Arden Christian School Student Handbook
Our Objective:
The objective of a private school is to teach children how to live and to equip them for success. The book of Proverbs, chapter 22 and verse 6 admonishes adults to “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
A private school is an extension of the home in training young people. The school staff works closely with parents to train the whole child.
Attendance at this school is a privilege and not a right. The goal of this school is to train youth of every ability in the highest principles of moral character, self-discipline, individual responsibility, personal integrity, and good citizenship. This school stands without apology for high standards of morality and wisdom.
Biblical Principles:
One of the basic reasons why parents enroll their children in a private school is to obtain an education grounded in moral values. This school uses the Biblically based School of Tomorrow curriculum which includes Scripture memory passages and references to God and Jesus Christ–all designed to help students develop moral character, a sense of accountability, and wisdom in their lives. Standards of personal conduct, school policies, and curriculum continue to build the students’ sense of responsibility and integrity.
The students have a Scripture verse in each PACE that they are required to memorize and recite to their Supervisor/Monitor when they complete their Self-Test and again when they complete their PACE test. Failure to do so results in having to write the verse 10 times on the day of the Self-Test and 20 times if not known on the day of the PACE test.
In addition to their individual verses in their PACEs, each month the students have a memory scripture passage. This passage MUST be memorized and recited to their Supervisor or Monitor by the end of the month. This is MANDATORY! Failure to recite the monthly Scripture by the allotted time results in loss of privileges (shortened breaks, no outside play, etc.). The student will be required to write the entire scripture 3 times the first late day and adding 1 time for each day thereafter that the scripture is not recited.
Christian Americanism
Christian Americanism places emphasis upon the greatness of America’s heritage and the sacrifices of her heroes. American’s Constitution guarantees liberties to educate in order to preserve freedom. We unashamedly teach the Biblical doctrines of self-discipline, respect for those in authority, obedience to law, and love for God, the flag, and our country.
Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and
to the Republic for which is stands, one nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Christian Flag
I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag, and to the Saviour for Whose
kingdom it stands, one Saviour, crucified, risen, and coming again,
with life and liberty for all who believe.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Bible
I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God’s Holy Word. I will make it a
lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I will hide it’s words in
my heart, that I might not sin against God.
School supplies:
Required:
Personal Bible (King James Version only)
Blue or Black pen (for setting goals each day)
Pencils (two sharpened required at all times)
Eraser
Tissues
Helpful but not required:
Dictionary
Cup or container for pencils
Colored pencils
Ruler
Notebook
Small box for supplies
Calculator (if allowed)
Protractor (if PACE calls for one)
Compass (if PACE calls for one)
Standard of Conduct
Students of this school are expected to refrain from talking about or engaging in cheating, swearing, gambling, drinking alcoholic beverages, inappropriate comments and actions, and using narcotics. Students who participate in and discuss such activities at school are subject to suspension. Students are expected to act in an orderly and respectful manner, maintaining Biblical standards of social courtesy, moral behavior, acceptable language, and honesty. Students must agree to strive toward unquestionable character in dress, conduct, and attitude.
Any student observing questionable activities or overhearing conversations which are contrary to the policies of this school should immediately discuss the matter with the supervisor. This is not tattling. It has been said, “All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” The Bible states in James 4:17, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
General Information
Our school hours are 8:00-3:15 Monday thru Thursday. Doors are usually open by 7:45.
Chapel is held every Wednesday unless otherwise noted. Students are expected to wear their Chapel Uniform each Wednesday unless told otherwise.
A student must score at least 80% on their PACE test before advancing to the next PACE. If a student makes below 80%, they are asked to review the material and retake the PACE test. If they still score below 80%, they must repeat the entire PACE and pay a $5.00 fee to cover the cost of reordering that PACE.
Grading System:
90%-100% A 70%-79% C <60% F
80%-89% B 60%-69% D
Chapel
One of the most rewarding services we offer at Arden Christian School is a weekly Chapel Service. We invite local Pastors, student’s Pastors, Missionaries, and Evangelists to come and speak to students and staff. Chapel is held each Wednesday. Times will vary according to our Speaker’s schedule. Most of the time, Chapel will be at 11:00 a.m. We encourage parents to join us as we learn more about God’s Word.
Students are expected to show respect for God’s House and the messenger at ALL times. The following rules are to be followed at all Chapel Services:
A King James Bible is required to be brought by each student.
The student will pay attention to the Speaker. Do not play with your Bible or keep looking down. Keep your eyes on the speaker when he is talking.
Walk in a single file line to and from Chapel
No talking to, from, or during the service
No gum, candy, or toys during service.
No slumping, playing, fidgeting, or sleeping during service.
No running to, from, or in the church.
Students are expected to thank the speaker for taking time to be with us.
Uniforms required for all students
Chapel Uniforms
Females: White blouse (no low cut top, halter, see-thru, or sleeveless); black skirt or jumper (slits must be at least 2 inches below knee and not over 3 inches in length-this is subject to change at the Supervisor’s discretion).
Males: White shirt with collar; black pants (must fit properly at waist); Belt; Shirts must be tucked in; Black or maroon tie/bowtie
Uniforms are to be worn every Wednesday unless otherwise notified.
Chapel is mandatory. Too many missed Wednesdays will result in a conference with staff and parents to determine what action, if any, will be taken.
Dress Code
At Arden Christian School we have a strict dress code that will be enforced. Any student that is wearing unfit dress will be asked not to wear it again. If the student wears the offending article of clothing again, the parents will be called to pick the student up from school. Possible suspension or being asked to withdraw from the school will occur if the student blatantly continues disregarding the rules. We must reflect a Godly character. After all, this is a Christian School. Modest, clean dress is a part of that character. All clothes must be clean and neatly worn.
Females:
Dresses or skirts only
No pants, shorts, tank tops, sleeveless tops, halter tops, low cut
tops, or mini skirts
Slits can not be more than 1 inch above the knee
No tops with inappropriate advertisements, logos, or sayings
Modest make-up may be worn, but may not be at student office
No baggy clothes
Hair should be neat and clean; no un-naturally colored hair
No facial piercings or tattoos
Males:
No tops with inappropriate ads, logos, or sayings
No sleeveless shirts
Pants must fit properly, at the waist. No holes, no baggy pants.
No baggy clothes
Hair should be neat and clean; no un-naturally colored hair
No facial piercings or tattoos
All clothing on both males and females must fit properly. Other rules are subject to be added or modified at the discretion of the staff.
Leaving Early
Arden Christian School gives the student the opportunity to leave early when they have completed their goals for the day. In order to attain and keep this privilege, the students must have a written permission slip from their parent stating it is okay to call when they have completed their goals. From then on, it is up to the student to keep the privilege. In order to do this, the student must not be behind in their Paces (a student needs to complete 3 PACEs per quarter to be on track to complete the 12 required in each subject). The page numbers average out to 5 pages per book per day. They must have good attendance, and must complete their work with care. The work will be checked for thoroughness and neatness. If the student has demerits that day, they will not be able to call. As always, the final decision will be up to the Supervisor. If the parents do not wish for the student to call when they complete their goals, they will be required to sit at their offices and complete additional academic activities. They will not be allowed to socialize as distractions must be kept to a minimum for those that are still working. Parents should not be given a certain time to pick up a student, thinking they will have their goals completed by that time. Everyone is expected to stay until the Supervisor gives permission to call. Don’t assume you will be allowed to leave. A parent may call to see if their child has completed their daily goals and if they are ready to leave. The supervisor will be able to tell the parents whether the student has permission to go.
If a parent needs to pick up their child early on a given day, the student must bring a note from the parent. If no note is brought, the parent will have to come into the school and to the supervisor’s desk in order to pick up the student. The parent may call ahead of time if they wish to let the Supervisor know they need to pick up their child and what time. The staff realizes that parents need to pick up their child from time to time for various reasons. However, this should not be a daily habit. Parents will be required to sign their child out if leaving prior to the end of their school day.
It is in the student’s best interest to do extra work when possible. If a student completes the required number of PACEs before the end of the year, that student will not be required to attend except on Chapel days, and will not be counted absent. It is the student’s responsibility to complete their work for the day and for the year. It is up to them to determine if they will get out early or possibly have to attend longer.
General Guidelines and Rules
ATTENDANCE
A written excuse signed by a parent or guardian must be presented to the supervisor when a student returns to school after an absence.
Remember–attendance is a privilege, not a right. Excessive absences will inhibit the student’s progress. If, in the opinion of the administration, the absences are unnecessary, the student will be considered truant and action will be taken.
A student is considered tardy if he/she is not in the Learning Center on time. Continued tardiness will necessitate a conference with parent and principal. Students arriving later than 8:15 will need to have their parents sign them in for the day.
FLAGS
Each student will be issued two flags, which will be used on a daily basis. The American flag is raised for scoring and general questions. The Christian flag is raised for academic help from the supervisor. It is the student’s responsibility to care for these flags. If they are broken, the cost to replace each flag is $2.00.
PACES
No markings are to be made on and in the PACEs other than what is required. Place take good care of the PACEs and keep them as neat as possible.
GOALS
Students must have their daily goals set for the day before starting to work on their PACEs. Goals are to be set in blue or black ink. The PACE pages should be divided by 8 to determine the required pages for the day. Once goals are set, they can not be changed without the supervisor’s consent. As each goal is completed, the student marks through the accomplished goal ONCE with their pen. The goal card is to remain hanging at the student’s office in view of the supervisor at all times. When the student completes all goals for the day, they may put their American flag up to inform the supervisor. The supervisor will let the student know if they may turn their PACE in. No other markings except for name, date, and goals are to be made on the goal cards. This includes coloring with highlighters, doodling, drawing, etc.
HOMEWORK
The responsibility for scholastic achievement is placed on the student. Most students should not need to take academic work home. The goals set by the student and reviewed by the supervisor usually are no more than the student is capable of completing during the school day. Should the student not meet their goals for that day, they will be required to complete the work at home. A homework slip will be given to the student to fill out the pages that need to be completed. The slip is to be signed by the parent and returned to the supervisor the following day. Uncompleted homework results in automatic detention, unless the student has a valid reason for not having homework completed.
STUDENT OFFICES
Offices are assigned and changed only by the supervisor. They must be cared for by the student. No markings of any kind are permitted in, on, or around the offices. Defacing school property will result in fines and possible suspension. A student is not permitted to communicate with another, or be out of their office without permission. Students should not turn sideways or around in their office, or tip back in their chair. Students are not to lean or sit on the office or divider. No notes are to be passed between students. Anything placed in the office must be approved by the supervisor. A Progress Chart is placed in the student’s office. No marks are to be made on it. A fee is charged for a duplicate. No red or green pens are allowed at the student’s office. The student’s office must be kept neat at all times and must be clean before leaving for the day.
SCORE STATION AND SCORING
Score Keys are to be handled carefully. NO markings are to be made in the Score Keys. They must be handled extra carefully when getting them and returning them to the file folder. They must be kept in their proper place at all times. Failure to return a Score Key to it’s proper place (which is numerical order) will result in the student writing their numbers, in word form, as many times as the supervisor deems necessary.
To score: Mark a red “X” beside each wrong answer. As you grade, circle the page number after you have scored that page. Put a red “X” in the first box of the score strip, even if you have no wrong answers. Correct wrong answers in pencil at your office. You must go back in your PACE and highlight where the corrected answer can be found and write the page number next to the corrected problem. In pencil, mark a “X” in the second box of the score strip. At the score station, re-score your answers. Circle each red “X” when the answer is correct. When scoring is completed (that means everything in the section being graded is correct), put a red “X” in the third box of the score strip in the PACE and then circle the page number. Replace the pen in the holder, and return the Score Key to it’s proper place.
CHECKUPS and SELF-TESTS
A student must obtain permission from the supervisor, by getting their initials, before beginning a checkup. You are NOT allowed to look back in your PACE for answers. That is considered cheating. The student’s office must be cleared of all other materials in order to do a checkup. The supervisor must see your completed and scored Checkup. It will be at the supervisor’s discretion whether you will be allowed to continue or retake the checkup after extra study. At the end of the PACE is a Self-Test. A student takes this at the test table, and it is scored by the supervisor. The Self-Test will be returned to the student to be corrected (again, with correct answers highlighted and page numbers written next to the question) when they complete their goals or get a homework slip. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure they have it before leaving. It must be corrected before taking the PACE Test. It will be at the supervisor’s discretion whether you will retake the Self-Test. If the supervisor feels you are ready, then you will be given the PACE Test the next day. If the PACE Test is passed, the student will be issued a new PACE the next day.
General Comments for Parents and Students
Griping is not tolerated!!!!
Property:
*Marked on, defaced, or broken property is to be replaced at the offending student’s expense.
*Guns, matches, lighters, knives, radios, and CD players are not permitted on campus.
*Cell phones are not allowed to be used. If brought, they must be kept in the student’s backpack , out of sight and turned off. If a student offends this rule, the property will be taken by the supervisor and returned only to a parent.
Language:
Use only words that will glorify the Lord.
Snack/Lunch:
Snack time is from 10:00-10:15 (may vary some days at the discretion of the supervisor). Lunch time is from 12:00-12:30. All trash should be placed in wastebaskets. Clean off table and area around the table where you ate. You are not allowed to play outside or play games until your area is neat. Please pour all liquids in the sink before throwing containers away. Make sure it is liquid only in the sink. Please do not throw food of any kind in the sink.
Off limits:
Other student’s offices
Supervisor’s desk and files
Learning Center when staff is not in attendance
Back and sides of the school (must be in sight of the supervisor at all times)
Vehicles and the parking area
Keep hands to yourself!!!!
Books/Magazines:
Must be approved by the supervisor upon the student’s arrival at the school.
Student Offices:
Only “positive” approved items are allowed.
Visitors:
Visitors are welcome, and should come to the Supervisor’s desk, not directly to the student’s office.
Transportation:
All students must stay out of and off vehicles from arrival time to departure. A student is not allowed to approach another vehicle other than their ride without permission. A student must have a note signed from a parent in order to ride home with someone other than their normal ride. Only licensed drivers are permitted to drive to and from the school. Parents must send a signed note stating the student has permission to drive to school. No one will be able to leave with a student driver unless a signed note is brought to the Supervisor.
Telephone:
The school phone is reserved for official school business and emergencies. Please have your plans made before school. The phone will not be used to ask a parent’s permission to go home with someone. The phone can only be used with the Supervisor’s permission.
Medicine:
No staff member will be allowed to administer any medicines without parent authorization in writing. All medicines must be kept and administered at the Supervisor’s desk.
Learning Center Behavior:
*No talking during work hours. This includes at your office (over or under the dividers), at the score table, and at the test table. No notes are to be passed back and forth.
*Do not leave seat without permission
*Push chair under desk each time you leave your desk. Take down your flag before you leave your desk.
*No slumping in chairs. Feet are to be kept in front of you. No tilting back in chairs or turning around.
*No disturbance of any kind during class, such as whistling, singing, humming, tapping the wall, etc.
*Sharpen pencils before class, during breaks, at lunch, or after class only. **Remember to have two sharpened pencils at your desk at all times.
*Breaks are designed for sharpening pencils and restroom use. A demerit will be given to those that do not utilize the breaks as such. Permission will be given for the restroom in emergencies. However, demerits will be given to those that take advantage.
*No food or drink allowed at the student offices.
*No pencils at the score table.
*No running in school, to/from Chapel or in the church
*Hats must be removed before entering the school
THE FOLLOWING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED:
Verbal threats to staff, other students, or visitors
Talking back to staff or visitor(s)
Cursing or conversations of vulgar content
Cheating, lying, stealing, fighting, horseplay
Disrespect of any nature (verbal, facial/body expression, slamming items, etc.)
Discipline
This is not a corrective institution; consequently, we ask that a child not be enrolled with the idea that he/she will be reformed. We are here to work with the home, but not take the place of parents. All new students are admitted on probation for the first six weeks.
The student must conduct himself/herself in a becoming manner at all times. Griping is not tolerated! When a child’s attitude is not in accord with school policies or principles, the child will be placed on probation and parents will be called for a conference. If the administration feels the situation has not changed within a designated time, parents will be asked to withdraw the child.
This school is dedicated to the training of children in a program of study, activity, and living that is Bible-centered. We believe that “all things should be done decently and in order” and that our students should be taught to accept the responsibility to “walk honorably before all men.”
Here, a discipline is maintained which is firm, consistent, fair, and tempered with love. Our staff maintains standards of behavior in the Learning Center through kindness, love, and a genuine regard for the student. However, when disciplinary action becomes necessary, it is firmly carried out, tempered by good judgment and understanding.
Students are reminded that God expects us to be disciplined in all areas of our life:
“Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” Colossians 3:20
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers…” Romans 13:1
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves…” Hebrews 13:17
“For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.” Proverbs 6:23
“He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.” Proverbs 10:17
“Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” Proverbs 19:18
“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” Proverbs 22:15
Detention:
The paramount rule is “do right; do not disturb.” Demerit marks are given for disturbances or broken rules. Three or more marks in one day result in detention. Detention will be served at break and/or lunch. It could also result in writing of sentences, writing the rules, chores, after school stay, etc. The more demerit marks, the more severe the punishment. The detention served will be at the discretion of the Supervisor.
When a student receives a detention, a “Corrective Action Notice” is sent home with the student and is to be signed by the parents. The next day, the slip should be returned to the Supervisor.
Demerits are an indication that a student may need direction in the development of principles of character in his life. Conferences with the supervisor, principal, and parents are sometimes necessary to assure this growth.
Awards Program
Awards of different sorts will be highlighted at the annual Awards Night held at the end of each school year. Students compete during the year to:
attain these awards.
A list of commonly presented awards (but not limited to):
Highest Average
Most PACEs Completed
Scripture Memorization (students are encouraged to quote extra verses)
Perfect Attendance
Honor roll
Church Attendance
(These awards are subject to change at the discretion of the staff)
Students are encouraged to try their best throughout the school year to achieve these and other possible awards.
Inclement Weather
In the event of inclement weather, please watch WLOS for school closings. Arden Christian School will run across the screen if the school is closed for the day. If you do not see Arden Christian School under school closings, that means the school will be operating on regular schedule. However, if you live in an area that your parents feel is too risky to try, the parents need to call the school to inform the staff, and the student will not be counted absent for that day. In the event of bad weather resulting in early dismissal, please have a contact available to pick up the student. The student will be allowed to phone their ride to inform them of the early dismissal.