Appleseed Christian Academy School Policies

I. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT

The Appleseed Christian Academy advertises for students in the public media in order to make openings known to all. Children are admitted regardless of race, creed, color, gender, national origin, religion, or handicapping condition.

II. ADMISSIONS

1. A child must be five (5) years of age on July 31, to be admitted into the kindergarten class.
   
2. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis according to the date of enrollment with the Director. Placement is not secure until payment is received. If a class is filled when a parent calls, the child's name will be put on a waiting list to fill vacancies or for creating additional classes. Parents of previously enrolled children receive a letter or phone call inviting them to Registration/Open House.
3. Current immunization records are required for admission.
4. The Woodcock Johnson Achievement Test (or similar standardized assessment) may be required to identify strengths/weaknesses of each student upon registration. This will determine specific skills to be targeted during the school year. An assessment test may also be administered at the end of the school year to identify specific gains made. This will not be used for denial of registration.
5. An interview with the parents is required after any initial entrance testing to discuss test results, goals, concerns, and expectations for the student.
6. The Director will meet with parents/guardians of a child with special needs at the time of enrollment. A planning session will be held with the child's parents, health and/or education specialists, and the Director/classroom teacher to plan an Individualized Education Plan for the child with special needs. The same committee will meet quarterly to reevaluate the child's progress.
7. In the event of less than 3 students being enrolled in a specific grade, other options may be taken, ie. A Beka Acedemy DVD Curriculum.
   

III. CALENDAR YEAR

The school year starts the first Tuesday in September and ends by Memorial Day in May. The school observes the holidays listed on the Calendar of Holidays.

IV. HOURS OF OPERATION-Snow Day Policy

Grades 1 - 6: 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

Kindergarten: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.

K3 and K4 Preschool: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.

Child Care: Inquire about availability and rates.

Snow Day Policy: Cancellations will be announced via local radio station - 106.3 FM, KRZK. Makeup dates will be announced as needed.

V. ACADEMICS, PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION, and GOALS

The A Beka Curriculum provides a great spiritual ministry and exceptional academic program. The School's philosophy of education is traditional, with non-traditional modes of instruction. Traditional education is God centered, authoritarian in its approach, and results in solid Spiritual discipline. However, we recognize that not all students have the same learning style; but, the majority of students are able to learn required information when given that information by different, non-traditional modes of instruction. Our goal is to be an option for typical students who may or may not be struggling to succeed in mainstream classrooms by teaching them through multiple modality instruction - auditory, visual, motor-sensory, etc. thus enhancing their educational experience.

VI. TEXTBOOK-CURRICULUM-REGISTRATION FEES

Grade	Books	Registration
K3	$35	$25
K4	$75	$75
K5	$100	$75
1st - 6th Grade	$200	$75

After July 31st, add $50 late book orders.

VII. TUITION-FEES COLLECTION

School tuition is figured as a $250 monthly fee for 1st - 6th grade and $225 monthly fee for Kindergarten and PreK, collected September - May. Inquire about before/after school care hours and fees.

1. Tuition is to be paid in advance by the first of the month. Since tuition is a monthly fee, no refunds are given for illness, vacations, or snow days.
2. At registration, the first tuition payment is due, along with textbook fees, and the annual registration fee. Registrations after July 31st require a $50 late book order fee.
3. Tuition is past due on the fifth of the month. A reminder is sent out along with a $20.00 late
   fee. If payment is not received by the 10th of the month, the child will not be able to attend classes until all tuition is current.
4. There will be a $25.00 service fee for returned checks.
5. School records/report cards will not be released until all accounts current.
6. If a student is dismissed or withdrawn for any reason, tuition will be charged for the entire month, although the student may be in attendance only a portion of the month. Tuition must be paid during an extended leave to ensure student's placement upon return.
7. In the event an account must be turned in for collection, the account holder (parent/guardian) will be responsible for all collection charges incurred.
8. Payment of accounts may be mailed to: Appleseed, 254 Wilson St., Branson, 65616, or paid in person at school. Make checks payable to Appleseed Christian Academy. Cancelled checks will be your receipt.

VIII. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

High standards are vital to a Christian school. Therefore, all students have these standards to follow-on and off campus:

1. Students are to maintain Christian standards in courtesy, kindness, morality, and honesty.
2. Students must dress and groom appropriately and modestly.
3. Students are not to swear or use indecent language.
4. Students are not to use any tobacco products, illegal drugs, or alcohol.
5. Students are not to exhibit body piercing (other than small earrings for females).
6. Guns, knives, or any other weapons are not allowed at school.
7. Cheating, lying, and stealing will not be tolerated.
8. Students are not allowed to bring radios, cell phones, CD players, or other electronic devices to school unless given written permission from the Director.

Violation of any of the above stated standards may result in expulsion from school. All violations of standards and all disciplinary actions taken will be documented and kept in the student's permanent file. As a general rule, THREE STRIKES - YOU'RE OUT!

IX. DISCIPLINE

The heart of character training is obedience, which will eventually cultivate an inner self-discipline that is 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 but fairly. 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 and for his proper place in society.

The means of discipline is external rewards and punishments. In essence, reward the good and punish the bad-the first rule of Biblical discipline.

The Bible teaches respect for authority - Romans 13:1, Colossians 3:20, Hebrews 13:17. The Bible also requires discipline for children - Proverbs 13:24, 29:15,17.

1. Acceptable behavior is encouraged by giving positive verbal rewards. For unacceptable behavior (disrupting, etc.) the child is redirected/reprimanded and/or seated next to the teacher.
2. Removal from the class and/or loss of recess time (partial or all) is the next punishment implemented for a child who continually demonstrates unacceptable
   behavior.
3. Indecent language or swearing will result in the mouth being washed out with Ivory soap.
   
4. Parents will be notified before this takes place; if requested, the parent may be present or administer themselves. Otherwise, there will be a witness to the punishment. The reasons for punishment will be documented and signed by the student, teacher, Director, and parent.
5. If behavior problems persist, the parents are called to remove the child from school.

X. SIGNING IN AND OUT - TARDINESS-ABSENCES

Each parent should sign their student in and out of school daily. No student will be allowed to leave school property without proper arrangements.

In the event a student is tardy, report to the office to sign in. A record will be kept in the student's file of tardies. Tardiness hinders the learning process for every student in a class. Habitual tardiness will result in disciplinary action, ie. loss of break time to complete missed class work, etc.

In case of absence, parents must send a note explaining the reason; this will be kept on file al the school. School work missed during an excused absence will be allowed to be made up within one week of returning to class. In the case of an extended absence, ie. pre-planned vacation, some of the school work may possibly be done ahead of the absence.

When necessary for a student to leave campus during school hours for a doctor/dentist appointment or emergency, the parent must sign the student out and sign the student back in upon returning.

A student who is absent more than 10 days in a semester may, at the discretion of the Director, be retained in his current grade.

XI. SCHOOL GROUNDS

Students not involved in school sponsored activities after school should promptly leave after school.

XII. CONFIDENTIALITY OF STUDENTS RECORDS-WITHDRAWALS-TRANSFERS

Student records are available only to the particular student's teacher, the Director, an authorized employee of any licensing agency, or the student's parent or legal guardian.

Withdrawal/transfer forms are obtained from the office. These are to be completed by the parent and Director. The school secretary will forward these documents to the appropriate new school if transferring out of ACA; or, request student documents from previous school attended.

XIII. COMMUNICATIONS WITH PARENTS - TELEPHONE USE

Parents are informed of school activities, etc. through newsletters. The Parent newsletter may include unit topics, class activities, field trips, and/or suggestions for or from parents.

There will be at least two parent conferences offered during the year (fall and spring). Either the parents or teachers may request additional conferences any time there is a special concern.

Parents are welcome to visit the school. When visiting a class for any reason, please check in with the office first.

Emergency messages will be taken at the office and delivered between class periods. Students will not be allowed to use the school phone except in an emergency situation.

XIV. FOOD

Students are to bring their own lunches/snacks each day. A microwave is available. Students may bring special treats for birthdays or other events, ie. holiday parties. Documentation of food allergies should be given to the Director.

XV. DRESS CODE

Boys: preferably slacks/khakis or non-faded jeans without holes/tears that fit appropriately; solid color shirts with collar (polo style is acceptable) with no emblems or advertising decals

Girls: slacks/khakis or non-faded jeans without holes/tears that fit appropriately, no hip huggers; modest unrevealing blouses with no emblems or advertising decals.

If there are questions to acceptability of particular clothing, please ask the Director. Unacceptable clothing will result in being sent home to change attire.

XVI. PROPERTY DAMAGE

In the event of deliberate/intentional destruction of school property, the student's parent/guardian will be responsible for replacement of destroyed property. At such time it will be decided by the School Administrator whether the actual item be replaced or monetary compensation be made. When necessary, estimates will be requested from outside contractors/businesses.

XVII. VOLUNTEER POLICY

Teachers will make requests for volunteers; Administrator will then match volunteer talents with specific needs in the classroom or other activities.

The Administrator will meet with each volunteer individually or as a group to cover the following information:

• the importance of confidentiality
• to sign a volunteer agreement defining volunteer responsibilities
• Volunteers must be willing to submit to the school's curricular approach, expectations, and all aspects of the Student Handbook and Employee Handbook.
  

Teachers will provide comments and evaluations to the Administrator about each volunteer.

Appleseed Christian Academy
658 Walkington Lane Branson, MO 65616
417.334.7332