Student Handbook 2006 - 2007.

Table of Contents

Important Contacts

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Accreditation

HVCA is accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges, the Columbia Union Conference Board of Education, and the North American Division Commission on Accreditation and is a member of the National Council for Private School Accreditation.

The Principal's Message

HVCA serves families with children in kindergarten through 10th grades who want those children to have a solid education but who also believe that it is important to teach Christian principles as well. In addition to academics, we emphasize the importance of serving others. Last year our students were involved with tsunami relief efforts, sending packages to homeless shelters, adopting a whale, and raising money for St. Judes Childrens hospital. We hope to do even more in the future.

Our teachers truly care for their students. They are competent, professional, credentialed educators who give their best to teach and nurture their students. Together they bring a wealth of experience, training, and wisdom to their work.

We appreciate the importance of your decision to send your children to HVCA. We want to provide Impact Education—education that makes a difference in the lives of our students and to all whom they contact. Academically, spiritually, socially, physically—we want to see the impact in their overall lifestyle.

We want to work cooperatively with parents who share our philosophy of education. We encourage parents to volunteer their expertise to assist teachers and enrich our students. We frequently communicate with parents and welcome parental questions and feedback. Most of all we request your prayers and support.

Thank you for choosing Huntingdon Valley Christian Academy to serve you and your children. We look forward to experiencing Gods blessings as we share this year with you.

Mission and Objectives

History

Huntingdon Valley Christian Academy was established in 1969 under the name Greater Philadelphia Junior Academy, as a regional school to provide Christ-centered education for the children of Greater Philadelphia Seventh-day Adventist churches. Prior to 1969, Hatboro Church School served the youth in the area. In May of 1998, the school changed its name to Huntingdon Valley Christian Academy to reflect more accurately, its location and commitment to the community at large.

Huntingdon Valley Christian Academy is sponsored and assisted financially by eight Seventh-day Adventist churches: Philadelphia Boulevard SDA Church, Bucks County SDA Church, Chestnut Hill SDA Church, Lansdale SDA Church, Lawndale Spanish, Maranatha Spanish, Philadelphia Spanish I and II. The school board is comprised of members from these churches.

Philosophy

Huntingdon Valley Christian Academy is part of the Seventh-day Adventist educational system. As such, HVCA operates on the belief that education involves more than the pursuit of a certain course of study. It means more than the preparation for the present life. Education has to do with the whole being and with the whole period of existence possible to man. Through Christ and His Spirit, God determined to restore humanity from its lost state. Through the Bible, He has revealed His will to the world, a revelation that supersedes human reason. Huntingdon Valley Christian Academy's primary purpose is to bring students to an understanding and acceptance of God's plan of salvation and restoration through Jesus Christ.

Every human being is made in God's image and although fallen, is endowed with attributes like those of the Creator. With this in mind, Huntingdon Valley Christian Academy seeks to nurture thinkers rather than followers of others' thoughts, those eager to serve rather than seeking to be served, achievers who reach their highest potential, lovers of all that is true and noble, and who embrace and care for all of God's children.

This kind of education imparts far more than academic knowledge--it is a balanced development of the whole person. At HVCA, our families and our churches cooperate together, with the influence of the Holy Spirit, to prepare learners for citizenship on this earth and the New Earth to come.

Mission

A Seventh-day Adventist School educating students to effectively impact their environment for Christ.

Objectives

Huntingdon Valley Christian Academy is dedicated to preparing young people for unselfish service to God and to humanity. The ultimate goal of education is to restore in humanity, the image of its Creator.

It is the purpose of this school to do the following:

• Present Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and encourage students to accept Him as their avior and Friend.
  
• Help students develop a positive sense of self-worth as .
• Provide a place to learn that is physically and emotionally safe, and where students are challenged to develop their full academic potential.
  
• Create an atmosphere where students may develop higher level thinking skills, enabling them to become independent thinkers and make wise choices in all areas of life.
• Prepare students for success in their future educational experience.
• Enable students to become productive workers and responsible citizens.
• Treat all individuals with courtesy and respect.
• Help students establish wholesome relationships and demonstrate concern and care for others.
• Involve students in community service activities.
• Promote overall spiritual, mental, and physical health.

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Admission Procedures

Application Process

A prospective student must submit a formal application. A transfer student must be interviewed by the Admissions Committee and submit satisfactory character and academic recommendations before action will be taken on the application. The applicant will be notified by telephone and by letter to confirm his or her acceptance status.

There must be evidence that there is no outstanding financial obligation to any previous school. Membership in the Seventh-day Adventist Church is not a requirement for admission. However, only those students who have a sincere desire to grow spiritually, academically, and physically should apply.

Acceptance Criteria

A student's acceptance is based on the following criteria:

• Transcripts and records from previously attended school(s)
• Attendance records
• Citizenship report
• Finances
• Current medical and immunization records
• Consent to treatment form
• Good character references

All admissions are conditional until above criteria have been met. Click here for HVCA's online application.

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Medical Examinations

Medical examinations are required upon original entry into school and into sixth grade. Dental examinations are also required upon original entry into school. Tuberculin testing is required upon original entry into school. These examinations are to be performed by a Pennsylvania resident physician. All medical and dental forms are obtained from the school. These forms are to be completed and returned to the school by September 15 or earlier.

Failure to turn in these forms will exclude the child from attending school.

Required Proof of Immunizations

The State of Pennsylvania requires that all students entering school for the first time, those transferring from another school, and those coming from out-of-state or out-of-country, must have written proof of all state-required immunizations before registering and entering any child in the school program.

Medical Information

According Federal HIPPA law (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), student medical information is regarded as private and may not be accessed by students, teachers, non-custodial parents or other individuals unless parents or guardians have pre-approved such information sharing. Parents or guardians must sign a release form for full or partial information to be released.

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Non-Discrimination Policy

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in all of its church schools, admits students of any race to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at its schools, and makes no discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnic background, country of origin or sex in administration of education policies, applications for admission, scholarship or loan programs, and extracurricular programs.

Admission Priority Statement

Student acceptance for a given school year does not guarantee acceptance for the following school year(s). The Admissions Committee will review all students--current and new applicants--to determine their admission status for the coming school year. Current constituent students will have priority over non-constituent or non-Seventh-day Adventist students in determining admission for each school year when classes are filled to capacity. Admission to Huntingdon Valley Christian Academy is a privilege and not a right, and may be withheld at the school's discretion.

Student / Teacher Ratio

HVCA strives to maintain a reasonable student to teacher ratio in order to provide optimum quality instruction. Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten have a maximum enrollment of 16 students. Acceptance into any class is dependent on whether or not the class has reached capacity enrollment.

Initial School Entrance

Huntingdon Valley Christian Academy embraces the philosophy of developmental readiness for school entrance. Children entering first grade must be able to achieve success. Classical writings and current research literature in education point to the age of six-and-one half (6 ½) to seven (7) years as the best time suited for entrance into a formal curriculum. Therefore, children entering grade one must be six (6) by September 1.

Parents with children having their 4th birthday by September 1 and who are interested in enrolling their child in some type of school experience may enroll their child in pre-kindergarten. Children who turn 5 years old before September 1 may enroll in Kindergarten. From kindergarten, the student will progress to pre-first or first grade, depending on readiness test scores. NO EXCEPTIONS ARE MADE.

How to Apply

Click here for HVCA's online application. An application may also be obtained by writing or calling

Admissions Committee
Huntingdon Valley Christian Academy
1845 Byberry Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006

Telephone: (215) 947-6595
Fax: (215) 947-4277

All new applications are charged with a $25.00 processing and testing fee.
The re-application fee is $15.00. All fees are non-refundable.

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Financial Information

Application Fee

The application and testing fee of twenty-five dollars is to be paid when applying. This fee is non-refundable.

Registration

Application may be made anytime, however, all students MUST be tested before being granted official acceptance. NO EXCEPTIONS are made to this policy. New applicants may call the office Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m to schedule testing. Requests for information can also be made by fax transmission--215-947-4277. Click here for HVCA's online application.

Pre-Registration

Pre-Registration may be completed during the closing weeks of the school year for the following school year. Registration may be done anytime during summer hours.
Click here for HVCA's online application.

Registration Fee

The registration fee is to be paid at the time of registration. A copy of the student's immunization records must be presented to the school at time of registration. This is required by the State of Pennsylvania. The registration fee covers the cost of placement tests, student insurance, library fee, Student Association activities, textbook rentals, yearbook, locks and lockers and field trips (not including entrance fees).

Schedule of Tuition Payments

Additional Discounts Available

• $30 discount is given to each additional child enrolled from one family.
• 5% discount is given for a year's tuition paid in full prior to the beginning of school.
• $200.00 discount is given for 16 hours of volunteer service to the school.
  

Late Enrollment

Students enrolling after the official start of school will be charged a pro-rated tuition based on the number of school days remaining. Registration fees are to be paid in full up to the third marking period. Thereafter, the registration fee is fifty percent of the full registration fee. Click here for HVCA's online application.

Refunds

If a student withdraws during school, only the tuition payment will be pro-rated based on the number of school days attended in the month. The registration fee is non-refundable.

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Late Payment Policy

A student's status in school will be reviewed when an account is more than sixty (60) days past due. A student will be suspended from school unless satisfactory financial arrangements have been made on or before the sixty-first day. Late days are counted from the twentieth of the month. The school will hold student information and transcripts until the balance due on the account has been paid in full.

Textbooks

Students in Kindergarten through grade ten rent textbooks from the school. The textbook rental fee is included as part of the registration fee. A parent agrees that if a textbook assigned to his/her child is damaged, misused beyond normal wear and tear, or is lost, the user will pay the school the replacement cost of the book or a pro-rated amount (depending on the age and condition of the book).

Returned Checks

A twenty-five dollar ($25.00) charge will be charged to the student's account for any check returned due to insufficient funds. Occasionally, it may be necessary to ask that future payments be made by certified check, money order or cash.

Special Financial Arrangements

In unusual cases, special payment plans may be worked out and approved by the Collection Committee.

Financial Aid

Limited financial aid is available through local SDA churches, the Pennsylvania Conference, and HVCA for qualifying parents. Parents seeking financial assistance from the Worthy Student Fund should contact the school. The Financial Aid Committee will schedule time with parents requesting financial aid.

Medical Care and Accident Insurance

HVCA automatically covers all students with an accident insurance program while they participate in HVCA sponsored and supervised activities. The insurance provides coverage for students whose parents/guardians do not have medical insurance. Travel directly and uninterruptedly to and from a school sponsored/supervised activity is also covered.

Students are not covered while at home or while they participated in activities which are not school sponsored and supervised. In all other cases, the parents are to request reimbursement from their medical insurance carrier directly. For detailed information about the policy, contact the school office.

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Scholastics and Attendance

HVCA's Grading System

Kindergarten:

VG = Very Good

S = Satisfactory

N = Needs improvement

Pre-first to second grade:

E = Excellent

S+ = Above average

S = Satisfactory

N = Needs improvement

U = Unsatisfactory

Grades 3 through 10:

WF = Withdrew Failing will automatically be given in a class if a student withdraws after the fourth week in the quarter/semester. A WF will affect a student’s grade point average.

WP = Withdrew Passing will be given if the student is passing and withdraw in the first four weeks of the quarter.

Incompletes

If, because of illness or other extenuating circumstances, a student has not completed sufficient class work to earn a grade, he/she may receive an incomplete upon the approval of the teacher and the Academic Standards Committee.

Incompletes must be removed during the two (2) weeks immediately following the end of the grading period. No late work will be accepted after the two week grace period. Any missing work not submitted by the end of the two week deadline will be recorded as a zero and the grade will be calculated.

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Academic Progress Reports

Pupil evaluation is an on-going process that seeks to monitor and measure student performance in all areas including class work, homework, tests, class participation, and special projects.

For grades 9-10, the school year is divided into two semesters. Each semester is comprised of two quarters of approximately nine weeks. At the end of each quarter Report Card will be sent or given to each parent or guardian. Mid-quarter progress reports will be sent home or parents will be notified. In addition, whenever students are struggling, fail to turn in assignments, or in general exhibit signs of not doing satisfactory work, the teacher or principal will get in touch with the parent or guardian. For the elementary and junior high grades, the school year is divided into four quarters and intermittent progress reports will be sent home. Report cards are provided at the end of each quarter. At least one additional progress report is sent each quarter.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Two official parent-teacher conferences are scheduled during the school year. These conferences are an essential part of the process in a cooperative relationship with parents to assist in the character development of their child(ren).

• The FIRST conference is scheduled after the first quarter;
• The SECOND conference after the third quarter.
• Grades for the first and third quarters will be given to the parents at this time.

The teaching staff encourages additional conferences throughout the school year. We believe communication between home and school promotes the spiritual, the academic, and the social well-being of each student.

Parents and school patrons are welcome to visit classes by making proper arrangements in advance:

• To schedule visits, parents should call the school to make an appointment.
• Teacher(s) are NOT available during school hours.
• Impromptu class visits are NEVER appropriate and are not allowed.

Mandatory Conferences

When students are placed on academic probation, parents or guardians may be mandated to attend the parent-teacher conference. Students may not be allowed to attend classes until parents or guardians have attended the scheduled parent-teacher conference.

Homework Policy

A certain amount of homework can be expected as an important part of the instructional program for grades 5-10. Homework contributes to students' success at school by reinforcing and maintaining skills taught in the classroom and helps encourage students to become independent learners.

The attitude and responsibility that parents assume in helping their children with the homework assignments will affect either positively or negatively the student's achievement in school.

Parents can help their children make the best use of the time which is spent on home study by following these suggestions:

• Provide a comfortable, quiet, well-lighted place to do homework.
• Arrange an appropriate time for study.
• Minimize distractions: telephone calls, television, stereo, visits, chores, etc.
• Make sure the student has enough sleep and eats well.
• Take an active interest in what the child is doing, but do not do the work for him/her.
  Answer questions about homework assignments. Give upervision where it is
  needed.
• Encourage the student to do his/her best; do not set unreasonable goals.
• Reward your child for his/her success in academics.
• Demonstrate your upport for learning at home by reading together, discussing
  national and local issues, reviewing what happened at school, etc.
• Make resource materials available.
• Confer with the teacher if the child needs special help.
• Seek tutoring services when necessary.
• Discuss with your child how to carry out his/her study plan.

Textbooks

Textbooks constitute an important resource of the curriculum in all schools including Seventh-day Adventist schools. However, a good class is not based solely on the textbook. In other words, the textbook is not the curriculum of the class. The teacher uses the readings and other resources in the textbook as a major ingredient for student assignments in addition to other carefully selected materials. This does not mean that the textbook should be the "final authority" on the contents of the subject being discussed, but it is one of many classroom resources.

In some subject areas, the Seventh-day Adventist Church spends large sums of money to produce their own textbooks, but in other areas, the church has felt it could utilize some of the excellent textbooks already available in the general market. Before allowing a church school to purchase such books, the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventist Office of Education follows a very careful process of evaluating and recommending approved textbooks. The evaluators include Adventist teachers and administrators who carefully study the books to determine their suitability for Adventist schools. Textbooks with a pervasive philosophical approach counter to Adventist teachings will not be approved. Other textbooks will meet the high standards required for approval.

Even the best-approved textbooks sometimes contain inaccuracies. Some of these are factual errors while others represent differences of opinion on important philosophical or religious issues. If the textbook your student is reading has such problems, the Seventh-day Adventist teacher will make every attempt to point out the errors or differences. This discussion will give your children opportunity to think about important ideas they will be confronting at the present time or in the future as they further their education. Since the Adventist teacher will be emphasizing that the textbook is not the sole authority of the classroom, students will be taught to read critically and thoughtfully every textbook under the careful guidance of the classroom teacher. As students then enter the broader world, they will be better prepared to deal with the challenges they face concerning their belief systems.

Attendance

Punctual attendance to all appointments is of vital importance. The attendance policy of Huntingdon Valley Christian Academy is designed to encourage all students to develop habits of punctuality and responsibility. A continued pattern of poor attendance limits academic achievement and results in lower grades. Major discipline and possible dismissal may result.

Any student who misses more than 25% of school days in a school year, will most likely fail regardless of academic performance, due to failure to meet minimum state attendance requirements.

Written excuse slips for all absences must be submitted to the teacher.

Excused Absences

Compulsory education laws require students to attend school. The only exceptions are sickness, death in the family, and doctor appointments. For medical absences exceeding three days, a written doctor's excuse is required. Please try to make doctors’ appointments after school.

Un-excused Absences

We realize that parents take their children out of school for reasons other than those stated above. Please understand that these are un-excused absences and will be treated as such. NOTE: Teachers are under no obligation to provide homework, give make-up tests, or in any other way provide work for the student who has missed school due to un-excused leave.

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Tardiness

Records will be taken in every class. A student is expected to be in his/her seat prepared for class at the time the bell rings or that student is marked tardy.

Attendance Policy (Grades 7-10)

Students receive one point for each unexcused class tardy, three points for each unexcused class absence or unexcused day absence, and one point for an arranged absence.
This policy includes the following consequences:

• Five points in a quarter will result in a letter to the parent(s).
  
• Ten points in a quarter will result in suspension until a conference between school administration and parent(s) has been completed.
  
• Fifteen points in a quarter will result in a one-day suspension.
  
• Twenty points in a quarter will result in a recommendation of expulsion.
  

Minimum Days

On announced minimum school days, classes will dismiss at 1:00 P.M. for all students, meeting minimum time requirements.

Before and After School Supervision

Students are allowed into the school building at 8:25 a.m. There is no provision to care for students prior to that time.

Parents are to pick up their children (if they are not riding the bus) in the afternoon at 3:30 by 3:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, students are to be picked up at by 1:45 p.m. Students who are waiting for rides must do so in the lobby of the school.

Students are NOT allowed to stay after school unless prior written arrangements have been made with a teacher or administrator.

Please Note: When a student is not picked up within 15 minutes of school dismissal or school activities, students are placed in a supervised room. Parents will be charged $3.00 for every subsequent fifteen minutes of supervision required.

In-House and After-School Detention

Occasionally, it may become necessary to keep a student after school to complete class work, or as discipline for infractions of school and/or classroom rules. Parents will be notified of a student detention. Parents must pick up their child promptly or they will be charged $3.00 for every 15 minutes of supervision required beyond the detention time.

Closed Campus / Leaving School Premises

A student who must leave the school building during school hours must check out at the office when leaving.

If a student returns to the school building before dismissal time, he or she must check in with the office, and thereafter check back into class until dismissal time. Students who leave the school premises without permission will be subject to major discipline. This includes any area of the school's property that cannot be readily supervised or observed from a normal vantage point of the school or crossing Byberry Road, Pioneer Road, or any other commercial roadway.

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Academic Committee Requests

Pre-arranged Leave of Absence

A written request must be submitted to the office at least 72 hours in advance of any planned absence. These leave of absence requests include mission trips, class trips, and medical leaves. Upon the approval of the Committee, the student may be permitted to make up and receive a grade for the subject(s) missed during the absence, although any grade received may be reflective of the absence. The student is responsible for completing and submitting all assignments, projects, tests, and other materials prior to the leave of absence or as designated by the teacher.

Approval of the request does not assure that the absence will be counted as excused.

Early Completion of Elementary School

The general policy of the Columbia Union Conference requires a student to acquire eight years of elementary education (grades 1-8) or under specific conditions to have reached the age of thirteen prior to admittance to secondary school (grades 9-12).

Early completion of the elementary school means the acceptance of a student who has had fewer than eight years of formal education into secondary education. In order to obtain approval for early completion, the following steps should be completed:

1. The Academic Standards Committee must submit a letter to the Conference Office of Education, including the written consent of the parent.

2. A program of early completion of elementary school is planned and the application submitted prior to the completion of sixth grade school work.

3. The application must be approved by the Conference Office of Education and made a matter of record before a student may begin work in the Early Completion Program.

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Eighth Grade Graduation Requirements

Diploma

To graduate from eighth grade and to receive a diploma, a student MUST have passing grades in 5 out of the 6 core subjects--Bible, English, mathematics, science, and social studies.

Certificate of Completion

A Certificate of Completion is given to those who have been determined to be academically challenged. It shows that a student has completed an individually prescribed course of study.

Certificate of Attendance

A student who receives failing grades will be given a Certificate of Attendance which verifies that he/she has been in school but has NOT met the scholastic requirements.

Christian Service Award

Students completing 50 hours of community service are eligible for the Christian Service Award.

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Eligibility to Hold Office

The GPA (grade point average) is one of the main factors in determining eligibility in running for and holding class offices.

Major office holders are required to have and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.50 or higher. Major offices are delineated as follows: presidents, vice-presidents, and year book editor(s). Minor office holders include secretary, pastor, treasurer, and sergeant-at-arms require a GPA of 2.00 or higher and to maintain a minimum GPA while holding office.

Any office holder whose grades falls below the set GPA for his/her office will be given ONE three week period to raise the GPA to the set standard. If the office holder fails to raise the GPA, the student shall be removed from office and a new election held to fill the vacant position. No student shall be given a second three week period in which to improve his or her grades in order to hold office.

Students may not have or have had any F's or be placed on attendance or discipline probation during the previous or current grading period to be eligible to hold office.

Only grades eight, nine and ten and the Student Association elect officers for the school year. Students participating in extra curricular programs may be deemed ineligible because of unsatisfactory grades, attendance or discipline.

Class Trip and Class Functions

Eight grade and tenth grade students may not have more than one F and one D to participate in class trips (or official class functions if so deemed necessary). The eligibility assessment is based on the students accumulative grades for the year.

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Community Service Requirement

Students in grades seven to ten are required, as part of their regular curriculum, to perform twenty hours of community service. This requirement is to be completed two weeks before the end of the school year. Verification of service completion must be signed by a supervising adult in order to receive service credit.

Testing

Standardized achievement testing is administered to grades 3 through 10 each fall to determine the level of academic learning. Test results are analyzed to improve current instructional practices and to focus on weaknesses in individual students.

Testing is required on all new applicants to determine their placement and academic standing. The school reserves the right not to accept a student based on test results.

The Montgomery County Intermediate Unit also provides testing for students who may be experiencing difficulties in the classroom. Such testing is requested by the parents.

Resource and Special Education

Huntingdon Valley Christian Academy does not provide full time special needs education to students. However, a limited number of students are provided with extra help during the school day. Because this service is on an "as time can be provided basis," students with special needs cannot be guaranteed tutorial and special needs help. Students who are accepted in this limited program can be expected to pay an additional fee.

Montgomery County Intermediate Unit offers remedial help in reading and speech for students in grades one through six twoi days a week. Students with apparent disabilities may be recommended for testing and consultation with parents and guardians. Psychological testing through the MCIU is provided at no charge to parents.

Asbestos Notification

Asbestos is present in pipe wrappings in the main boiler room. It is under periodic monitoring by the school and asbestos control officer. It poses no threat to the student population since it does not interact with classrooms, or with areas that students pass through. If you have you any questions regarding this notification, contact the school administrator.

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Discipline Policy

Huntingdon Valley Christian Academy wishes to develop a strong Christian character in all students and to enable them to develop self-control, self-government, and responsibility. The basic guidelines for student conduct grow out of the school's philosophy and objectives.

Respect for the right of others, applicable state laws, insurance regulations, care for school property, and church standards are all considered in determining specific behavioral guidelines and expectations. Some school rules are by design spiritual in nature, while others are part of the need for orderly and safe conduct while at school. The desire to maintain harmonious relationships among the faculty, students, and the school constituents is also a determining factor in establishing HVCA standards.

The following guidelines govern the curricular and extracurricular program of the school. These guidelines are simple and easy to understand. They are not meant, however, to be all-inclusive. It should be the student's purpose to abide by the regulations of HVCA as a matter of honor and respect.

• Respect is to be shown at all times to God as our Creator and Redeemer.
• Respect is to be shown at all times to teachers, staff, volunteers, and students.
• The laws of the country, state, and local governments are to be obeyed and honored.
• Considerable emphasis is placed on intangibles such as attitude, spirit, cooperation, and positive contribution to the spiritual, social, and academic atmosphere at HVCA.
• To develop a strong moral character, HVCA will not permit dishonesty, theft, foul or irreverent language or any such misconduct at school or school related functions.

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Scholastic Dishonesty

Cheating

HVCA expects each student to exhibit honesty in every aspect of his/her life, including individual work on daily assignments, special assignments, quizzes, and tests. Any student found cheating will be subject to the following:

1st Offense - The student will receive a zero on the assignment or test. The student will be suspended from class one day and a parent/teacher conference will be held within 24 hours (may be held via the telephone). Student(s) will not be allowed to make up home work, tests or projects for the duration of the suspension.

2nd Offense - The student will receive a zero on the assignment or test and will be suspended from school for three (3) days. Students will not be allowed to make up any work, tests or projects for the duration of the suspension. Any office held will be forfeited.

3rd Offense - The student will be expelled from school and receive a zero for all class work in the course for the semester in which the offense occurred.

Theft of Tests, Quizzes or Teacher's Key

Any student who steals quizzes, tests, keys or teacher's edition books will be subject to the following:

1st Offense - The student will receive a three day suspension without the privilege of making up missed school work. The student will forfeit any office held for the remainder of the year.

2nd Offense - The student will be dismissed from school and receive a loss of credit in all classes during the semester when the second offense occurred.

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Weapons Policy

Violation

Any student in possession of or using instruments considered useful for self-harm or injury to others has violated the Weapons Policy. These instruments are not to be on the grounds, in the buildings, or in any conveyance that provides transportation to and from school.

Many factors may be allowed for when deciding whether it is appropriate to notify law enforcement, including:

• Motivation
• Perpetrator
• Victim
• Potential for injury or harm
• Potential for escalation
• Parental request for law enforcement involvement.

A parental request that law enforcement NOT be involved shall not be binding on the school.

Discipline:

• Students that violate the Weapons Policy are subject to immediate indefinite suspension until the Administrative Council with school board chair, and conference superintendent present, convene to determine the extent of the discipline, including reinstatement, continue suspension and/or expulsion. The Council will meet no later than seven days following the suspension.
• Students referred to police because of Weapons Violations are to be suspended until the police have finished their investigation and have provided a written report.
• Students under a Weapons Violation, if allowed to return to school will be assigned to counseling or a personality assessment to guarantee their safety and that of others if so recommended.
• Students with a Weapons Violation will be placed on probation for the remainder of the school year.

Bullying or Intimidation

The purpose of this policy is to defuse issues before they evolve into serious conflict. Every report of bullying or intimidation from Kindergarten to high school will be investigated. If and when an incident of bullying or intimidation proves to be accurate, appropriate actions will be taken to correct the situation.

In bullying there is a real perceived power imbalance between the perpetrator and victim. Bullying is designed to cause the victim to worry and to be annoyed to the point of distraction, and often leading the victim to fear coming to school. Attempts to damage someone's reputation, intentional repeated hurtful acts and words, badgering, provoking anger or resentment, create feelings of persecution, threatening language, manipulating or influence as if by teasing are included in the areas condidered bullying.

Aspects to Bullying

• Physical: Punching, poking, hair-pulling, beating or biting.
  
• Verbal: Name calling, teasing or gossip.
  
• Emotional or Threatening: Rejection, humiliating, ostracizing, berating personal characteristics such as perceived orientation.
  
• : Harassment, inappropriate touching, innuendos and actual abuse.
  
• Birthday Traditions: Aggressive behavior that may be tolerated as socially acceptable traditions in most school are not tolerated at HVCA, these include birthday spankings, hitting on arms and legs, and in general abusive behavior to celebrate a birthday or other events. Striking another student for any reason will not be tolerated.
  

Discipline:

Students found to have been engaging in bullying, intimidation or harassment will face discipline to be determined by the Administrative Council (administration and faculty members). Depending on the severity of the bullying incident, students may face school sanctions, be suspended or expelled.

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General Information

Caffeinated Drinks

Students may not bring caffeinated beverages to school. The staff will confiscate such drinks and dispose of them. A written warning will be sent home to parents. A fine will be imposed for a second violation.

Cards

Trading cards i.e basketball, football; card i.e. Magic or Pokemon are inappropriate and is distracting to the learning environment and are prohibited on buses or at school. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items. These items will be consfiscated.

Damage or Vandalism to School Property

When accidental damage to school property occurs and is reported, the student is expected to pay for the actual cost of replacing or repairing the damage. Students may be required to assist in the repairs where possible. Frequently, the parents' personal liability insurance will pay for the damage. Willful damage or destruction of school property is subject to full restitution and/or discipline. This includes library materials.

Fighting

Every student is to behave in a courteous and cooperative manner at all times. Any behavior that may lead to physical harm to another will not be tolerated at HVCA. Students who engage in violent physical conduct toward another individual (whether considered justified or not) will be suspended until the Administrative Committee meets to determine the length of time. A second incident will result in the student being expelled from school.

Fines / Fines Collection

All fines must be paid in cash to the office the day following the infraction. If fines are not paid the following day, parents will be notified and the student will be placed in detention after school. Students will NOT be picked up by the bus, nor allowed in school until the fine is paid.

Fire Alarms and Fire Extinguishers

Tampering with fire alarms and fire extinguishers is subject to major discipline and a fifty dollar fine.

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Fire Drills

Fire drills are conducted monthly in accordance with state regulations. All students and adults are expected to exit the building to the designated area in an orderly fashion.

Gum Chewing

Chewing gum is not permitted in the school building or on school property. Students will be fined $5.00 per incident to be paid in the first class the following school day.

Hall Behavior

Students are expected to maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor while in the hallways of the school. Lockers should be closed quietly.

Health Services

Each teacher has an emergency first aid kit and will provide care for minor injuries. Students who require more attention are sent to the office for care. Students with more chronic ailments are encouraged to see the school nurse.

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Jewelry

Necklaces, arm or leg bracelets, leather or string bands, rings, earrings and similar items are not to be worn. Jewelry and make-up accessories will be confiscated and the student fined $5.00 per incident. Confiscated items will be returned at the end of the year.

Lockers

Each student in grades 7 through 10 is assigned a combination lock and locker. It is expected that the lockers will be maintained in a clean and orderly fashion. Family photos are the only decorations permitted on the locker door.

Magazines and Books

Literature that is brought to school must be in harmony with Christian values and standards. Inappropriate materials will be confiscated.

Make-up and Accessories

In the use of cosmetics, students are expected to follow the simple guidelines of the Natural and Clean look. Natural tones for nail polish, lipstick, and other make-up accessories are accepted as natural and clean in appearance.

Personal Possessions

The school is NOT responsible for personal possessions. Students are advised to keep their lockers locked and refrain from bringing valuables to school or on outings. Students are encouraged to report any intrusion of their lockers by unauthorized persons.

Possession of Weapons

Possession of weapons such as guns, knives, chains, or the like, (anything deemed harmful to the general population of the school) will result in immediate suspension and possible expulsion.

Bringing firearms, ammunition or any type of explosive materials to school is grounds for immediate expulsion under federal and state guidelines. Threats or perceived threats of violence may also be reported to local police authorities.

Public Display of Affection

Inappropriate public display of affection is not permitted. Included in