_ Parent -
Student Handbook
7900 - 22nd Avenue North
St. Petersburg, Florida 33710
727-954-8856
Table of Contents
Statement of Faith 3
Purpose and Philosophy 6
Mission/Vision Statement 6
Admissions 7
Financial Information 9
General Information 9
Attendance 13
Home/School Communications 14
Transportation 14
Academics 15
Discipline 17
Dress and Grooming Code 18
Bulling Policy Appendix A - 20
Student Conduct Form Appendix B - 21
Parent's Acknowledgment Form Appendix C - 22
Five Oaks Community Church, Inc.
STATEMENT OF FAITH
The tenants of the church and school shall be the Word of God, which is the final authority as the sole rule of faith and practice, interpreted by the following:
A. The Bible
We believe the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, to be the Holy Scriptures, inspired of God in the original manuscripts, infallible, inerrant, and God-breathed, the perfect rule of faith and practice.
(Ps. 119:9,89,105; 2 Tim. 3:16,17; Heb. 4:12)
B. The Trinity
We believe in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
(Gen. 1:1; John 1:1-3,32-34; Luke 3:21,22; Matt. 28:19)
C. The Lord Jesus Christ
We believe that God the Son, Who has always existed, became a man (without diminishing His deity) by virgin birth through Mary. He lived a sinless life and as the infinite God-Man took upon Himself the sins of all men, died in their place, and satisfied God concerning their sins.
We further believe in the literal, physical resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. He was then ascended to the right hand of God the Father and was exalted as the Great High Priest of all believers.
We further believe in the literal, future return of the Lord Jesus Christ to receive His Church unto Himself.
(Matt. 1:18-25; 1 Cor. 15:3,4; Phil. 2:5-11; Matt. 28:1-9; Heb. 4:14-16; I Thess. 4:13-17)
D. The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a Divine Person Whose ministry is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment, and He is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration. He baptizes all believers into the Body of Christ. He indwells, instructs, gifts, empowers, and seals believers unto the Day of Redemption.
(John 14:15-18,25 26; John 16:5-15; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 12:1-13; Eph. 1:13)
E. Creation
We believe that God created the universe.
(Gen. 1 and 2; Ex. 20:11; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:16; Rev. 4:11)
F. Man
We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but in Adam's sin, the race fell and became alienated from God. Man is now totally depraved and of himself is utterly unable to remedy his lost condition.
(Gen. 1:26,27; 2:16,17; 3:6,17-20; Rom. 3:10-12,23; 5:12)
G. Salvation
We believe that salvation is the gift of God offered to all by grace and received by personal faith (apart from any works by man) in the Lord Jesus Christ, Whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of sins.
(Rom. 5:8; 6:23; 10:9,10; Eph. 2:8-10; Tit. 3:4-7)
H. The Devil and Demons
We believe that Satan is a created angel who rebelled against God and fell from his high position. He is aided by a host of evil spirit beings called demons. Their assignment is to attempt to destroy believers, their homes, their families, their churches, their ministries, etc. Every believer is subject to their attack, and may be victorious over them only through the Lord Jesus Christ, His shed blood, and the weapons of warfare He has provided us.
(Matt. 28:18; Luke 9:1,2; 10:17-19; John 10:10; Eph. 6:10-17; Col. 2:15; Jas. 4:7; 1 John 4:1-4; Rev. 1:17,18)
I. Sanctification
We believe that every believer has received eternal life (Christ's life), and was spiritually crucified, buried, and raised up with Christ. This must become an experiential reality to each believer as he or she chooses to walk after the Spirit and not after the flesh. Sanctification, then, is Christ living His life out through the believer. (This is not teaching passivity, sinless perfection, or the deification of man.)
(Rom. 6:1-11; Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:1-4; 2 Pet. 1:1-4)
J. The Church
We believe that the local church, which is the body and espoused bride of Christ, is made up solely of born-again persons.
We further believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures.
We further believe in the autonomy of the local church, free of any external authority or control.
(1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 1:22,23; 5:25-27; Acts 14:27; 20:17,28-32; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Tit. 1:5-9; Acts 13:1-4; 15:19-31; 20:28; 1 Cor. 3:9,16; 5:4-7,12,13; 1 Pet. 5: 1-4)
K. Church Ordinances
We believe that the ordinances of the Church, Water Baptism and the Lord's Supper, are to be observed by believers in Christ according to the Lord's command. They are not a means of salvation, but a testimony of our identification with and salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Matt. 28:18,19; 1 Cor. 11:23-30)
L. Civil Government
We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions: 1) the home; 2) the Church; and 3) the state. Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His Word. God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the Church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective Biblically-assigned spheres of responsibility under God.
(Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-24; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 2:13,14)
M. Marriage
We believe that God instituted marriage and that it is only to be between a man and a woman.
(Gen. 2:18-24; 1 Cor. 7:2; Eph. 5:25; Tit. 2:4)
N. Human Sexuality
We believe that human sexuality is a gift of God and that intimate sexual activity should be engaged in inside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, pornography, etc. are sinful perversions of God's gift of sex.
(Gen. 2:24,25; 19:5,13; 26:8-10; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1:26-28; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9,10; 7:1-5; 1 Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4)
O. Divorce
We believe that God hates divorce and intends for marriage to last until one of the spouses dies.
(Mal. 2:14-16; Matt. 19:3-12; 1 Cor. 7:10-13)
P. Abortion
We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Therefore, we believe that abortion constitutes the taking of human life.
(Job 3:16; Ps. 139:13-16; Is. 49:1,5; Jer. 1:5; Luke 1:41-44)
Q. Lawsuits Between Believers
We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the Church to resolve personal disputes. We believe the Church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members of the Body of Christ. (We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation from another Christian's insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander.)
(1 Cor. 6:1-8; Eph. 4:31,32)
R. Stewardship
We believe that Christians have the privilege and the responsibility of participating in the work of God with their time, talents, treasures, and prayers, primarily, though not exclusively, through the local church.
(Ex. 36:1,2,8; I Pet. 4:10; Prov. 3:9,10; Mal. 3:8-12; Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:2,3)
Note: The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. Though the above-listed Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our Biblical beliefs, we do believe that it accurately represents the teaching of the Bible, and therefore, is binding upon all Trustees, Elders, Officers, Pastors, Deacons, Ministers, members, and workers of this Church corporation.
PURPOSE AND PHILOSOPHY
The primary purpose of the school is to train the students in the Christian way of life and to equip each student academically to understand how God can use him and how he can best communicate with God.
The school’s philosophy is based upon the principles in the Word of God, the Old and New Testament, which is our final authority for all faith and practice.
Since the school’s primary purpose is spiritual ministry, evangelistic efforts are made to bring all students to a saving knowledge of Jesus
Christ followed by instructions in right thinking and clean living in the light of the principles of God’s Word. This would not be scriptural without the parents’ involvement. The parent is the main catalyst in the child’s mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical development. Educating the child is the ultimate responsibility of the parent.
The academic program, through Accelerated Christian Education, Incorporated, includes Bible verses throughout the PACE books which promote evangelism, growth in character, and the knowledge of God. Each PACE requires scriptural memorization, and focuses on Christian example.
Christian character training is an important element in our school. We believe that the heart of good character is obedience, which cultivates an inner self-discipline essential to the emotional, physical, social, and spiritual well being of the student. The teacher is the authority in the classroom. Discipline is administered firmly and lovingly. To obey, to do right, and to love God and country are attitudes we strive to instill in each student, thus equipping him for his role in God’s plan for his life.
MISSION/VISION STATEMENT
Mission Statement:
Community Christian School of Five Oaks, in partnership with families, exists to equip students to reach their God-given potential through outstanding academic and extra-curricular programs within a Christ centered environment.
Vision Statement:
Community Christian School of Five Oaks is committed to:
Seeing every student know Jesus Christ as personal Savior by:
Integrating spiritual truths in the curricula.
Providing academic programs that challenge and support each individual student.
Instilling in every student a love for learning.
Becoming an above average technological environment,
Encouraging a strong sense of patriotism toward the United States of America.
Designing, building, and maintaining buildings and grounds to support quality learning.
Extra-curricular programs that allow each student to discover and develop his/her individual gifts for the glory of God.
Hiring and developing faculty and staff who are committed to spiritual and professional advancement.
DISCOVERY PROGRAM
The Discovery Program is a specially designed program for students of educational potential with learning differences or learning disabilities. We are not staffed to serve all students with special needs.
A learning disability is a term used to describe a developmental disorder that interferes with the ability to receive, process and store information. It is a neurological based condition that effects auditory processing, visual memory, perceptional integration, sequencing processes, verbal and non verbal abilities, motor control and memory recall. Discovery serves children in grades 1-12. Individual educational plans are developed for each child outlining the educational goals for the day, week, and year.
The program provides a Diagnostic Test that determines the students functioning grade level and weak areas. PACES (books) are then assigned to the student that he/she can be successful in, and yet re-mediate the areas of weakness. If the student is willing to work the program, the program will work for the student.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
CCSFO admits students of any race, color, national, or ethnic origin to all the rights, programs, and activities generally made available to all students at the school.
ACCREDITATION
CCSFO has been certified as a “quality school” with Accelerated Christian Education, Inc. since 1994. The school is also seeking accreditation (in process, completion projected for 2012) from the Florida Council of Private Schools,Inc. There are over 500 colleges/universities that accept ACE credits. (Please ask for list from the office.)
ADMISSIONS
Students are admitted year round as long as there is space available. All students are given a Diagnostic Test to determine his/her weak academic areas, and the grade level he/she is functioning at.
Candidates must have current report cards, transcripts, any standardized test results, as well as any pertinent results from his/her medical doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Health certificates must be current (within 2 years), and an Immunization Form up to date with all county required immunizations listed.
ENROLLMENT PROCEDURE
An interview is required with the school representative (usually the Assistant Administrator). If parent or guardian, and Assistant Administrator agree, the following procedure should be next:
1. Fill out application
2. Pay non-refundable Registration Fee (usually $135)
3. Sign Financial Agreement (a legal document).
4. Apply for Scholarship if necessary.
5. Turn in notarized Medical Release Form.
Sign off that you and your child/children have read the Handbook, and agree with the school purpose and program. (This will require the signatures of the Parent/Guardian and student(s).
Your child/children may be placed on probation if he/she is antagonistic to the purposes and programs of this school. Signing off on the Handbook is a contract between parent, student, and the school that the school’s rules and philosophy will be respected.
HOME SCHOOL STUDENTS (a non-schlorship program)
Home school students must follow the same procedure. (If they are returning students, the Diagnostic Test will probably not be necessary.)
Home school students are considered part of CCSFO, and are welcome to participate in school programs and extra-curricular activities
Home school students who have previously been home schooled must provide some proof of their academic progress or status.
RE-ENROLLMENT PROCEDURE
CCSFO accepts students from other schools throughout the school year. The transfer of credit is as follows:
Credit is accepted at face value from other accredited schools.
Credit may be retroactively granted provided the student does well during a probation set for one grading period.
DISCOVERY PROGRAM ADMISSION
This program is designed for students with learning disabilities. A learning disability is considered a developmental disorder that interferes with the ability to receive, process, and retain information. It is a neurological based condition that effects auditory processing, visual memory, perceptual integration, sequencing, verbal and non-verbal abilities, motor control and memory recall. Discovery serves students in grades K—12 in smaller classes. The class Supervisor will develop goals for each student based on the results of the Diagnostic Test taken at the time of enrollment.
IMPORTANT: We assure each student that he/she cannot fail this test. It is a “tool” used to determine what academic areas need re-mediating.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
TUITION/FEES
Please see your Information Packet (that you were given or sent when you requested information about CCSFO) for current tuition/fees, or check with the office.
FINANCIAL POLICIES
The tuition does not include before/after care, extra-curricular activities, field trips, or special tutoring. There is a discount for paying the annual fee, and those not on Florida Pride or McKay Scholarships may pay tuition in 10 equal payments.
PLEASE NOTE: The school reserves the right to not re-enroll or temporarily dismiss your child/children if your payments are behind. Financial details are explained in the financial agreement the parent/guardian may be asked to sign. (Please read carefully as this is a legal agreement between the parent and the school.)
PLEASE NOTE: Accounts that are 60 days in arrears will be given over to the school’s collection agency. Any collection fees will be added to the parent’s account.
REGISTRATION FEES/BOOK FEES
The Registration Fee is generally $ 135.00, and is due at the time that your child’s application is turned in to the office. The book fee is included in the tuition. If we need to replace books for any reason, you will receive a bill for $5.00 for each new book.
SCHOLARSHIPS
CCSFO accepts McKay vouchers, Step Up for Students scholarships.
GENERAL INFORMATION
SCHOOL OFFICE
Any student arriving late or leaving early must be processed through the office. Late students must check in at the office, and receive a TARDY SLIP in order to be admitted to class. A student leaving early, for any reason, must have his/her parent, or a designated pick-up person) sign him/her out at the office. (Please do not go to the classroom to pick up the student.) Forgotten items may be left at the office. We will deliver them to your child. The office also has files with emergency phone numbers should we need to contact parents/guardians.
PLEASE NOTE: Students must be picked up by 3:15 PM. If student is not pricked up in a timely manner a charge may be assessed to cover the overtime cost. If you have some type of extenuating circumstance, please call the office.
LUNCH BREAK/SNACKS
Students generally bring their own lunch. Students do not usually have time to microwave a dinner, but we do recommend a well-balanced lunch that contains some protein, fruit, or vegetables.
The Student Council may sell snacks and drinks daily in order to raise money for their events.
LIBRARY
At this time, we do not have space for a private library even though we have thousands of books in storage. When necessary, classes will be taken to the St. Petersburg Public Library for research and field trip experiences. The library will be re-assembled as soon as there is space.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES/AIDS/HIV
Children infected with HIV will be permitted to attend school in an unrestricted manner due to the virtually non-existent risk of transmission. These students will be given all the rights and services as any other student. Each student’s doctor should determine the child’s risk, and inform the school, in writing, of his assessment. This assessment would be especially necessary if the student exhibits biting behaviors, has lesions, or any other behaviors deemed “risky.” The school may wish to involve a public health consultant, and it’s attorney as well as the student’s doctor, and parents. The school considers this type of information confidential, and strictly on a “need to know” basis.
The school will use precaution in the handling of all blood or bodily fluids of all students. School Staff has special training seminars for this.
Please Note: Any parent who suspects that his/her child may have a communicable disease needs to inform the school office at once, and keep his/her child at home until a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment plan are over. The diseases might include the usual: Chicken Pox, Measles, Mumps, Flu, serious colds, Head Lice, etc. The school administration reserves the right to make final decisions concerning a student’s communicable disease process, and to send a student home when necessary in order to protect all other students.
MEDICATION POLICY
Classroom staff or office staff will not administer medication (OTC, or prescribed) to a student. The office will not give out OTC medication to a student without the parent’s/guardian’s permission. The following is the school’s policy on administering any medication:
When enrollment permits, CCSFO competes with other private Christian schools. Athletes must maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA. Any student who falls below this level will not be allowed to participate until the GPA is back to minimum, or the next satisfactory progress report.
PLEASE NOTE: The Administration and the Coach reserve the right to suspend a player for overly aggressive, profane, or disrespectful behavior. The suspension may be temporary or not.
FIELD TRIPS/CHAPERONING
Most of these will be educational, but some will be “just for fun.”
The parent will sign a medical release form (found in Enrollment Packet or the office). These are always taken on field trips in case medical treatment is required in an emergency. A copy will be on file in the office in case the parent cannot be reached.
ACCIDENT POLICY
The student’s Supervisor will fill out an Accident Report as well as notify the parent should an accident occur at school. The school will not treat your child’s injury other than to provide bandages.
The parent’s medical coverage is the primary provider, and the school’s is secondary.
CHILD ABUSE POLICY
If the staff suspects any form of child abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, or neglectful), the school has a moral and legal obligation to report such abuse to the proper authorities. (See the current Ethics in Education policy in the school office.)
SEXUAL HARASSMENT/HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT
CCSFO will not tolerate sexual harassment in any form. By definition, harassment is “uninvited, unwelcomed, unreturned attention of a sexual nature.” While this can come in many forms, none of them will be allowed on the campus of a Christian school.
Please Note: If a student is accused of harassment, and there are witnesses, he/she may be expelled as well as face legal charges.
WITHDRAWAL/DISMISSAL
The parent who wishes to withdraw his/her child must do so in person. Tuition continues until all official papers have been filled out and returned to the office. Records will not be released until all bills have been paid.
Dismissal/expulsion is a last resort. It is a basic philosophy of CCSFO to work with the student, the parents, and the Counseling Center to do our best to promote the student’s growth spiritually and emotionally. (More on The Counseling Center later.)
The school will utilize Detentions, Suspensions, Probationary periods, and counseling (with parental permission) before expulsion. It is our belief that dismissal is another form of “abandonment” or rejection for a student. Supervisors will document students’ behaviors and consequences on a regular basis for the purpose of proving the students’ progression to a possible dismissal.
CCSFO does confess that we cannot help every student. When the Administration and the Church Board (of Five Oaks Community Church) believe they have exhausted every possible avenue to help the student, they will recommend another school or environment to help the student.
BINDING ARBITRATION
Parents will receive a Binding Arbitration Agreement in the back of their Handbooks. Should any disputes arise between parents, students, and the school, we all will agree to, in good faith, settle the matter by fair negotiation. If within 30—60 days, an agreement is not reached, a Mediator will be appointed. It is our hope that an objective Mediator will help all parties avoid court and the costs thereof.
PLEASE NOTE: The Counseling Center, and certain staff members, have also been trained in conflict resolution and mediation. If any parent, student, or staff member would like more information, please request information from one of the Administrators.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES/COMPUTERS
Students may not use any school computer without their Supervisor’s permission. Students may not use the Internet in any illegal or “unchristian” way. Questionable sites will not be allowed, and consequences will be forthcoming to any student discovered using one. Any deliberate destruction or theft of a computer will result in the parent/guardian being billed for repairs or a new computer.
CELL PHONES: Cell phones must be turned in at the beginning of the school day, or left at home. Students are not allowed to use them during school hours. The cell will be secured until 3:00 PM. After school, the cell will be returned to the student. Students who need to make emergency calls may use a phone in the office.
MUSIC PLAYERS/VIDEO GAMES, ETC.: All eletronic entertainment devices must be "turned in" to the Supervisor at the begining of the school day. All items will be locked up and returned to the student at the end of the school day.
ARTICLES PROHIBITED
Please do not bring the following on campus:
Narcotics, alcohol, knives, guns (nor anything resembling them), explosives,
Cigarettes, etc.
Unapproved CD’s, movies, video games, books, magazines, etc.
In younger grades, toys that are distracting may be temporarily confiscated.
PLEASE CHECK WITH THE SUPERVISOR FOR APPROVAL/DISAPPROVAL OF QUESTIONABLE ITEMS. THE POSSESSION OR SELLING OF DRUGS ON CAMPUS IS ILLEGAL AND FORBIDDEN. THE SCHOOL HAS THE RIGHT TO HAVE A BACKPACK SEARCH AT ANY TIME FOR ANY REASON. THE SUPERVISOR OR ADMINISTRATOR MAY CONFISCATE ANY PROHIBITED ARTICLE. THE SUPERVISOR, ADMINISTRATION, AND THE PARENT(S) WILL DECIDE CONSEQUENCES. These may include: Expulsion, Boot Camp, Suspension, Probation, Community Service, Mandatory Counseling, or any combination thereof.
LOITERING
Students are not allowed to wander the halls or “hang out” in the restrooms.
COUPLES: Never allowed to be alone on campus. (The school observes the “6 inch rule.”)
FUND RAISING
Fund raising will be done occasionally. It is done to raise money for a special event, equipment, etc. The school discourages “door-to-door” selling without parental involvement. Students and parents participation is always appreciated.
SOLICITATIONS
Definitely discouraged without the approval of the Administration.
DESTRUCTION OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
Whether willful or accidental, the parent, guardian, or student will pay for whatever has been damaged or destroyed. The parent can expect a bill from the school unless the student can repair the damaged item(s).
SPONSORED/NON-SPONSORED EVENTS
Any event that is not officially sponsored by the school is not the responsibility of the school in any way. This includes social functions, group activities, etc.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is taken daily, and the school encourages it to be as regular as is humanly possible.
ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL: Parents must send in a note (or doctor’s note) explaining the absence. A pattern of absences will be a concern to the students’ Supervisor/Administrator.
HIGH SCHOOL: If a student has 9 or more absences in a class in a Semester, the student may fail that Semester. The result of failing will mean “no credit” for the class, and threaten the student’s ability to graduate on time. Any class missed counts as an absence whether it is excused or not. (School related activities and In-school Suspensions are not counted as absences.)
MAKE UP ASSIGNMENTS
It is the responsibility of the parent or student to acquire the make up assignments from the Supervisor. The student has as many days as he/she was absent to make up the work. Any assignment not made up results in a zero, and drastically affects the student’s GPA or grades on the Progress Report.
TARDINESS
We encourage students to be on time. If not, students need a Tardy Slip from the office. THREE TARDIES EQUAL ONE ABSENCE, and these are added to the total absences. Too many tardies and absences will affect High School Credit Totals, and consequently Graduation.
HOME/SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
ORIENTATION MEETINGS
The Open House at the beginning of the year, and the ensuing PTF (Parent-Teacher Fellowship) meetings are important to the parents’ understanding of the policies and procedures of the school. Please check the monthly Eagle Eye Newsletter for days and times.
PARENT/SUPERVISOR COMMUNICATION
The school strives to maintain clear communication with parents. The student’s Supervisor will be the person responsible for scoring his/her tests, doing his/her Report Card, rendering consequences for negative behaviors, praising positive behaviors, and setting up conferences. If you wish to talk with your child’s Supervisor, please contact the office, and leave a number where and when you can best be reached, and briefly what the problem or concern is. The Supervisor will return your call, or he/she may visit with you briefly before or after school. Please do not detain the Supervisor from his/her school day responsibilities. Phone Sessions (in the evening), or an agreed upon appointment are encouraged.
PROBLEMS WITH STAFF
Any concerns should be brought to the attention of the Administrator or Assistant Administrator who will do their best to remedy the situation. The Administrators also have a Church Board and Mediator available for complicated or conflicting issues. All Staff members will sign “binding arbitration” agreements.
TRANSPORTATION
CARPOOLING
We do not provide bus service (except for certain field trips). The school will assist a family or student in finding a carpool by providing phone numbers (with permission) of those living in the same general area.
STUDENTS’ CARS
Students are not permitted to transport other students without written parental permission on file in the office.
PLEASE NOTE: Students who drive to school will need a copy of a valid driver’s license on file in the office, and permission from the Administrator. Once the vehicle is parked in the morning, the student is not allowed to return to it. In case of emergency, a student may return to the vehicle with a staff member, but not alone.
SENIORS
Seniors may be allowed to go out for lunch on Fridays, and take their cars, if necessary, provided they have written parental permission on file in the office. This is a privilege, not a right, and lunch out, and driving to school, can be revoked if the student abuses the privilege, drives recklessly, etc.
ACADEMICS
HOMEWORK (Homework Slips)
When goals are not accomplished for the day, the student is required to take home a HOMEWORK SLIP with the assignments written on it. When the student finishes the assignments, the parent or guardian is responsible for signing the SLIP ensuring that the homework is complete. The SLIP is turned in to the Supervisor the next morning. If several of these are delinquent, the Supervisor will contact the parent to inform her/him that either the SLIPS are not getting home, or simply not getting signed.
PROGRESS REPORTS
There are Four Quarters, and Four Report Cards for the school year. Mid-term Progress Reports will be sent home in the middle of each Quarter. The Midterms will inform the parents of his/her child’s progress while there is still time to “catch up.” Parents need to sign all Reports, and return to his/her child’s Supervisor as soon as possible. Parents will need to pay a fee if the Report Card is lost.
Each student is evaluated in two areas: academic and character. The academic grade is based primarily on the averaged PACE TEST scores, etc. The Character scores are determined by the Supervisor’s assessment of the student’s behavior and attitude in the classroom, during field trips, etc.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST/PACE BOOKS
The Diagnostic Test is given to each student shortly after enrollment. This test is vital to deciding the student’s academic strengths and weaknesses. The student’s Supervisor will know exactly what PACE Books the student needs to remedy the weak areas. The student will also be successful at first, and find that the PACES will become gradually more difficult as she/he approaches the material that was not learned before.
The PACE Books have scope and sequence. Generally speaking, the PACES are academically sequential, and introduce the student to material he/she has never learned or needs to re-learn. There are 12 PACE Books in a subject that introduce or refresh that subject. Students must receive an 80% or better on the PACE Test for each PACE Book before he/she can be passed on to the next PACE Book. Students who are struggling will be given extra tutoring, and extra time to study and re-take the Test. If a pattern of re-takes develops, the Supervisor will inform the parent, and possibly change the PACES the student is in.
GRADING SCALE
Based on the percentage of 100%, the scale is as follows:
A 94—100 Excellent
B 88—93 Above Average
C 80—87 Average
D 60—79 Below Average (Re-take Test)
F 0— 59 Well Below Average (Re-take the Test)
(Failure is not possible as long as the student is still making a genuine effort.)
HONOR ROLL
There are special awards for straight A’s (Administrator’s Honor Roll), and all A’s and B’s (Honor Roll). Students who attain such academic excellence receive special recognition at the Awards Ceremony at the end of the school year, and rewards and privileges throughout the year.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
There are three types of Graduation: College Prep, Honors, and General/Vocational.
There are generally nine areas: Bible, English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, PE, Fine Arts, Life Management, and Electives.
The credits to be earned are as follows:
For College Prep: Bible: 2
English: 4
Math: 3
Science: 3
Social Studies: 4
Foreign Language: 2
PE: 2
Fine Arts: 1 (or part of the Electives)
Life Management 0 (or part of the Electives)
Electives: 4 or more
Total Credits: 24
For the Honors: Add 1 Bible Course, bringing total credits to 25.
For the General/Vocational: Same as for College Prep, but allows 2 extra Electives bringing the total Electives to 6.
SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS
Bible: New Testament Survey, Old Testament Survey, Life of Christ, etc.
English: Levels I, II, III, IV
Math: Algebra I, II, Geometry, electives
Science: Biology, Physical Science, Chemistry, and Physics
Social Studies: World History, American History, Economics, Civics, Electives
Foreign Language: Spanish I, II, Sign Language, French, etc.
Fine Arts: Art. Music, Drama
Electives: Typing, Computer Literacy, Etymology, Speech, etc.
Dual Enrollment: Please see Administrator for details.
PROMOTION/RETENTION
A student is considered promoted when he/she has finished the scope/sequence of PACES for all subjects at a particular grade level. SUMMER SCHOOL is available for students who need to finish these PACES. If the student’s Supervisor, and the Administrator believe the student has reached an acceptable level of PACES, or is successfully progressing closer to that level, the student will be considered promoted. Retention is rarely necessary in the PACE Program since the focus is on the students’ progress/process towards goals rather than the “perfect” attainment of grade level. (Many students do attain grade level, however, and many greatly exceed it.)
CURRICULUM
Accelerated Christian Education, Inc. uses PACES or books containing lessons. The Diagnostic Test determines the PACES that a student starts with at the beginning of the year. There are 12 books per subject for each grade level, and each new PACE builds upon the last one. Orientation meetings, Open Houses, etc. will present the parent with the opportunity to sample the PACES in depth, and to understand the student’s learning process through to the final PACE Test.
The first Open House is very important for those new to the ACE Curriculum. Parents will view a movie that explains the history of Accelerated Christian Education as well as the Laws of Learning, and why this program works so well for those willing to do the work. (If a parent misses the first Open House, usually held the first week of school, he/she may request a copy of the video from the office if he/she would like to know more about the program.)
Accelerated Christian Education has been educating students for over 30 years, and operates world-wide. Many Christian lawyers in the Tampa Bay area were educated by the ACE program. The office will be happy to supply any parent with a list of the 500 colleges/universities that will accept credits from ACE schools.
ACHIEVEMENT TESTS
CCSFO administers the Standford Achievement Test every Spring to all students K-4 through 12th grade. The College Boards (ACT or SAT) are particularly important for Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors planning on college.
DISCIPLINE
Our disciplinary philosophy can be stated as follows: We may not like a student’s behavior, but we unconditionally accept and care for the student. Discipline is not a personal attack upon a student’s character, but is designed to change behavior that is detrimental to the student’s life. It is done for the student, not to the student, and usually contains elements of negative reinforcement in the form of uncomfortable consequences.
PLEASE NOTE: It is our job, as a whole staff, to discover a student doing or saying something “right,” and praise or reward him/her for it. Our disciplinary efforts should lean heavily on positive reinforcement rather than on negative reinforcement.
Our procedures will be as follows:
Positive Reinforcement
PLEASE NOTE: Mandatory counseling may be an option with parental permission.
DRESS AND GROOMING CODE The dress and grooming code of Community Christian School of Five Oaks shall be modest, neat and clean. We believe it is necessary for students to dress appropriately and modestly to promote a positive educational environment and a Christian atmosphere while on campus. The dress code will be as follows:
Males: Tops: Navy polos with the CCSFO logo (when available).
Bottoms: Khaki slacks, with belts.
Females: Tops: Same as above.
Bottoms: Same as above.
Hot weather: Decent Khaki Shorts (knee length) are allowed.
Cold weather: Sweats are acceptable. Coats or Jackets and hats or hoods may be worn to and from school and on breaks and at lunch, but not in the classroom.
Shoes: Sneaks, loafers, socks, hose, (no flip-flops, sandals or open-toe shoes).
Field Trips: Generally, the dress code is worn. If you have questions check with the office.
Grooming: All students should be clean and present a neat appearance. Students will present a modest and respectful appearance which honors our Christian heritage. Specific areas of concern are:
Gentlemen: No visible piercing, period. Hair must be clean and neat. Side burns trimmed to no lower than the bottom of the ear and hair trimmed to above the collar (no pony tails, buns or rubber bands). Hair should be clean and neatly combed at all times.
Ladies: One set of pierced earrings, placed in the earlobe. Hair must be clean and neatly kept at all times. No extreme fashion trends will be allowed.
The administration reserves the right to make judgments on student appearance.
BULLYING POLICY (Appendix A)
In appendex A, parents and students will find a “Vision Statement” that explains our purpose for instituting this policy. In 1998, the Administration decided it was absolutely necessary to produce a document which would protect our students from potential verbal and/or occasional physical abuse from fellow students. Since bullying erodes the self-esteem of a child (or an adult)—which is totally the opposite of one of our goals—we found it necessary to explain what bullying is, describe unacceptable behaviors, state the types of bullying, and minimize the risks involved.Parents and students need to read the following three pages together. Once understood, BOTH PARENTS AND STUDENTS NEED TO SIGN THE ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM, AND RETURN THE FORM TO THE OFFICE. (Please address any questions or concerns to your child’s/children’s Supervisor or one of the Administrators.)
PLEASE NOTE: In certain situations, with certain students, the Supervisor or Counselor may wish to re-do the pages and Acknowledgment Form with your child/children. In this case, the Supervisor will have an Acknowledgment Form on file in the classroom. Any student who has now signed TWO Forms continues the year with a handicap, and may be considered on PROBATION STATUS for breaking his/her contract not once, but twice!
THE STANDARD OF CONDUCT form(Appendix B) and THE PARENTS’ ACKNOWLEDGMENT form (Appendix C).
These forms are on the last pages of the Handbook. Please follow these instructions:
Thank you for the time that you have given to understanding and acknowledging this Handbook. CCSFO appreciates it.
Appendix B
STANDARD OF CONDUCT
Student's Name: Age:
Address: Grade:
Parent's Name: Telephone:
The student's attitude, conversatio, and behavior reflect the character of the institutions from which he derives his training. This form reflects the school's attempts to secure students who would best adjust to the rigor of a highly disciplined training program characterized by high standards of personal conduct.
Do you attent church regularly? __________ Where? _____________________________________________
Are you a Christian? _________ How do you know? ______________________________________________
Do you accept the Bible as God's Word and submit yourself to its principles as the final authority? __________
Do you sincerely pledge allegiance to the Christian and national flags? _________________________________
Have you ever smoked? _______ Do you now? _______ Do you drink alcoholic beverages? ____________
Have you used narcotics of any kind? ____________________ Do you now? __________________________
Have you ever been expelled or suspended from school? _____ Why? ________________________________
Have you ever been arrested? _______ Why? ____________________________________________________
Will you agree to abide by our dress code and maintain a neat and modest appearance? ____________________
Will you honestly agree to keep all the school rules and respect authority without being critical and finding
fault? _____________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want to attend this school? _______ Why? ________________________________________
General Policy: Students are expected to abide by these standards of conduct throughout their enrollment. Students found to be out of harmony with the school's ideals of work and life may be invited to withdraw whenever the administration determines that it is necessary.
As a student of the school, I pledge to uphold this school's rules and guidelines stated in the school handbook. I will maintain behavior which exemplifies courtesy, kindness, morality and honesty. I will strive to be of unquestionable character in dress, conduct, and other areas of life.
SIGNATURE OF STUDENT: ____________________________________ DATE: ___________
SIGNATURE OF PARENT: _____________________________________ DATE: ___________
Appendix C
PARENTS SIGNATURE SHEET
I, the parent or guardian of _________________________________ have received this handbook. I have read the policies stated in this handbook and am in agreement with their practice. I will fully cooperate with Community Christian School’s guidelines.
Signed:
________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date_________________
Please remove this sheet and return to CCS.
Thank you.
7900 - 22nd Avenue North
St. Petersburg, Florida 33710
727-954-8856
Table of Contents
Statement of Faith 3
Purpose and Philosophy 6
Mission/Vision Statement 6
Admissions 7
Financial Information 9
General Information 9
Attendance 13
Home/School Communications 14
Transportation 14
Academics 15
Discipline 17
Dress and Grooming Code 18
Bulling Policy Appendix A - 20
Student Conduct Form Appendix B - 21
Parent's Acknowledgment Form Appendix C - 22
Five Oaks Community Church, Inc.
STATEMENT OF FAITH
The tenants of the church and school shall be the Word of God, which is the final authority as the sole rule of faith and practice, interpreted by the following:
A. The Bible
We believe the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, to be the Holy Scriptures, inspired of God in the original manuscripts, infallible, inerrant, and God-breathed, the perfect rule of faith and practice.
(Ps. 119:9,89,105; 2 Tim. 3:16,17; Heb. 4:12)
B. The Trinity
We believe in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
(Gen. 1:1; John 1:1-3,32-34; Luke 3:21,22; Matt. 28:19)
C. The Lord Jesus Christ
We believe that God the Son, Who has always existed, became a man (without diminishing His deity) by virgin birth through Mary. He lived a sinless life and as the infinite God-Man took upon Himself the sins of all men, died in their place, and satisfied God concerning their sins.
We further believe in the literal, physical resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. He was then ascended to the right hand of God the Father and was exalted as the Great High Priest of all believers.
We further believe in the literal, future return of the Lord Jesus Christ to receive His Church unto Himself.
(Matt. 1:18-25; 1 Cor. 15:3,4; Phil. 2:5-11; Matt. 28:1-9; Heb. 4:14-16; I Thess. 4:13-17)
D. The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a Divine Person Whose ministry is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment, and He is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration. He baptizes all believers into the Body of Christ. He indwells, instructs, gifts, empowers, and seals believers unto the Day of Redemption.
(John 14:15-18,25 26; John 16:5-15; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 12:1-13; Eph. 1:13)
E. Creation
We believe that God created the universe.
(Gen. 1 and 2; Ex. 20:11; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:16; Rev. 4:11)
F. Man
We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but in Adam's sin, the race fell and became alienated from God. Man is now totally depraved and of himself is utterly unable to remedy his lost condition.
(Gen. 1:26,27; 2:16,17; 3:6,17-20; Rom. 3:10-12,23; 5:12)
G. Salvation
We believe that salvation is the gift of God offered to all by grace and received by personal faith (apart from any works by man) in the Lord Jesus Christ, Whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of sins.
(Rom. 5:8; 6:23; 10:9,10; Eph. 2:8-10; Tit. 3:4-7)
H. The Devil and Demons
We believe that Satan is a created angel who rebelled against God and fell from his high position. He is aided by a host of evil spirit beings called demons. Their assignment is to attempt to destroy believers, their homes, their families, their churches, their ministries, etc. Every believer is subject to their attack, and may be victorious over them only through the Lord Jesus Christ, His shed blood, and the weapons of warfare He has provided us.
(Matt. 28:18; Luke 9:1,2; 10:17-19; John 10:10; Eph. 6:10-17; Col. 2:15; Jas. 4:7; 1 John 4:1-4; Rev. 1:17,18)
I. Sanctification
We believe that every believer has received eternal life (Christ's life), and was spiritually crucified, buried, and raised up with Christ. This must become an experiential reality to each believer as he or she chooses to walk after the Spirit and not after the flesh. Sanctification, then, is Christ living His life out through the believer. (This is not teaching passivity, sinless perfection, or the deification of man.)
(Rom. 6:1-11; Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:1-4; 2 Pet. 1:1-4)
J. The Church
We believe that the local church, which is the body and espoused bride of Christ, is made up solely of born-again persons.
We further believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures.
We further believe in the autonomy of the local church, free of any external authority or control.
(1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 1:22,23; 5:25-27; Acts 14:27; 20:17,28-32; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Tit. 1:5-9; Acts 13:1-4; 15:19-31; 20:28; 1 Cor. 3:9,16; 5:4-7,12,13; 1 Pet. 5: 1-4)
K. Church Ordinances
We believe that the ordinances of the Church, Water Baptism and the Lord's Supper, are to be observed by believers in Christ according to the Lord's command. They are not a means of salvation, but a testimony of our identification with and salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Matt. 28:18,19; 1 Cor. 11:23-30)
L. Civil Government
We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions: 1) the home; 2) the Church; and 3) the state. Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His Word. God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the Church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective Biblically-assigned spheres of responsibility under God.
(Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-24; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 2:13,14)
M. Marriage
We believe that God instituted marriage and that it is only to be between a man and a woman.
(Gen. 2:18-24; 1 Cor. 7:2; Eph. 5:25; Tit. 2:4)
N. Human Sexuality
We believe that human sexuality is a gift of God and that intimate sexual activity should be engaged in inside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, pornography, etc. are sinful perversions of God's gift of sex.
(Gen. 2:24,25; 19:5,13; 26:8-10; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1:26-28; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9,10; 7:1-5; 1 Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4)
O. Divorce
We believe that God hates divorce and intends for marriage to last until one of the spouses dies.
(Mal. 2:14-16; Matt. 19:3-12; 1 Cor. 7:10-13)
P. Abortion
We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Therefore, we believe that abortion constitutes the taking of human life.
(Job 3:16; Ps. 139:13-16; Is. 49:1,5; Jer. 1:5; Luke 1:41-44)
Q. Lawsuits Between Believers
We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the Church to resolve personal disputes. We believe the Church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members of the Body of Christ. (We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation from another Christian's insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander.)
(1 Cor. 6:1-8; Eph. 4:31,32)
R. Stewardship
We believe that Christians have the privilege and the responsibility of participating in the work of God with their time, talents, treasures, and prayers, primarily, though not exclusively, through the local church.
(Ex. 36:1,2,8; I Pet. 4:10; Prov. 3:9,10; Mal. 3:8-12; Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:2,3)
Note: The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. Though the above-listed Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our Biblical beliefs, we do believe that it accurately represents the teaching of the Bible, and therefore, is binding upon all Trustees, Elders, Officers, Pastors, Deacons, Ministers, members, and workers of this Church corporation.
PURPOSE AND PHILOSOPHY
The primary purpose of the school is to train the students in the Christian way of life and to equip each student academically to understand how God can use him and how he can best communicate with God.
The school’s philosophy is based upon the principles in the Word of God, the Old and New Testament, which is our final authority for all faith and practice.
Since the school’s primary purpose is spiritual ministry, evangelistic efforts are made to bring all students to a saving knowledge of Jesus
Christ followed by instructions in right thinking and clean living in the light of the principles of God’s Word. This would not be scriptural without the parents’ involvement. The parent is the main catalyst in the child’s mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical development. Educating the child is the ultimate responsibility of the parent.
The academic program, through Accelerated Christian Education, Incorporated, includes Bible verses throughout the PACE books which promote evangelism, growth in character, and the knowledge of God. Each PACE requires scriptural memorization, and focuses on Christian example.
Christian character training is an important element in our school. We believe that the heart of good character is obedience, which cultivates an inner self-discipline essential to the emotional, physical, social, and spiritual well being of the student. The teacher is the authority in the classroom. Discipline is administered firmly and lovingly. To obey, to do right, and to love God and country are attitudes we strive to instill in each student, thus equipping him for his role in God’s plan for his life.
MISSION/VISION STATEMENT
Mission Statement:
Community Christian School of Five Oaks, in partnership with families, exists to equip students to reach their God-given potential through outstanding academic and extra-curricular programs within a Christ centered environment.
Vision Statement:
Community Christian School of Five Oaks is committed to:
Seeing every student know Jesus Christ as personal Savior by:
Integrating spiritual truths in the curricula.
Providing academic programs that challenge and support each individual student.
Instilling in every student a love for learning.
Becoming an above average technological environment,
Encouraging a strong sense of patriotism toward the United States of America.
Designing, building, and maintaining buildings and grounds to support quality learning.
Extra-curricular programs that allow each student to discover and develop his/her individual gifts for the glory of God.
Hiring and developing faculty and staff who are committed to spiritual and professional advancement.
DISCOVERY PROGRAM
The Discovery Program is a specially designed program for students of educational potential with learning differences or learning disabilities. We are not staffed to serve all students with special needs.
A learning disability is a term used to describe a developmental disorder that interferes with the ability to receive, process and store information. It is a neurological based condition that effects auditory processing, visual memory, perceptional integration, sequencing processes, verbal and non verbal abilities, motor control and memory recall. Discovery serves children in grades 1-12. Individual educational plans are developed for each child outlining the educational goals for the day, week, and year.
The program provides a Diagnostic Test that determines the students functioning grade level and weak areas. PACES (books) are then assigned to the student that he/she can be successful in, and yet re-mediate the areas of weakness. If the student is willing to work the program, the program will work for the student.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
CCSFO admits students of any race, color, national, or ethnic origin to all the rights, programs, and activities generally made available to all students at the school.
ACCREDITATION
CCSFO has been certified as a “quality school” with Accelerated Christian Education, Inc. since 1994. The school is also seeking accreditation (in process, completion projected for 2012) from the Florida Council of Private Schools,Inc. There are over 500 colleges/universities that accept ACE credits. (Please ask for list from the office.)
ADMISSIONS
Students are admitted year round as long as there is space available. All students are given a Diagnostic Test to determine his/her weak academic areas, and the grade level he/she is functioning at.
Candidates must have current report cards, transcripts, any standardized test results, as well as any pertinent results from his/her medical doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Health certificates must be current (within 2 years), and an Immunization Form up to date with all county required immunizations listed.
ENROLLMENT PROCEDURE
An interview is required with the school representative (usually the Assistant Administrator). If parent or guardian, and Assistant Administrator agree, the following procedure should be next:
1. Fill out application
2. Pay non-refundable Registration Fee (usually $135)
3. Sign Financial Agreement (a legal document).
4. Apply for Scholarship if necessary.
5. Turn in notarized Medical Release Form.
Sign off that you and your child/children have read the Handbook, and agree with the school purpose and program. (This will require the signatures of the Parent/Guardian and student(s).
Your child/children may be placed on probation if he/she is antagonistic to the purposes and programs of this school. Signing off on the Handbook is a contract between parent, student, and the school that the school’s rules and philosophy will be respected.
HOME SCHOOL STUDENTS (a non-schlorship program)
Home school students must follow the same procedure. (If they are returning students, the Diagnostic Test will probably not be necessary.)
Home school students are considered part of CCSFO, and are welcome to participate in school programs and extra-curricular activities
Home school students who have previously been home schooled must provide some proof of their academic progress or status.
RE-ENROLLMENT PROCEDURE
- Request an
application for next school year.
- Update the
application if there have been any changes.
- All past due tuition,
etc. must be paid before your child/children may re-enroll.
- Pay the
non-refundable Registration Fee.
- CCSFO reserves the
right to refuse re-enrollment to any student or family who is not in
agreement with school policies.
- There is usually a
discount for re-enrolling before the end of the current school year.
CCSFO accepts students from other schools throughout the school year. The transfer of credit is as follows:
Credit is accepted at face value from other accredited schools.
Credit may be retroactively granted provided the student does well during a probation set for one grading period.
DISCOVERY PROGRAM ADMISSION
This program is designed for students with learning disabilities. A learning disability is considered a developmental disorder that interferes with the ability to receive, process, and retain information. It is a neurological based condition that effects auditory processing, visual memory, perceptual integration, sequencing, verbal and non-verbal abilities, motor control and memory recall. Discovery serves students in grades K—12 in smaller classes. The class Supervisor will develop goals for each student based on the results of the Diagnostic Test taken at the time of enrollment.
IMPORTANT: We assure each student that he/she cannot fail this test. It is a “tool” used to determine what academic areas need re-mediating.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
TUITION/FEES
Please see your Information Packet (that you were given or sent when you requested information about CCSFO) for current tuition/fees, or check with the office.
FINANCIAL POLICIES
The tuition does not include before/after care, extra-curricular activities, field trips, or special tutoring. There is a discount for paying the annual fee, and those not on Florida Pride or McKay Scholarships may pay tuition in 10 equal payments.
PLEASE NOTE: The school reserves the right to not re-enroll or temporarily dismiss your child/children if your payments are behind. Financial details are explained in the financial agreement the parent/guardian may be asked to sign. (Please read carefully as this is a legal agreement between the parent and the school.)
PLEASE NOTE: Accounts that are 60 days in arrears will be given over to the school’s collection agency. Any collection fees will be added to the parent’s account.
REGISTRATION FEES/BOOK FEES
The Registration Fee is generally $ 135.00, and is due at the time that your child’s application is turned in to the office. The book fee is included in the tuition. If we need to replace books for any reason, you will receive a bill for $5.00 for each new book.
SCHOLARSHIPS
CCSFO accepts McKay vouchers, Step Up for Students scholarships.
GENERAL INFORMATION
SCHOOL OFFICE
Any student arriving late or leaving early must be processed through the office. Late students must check in at the office, and receive a TARDY SLIP in order to be admitted to class. A student leaving early, for any reason, must have his/her parent, or a designated pick-up person) sign him/her out at the office. (Please do not go to the classroom to pick up the student.) Forgotten items may be left at the office. We will deliver them to your child. The office also has files with emergency phone numbers should we need to contact parents/guardians.
PLEASE NOTE: Students must be picked up by 3:15 PM. If student is not pricked up in a timely manner a charge may be assessed to cover the overtime cost. If you have some type of extenuating circumstance, please call the office.
LUNCH BREAK/SNACKS
Students generally bring their own lunch. Students do not usually have time to microwave a dinner, but we do recommend a well-balanced lunch that contains some protein, fruit, or vegetables.
The Student Council may sell snacks and drinks daily in order to raise money for their events.
LIBRARY
At this time, we do not have space for a private library even though we have thousands of books in storage. When necessary, classes will be taken to the St. Petersburg Public Library for research and field trip experiences. The library will be re-assembled as soon as there is space.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES/AIDS/HIV
Children infected with HIV will be permitted to attend school in an unrestricted manner due to the virtually non-existent risk of transmission. These students will be given all the rights and services as any other student. Each student’s doctor should determine the child’s risk, and inform the school, in writing, of his assessment. This assessment would be especially necessary if the student exhibits biting behaviors, has lesions, or any other behaviors deemed “risky.” The school may wish to involve a public health consultant, and it’s attorney as well as the student’s doctor, and parents. The school considers this type of information confidential, and strictly on a “need to know” basis.
The school will use precaution in the handling of all blood or bodily fluids of all students. School Staff has special training seminars for this.
Please Note: Any parent who suspects that his/her child may have a communicable disease needs to inform the school office at once, and keep his/her child at home until a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment plan are over. The diseases might include the usual: Chicken Pox, Measles, Mumps, Flu, serious colds, Head Lice, etc. The school administration reserves the right to make final decisions concerning a student’s communicable disease process, and to send a student home when necessary in order to protect all other students.
MEDICATION POLICY
Classroom staff or office staff will not administer medication (OTC, or prescribed) to a student. The office will not give out OTC medication to a student without the parent’s/guardian’s permission. The following is the school’s policy on administering any medication:
- A medical permission
slip (or note) signed by the parent should be kept with the
medication. (In a rare case, should the written permission not be
available, a staff member will call the parent for permission for
the sake of the student’s “comfort level.” The parent should
then give the office written permission within 24 hrs.)
- The medication bottle
must have the original label from the pharmacy indicating the
directions for the medication.
- Medication will be
locked in one of the office filing cabinets.
- The office will keep
a medication log and will record each time he/she takes his/her
medication.
When enrollment permits, CCSFO competes with other private Christian schools. Athletes must maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA. Any student who falls below this level will not be allowed to participate until the GPA is back to minimum, or the next satisfactory progress report.
PLEASE NOTE: The Administration and the Coach reserve the right to suspend a player for overly aggressive, profane, or disrespectful behavior. The suspension may be temporary or not.
FIELD TRIPS/CHAPERONING
Most of these will be educational, but some will be “just for fun.”
- Students should
maintain the same level of respect as they have at school.
- Students still
represent CCSFO.
- Parents are always
welcome to chaperone.
The parent will sign a medical release form (found in Enrollment Packet or the office). These are always taken on field trips in case medical treatment is required in an emergency. A copy will be on file in the office in case the parent cannot be reached.
ACCIDENT POLICY
The student’s Supervisor will fill out an Accident Report as well as notify the parent should an accident occur at school. The school will not treat your child’s injury other than to provide bandages.
The parent’s medical coverage is the primary provider, and the school’s is secondary.
CHILD ABUSE POLICY
If the staff suspects any form of child abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, or neglectful), the school has a moral and legal obligation to report such abuse to the proper authorities. (See the current Ethics in Education policy in the school office.)
SEXUAL HARASSMENT/HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT
CCSFO will not tolerate sexual harassment in any form. By definition, harassment is “uninvited, unwelcomed, unreturned attention of a sexual nature.” While this can come in many forms, none of them will be allowed on the campus of a Christian school.
Please Note: If a student is accused of harassment, and there are witnesses, he/she may be expelled as well as face legal charges.
WITHDRAWAL/DISMISSAL
The parent who wishes to withdraw his/her child must do so in person. Tuition continues until all official papers have been filled out and returned to the office. Records will not be released until all bills have been paid.
Dismissal/expulsion is a last resort. It is a basic philosophy of CCSFO to work with the student, the parents, and the Counseling Center to do our best to promote the student’s growth spiritually and emotionally. (More on The Counseling Center later.)
The school will utilize Detentions, Suspensions, Probationary periods, and counseling (with parental permission) before expulsion. It is our belief that dismissal is another form of “abandonment” or rejection for a student. Supervisors will document students’ behaviors and consequences on a regular basis for the purpose of proving the students’ progression to a possible dismissal.
CCSFO does confess that we cannot help every student. When the Administration and the Church Board (of Five Oaks Community Church) believe they have exhausted every possible avenue to help the student, they will recommend another school or environment to help the student.
BINDING ARBITRATION
Parents will receive a Binding Arbitration Agreement in the back of their Handbooks. Should any disputes arise between parents, students, and the school, we all will agree to, in good faith, settle the matter by fair negotiation. If within 30—60 days, an agreement is not reached, a Mediator will be appointed. It is our hope that an objective Mediator will help all parties avoid court and the costs thereof.
PLEASE NOTE: The Counseling Center, and certain staff members, have also been trained in conflict resolution and mediation. If any parent, student, or staff member would like more information, please request information from one of the Administrators.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES/COMPUTERS
Students may not use any school computer without their Supervisor’s permission. Students may not use the Internet in any illegal or “unchristian” way. Questionable sites will not be allowed, and consequences will be forthcoming to any student discovered using one. Any deliberate destruction or theft of a computer will result in the parent/guardian being billed for repairs or a new computer.
CELL PHONES: Cell phones must be turned in at the beginning of the school day, or left at home. Students are not allowed to use them during school hours. The cell will be secured until 3:00 PM. After school, the cell will be returned to the student. Students who need to make emergency calls may use a phone in the office.
MUSIC PLAYERS/VIDEO GAMES, ETC.: All eletronic entertainment devices must be "turned in" to the Supervisor at the begining of the school day. All items will be locked up and returned to the student at the end of the school day.
ARTICLES PROHIBITED
Please do not bring the following on campus:
Narcotics, alcohol, knives, guns (nor anything resembling them), explosives,
Cigarettes, etc.
Unapproved CD’s, movies, video games, books, magazines, etc.
In younger grades, toys that are distracting may be temporarily confiscated.
PLEASE CHECK WITH THE SUPERVISOR FOR APPROVAL/DISAPPROVAL OF QUESTIONABLE ITEMS. THE POSSESSION OR SELLING OF DRUGS ON CAMPUS IS ILLEGAL AND FORBIDDEN. THE SCHOOL HAS THE RIGHT TO HAVE A BACKPACK SEARCH AT ANY TIME FOR ANY REASON. THE SUPERVISOR OR ADMINISTRATOR MAY CONFISCATE ANY PROHIBITED ARTICLE. THE SUPERVISOR, ADMINISTRATION, AND THE PARENT(S) WILL DECIDE CONSEQUENCES. These may include: Expulsion, Boot Camp, Suspension, Probation, Community Service, Mandatory Counseling, or any combination thereof.
LOITERING
Students are not allowed to wander the halls or “hang out” in the restrooms.
COUPLES: Never allowed to be alone on campus. (The school observes the “6 inch rule.”)
FUND RAISING
Fund raising will be done occasionally. It is done to raise money for a special event, equipment, etc. The school discourages “door-to-door” selling without parental involvement. Students and parents participation is always appreciated.
SOLICITATIONS
Definitely discouraged without the approval of the Administration.
DESTRUCTION OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
Whether willful or accidental, the parent, guardian, or student will pay for whatever has been damaged or destroyed. The parent can expect a bill from the school unless the student can repair the damaged item(s).
SPONSORED/NON-SPONSORED EVENTS
Any event that is not officially sponsored by the school is not the responsibility of the school in any way. This includes social functions, group activities, etc.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is taken daily, and the school encourages it to be as regular as is humanly possible.
ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL: Parents must send in a note (or doctor’s note) explaining the absence. A pattern of absences will be a concern to the students’ Supervisor/Administrator.
HIGH SCHOOL: If a student has 9 or more absences in a class in a Semester, the student may fail that Semester. The result of failing will mean “no credit” for the class, and threaten the student’s ability to graduate on time. Any class missed counts as an absence whether it is excused or not. (School related activities and In-school Suspensions are not counted as absences.)
MAKE UP ASSIGNMENTS
It is the responsibility of the parent or student to acquire the make up assignments from the Supervisor. The student has as many days as he/she was absent to make up the work. Any assignment not made up results in a zero, and drastically affects the student’s GPA or grades on the Progress Report.
TARDINESS
We encourage students to be on time. If not, students need a Tardy Slip from the office. THREE TARDIES EQUAL ONE ABSENCE, and these are added to the total absences. Too many tardies and absences will affect High School Credit Totals, and consequently Graduation.
HOME/SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
ORIENTATION MEETINGS
The Open House at the beginning of the year, and the ensuing PTF (Parent-Teacher Fellowship) meetings are important to the parents’ understanding of the policies and procedures of the school. Please check the monthly Eagle Eye Newsletter for days and times.
PARENT/SUPERVISOR COMMUNICATION
The school strives to maintain clear communication with parents. The student’s Supervisor will be the person responsible for scoring his/her tests, doing his/her Report Card, rendering consequences for negative behaviors, praising positive behaviors, and setting up conferences. If you wish to talk with your child’s Supervisor, please contact the office, and leave a number where and when you can best be reached, and briefly what the problem or concern is. The Supervisor will return your call, or he/she may visit with you briefly before or after school. Please do not detain the Supervisor from his/her school day responsibilities. Phone Sessions (in the evening), or an agreed upon appointment are encouraged.
PROBLEMS WITH STAFF
Any concerns should be brought to the attention of the Administrator or Assistant Administrator who will do their best to remedy the situation. The Administrators also have a Church Board and Mediator available for complicated or conflicting issues. All Staff members will sign “binding arbitration” agreements.
TRANSPORTATION
CARPOOLING
We do not provide bus service (except for certain field trips). The school will assist a family or student in finding a carpool by providing phone numbers (with permission) of those living in the same general area.
STUDENTS’ CARS
Students are not permitted to transport other students without written parental permission on file in the office.
PLEASE NOTE: Students who drive to school will need a copy of a valid driver’s license on file in the office, and permission from the Administrator. Once the vehicle is parked in the morning, the student is not allowed to return to it. In case of emergency, a student may return to the vehicle with a staff member, but not alone.
SENIORS
Seniors may be allowed to go out for lunch on Fridays, and take their cars, if necessary, provided they have written parental permission on file in the office. This is a privilege, not a right, and lunch out, and driving to school, can be revoked if the student abuses the privilege, drives recklessly, etc.
ACADEMICS
HOMEWORK (Homework Slips)
When goals are not accomplished for the day, the student is required to take home a HOMEWORK SLIP with the assignments written on it. When the student finishes the assignments, the parent or guardian is responsible for signing the SLIP ensuring that the homework is complete. The SLIP is turned in to the Supervisor the next morning. If several of these are delinquent, the Supervisor will contact the parent to inform her/him that either the SLIPS are not getting home, or simply not getting signed.
PROGRESS REPORTS
There are Four Quarters, and Four Report Cards for the school year. Mid-term Progress Reports will be sent home in the middle of each Quarter. The Midterms will inform the parents of his/her child’s progress while there is still time to “catch up.” Parents need to sign all Reports, and return to his/her child’s Supervisor as soon as possible. Parents will need to pay a fee if the Report Card is lost.
Each student is evaluated in two areas: academic and character. The academic grade is based primarily on the averaged PACE TEST scores, etc. The Character scores are determined by the Supervisor’s assessment of the student’s behavior and attitude in the classroom, during field trips, etc.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST/PACE BOOKS
The Diagnostic Test is given to each student shortly after enrollment. This test is vital to deciding the student’s academic strengths and weaknesses. The student’s Supervisor will know exactly what PACE Books the student needs to remedy the weak areas. The student will also be successful at first, and find that the PACES will become gradually more difficult as she/he approaches the material that was not learned before.
The PACE Books have scope and sequence. Generally speaking, the PACES are academically sequential, and introduce the student to material he/she has never learned or needs to re-learn. There are 12 PACE Books in a subject that introduce or refresh that subject. Students must receive an 80% or better on the PACE Test for each PACE Book before he/she can be passed on to the next PACE Book. Students who are struggling will be given extra tutoring, and extra time to study and re-take the Test. If a pattern of re-takes develops, the Supervisor will inform the parent, and possibly change the PACES the student is in.
GRADING SCALE
Based on the percentage of 100%, the scale is as follows:
A 94—100 Excellent
B 88—93 Above Average
C 80—87 Average
D 60—79 Below Average (Re-take Test)
F 0— 59 Well Below Average (Re-take the Test)
(Failure is not possible as long as the student is still making a genuine effort.)
HONOR ROLL
There are special awards for straight A’s (Administrator’s Honor Roll), and all A’s and B’s (Honor Roll). Students who attain such academic excellence receive special recognition at the Awards Ceremony at the end of the school year, and rewards and privileges throughout the year.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
There are three types of Graduation: College Prep, Honors, and General/Vocational.
There are generally nine areas: Bible, English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, PE, Fine Arts, Life Management, and Electives.
The credits to be earned are as follows:
For College Prep: Bible: 2
English: 4
Math: 3
Science: 3
Social Studies: 4
Foreign Language: 2
PE: 2
Fine Arts: 1 (or part of the Electives)
Life Management 0 (or part of the Electives)
Electives: 4 or more
Total Credits: 24
For the Honors: Add 1 Bible Course, bringing total credits to 25.
For the General/Vocational: Same as for College Prep, but allows 2 extra Electives bringing the total Electives to 6.
SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS
Bible: New Testament Survey, Old Testament Survey, Life of Christ, etc.
English: Levels I, II, III, IV
Math: Algebra I, II, Geometry, electives
Science: Biology, Physical Science, Chemistry, and Physics
Social Studies: World History, American History, Economics, Civics, Electives
Foreign Language: Spanish I, II, Sign Language, French, etc.
Fine Arts: Art. Music, Drama
Electives: Typing, Computer Literacy, Etymology, Speech, etc.
Dual Enrollment: Please see Administrator for details.
PROMOTION/RETENTION
A student is considered promoted when he/she has finished the scope/sequence of PACES for all subjects at a particular grade level. SUMMER SCHOOL is available for students who need to finish these PACES. If the student’s Supervisor, and the Administrator believe the student has reached an acceptable level of PACES, or is successfully progressing closer to that level, the student will be considered promoted. Retention is rarely necessary in the PACE Program since the focus is on the students’ progress/process towards goals rather than the “perfect” attainment of grade level. (Many students do attain grade level, however, and many greatly exceed it.)
CURRICULUM
Accelerated Christian Education, Inc. uses PACES or books containing lessons. The Diagnostic Test determines the PACES that a student starts with at the beginning of the year. There are 12 books per subject for each grade level, and each new PACE builds upon the last one. Orientation meetings, Open Houses, etc. will present the parent with the opportunity to sample the PACES in depth, and to understand the student’s learning process through to the final PACE Test.
The first Open House is very important for those new to the ACE Curriculum. Parents will view a movie that explains the history of Accelerated Christian Education as well as the Laws of Learning, and why this program works so well for those willing to do the work. (If a parent misses the first Open House, usually held the first week of school, he/she may request a copy of the video from the office if he/she would like to know more about the program.)
Accelerated Christian Education has been educating students for over 30 years, and operates world-wide. Many Christian lawyers in the Tampa Bay area were educated by the ACE program. The office will be happy to supply any parent with a list of the 500 colleges/universities that will accept credits from ACE schools.
ACHIEVEMENT TESTS
CCSFO administers the Standford Achievement Test every Spring to all students K-4 through 12th grade. The College Boards (ACT or SAT) are particularly important for Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors planning on college.
DISCIPLINE
Our disciplinary philosophy can be stated as follows: We may not like a student’s behavior, but we unconditionally accept and care for the student. Discipline is not a personal attack upon a student’s character, but is designed to change behavior that is detrimental to the student’s life. It is done for the student, not to the student, and usually contains elements of negative reinforcement in the form of uncomfortable consequences.
PLEASE NOTE: It is our job, as a whole staff, to discover a student doing or saying something “right,” and praise or reward him/her for it. Our disciplinary efforts should lean heavily on positive reinforcement rather than on negative reinforcement.
Our procedures will be as follows:
Positive Reinforcement
- Congratulations Slips
(given out for each passed test, announced to the class, accompanied
by a Star for the student’s Star Chart.
- Honor Roll
- ACE Privilege Levels
- Field Trips
- Public praise
- Awards programs
- Merits (used to buy
things in Merit Store)
- Whatever a Supervisor
might believe is a fair reward for an accomplishment.
- Corrective Action
Notices
- Demerits (not
generally used)
- Detentions, missed
Breaks, etc.
- Community service
- Suspensions/Probations
- Expulsions
PLEASE NOTE: Mandatory counseling may be an option with parental permission.
DRESS AND GROOMING CODE The dress and grooming code of Community Christian School of Five Oaks shall be modest, neat and clean. We believe it is necessary for students to dress appropriately and modestly to promote a positive educational environment and a Christian atmosphere while on campus. The dress code will be as follows:
Males: Tops: Navy polos with the CCSFO logo (when available).
Bottoms: Khaki slacks, with belts.
Females: Tops: Same as above.
Bottoms: Same as above.
Hot weather: Decent Khaki Shorts (knee length) are allowed.
Cold weather: Sweats are acceptable. Coats or Jackets and hats or hoods may be worn to and from school and on breaks and at lunch, but not in the classroom.
Shoes: Sneaks, loafers, socks, hose, (no flip-flops, sandals or open-toe shoes).
Field Trips: Generally, the dress code is worn. If you have questions check with the office.
Grooming: All students should be clean and present a neat appearance. Students will present a modest and respectful appearance which honors our Christian heritage. Specific areas of concern are:
Gentlemen: No visible piercing, period. Hair must be clean and neat. Side burns trimmed to no lower than the bottom of the ear and hair trimmed to above the collar (no pony tails, buns or rubber bands). Hair should be clean and neatly combed at all times.
Ladies: One set of pierced earrings, placed in the earlobe. Hair must be clean and neatly kept at all times. No extreme fashion trends will be allowed.
The administration reserves the right to make judgments on student appearance.
BULLYING POLICY (Appendix A)
In appendex A, parents and students will find a “Vision Statement” that explains our purpose for instituting this policy. In 1998, the Administration decided it was absolutely necessary to produce a document which would protect our students from potential verbal and/or occasional physical abuse from fellow students. Since bullying erodes the self-esteem of a child (or an adult)—which is totally the opposite of one of our goals—we found it necessary to explain what bullying is, describe unacceptable behaviors, state the types of bullying, and minimize the risks involved.Parents and students need to read the following three pages together. Once understood, BOTH PARENTS AND STUDENTS NEED TO SIGN THE ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM, AND RETURN THE FORM TO THE OFFICE. (Please address any questions or concerns to your child’s/children’s Supervisor or one of the Administrators.)
PLEASE NOTE: In certain situations, with certain students, the Supervisor or Counselor may wish to re-do the pages and Acknowledgment Form with your child/children. In this case, the Supervisor will have an Acknowledgment Form on file in the classroom. Any student who has now signed TWO Forms continues the year with a handicap, and may be considered on PROBATION STATUS for breaking his/her contract not once, but twice!
THE STANDARD OF CONDUCT form(Appendix B) and THE PARENTS’ ACKNOWLEDGMENT form (Appendix C).
These forms are on the last pages of the Handbook. Please follow these instructions:
- Your child/children
need to fill out the Standard of Conduct form.
- Please turn this form
into the office asap.
- Please read the
paragraph under Parents’Acknowledgment
- Both parents and
students sign this form, and return to the office asap.
Thank you for the time that you have given to understanding and acknowledging this Handbook. CCSFO appreciates it.
Appendix B
STANDARD OF CONDUCT
Student's Name: Age:
Address: Grade:
Parent's Name: Telephone:
The student's attitude, conversatio, and behavior reflect the character of the institutions from which he derives his training. This form reflects the school's attempts to secure students who would best adjust to the rigor of a highly disciplined training program characterized by high standards of personal conduct.
Do you attent church regularly? __________ Where? _____________________________________________
Are you a Christian? _________ How do you know? ______________________________________________
Do you accept the Bible as God's Word and submit yourself to its principles as the final authority? __________
Do you sincerely pledge allegiance to the Christian and national flags? _________________________________
Have you ever smoked? _______ Do you now? _______ Do you drink alcoholic beverages? ____________
Have you used narcotics of any kind? ____________________ Do you now? __________________________
Have you ever been expelled or suspended from school? _____ Why? ________________________________
Have you ever been arrested? _______ Why? ____________________________________________________
Will you agree to abide by our dress code and maintain a neat and modest appearance? ____________________
Will you honestly agree to keep all the school rules and respect authority without being critical and finding
fault? _____________________________________________________________________________________
Do you want to attend this school? _______ Why? ________________________________________
General Policy: Students are expected to abide by these standards of conduct throughout their enrollment. Students found to be out of harmony with the school's ideals of work and life may be invited to withdraw whenever the administration determines that it is necessary.
As a student of the school, I pledge to uphold this school's rules and guidelines stated in the school handbook. I will maintain behavior which exemplifies courtesy, kindness, morality and honesty. I will strive to be of unquestionable character in dress, conduct, and other areas of life.
SIGNATURE OF STUDENT: ____________________________________ DATE: ___________
SIGNATURE OF PARENT: _____________________________________ DATE: ___________
Appendix C
PARENTS SIGNATURE SHEET
I, the parent or guardian of _________________________________ have received this handbook. I have read the policies stated in this handbook and am in agreement with their practice. I will fully cooperate with Community Christian School’s guidelines.
Signed:
________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date_________________
Please remove this sheet and return to CCS.
Thank you.
