexcused.

If a student still must miss scheduled school days for reasons other than those listed as excused above, Woodlands Christian will expect prior written communication between the parents and the Dean of Students. This absence will be considered unexcused. Any absence that is not communicated properly will be considered truancy.

Excessive Absences State law requires 90% attendance in each class, which allows for only 9 absences per semester.

Excessive absences may result in the following: x Conference with Dean of Students x Loss of credit or mandatory makeup of class hours. x Ineligibility for spring exam exemptions x Academic probation

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Release from School When a student is to leave school during the school day, parents should follow these procedures: 1. Notify the upper school by email (attendance@twca.net) no later than 9:00 AM in the morning giving the reason for release and permission for the student’s release from school. All attendance issues need to be directed to the Dean of Students. Please do not call the front desk or the US office for attendance issues. Without this notice, the student will not be released. If a student drives to school, the communication should include the time he/she should leave campus for the appointment.

2. Student will report to the upper school office to sign out and receive a “PERMISSION FOR RELEASE” form. He/She will then proceed to the front desk and leave the release form with the front receptionist.

3. Wait at the front reception for your student.

4. Do not wait until the last minute to notify the office. Do not call or text your child on his/her cell phone to tell him/her about an appointment.

5. If the student returns during the school day, he/she must sign in at the US office, turn in the doctor's note, and receive a tardy slip to class.

All students must check in and out at the upper school office, and use the main entrance to exit, including those students who drive themselves. There are times when the front reception will be busy; however, parents and students must wait to complete the checkout process before leaving campus. Students who do not follow these procedures and leave campus will be considered truant.

Returning after Absence A student returning to school after an absence must bring the signed note from parent (for 1 or 2 days absence) to the upper school office the morning of his/her return. For absences of 3 or more days, a note from the doctor is required. If the parent does not supply a note within one school day of the student's return from absence, the absence will be considered unexcused.

For contagious illnesses (e.g. lice, staph infection, pink eye, chicken pox) parents are to check with the nurses before allowing the student to return.

Tardies School begins at 8:00 AM. After 8:00 AM, the U/S entrance gates will be locked, and students will enter through the main building doors. Students will sign in at the upper school office and receive a Tardy slip.

In the upper school, attendance is taken every period. Tardy students will not be admitted to class without a Tardy slip. Students more than 10 minutes late to class will be counted as absent (unexcused).

1st Period Upper school students are allowed three (3) no-fault tardies to first period classes each semester.

These tardies are not classified as excused or unexcused and are permitted to allow for oversleeping, lost electrical power, traffic, weather conditions, etc. Students who exceed the allowable limits will receive the consequences listed below.

Medical and dental appointments will not be counted as part of the three (3) no-fault tardies. In cases of wide-spread inclement weather or unusual traffic conditions that affect a large number of students, a special excused tardy will be applied to all students who are tardy without penalty.

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2nd – 8th Period Tardies Upper school students will be allowed three (3) no-fault tardies per semester to 2nd through 8th period classes. Unexcused tardies in excess of the established limit will receive the consequences for excessive tardies listed below: Excessive Tardy Penalties 1st Excess Tardy 2nd Excess Tardy

Before School Detention Before School Detention

3rd Excess Tardy 4th Excess Tardy

Saturday School Detention Saturday School Detention

5th Excess Tardy

In-School Suspension for a period of one school day.

Students who have earned more than one Saturday Detention for excessive tardies will be ineligible to exempt any exams.

Truancy Truancy is any absence from class or school without following attendance guidelines. Truancy is counted as an unexcused absence. A student absent from a class and or a school day without the permission of the school and parents will be considered truant. If a student is truant, he/she will receive an in-school suspension and be assessed an $80.00 fee to defray the cost of the supervisor. The student who is truant will suffer the inevitable academic penalty resulting from missed instruction, as well as being subject to disciplinary consequences.

COLLEGE ADVISORY The College Advisor seeks to facilitate the efforts of students and parents in discovering God's plan for the student's college education and assembling an effective application for admission and scholarships.

Some of the resources available to the parents and students include: College Webpage – This is the very best source for up to date information located on the Woodlands Christian website. Go to www.twca.net/Academics and select College Advisory.

College Handbook is given to every student in the freshman year and to any transfer students to help organize the information necessary to complete the college applications during senior year. The handbook gives a step-by-step guide to the college admissions process and career planning tools. It includes information about standardized testing dates, a variety of tips on study skills, choosing a college, college campus visits and much more. The handbook is a place to keep records of high school years' achievements, report cards, awards, standardized testing scores, class schedules, etc. When used properly, the handbook will assist students in completing their college applications during their senior year, as all necessary information will be concisely organized.

The College Advisory office is located in room U415 and contains current catalogs, brochures and additional resource books for students and parents to read. Information on individual colleges, scholarships and college entrance exams are available from the college office as well as on the college webpage.

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Recommendation Letters (Brag Sheet) or college admissions forms that require an advisor's or faculty member’s signature require a minimum of 10 working days notice. They should be given directly to the college advisor or faculty member. To ensure the very best letter of recommendation possible, students are required to complete a College Recommendation Form. The student is encouraged to take time to reflect and be honest when completing the College Recommendation Form. The more insightful the information provided, the better the letter will be. Students are responsible for providing an addressed and stamped envelope with each recommendation letter request. Recommendation letters and transcripts are not mailed together.

Transcript Requests should be sent directly to the Registrar’s office not to the College Advisory office.

To request a transcript, send an e-mail to cfarra@twca.net and include the following information: name of the school or college, complete mailing address, and attention line information (for example: Attention Undergraduate Admissions). Transcripts will be mailed within 5 working days of receipt of e-mail. Ten transcripts will be printed free of charge for each student; each additional official transcript will be provided at a cost of $5.00 Note: Final transcripts will not be mailed until all financial accounts have been cleared through the business office.

Individual appointments – The college advisor is available by appointment to work directly with students and parents.

SAT & ACT Preparation Courses – Woodlands Christian offers information and recommendations of preparation courses for both standardized tests, from reputable sources in the local area. Students are strongly encouraged to use this valuable tool to prepare for this important test. More information on testing can be found on the College Advisory page. Go to www.twca.net/Academics/College Advisory and select Testing Information.

COLLEGE VISITS Seniors and juniors are encouraged to visit colleges for which they are interested in seeking admission.

Seniors and juniors are allotted a maximum of three school days each year to be counted as excused absences to visit colleges. Students who are absent from classes due to college visits must make arrangements, in advance, by taking the following steps: 1. Prior to the day missed, a written note or email from the parent must be received by the College Advisor's office stating the date the student will be taking his/her college visit.

2. Once the parent note is received, the student can pick up a College Visit Form from the college advisor's office.

3. The student is responsible for any missed assignments during his/her absence according to the attendance policies.

4. The student must bring a College Visit Form to the college and have a school official sign off on the designated area on the sheet.

5. Any college campus visit should include the official campus tour.

6. Verification of the campus visit must be brought to the advisor the day the student returns to campus.

COLLEGE TESTING PSAT and PLAN Test The Preliminary SAT test (PSAT) provides valuable guidance for parents and students. The PSAT is used to determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship program. 10th and 11th graders will take the PSAT, and the 10th graders will take the PLAN test to assist in narrowing the focus of college

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selection. The PLAN test, administered by ACT, combines academic achievement information and an interest inventory to assist in the selection of college majors.

ACT and SAT Tests The ACT or SAT tests are the two main tests used to determine college admissions. These tests are given at various high school and college campuses. Testing dates will be posted on the College Advisory page.

Go to www.twca.net/Academics/College Advisory and select Testing Information. Students should plan to sign up for an exam at least 6 weeks prior to exam date to ensure a seat is still available and to avoid incurring a late registration penalty. Student’s scores are typically available on the test's website 3 weeks after the test has been administered.

Students are strongly urged to take the ACT test in January of the junior year. This score will be used in conjunction with the PSAT score to determine the optimal test – ACT or SAT – for each individual student.

The Woodlands Christian code is 447644. It is imperative that this code is used when registering for the ACT or SAT tests.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE POLICY GENERAL DISCIPLINE STATEMENT “If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it – how shortsighted to refuse correction!”

Proverbs 12:1 The purpose of the Woodlands Christian discipline policy is fourfold: 1) To obey biblical mandates as discipline is a scriptural principle, 2) to create and atmosphere that is conducive to learning, 3) to produce quality character in an individual, 4) to teach self-discipline and respect – respect for others, respect for self, and respect for property. If the purpose of any discipline is to leave an impression then the purpose of Christian discipline is to leave an eternal impression. Woodlands Christian does not condone or use corporal punishment with Woodlands Christian students.

What is effective discipline? Effective discipline means that the classroom and campus is relatively free from confusion, disorder, and anti-social behavior. Each student and the group as a whole operates freely within a structured framework which they understand, accept, and incorporate into their behavior without constant reminders and correction.

You as parents bring the greatest strength to your precious child’s education when you see your relationship with Woodlands Christian as a partnership. In essence, Woodlands Christian is an extension of your parenting, with special expertise in curricular and spiritual teaching and nurture.

Woodlands Christian expects strong parental support in their child’s education and we in turn support you, the parent, in the area of disciplining your child.

“Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 All discipline will be based on biblical principles, e.g. prayer, requesting forgiveness (public and private), restitution, swift discipline, restoration of fellowship, no lingering ungodly attitudes, etc. The vast

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majority of potential discipline problems will be dealt with at the classroom level. The specifics and nature of each discipline incident and the individual personality of the student involved will be considered in the administration of discipline.

The goal of the discipline policy at Woodlands Christian is to disciple students in the Lord’s way. There needs to also be a clear distinction between punishment and discipline. While punishment looks back, discipline addresses the future. “Discipline” is instruction that molds, shapes, corrects, and inspires appropriate behavior; punishment is the infliction of suffering, pain, injury, or loss.

It is vital for parents and students to realize that maintaining an orderly atmosphere in the school and the classroom is critical to the learning process; therefore, these policies must be adhered to. As in all other areas of the education at Woodlands Christian, mercy and forgiveness will be an integral part of the discipline of a child. It is because we love that we discipline.

STUDENT LIFESTYLE STATEMENT Woodlands Christian is committed to each student’s development as a whole person for the fulfillment of God's will, focusing not only upon the discovery and development of abilities and gifts, but also upon growth in spiritual maturity. The privilege of belonging to the Woodlands Christian community includes adherence to certain rules of procedure and conduct that are designed for the best interest of everyone involved. At Woodlands Christian, some of these are based on clear biblical imperatives, some are drawn from biblical principles and others are part of the institutional distinctives that make the school special.

As a minimum requirement, each community member is obliged: 1. To be a good steward of time by engaging in careful study, service to the community, active participation in a local church, and attendance at Woodlands Christian chapel services.

2. To exercise wise biblical discernment in all areas of life.

3. To avoid every form of immorality, including immoral sexual behavior, homosexuality, lying, stealing and cheating.

4. To abstain from possession and use of illegal drugs and alcoholic beverages.

5. To abstain from activities that may cause personal spiritual harm or may show insensitivity regarding how one's behavior affects other members of the community.

Some of these community expectations are matters of Christian liberty, for which each student alone will be responsible for his/her behavior, either on campus, or away. It is expected that students will temporarily set aside that freedom in these areas for the benefit of the entire community.

Students' voluntary enrollment at Woodlands Christian attests to the fact that they agree to live within the framework of Woodlands Christian’s community expectations as stated in the Parent Student Handbook.

Students are obligated to honorable adherence to the community expectations while enrolled at Woodlands Christian, including all school vacations; adherence to these policies is mandatory.

Behavior, either on campus or away, that indicates a student has disregard for the spirit of The Woodlands Christian Academy community expectations may be sufficient reason to ask a student to withdraw from Woodlands Christian.

BIBLICAL GUIDELINES At The Woodlands Christian Academy, we believe that academic and personal integrity are absolutely essential elements to create a comfortable and trusting educational atmosphere for students, faculty, staff, and school family members. All students are encouraged to extend their educational experiences beyond textbooks and academics. Woodlands Christian is responsible not only for developing a student’s mind, but partnering with parents in developing character, strong moral values, and social responsibility. To

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accomplish this goal, each student must uphold and follow the school’s Honor Code. The Honor Code is a system of mutual trust among parents, students, faculty, and staff.

For the Honor Code to work, parents, students, faculty, and administrators must share the responsibility for promoting the principles of honor and for creating an atmosphere of trust.

HONOR CODE PLEDGE “As a member of The Woodlands Christian Academy community, I pledge that I will consistently act in a positive, Christ-like manner. I pledge that I will not lie, cheat, or steal and that I will uphold the values of honesty, integrity, love, and encouragement.”

Student disciplinary matters should not be discussed among parents, teachers, and students in order to protect the dignity of every student at Woodlands Christian. These are confidential matters that cannot be discussed by faculty and administration with other individuals who were not involved in the particular disciplinary action of a specific case (refer to Matthew 18 and our school policy on gossip). As a Christian school we earnestly seek and ask for this discretion among all students, parents, and staff.

IN LOCO PARENTIS Woodlands Christian believes in the priority of the family as instituted by God. No other institution is given the high calling of rearing and nurturing children. “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4. Our school serves in loco parentis; that is, faculty and staff stand in the parents’ place, training students here as we anticipate Christian parents are also doing at home.

STUDENT CONDUCT Woodlands Christian recognizes that some issues may not be referenced in the handbook. In cases of differences in interpretation, the school administration will render decisions that are fair and in the best interest of both the student and the school.

Student Behavior Each student is expected to realize that we are in the very presence of God. Everything done is for His glory, and the more conscious we are of God’s presence among us the more harmony is found in the school. All students must conduct themselves both on campus and at school-related activities in a manner that exemplifies Woodlands Christian’s proud heritage as a Christ-centered school founded on biblical principles.

Expectations and procedures have been thoughtfully and prayerfully developed to promote this goal. A significant amount of time is invested at the beginning of each school year to communicate these expectations and procedures and to train students how they are to behave while in school.

The formal discipline program has been designed to remind students of appropriate behavior and communicate the consequences that result from misbehavior. The program is designed to re-direct the student back on the appropriate path and enhance learning in the classroom.

The behavioral expectations below are effective during school hours and at school-related functions including school-organized trips. Woodlands Christian reserves the right to take disciplinary action in response to actions occurring off campus or outside of school hours when such incidents hinder the school's ability to accomplish its mission or reflect negatively upon the school.

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Infractions listed below identify and categorize types of conduct undesirable and detrimental to the mission of Woodlands Christian. In some instances, circumstances may lead administration to deal with an offense differently than indicated below. Student and parental cooperation is both expected and essential.

DISCIPLINE POLICY “Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”

2 Timothy 3:16 “If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it – how shortsighted to refuse correction!”

Proverbs 12:1 The following is a general discipline guideline. Not all acts of misconduct can be itemized.

These are some basic behaviors which will automatically necessitate discipline. These behaviors are, but not limited to: disrespect, dishonesty, lying, cheating, stealing, rebelling, fighting, obscene language or behavior, damage to the school and bullying. Individual student behavior will be dealt with appropriately based on the offense.

Demerits and Detentions are recorded in RenWeb. Demerit counts accumulate, but restart at the beginning of the second semester. Detention counts accumulate for the entire school year. Generally, demerits and detentions accumulate as follows; however, in some instances, circumstances may lead administration to deal with an offense differently.

5 demerits in one semester = 1 morning detention 2 morning detentions in one semester = 1 Saturday detention 3 Saturday detentions in the academic year = 1 In-school suspension Level I Offenses: 1 Demerit x Dress code violation x Classroom disruption x Unprepared for class x Failure to follow classroom rules x Horseplay on the deck, in a hallway or a classroom x Cell phones seen or heard (the teacher takes the phone, gives to administration, the student collects the phone at end of school day and the parents are billed a fee.) x Talking on cell phone while driving in the parking lot Level II Offenses: Morning Detention Assigned automatically for any level II infraction or after the accumulation of 3 demerits in one semester. x Disrespectful attitude or behavior to any student, faculty, staff or volunteer with the school x Chewing gum on campus x 3 unexcused tardies to any period x Unauthorized eating or drinking x Inappropriate parking lot behavior x Throwing objects in a classroom or hallway x Inappropriate language x Inappropriate print or Internet material on campus x Inappropriate displays of affection x Setting off any fire or emergency exit alarms in a non-emergency

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Level III Offenses: Saturday Morning Detention ($45) Assigned for any level III offense or for the 3rd detention in a school year. After 2 morning detentions, the 3rd is automatically a Saturday detention. x Academic dishonesty (includes homework) Level IV Offenses: Suspension or Expulsion Assigned for any level IV offense or for the accumulation of 2 Saturday Detentions. x Fighting x Stealing (suspension plus return of stolen property) x Vandalism (suspension plus restitution of all damages) x Pornographic, racial or gender-offensive materials x Truancy x Verbal and/or physical abuse toward another student (bullying, including cyber bullying) x Any dishonesty or deliberate deception (cheating and plagiarism on major work, lying, etc.)

DISCIPLINE TERMS Arson – The setting of any kind of fire on the premises of Woodlands Christian or the false sounding of a fire alarm are both considered serious offenses in the Student Code of Conduct and in most cases constitutes violations of the law as well. Law enforcement authorities may be called at the discretion of Woodlands Christian officials.

Assaults or Fighting – Woodlands Christian is committed to maintaining an academic environment in which all individuals treat each other with dignity and respect and which is free from all forms of intimidation, exploitation and harassment, including sexual harassment. Woodlands Christian is prepared to take action to prevent and correct any violations of this policy. Anyone who violates this policy will be subject to discipline, including suspension or expulsion. Students are likewise prohibited from assaulting anyone on or off Woodlands Christian property.

An assault is defined as: 1. Intentionally, or knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person.

2. Intentionally, or knowingly threatening another with imminent bodily injury.

3. Intentionally, or knowingly causing physical contact with another when the student knows or should reasonably believe that the other will regard the contact as offensive or provocative.

Behavior Contract – A behavior contract is a contract between a student and the school, which spells out specific standards that the student must uphold in order to continue enrollment in Woodlands Christian. A student who violates the behavior contract will be required to meet with a parent and school administration. The student may face suspension or immediate expulsion.

Care of Personal Belongings – Students are responsible for the secure storage of books and personal items in their assigned locker. Woodlands Christian is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal items, including but not limited to computers, iPods, musical instruments, and cameras, or for theft or damage to cars parked on school property.

Care of School Property – Students are responsible to keep the school and its campus neat and clean and avoid destruction or defacement of school property in any form. This includes the responsible use of school property (books, lock/locker) and equipment (printers, copiers, laptops, etc.).

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Cell Phones – Students may not have cell phones turned on during the instructional school day. Text messaging and using a phone to take pictures is expressly prohibited.

Cell phones may be examined, including phone numbers called, pictures stored, and text messages sent and received. The finding of inappropriate materials may result in disciplinary action.

The student may come to the office at the end of the school instructional day to retrieve the device and parents will be billed $10. The fee will continue to increase by an additional $5 for each subsequent violation of the policy. Fees collected will be donated to a Woodlands Christian scholarship fund.

Violation of this policy during any student assessment (test, quiz, exam, etc.) is considered cheating and will require the appropriate disciplinary action.

High school students are not permitted to go to their vehicles during the course of the school day in order to use their cell phones.

Cheating – Cheating involves taking or providing information from some source other than the student’s own mind and presenting it as if it was his or hers. It involves components of both stealing and lying and is a serious offense. Examples of cheating include but are not limited to the following: x Copying or loaning homework x Plagiarism: presenting information as coming from the student that was taken from another source. Included in the definition of plagiarism is the downloading of information from the Internet without citing the source. x Discussion of the specific content of a test or quiz with another student. x Transmitting by electronic devices specific test or quiz information. x Possession or perusal of teacher test keys, manuals, or tests. x Possession and use of during the test/quiz of any aids, answer sheets, etc.

Incidences of cheating are cumulative and span all years a student is in attendance at Woodlands Christian.

Counseling – one response that is available at Woodlands Christian when a teacher, or other staff member suspects the conduct the student is exhibiting may be as much a symptom as it is a problem. The purpose of counseling is to identify and address causes, not just address symptoms. Counseling recommendations will be made by Campus Pastor.

Destruction of Property – Students shall not vandalize or otherwise damage any property belonging to or used by Woodlands Christian. This prohibition shall extend as well to any private property on the premises of Woodlands Christian. Parents of students found guilty of such damage or destruction shall be liable in accordance with state law and will be responsible for full reimbursement for any damage restoration. Law enforcement agents may be notified at the discretion of Woodlands Christian officials, and students may be subject to criminal penalties.

Detention – To deal with student disregard for established school policies and regulations, or when a reprimand does not appear to be correcting the problem, further options are open to the administration to address a pattern of disregard for regulations.

Disciplinary Probation – Any student who receives any type of suspension consequence may be placed on disciplinary probation. During this time, the student must not commit any further major disciplinary infraction or the student may be subject to expulsion. The definition of “Disciplinary Probation” will

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be clearly established by the administration on a case-by-case basis. Drug screening, as determined by administration, is required of each student placed on disciplinary probation. The drug screening is done at the parent’s expense.

Disruption – Conduct of students, either in or out of class, that for any reason – whether because of time, place, or manner of behavior – materially disrupts class work or school assembly, or involves substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of other students or employees at school or schoolrelated activities is prohibited.

Drugs or Alcohol – No student shall possess, deliver, use or be under the influence of any of the following substances on any occasion or in any location (on or off campus). The following items are prohibited: 1. Alcohol or any alcoholic beverage.

2. Any controlled substance or dangerous drug as defined by state and federal law, without regard to amount, including but not limited to marijuana, any narcotic drug, hallucinogen, stimulant, depressant, amphetamine, or barbiturate, and includes any unauthorized prescription medication, 3. Any abusable glue, aerosol paint, or any other volatile chemical substance for inhalation.

4. Any other intoxicant, mood-changing, mind-altering, or behavior-altering drugs.

5. Any and all drug paraphernalia.

“Possess” encompasses the act of having or taking into control, either on your person or in property under your control, any of the forbidden substances.

“Deliver” encompasses the transmittal, sale, or attempted sale of what is, or what is represented to be, any of the above forbidden substances.

“Use” means a student has smoked, ingested, injected, imbibed, inhaled, or drunk a prohibited substance recently enough that it is detectable by the student’s physical appearance, actions, breath, or speech.

“Under the influence” means a student’s faculties are noticeable impaired, regardless of whether or not the student is legally intoxicated.

Violation will result in stringent disciplinary response, and law enforcement agencies may be notified

by Woodlands Christian officials.

The behavior of Woodlands Christian students is, at all times, a direct reflection upon Woodlands Christian. As such, any student reasonably suspected of alcohol or drug use may be required to submit to individual drug/alcohol testing. The testing may be at the student’s and his or her parent/guardian’s expense. The results may be used by Woodlands Christian in disciplinary action against the student. Any student and/or parent/guardian refusing consent for the required testing or failing to have the testing performed within the time frame requested by the school administration will be interpreted as an admission that the suspected behavior occurred.

All drug and alcohol offences are cumulative and span all years a student is in attendance at Woodlands Christian.

Electronic Devices – Students shall not bring radios, iPads and iPods, tape/CD players, cameras, electronic devices and beepers, e-mail devices, laser lights, etc. to school. Any of these items brought to school without permission will be confiscated. Exception would be if the device were necessary to

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complete a school-assigned project, which requires prior approval from the appropriate school administrator.

Expulsion – The school’s policies are intentionally broad enough to cover behavior on campus and at all school-related activities. The aim of discipline at Woodlands Christian is to correct unacceptable behavior, not to punish. Correctional steps will be taken at the discretion of the School Principal, Academic Dean and Dean of Students. Students who become a constant disruption and negatively impact the learning process for other students may be expelled at any time.

A student who commits a major disciplinary infraction or repeatedly refuses to live up to the standards of Woodlands Christian may be expelled or asked to withdraw. Any student expelled from The Woodlands Christian Academy may only re-apply after one full semester and will be thoroughly re-evaluated at that time. If accepted, the student will be placed on disciplinary probation until the next semester.

Any student who has been expelled or not invited back, or has been in opposition to Woodlands Christian policies, will not be allowed to attend classes, pep rallies, or dances as a guest of an existing student.

Extortion – Obtaining money or other object of value from an unwilling person, or compelling another to act against his or her conscience or his or her own best interest through the use of coercion, blackmail, or force is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and may be, depending on the circumstances, a violation of the law.

Failure to Obey Classroom Rules – In addition to the general school rules outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, each teacher has classroom rules specific to the efficient operation of the classroom.

Students are expected to comply with individual classroom rules. Repeated or especially willful or premeditated violations of this expectation are also addressed under the heading entitled “Insubordination/Defiance.”

Forbidden Items – Items which detract from the spiritual and academic mission of Woodlands Christian or have the potential for significant disruption or distraction are forbidden at school or at any schoolsponsored activity. Such items include, but are not limited to, tobacco, drugs, drug paraphernalia, fireworks, matches, lighters, inappropriate reading material, games and toys.

Forgery – The student’s signing a name other than his or her own to school-related documents is prohibited.

Gambling – Gambling or wagering of any form is not permitted at Woodlands Christian nor is the possession of paraphernalia normally associated with gambling.

Gum, Food or Drink in Class – Gum chewing is prohibited on campus due to potential property damage.

As a means of promoting campus cleanliness, the consumption of food or drink (including coffee and energy drinks) outside designated areas without specific administrative authorization is forbidden.

Designated areas are the cafeteria, picnic areas, and Nehemiah MPR. Water bottles containing water are permitted in the classrooms.

Harassment – Woodlands Christian prohibits physical or verbal harassment of any student or school employee whether based on a person’s race, sex, national origin, age, or disability.

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x

Hazing and Bullying – Hazing and bullying are defined as reckless, humiliating, or threatening acts that endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student on or off campus. Any hazing or bullying directed against a student by another student acting alone or with others and intended as a prerequisite to the initiation into, affiliation with, or participation in any organization is strictly prohibited and considered a serious disciplinary infraction.

x

Sexual Harassment – Sexual Harassment means sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Unwelcome sexual behavior of this type can include a wide range of conduct. Among the types of behavior which would violate this policy are: 1. Unwanted sexual advances or propositions.

2. Visual conduct such as leering, making sexual gestures, displaying sexually suggestive objects or pictures, cartoons or posters.

3. Verbal or written conduct such as making or using derogatory comments, epithets, slurs or jokes.

4. Verbal or written abuse of a sexual nature, graphic verbal commentaries about an individual’s body, sexually degrading words used to describe an individual, sexual or obscene letters, notes or invitations.

5. Physical conduct such as touching, assaulting, impeding or blocking movements.

All sexual harassment is prohibited. Students who feel they have been subjected to or who observe conduct of a harassing nature are encouraged to promptly and confidentially report the matter to a faculty or staff member. All complaints will be promptly investigated.

Every effort will be made to protect the privacy of parties involved in any complaint. However, the school reserves the right to fully investigate every complaint, to notify a student’s parent or guardian and appropriate government officials as circumstances warrant.

It is against school policy to retaliate against any person who has filed a complaint concerning sexual harassment or has testified, assisted or participated in any matter in any investigation. Exceptions may be considered if malicious and slanderous false testimony can be verified. Students providing false or slanderous testimony or information may be liable to disciplinary consequences.

Inappropriate Publications – The possession or distribution of any materials – written, visual, electronic, or aural – is prohibited. Prohibited materials include but are not limited to: 1. Those that are sexually suggestive or otherwise sexually inappropriate 2. Those that endorse actions endangering the health or safety of students 3. Those that are profane or blasphemous 4. Libelous material 5. Publications that criticize or demean school, church officials, or staff 6. Materials that scurrilously attack or demean ethnic, religious, or racial groups Inappropriate Displays of Affection – The campus of Woodlands Christian and off-campus Woodlands Christian events are all inappropriate times and circumstances for inordinate displays of affection.

Such displays shall include but not be limited to holding hands, kissing and embracing. Lifestyle choices not in agreement with scriptural guidelines may be determined inappropriate and subject to administrative intervention.

Insubordination or Defiance – Insubordination or defiance includes a willful failure to comply with the rules and regulations of Woodlands Christian or a willful failure to comply with the directives of Woodlands Christian personnel. Such rejection of authority undermines the very mission of

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Woodlands Christian, is a denial of basic biblical principles, and cannot go uncorrected. Gross insubordination may result in immediate expulsion.

Parking and Automobile Violations – Parking on the Woodlands Christian campus is a privilege. Abuse of guidelines and regulations will result in losing that privilege. The following rules shall apply: 1. All upper school students must park in the upper school parking lot across from the NAC building.

2. All students must leave their cars and the parking lot upon arrival at Woodlands Christian.

Students may not linger in the parking areas.

3. Students may not go to their cars during the course of the school day without administration approval.

4. Students are expected to drive responsibly while on campus.

5. Cell phone use while driving on campus is prohibited.

Passenger Misconduct – Students are expected to observe the same standards of conduct while riding in Woodlands Christian vehicles as they are required to observe at school. In addition, any misbehavior which distracts the driver is a serious hazard to the safe operation of the vehicle and as such, jeopardizes the safety of all passengers. Such activities are prohibited.

Pornographic Materials – The possession of writing, drawings, or delivery of any licentious, sexually offensive material, whether written, visual, electronic, or aural, is strictly prohibited.

Pregnancy – Student pregnancy is an obvious and serious violation of the behavioral and moral expectations of Woodlands Christian. Both the expectant mother and the father, if his identity can be established, are subject to removal from Woodlands Christian.

Reprimand – Many infractions of an unintentional or immature nature, or even volitional infractions of a minor nature can be and should be handled with gentle reprimand. This is often sufficient to redirect errant student behavior.

Sexting – To send or post electronic messages that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another's reputation, or illegal including those sent outside the school day, if the conduct causes a substantial disruption to the educational mission.

Suspension – Suspensions may be assigned either after a serious disciplinary infraction or for accumulated detentions. Students who are suspended will be allowed to make up all academic work missed; however, work missed during a suspension will be subject to the maximum-of-75 percent rule. Students should personally contact their teachers to receive their assignments and be prepared to turn them in and/or take tests on the day they return to class unless they make other arrangements with their teacher. x In-School Suspension (ISS): The student will spend designated suspension at school in an isolated environment with a substitute teacher paid for by the student’s parent – $80.00 fee. x Off-Campus Suspension: The student is not allowed on campus during the term of suspension. The student may not participate in any athletic or extra-curricular events, or represent the school in any manner during the term of suspension.

Swearing, Abusive or Inappropriate Language – Written or verbal name-calling, curse words, swear words, put-downs, suggestive language or gestures, and innuendo are prohibited in the academic and spiritual environment of Woodlands Christian.

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Theft – The taking of another’s property, whether by force, deceit, or stealth, is never acceptable at Woodlands Christian. When appropriate, law enforcement officials will be called.

Throwing Objects – The throwing or projecting of any objects that may cause bodily injury, property damage, or disruption is prohibited.

Tobacco Use – The student’s possession, delivery, or use of tobacco products, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, snuff, chewing tobacco, pipes, lighters, is prohibited. This prohibition extends to any school-related activity or event.

Weapons – No student shall enter Woodlands Christian property in possession of a firearm, explosive weapon, or knife. Neither shall the student interfere with normal activities, occupancy, or use of any building or portion of the campus by exhibiting, using, or threatening to exhibit or use a firearm, explosive weapon, or knife.

Students are also prohibited from bringing to school or a school-related activity any other weapons such as razors, metallic knuckles, martial arts paraphernalia, chains, paintball guns, or any other object used in a way that threatens to inflict bodily injury.

DRESS CODE Students at The Woodlands Christian Academy come together to study in a disciplined environment where they are challenged to reach their highest potential spiritually, academically, physically and socially. The personal appearance of the student is important in the development of character, personal responsibility, and self-image. As such, parents and students should select clothing appropriate to both an academic and a Christian atmosphere. Thus, it is necessary that student dress reflects an atmosphere consistent with the standards of the school and that it be neat, clean and modest.

The intent of the dress code is both to present a student with a neat and appropriate appearance, as well as to avoid putting undue emphasis on outward appearance. Dress, grooming and appearance expectations are designed to foster pride in appearance, instill discipline, prevent disruption, and avoid safety hazards.

Students are to come to school looking clean, neat, and dressed as outlined in this handbook. Student compliance with the spirit and purpose of the dress standards is important. Refer to the Woodlands Christian website www.twca.net for the complete Dress Code list.

Dress code compliance is the responsibility of the student and the parents; however, the administration has the final authority in matters concerning the appropriateness of a student’s attire.

Students must be in dress code compliance and abide by the rules as soon as they set foot on campus.

Monday:

Chapel Uniform

Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday:

Polo shirt with Woodlands Christian logo worn with approved khaki or navy uniform pants or shorts.

Friday:

Woodlands Christian Spirit shirt or polo shirt with new Woodlands Christian logo and blue colored denim jeans only.

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During the first 3 days of school, August 14-16, dress code warnings will be given with no additional consequence. Consequences will begin on Monday, August 19th.

DRESS CODE GUIDELINES ALL STUDENTS: 1. Hair must be clean and combed. No unnatural hair color is permitted, as well as any extreme hair style or color that detracts from the instructional environment.

2. Proper underclothing must be worn at all times, and underclothing should never be visible.

3. Polo style shirts with the school logo are the only acceptable daily wear shirts. (No old logo or button down shirts.)

4. Polos must be tucked in at all times. Clothing should be properly sized, not baggy or overly tight, and without holes, frays or rips.

5. Students may NOT wear their school sweatshirt/hoodie without a polo shirt underneath.

6. Hoodies/Sweatshirts may not be worn in Chapel. Students may wear logo’d blue or red cardigan, sweater, or vest with Chapel attire.

7. All outerwear worn in the classroom must be an approved jacket, Woodlands Christian sweatshirt or hoodie.

8. Approved khaki or navy pants are the only slacks allowed; all daily wear pants, shorts, skorts must be non-denim material. Lands' End is the preferred provider.

9. On days when blue jeans are allowed, students may wear blue jeans only.

10. Pants shall not be excessively baggy, not touch the ground, or be torn open at the hemline.

Patches, holes, tears, frays, cuts or slits of any kind are not permitted in pants or jeans.

11. Black or brown belts must be worn with pants or shorts with belt loops, including blue jeans.

Belts should not have adornments or large ornate belt buckles.

12. No adornments on boots allowed. Pants must be worn on the outside of the boots.

13. Shoes must match each other and be the same color; shoelaces must be worn and tied.

14. Flip-flops, sandals, or house shoes are not acceptable footwear.

15. Hats, caps, and bandanas are not to be worn on campus; sunglasses may not be worn in the classroom.

16. No visible body piercing, with the exception of earlobes for the girls, is permissible.

17. Tattoos are not allowed, and any existing tattoos must be covered by clothing.

18. It is unacceptable for students to write on their clothing, on themselves (their skin) or on each other.

19. Anything that distracts from the uniform, or draws attention to you is not allowed.

FEMALE STUDENTS: 1. Skirts, skorts and shorts must be no shorter than the fingertips when arms are relaxed at the side.

Girls' chapel skirt waistband should not be rolled.

2. Excessive necklaces and bracelets may not be worn. No more than two ear adornments per ear.

Only post earrings can be worn, no hoops or dangle earrings. No nose rings are allowed.

3. Girls' chapel shoes should be solid, dark-colored dress shoes (no tennis shoes) with no heels.

MALE STUDENTS: 1. Hair must be no longer than the collar of uniform shirt in back and bangs no longer than the tops of the eyebrows. No facial hair is allowed.

2. Underwear should never be visible.

3. Excessive necklaces and bracelets may not be worn. Young men may not wear earrings.

4. Chapel shoes are to be solid dark-colored dress shoes (no tennis shoes).

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ATHLETIC POLICIES ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHY The Woodlands Christian Academy Athletic Department challenges students to reach their highest potential – spiritually, academically, physically and socially – for the glory of Jesus Christ. For details, refer to the Athletic Handbook on the Woodlands Christian website at www.twca.net.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES Students can and are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities each year. These clubs provide opportunities to form lasting friendships, interact socially, to develop leadership and to learn the value of assuming a responsibility and following it through to completion.

All student clubs and organizations and their bylaws must be approved by the administration.

CLUBS National Honor Society – Woodlands Christian is a member of the NHS. The NHS seeks to create enthusiasm for scholarship, stimulate a desire to render service, promote worthy leadership, and encourage the development of character. The National Honor Society Advisor will send out information packets concerning eligibility for membership to all students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grade with a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher who have completed one entire semester at Woodlands Christian. Students must then complete an application that includes written recommendations from teachers, youth leaders, etc. The Faculty Council, made up of teachers selected by the appropriate school administrator, reviews the application to determine selection for membership. Nominees are notified of selection by the Tapping Ceremony and formally granted membership into the Woodlands Christian Chapter at the Induction ceremony. Once a student is selected for membership in National Honor Society he/she is required to meet the following criteria in order to remain a member in good standing: 1. Maintain a 3.75 cumulative grade point average 2. Maintain an excellent school disciplinary record 3. Attend regular chapter meetings 4. Participate in chapter service projects at school National Junior Honor Society -- The NJHS is a duly charted and affiliated chapter of the prestigious National Honor Society organization. The objectives are to create enthusiasm for scholarship, stimulate a desire to render service, promote worthy leadership, and encourage the development of character.

Students in the 7th and 8th grade who have completed one entire semester are eligible for membership.

A student must have a cumulative average of 87 or above. Those students who meet this criterion are invited to complete a Student Activity Information Form that provides the Faculty Council (faculty members selected by the appropriate school administrator) with information regarding the candidate's personal history of leadership experiences and participation in school and/or community service. The nominees are notified of selection by a Tapping Ceremony. Following notification, a formal induction ceremony is held to recognize all newly selected members. Once inducted, new members are required to maintain the same level of performance (or better) in all four criterions that led to their selection.

Interact – Interact is Rotary International’s service club for young people ages 14 – 18 and includes more than 10,700 clubs in 109 countries with almost 200,000 members worldwide. The Interact Club of The Woodlands Christian Academy is sponsored by The Rotary Club of The Woodlands. Each year, Interact clubs complete at least two community service projects, one of which furthers international understanding

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and goodwill. Through these efforts, members develop a network of friendships with local and overseas clubs and learn the importance of developing leadership skills and personal integrity, demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others, understanding the value of individual responsibility and hard work, and advancing international understanding and goodwill.

Mu Alpha Theta – Mu Alpha Theta is the National Mathematics High School Honor Society with over 75,000 student members nationwide. MAT is dedicated to inspiring keen interest in mathematics, developing strong scholarship in the subject, and promoting the enjoyment of mathematics in high school students.

For full membership, students must have completed Algebra I in 8th grade and Honors Geometry, be enrolled in College Algebra in the current school year and have a grade point average in math of at least 3.5. For an associate membership, students must have completed Algebra I, and be enrolled in Honors Geometry in the current school year.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT The role of the student government at Woodlands Christian is to demonstrate the principles of democratic government and the responsibilities of the individual, thereby developing an appreciation for membership in democracy. This is accomplished by the following: 1) Advising the administration of the school in matters directly or indirectly related to the welfare of students of the school community as a whole and providing a forum for student expression 2) Establishing greater unity in the school by encouraging cooperation and understanding between the student body, the faculty and the administration 3) Promoting the general welfare of the school, safeguarding its reputation and preserving its tradition 4) Facilitating the development of attitudes and practices in good citizenship and Christianity 5) Helping to improve school morale and spirit 6) Establishing and providing orderly direction for school activities Student Council events may include the following: o Student Council Elections o School Dances o Class Trips o Donation of food to the needy o Community service projects o Decorating the school for Christmas and other celebrations o Student Council Induction Ceremony o Spirit Week Activities o Homecoming o Open House o Baccalaureate o Graduation Events STUDENT LEADERSHIP Students may only serve as president of one organization at a time to allow the president to give a strong and focused commitment to that organization. Leadership positions include president of the Student Council, president of the National Honor Society, editor of the yearbook team, head cheerleader, and athletic team captain.

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Students are selected by the high standards of each individual club; however, club leaders are to maintain standards of academics, leadership, service, and character. Some clubs may allow warnings for some infractions, but any obvious violation of school rules will result in immediate review by club sponsor.

Any student in leadership that receives any suspension, or is found cheating or plagiarizing, may be removed from that position.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES School staff or faculty, parent or teacher sponsors, students and/or student council members may propose an activity, but it must be approved in advance (prior to confirming any reservations). The written proposal must include information including but not limited to the following: time (start and finish), date, location (on- or off-campus), approximate cost, source of funds, type of entertainment or music (disc jockey or band), approved music, chaperones, security, decorations, attire, and theme. Activities will be chaperoned by an appropriate number of Woodlands Christian staff, faculty, and/or parents.

No alcoholic beverages or drugs will be tolerated. Any student intoxicated or in possession of alcohol or drugs will be removed and held until a parent picks them up. This includes the guest or date of any Woodlands Christian student. Parent/Student Handbook guidelines apply to all school-sponsored activities.

This handbook will not attempt to identify every activity available at the school due to their variation from year to year, but all activities will be subject to the policies and procedures of Woodlands Christian. Responsibility for the welfare of a son or daughter rests with each parent who must decide whether or not to allow his/her child to join in the activity.

VISITING STUDENTS Visiting students are welcome to attend after-school events, sporting events, homecoming, etc.

Woodlands Christian is a closed campus and only currently enrolled Woodlands Christian students are allowed on campus during the school day.

STUDENT SERVICES DELIVERIES/FORGOTTEN ITEMS Woodlands Christian discourages the delivery of flowers, balloons or other gifts for students during the day. Such gifts will be held for pickup until the end of the school day.

Forgotten items delivered during the school day (athletic equipment, schoolbooks, homework, lunch, lunch money, water bottles, etc.), will be placed in a designated area in the MPR; students are responsible for checking the area and retrieving their items.

DRIVING PRIVILEGES/TRANSPORTATION/PARKING LOT SAFETY Parking on the Woodlands Christian campus is a privilege. Responsible driving is expected on campus, and violations may result in a student losing this privilege. All student drivers must have proof of insurance as required by state law, and a completed PERMISSION TO DRIVE form on file with the U/S office.

Since all books and supplies should be kept in the student’s locker, backpack, or athletic locker, students are not allowed in the parking lot or their cars during school hours without written permission from a

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school administrator. All vehicles parked on Woodlands Christian property are subject to random searches without cause, at any time.

ID CARDS All Woodlands Christian students will be issued an ID card. This ID card will be used to purchase items from the Warrior Café and for issuing textbooks and class materials. Upper school students will be given to the student. Lost ID cards will be replaced and student’s account will be billed $10 per card.

LOCKERS Students will be issued a locker. Any properties, money, and other valuables left in lockers are the responsibility of the student. Lockers and lock combinations must be kept secure at all times. Lockers are the property of The Woodlands Christian Academy and are subject to periodic inspections by authorized school personnel. Sharing lockers is not allowed, as the responsibility of the locker contents fall on the student to which it is assigned.

Middle school students will be issued a separate lock as well. The charge for lost locks is $10.00.

High School student's belongings (either personal or school-issued materials) should be stored in their assigned locker. Items should not be left unattended in the Nehemiah MPR or on the floor near a locker.

Middle School student's belongings (either personal or or school-issued materials) should be stored in their assigned locker, their bags hung on a hook, or athletic bags stored in cubbies near the Band room.

LOST AND FOUND Students often misplace articles of clothing, books, band instruments and other personal property. When these are found in the upper school campus, by school employees and students, they are turned in to the school office and kept for 2 weeks. At the end of 2 weeks, unclaimed articles will be donated to appropriate charities. A demerit will be given for each item retrieved from Lost and Found.

Laptops left unattended are also brought to the upper school office; however, the procedure for retrieving them is different. See "Laptop Security" under the LAPTOP ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (LAUP).

LUNCH Students may bring their lunch to school or use their ID card to purchase a lunch from the Warrior Café.

All purchases from the Warrior Café will be charged to the student’s account. No cash will be accepted. No outside food will be allowed for lunch.

If a student forgets his/her lunch, the student will receive a lunch from the Warrior Café and student’s account will be charged.

Any forgotten lunches dropped off during the morning must be left at the front desk and not taken directly to the classroom. These lunches will then be placed on a designated table in the MPR where the students will be able to pick them up when coming in to lunch. Parents are not permitted to bring outside or fast food lunches for their child.

Students may eat lunch in the multi-purpose room and/or in the designated campus lunch locations and are responsible for cleaning up after themselves.

Due to the time restrictions and other safety issues, our campus is a closed campus. This means that no student will be allowed to leave the campus for lunch. Any student who chooses to leave campus during lunch without school administration permission will be considered truant.

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Parents are welcome to eat lunch with their child. No outside food will be allowed for lunch. Parents will sign in at the front reception and receive a name badge for access to the multi-purpose room and/or in the designated campus lunch locations.

The lunch menu is purposely designed to encourage healthy eating. In order to achieve this goal, parents are not permitted to bring fast food lunches to school.

STUDENT RECORDS Transcripts To request a transcript, send an e-mail to cfarra@twca.net and include the following information: name of the organization, school or college, complete mailing address, and attention line information (for example: Attention Undergraduate Admissions). Transcripts will be mailed within 10 working days of receipt of e-mail. Ten transcripts will be printed free of charge for each student; each additional transcript will be provided at a cost of $5.

Transcripts will be forwarded for graduating seniors whose financial account is clear, until 12 months after graduation. After that time, each transcript sent will cost $5.00.

Copies of Student Records Student records may be requested through the Registrar’s office. To request, send an e-mail to cfarra@twca.net. Parents will receive notification of any applicable copy fees, and fees will be billed to the student’s account.

Updates to RenWeb Records Any changes to RenWeb records may be made on-line through ParentsWeb. Changes can also be emailed to cfarra@twca.net.

Withdrawing From School Parent should contact the Registrar’s office and Business Office to request student withdrawal, and include the reason for and date of withdrawal. A school-issued form is completed to insure that school property is returned, and student’s financial record is paid in full. Upon satisfactory completion of this form, the student’s records will be released.

STUDENT TRIPS A wise man once wrote, “The knowledge of the world is only to be acquired in the world, and not in a closet.” Textbooks, lectures and other classroom activities can only teach students so much. Off-campus experiences, such as class trips and field trips, are excellent ways of giving students a more direct understanding of a subject and are an excellent way to break up the normal routines of a school year.

These trips afford the students the fun of exploring interesting places and the educational benefits of learning from a source outside the textbook.

The idea of experiential learning outside of the classroom is as old as education itself, and there are several important educational benefits that result from well-planned trips: 1. Improved learning. A proven way to make the lessons students are learning more real; this helps them see the practical applications of their education.

2. Broadened horizons. Help expose students to all sorts of new and different experiences.

3. Fellowship. Provide a great chance for students to interact and fellowship with their peers and faculty in an environment other than the classroom.

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4. Learning comes alive. Allow students to escape the routine of the classroom and explore their own education through a new set of eyes. This means that they will be able to better recall what they have learned.

Woodlands Christian strives to offer grade appropriate class and field trips for every grade level 6-12. All departments cooperate to develop appropriate educationally focused trips. Every effort is made to schedule these trips around athletic competitions and to disrupt the regular academic calendar as little as possible.

Students will make arrangements with their teachers upon their return, for any work (homework, tests or quizzes) to be made up. If student’s academic success will be negatively impacted by being out of his/her other classes, the student may be required to remain on campus.

Students must have all pertinent forms turned in and class trip balance paid in full before the trip.

Although the students are off-campus, appropriate attire is expected and will be included in trip guidelines. Appropriate behavior is also expected; all school rules are in effect during trips. Students with behavior problems may be required to remain on campus.

The trip sponsor determines number of chaperones needed. Parents are often needed as chaperones and/or drivers for these trips. Chaperone and driver agreements with related documents must be turned in before the trip. Whether using charter busses, Woodlands Christian bus, or Woodlands Christian school vans, all students and chaperones must travel together. Siblings of any age are not allowed on the trip.

Parents should anticipate an extra cost for any out-of-town trips and student’s account will be billed for these costs.

TECHNOLOGY POLICIES COMPUTER ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (CAUP) The following is an agreement between the student and The Woodlands Christian Academy regarding computer passwords and the acceptable use of electronic resources available on campus. Please read this agreement carefully. Computer resources and electronic services are available for Woodlands Christian students during regular school hours.

Student use of all The Woodlands Christian Academy's computer facilities must be in support of education and research and must be consistent with the goals and criteria of The Woodlands Christian Academy.

Every student enrolled at The Woodlands Christian Academy automatically receives access to the School’s local area network (LAN). Limited network disk space is allocated to appropriate grade levels at The Woodlands Christian Academy for storage of schoolwork. Use of the network and issuance of individual student passwords vary by grade.

The Woodlands Christian Academy does not warrant that the functions of the system will meet any specific requirements, that it will be error free or uninterrupted, nor shall the school be liable for any direct or indirect, incidental, or consequential damages such as lost data sustained or incurred in connection with the use, operation, or inability to use the system. System-wide backups are performed

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periodically, but personal backup of important material on portable media such as flash drive, external hard drives, or DVD/CD is advised. Such personal back-up devices should be stored at home.

To protect the integrity of The Woodlands Christian Academy’s computer system, students with access to the Local Area Network (LAN) must agree to the following: x I will not intentionally destroy computer hardware or software or attempt to exceed or modify the parameters of The Woodlands Christian Academy's computer system. This is not limited to user configurations and rights, root or administrative password modification, elevation of user classification or rights, desktop patterns, Network configurations, computer classroom screen savers, programs, widgets, or any other modification deemed inappropriate by the IT Manager. x I understand that my individual computer password is a sensitive item and that I must keep it confidential. I agree not to reveal it to any other person for any reason. In addition, I will not seek out or use a password belonging to anyone else. I am fully aware that if someone accesses my files with my password, he or she can erase, change, or plagiarize my work. x I agree to keep from loading any files from outside sources (i.e. program from home or a friend's computer into my local or LAN directory or any school issued laptop or desktop. This includes using The Woodlands Christian Academy's computer system to download any files of any type to any storage medium (local, LAN, portable). x I agree to lock my screen or log out of my directory when I am not immediately using my computer unless otherwise instructed by my teacher. x I understand that excessive use of supplies (i.e. paper, ink) may result in the necessity for assessing a usage fee. Printing any document over 3 pages must have the approval of the supervising instructor. x I understand that school printers (network or stand alone) are not copiers for personal or class use.

If a student needs multiple copies of a work, permission must be obtained by supervising instructor. x I understand and agree that The Woodlands Christian Academy staff has the right to review, edit or remove any material stored in student folders or files (locally or on portable devices), in its sole discretion, believes may not be related to information-gathering or educational purposes, without any notification. x I will report any violation of this policy by any user to my teacher or appropriate faculty or staff immediately.

In consideration for use of The Woodlands Christian Academy's computer system and in consideration for having access to the information contained on The Woodlands Christian Academy's computer system, The Woodlands Christian Academy, its operators and any institutions with which they are affiliated, are hereby released from any and all claims of any nature arising from the student’s ability, or inability, to use The Woodlands Christian Academy's computer system.

Any violation of The Woodlands Christian Academy Acceptable Use Policy for Computer Technology will be reviewed with the student by the IT Manager. Depending on the severity of the violation, the student will receive the appropriate disciplinary consequences.

Students who violate local, state or federal laws may be referred to local authorities for prosecution.

LAPTOP ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (LAUP) Introduction The laptop program provides The Woodlands Christian Academy community with an educational tool to expand its students' learning opportunities. It opens limitless possibilities; users may go virtually anywhere and interact with anyone. With such opportunity comes responsibility. Access to the Woodlands Christian network and its related computer facilities is a privilege afforded to members of the

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school community. The school provides a set of guidelines for security and acceptable use, and violations of these guidelines will be handled by the IT Manager and/or other administration members when appropriate. The underlying principle of adherence to these guidelines is an understanding that how students use their computers, like anything else they do, reflect their strength of character. All members of the Woodlands Christian community must understand that this new tool should be used with good judgment, common sense, and integrity.

The following is a set of regulations that govern the appropriate use of laptops at The Woodlands Christian Academy. This policy is not meant to cover every aspect of laptop use, but it does address many major concerns. This is a policy that attempts to set forth a level of expectation that all members of The Woodlands Christian Academy family should follow so that a safe, respectful, responsible, and appropriate manner of use for the laptop program and the Local Area Network is maintained.

Equipment, Social Networking & Chatting 1. Only school issued equipment may be used on campus. No personal computers from home or business may be brought on campus for school use.

2. Instant Messaging is prohibited at any time during the school day. Any type of real-time chat is not permitted unless it is within the Moodle academic environment within each individual class in which the student is enrolled. SKYPE, iChat, FaceTime, and any other real-time communication software are not allowed during the school day.

3. Social networking sites are filtered from our campus for student use during the academic school day. They are available off-campus for any necessary work, if deemed appropriate by a specific teacher for academic purposes. Although there are benefits to blogging, discussions, and collaboration using social networking sites, classroom interaction during the classroom instructional day will be face-to-face with the added benefit of facial expressions, verbal cues, and body language for clearer communication not available via social networking sites. Any social networking site that is being used in conjunction with academics may be accessed offcampus.

4. Students are never to access someone else’s laptop or use someone else’s network password.

Students are prohibited from elevating or demoting privileges through the use of software, code, or system commands on school issued laptops.

5. The Internet is to be used for SCHOLARLY research and as a means of obtaining needed information only under the guidance and supervision of the teacher for which the subject is taught. Students should realize that there are certain safety measures that should be followed when on the Internet.

6. A Local Area Network (LAN) connection is provided by the school during the school day. Dialup connections are prohibited using any of the school’s phone lines.

Passwords, Games, and Upgrades 7. Students are to establish and maintain secure and appropriate passwords that maintain the privacy of the information on both the laptop and the network folder.

8. The use of computer “Games” whether locally installed or remotely accessed via the Internet, is prohibited. Games are prohibited during the school day. While games are prohibited, educational software titles are available through many vendors. Software should not be traded back and forth for they may carry destructive viruses. It is the sole discretion of The Woodlands Christian Academy to define "Games."

9. Upgrading programs may lead to incompatibilities. Programs are to be left as they have been loaded on the computer. It is the student's responsibility to pay for any cost associated with any problems that arise due to any unauthorized upgrades or installations that result in any type of conflict. Students should be aware that they are responsible for the nominal fee that will be incurred for this type of work from an outside vendor.

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10. Students are prohibited to make changes to their operating systems while participating in Woodlands Christian’s Laptop Program. If a change is detected, the student will be responsible for fees incurred to restore the laptop to its original configuration. Disciplinary action will follow any changes to the operating system.

Backup & Copyright 11. Please remember that shared disks, drives, or files can spread harmful viruses. Please refrain from sharing disks or removable drives. The purchase of a removable flash drive is strongly encouraged. They may serve as a student’s primary storage or as a backup in case of loss of data on the laptop.

12. Inappropriate screen savers, screen mates, and desktop patterns (wallpapers) will not be allowed.

Woodlands Christian’s administrative team reserves the right to define inappropriate and appropriate.

13. There shall be no copyright law violations associated with software. Questions pertaining to what constitutes a violation, should be forwarded to the IT Manager or your local librarian. The simplest rule: If you did not buy it, do not install it.

Recordings, Sounds, Widgets 14. Computers can not be used to make recordings without the written consent of all those who are being recorded. Please remember that a computer has a processing chip: iPhones, iPods, and any other electronic device do fall under the definition of a computer.

15. Sound must be turned off, except when it is being used as part of a class presentation which requires sound.

16. Downloading programs on school issued laptop is prohibited. This includes widgets, add-ons, or utilities. Please remember that spyware, malware, and adware are a big problem in today’s computer environment. Loss of time, productivity, hardware, and sensitive data may result from such downloading. Note that downloading to an external storage media and then transferring that download to the computer hard drive violates the AUP. Running programs from external media also violates the AUP. 17. Sharing or accessing each other’s laptop over The Woodlands Christian Academy computer network system is strictly prohibited. Sharing music libraries over the network is strictly prohibited.

Laptop Security 18. Laptop security is the responsibility of the laptop user. Students are responsible for their computers. All laptops must be with the student or stored in an approved area at all times.

Students involved in after-school activities need to ensure that their laptops are secure. Laptops may remain locked in each locker but not in the athletic lockers. Students should make arrangements for their computers to be monitored by an adult at all off-campus contests. The computer must be kept in approved cases and not placed in conventional book bags, oversized purses or bags, or athletic gym bags. The Woodlands Christian Academy is not liable for the theft of any laptop left unattended or unsupervised at any event whether held on campus or offcampus. Woodlands Christian staff or faculty members are not responsible for the safekeeping of a student's laptop. Members of the coaching staff are not responsible for the safekeeping of a student's laptops before, during, or after any practice, game, or special event. Students are urged to purchase laptop insurance in case of theft.

Students must notify the school immediately if a computer is missing. Unattended laptops found anywhere on campus will be picked up and taken to the Upper School office. Only the person to whom the laptop was issued may retrieve that computer.

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In order to promote student responsibility and to increase the security of the laptops, the following policy has been implemented for the 2013-2014 school year for a breach of laptop security: x 1st Offense – The first time a laptop is picked up, a written warning will be given and a fee of $5 will be assessed. Parents will be billed for this fee, and fees collected will be donated to a Woodlands Christian scholarship fund. x 2nd Offense – The second time will result in detention and a fee of $5. x 3rd Offense – The third time will result in detention and a fee of $5. The laptop will not be returned to the student until the parent(s) meet personally with the School Principal and the IT Manager.

Privacy Issues 19. The laptops are the property of Woodlands Christian. As a result, all information on them is considered public. The school will look at a student’s hard drive when/if there is any need and/or any suspicion that the computer is being used inappropriately or dishonorably. All information will be accessible to the Help Desk (support staff), Administrators, and any necessary faculty/staff members when turned over for review/repair. Woodlands Christian's real-time filtering system also monitors activity over the Internet. By consenting to use our Internet system, you are acknowledging your awareness of the monitoring of activities in place. School-issued laptops can be confiscated by the IT Manager at any time for compliance checking or any other reason. Students are responsible to be sure that the laptop is being used in accordance with the policies in place.

Violations of AUP 20. Violation of this policy will be subject to network privileges being revoked by the IT Manager.

Network privilege also entails Internet access. Any violation may result in a managed account for a period of 4 academic weeks (week-ends, holidays, vacation time not included). Multiple violations may result in a longer period for managed account.

A Managed Account may include the following: x automatic shutdown of computer at specific time x automatic shutdown of computer after exceeding a specific allotted time x no access to iChat at any time, possible restricted access to World Wide Web x tracked and logged access to World Wide Web and all its feature from home x restricted access to locally installed programs If a student continues to violate AUP policies, a meeting will be scheduled with Administration and parent(s) in order to determine the student’s future at Woodlands Christian.

INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (IAUP) The Internet is a global network that will provide access to a wide range of information from around the world, as well as provide a means for communication with professionals and other students worldwide.

The Woodlands Christian Academy's Internet access has been established for limited educational purposes which must be in support of education and research and must be consistent with the mission of The Woodlands Christian Academy. Internet resources used for research or instruction must be valid, educationally-recognized sites.

The Woodlands Christian Academy's Internet system has not been established as a public access service or public forum. Therefore, The Woodlands Christian Academy has the right to place reasonable restrictions on the material accessed or posted through the system. Woodlands Christian students are

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expected to follow the rules as set forth in the IUP and the laws in effect for the local area network and community.

Students must agree to the following: x In order to use the Internet, I must be instructed in how to use the resource by a faculty, staff, or administrator. x I understand that transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state law, including but not limited to copyrighted material, threatening, harassing, pornographic, or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret, is prohibited. x I will respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringement occurs when someone inappropriately reproduces a work that is protected by a copyright without proper annotation or consent. I will seek permission from the owner and/or ask a teacher or librarian for assistance if I am unsure. x I will keep copyrighted software of any kind from entering or exiting the Woodlands Christian via the Internet. x I will refrain from using The Woodlands Christian Academy's Internet access for personal, financial or commercial use or gain, product advertisement, political lobbying, or the sending of unsolicited junk mail, or chain letters. (Using the system for analyzing legislative measures and communicating with elected officials, however, is directly related to the educational purpose of the system.) x I will not plagiarize works that I may find on the Internet. (Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were your own.) x I will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to this or any other computer system found on the Internet or go beyond my authorized access. This includes attempting to log on (hack) through another person’s account or access another person's files. These actions are illegal. x I will keep all objectionable language, material, inappropriate text files, files that advocate violence or discrimination towards other people, or files dangerous to the integrity of the network from entering or exiting Woodlands Christian via the Internet, portable media, or my laptop. x I understand that the Woodlands Christian name and/or e mail address will appear electronically in my correspondence. I will never give out my full name, home phone number, street address or any other personal information regarding myself. x I will not agree to meet with anyone (without my parent's written approval) whom I met on line.

If such a meeting is educationally founded (i.e. emissary/mentor, legislator, author) my parent and/or teacher must accompany me, and only with parental permission. x I understand that on line chats (IRC's) are prohibited at this time on the Woodlands Christian campus unless within the Moodle environment under the direction of the online teacher. x Instant Messaging or any other Real Time messaging is prohibited during school hours unless within the Moodle environment under the direction of the online teacher. The use of proxies to bypass School's filtering capabilities is a violation of this IUP. Web sites used for online chats that are not caught by the filtering technology are hereby prohibited. x I will seek approval from my instructor prior to requesting to participate in an educational news group and/or an educational listserv from the Internet. Subscribing to feeds that may be offensive, inappropriate, lewd, or illegal is a violation of this IAUP. x I understand that excessive use which prohibits access by other users may result in the imposing of limitations on an individual or a group of users by the IT Manager. x I understand that my Internet access is logged on campus as well as filtered. I understand that my usage may be monitored and tracked. I understand that if violations occur on or away from campus, restrictions may be placed on my personal laptop which prohibits Internet use at the discretion of the IT Manager.

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x

x

I will not use The Woodlands Christian Academy's computer systems – network, routers, Internet provision, or computers, to download games, music, videos, or pictures that are deemed inappropriate by the Woodlands Christian staff. The definition of "inappropriate" is at the discretion of Woodlands Christian staff, administration and the IT Manager. I also understand that it is my duty as an active member of our community to report any violations of this policy by any user to the IT Manager immediately.

I understand that any violation of any part of this IAUP may cause my Internet use to be revoked at the sole discretion of the IT Manager or Administration. I understand that further disciplinary actions may be taken by School Principal.

In consideration for the use of The Woodlands Christian Academy's computer system and in consideration for having access to the information contained on the Internet, The Woodlands Christian Academy, its operators and any institutions with which they are affiliated, are hereby released from any and all claims of any nature arising from the student’s ability, or inability, to use the Internet.

Any violation of The Woodlands Christian Academy Internet Usage Policy will be reviewed with the student by the IT Manager. Depending on the severity of the violation, the student will receive the appropriate disciplinary consequences.

Students who violate local, state or federal laws may be referred for prosecution.

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