Grading Scale:

A: 93 – 100

A-: 90 – 92

B+: 87 – 89

B: 83 – 86

B-: 80 – 82

C+: 77 – 79

C: 73 – 76

C-: 70 – 72

D+: 67 – 69

D: 63 – 66

D-: 60 – 62

Principal’s List:  To qualify for the Principal’s List, students must have an average GPA of 3.8- 4.0 in all subjects. They cannot have any grade below a B-. They can have no unexcused absences in performances/programs. They cannot have excessive unexcused absences or tardiness. Such students will be recognized each semester.

Honor Roll:  To qualify for the Honor Roll, students must have an average GPA of 3.5-3.79 in all subjects for that quarter. They cannot have any grade below a C. They can have no unexcused absences in performances/programs. They cannot have excessive unexcused absences or tardiness. Such students will be recognized each semester.

Attendance Award:  Each student who has no absences or tardiness, having perfect attendance for a nine-weeks period, will be recognized each quarter. Those who have perfect attendance for the entire year will be recognized at graduation.

Fruits of the Spirit Award:  Each year a student will be selected for recognition based on the following qualities:  Kindness, helpfulness, courtesy, respect, cooperation, cheerfulness, Christian love, encouragement, faithfulness, and friendliness. In short, he or she must exhibit the Fruits of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22. It is understood that the student selected will also demonstrate their faithfulness by turning in their school work in a timely manner.  The student selected will be recognized at graduation, and his or her name will be placed on the Fruit of the Spirit plaque at the school entryway.

Fine Arts Curriculum:  Because of the positive correlation between Art, Music, and the development of mathematical ability, as well as the recognition that creativity is one of the most incredible gifts God gives to each of us, all students are required to participate in Fine Arts.  Art Class is taught weekly in grades K-8.

Student Safety Requirement: Every student must have memorized their parent/guardian’s phone number. (Cell phone number, if possible.)

Report Cards: Report cards are issued after each quarter providing the financial accounts are current.  Each custodial parent/guardian, who so desires, will receive a copy of the report card.

Required Participation Policy: Following is a partial list of the programs students are expected to attend.  Consequences for missed performances/programs may be administered.

• School Orientation
• Fall Festival
• Christmas Program
• Choir, Music Performances
• Education Fair
• Graduation

Damage: Any damage, accidental or intended, to the physical plant, equipment or appliances of the school will be the responsibility of the involved student’s parent or guardian.  The amount of the damage will be assessed by the school.  Transcripts or diplomas may be withheld or other action may be taken if damages are not paid for promptly.

Dress Code: All students are required to wear appropriate attire.  Simplicity, modesty, decency and functionality should be the guiding principles for Christian dress.  No cartoons, writing or inappropriate material is permitted.  Teachers have final say on dress code standards with full support from the School Board.  If a student is wearing something inappropriate, has no backup clothing, and the parent or guardian is unable to bring a replacement, he/she may be asked to wear an article of clothing provided by the school.  The student will be sent to the office in most cases or otherwise isolated until the issue is resolved.  Students failing to comply may face corrective actions, and inappropriate items may be confiscated.  Gothic or gangster style clothing is never appropriate school attire. Note: Due to Forest School and time spent outside, it is imperative that students have weather appropriate clothing with them at school.

Pants – Should be in good condition and meet the school standards of modest functional wear. Jeans and cargo pants are permitted, so long as not overly tight or with overly stuffed pockets.  Chains, added buckles, cords, lacings or other accessories and decorations are not permitted.

Shorts – Solid color uniform, gym, or basketball shorts may be worn in warm weather if walking-length (no shorter than just above the knee) and must meet the same criteria as pants.

Skirts, Shorts, Dresses and Jumpers – Must be solid color or plaid, and of modest fit and length (just above the knee or longer).  Girls in grades K-4 should wear shorts under skirts, dresses and jumpers for modesty. Sixth to eighth grade female students must bring a change of clothing for physical education class if they don’t wear shorts under their skirts.

Belts – Should be worn with pants, shorts and skirts that have belt loops.

Shirts – Must have a collar, polo style or button-up oxford style, and can be short or long-sleeved unless otherwise instructed by their teacher.  Shirts must be proper size and fit, with emphasis on the length.  Logos should be smaller than a silver dollar.  To determine proper length, raise arms fully above head.  If there is a gap between the belt line of the pants and the bottom hem of the shirt, the shirt is too short.  Sweaters and sweatshirts can be worn over collared shirts in cooler weather.  Coats and jackets can only be worn indoors with permission from a teacher.

Hats – Must be removed inside buildings, during prayer and at other times teachers deem appropriate.  Hoodies may not be worn over head in the buildings.

Shoes – Must cover toes and sides of feet and be worn at all times. Backless shoes may be worn. However all students must have tennis-type shoes for PE Class and recesses.

Hair – Must be neat and clean.  Unnatural hair colors or unusual/extreme styles are not permitted.  Both girls and boys are expected to wear their hair in a style that freely allows participation in all school activities. Hair must be neatly groomed and kept back from the face.  The administration reserves the right to determine whether or not a particular style, color or length fits dress code standards.

Jewelry – No jewelry of any kind, including rubber bracelets, is to be worn on the premises.  Watches that do not resemble jewelry and medical IDs are acceptable.

Make-up – Nothing that detracts from the natural appearance is to be worn, including colored nail polish.

Body-art – Tattoos, temporary tattoos, or drawing/writing on the body is not permitted, including drawing on the hands.

Movies: Movies and DVDs shown at school that are rated beyond “G” must be approved by the staff in council before they are shown.

Food: In keeping with the health standards of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, each child should bring a healthy and nutritious lunch to school each day.  Each child is expected to eat his or her own lunch unless permission is granted by the teacher.  Food and drinks should be consumed only at designated times and in designated areas.  Students will remain seated and talk quietly during such times.  Each student must provide his or her own silverware, plates, bowls and other needed eating utensils.  Students are responsible for cleaning up after themselves when they use the kitchen.  Microwave ovens are available for use.  All lunches should either be premade or quickly and easily prepared by students without teachers’ assistance, as teachers need the lunch break time to eat as well.  Hot lunch menus will be made available and students can purchase hot lunches one day a week, when available.

Because of the effects of refined sugar on learning behavior, parents are urged to limit this ingredient in students’ lunches.  Although allowed, students are discouraged from bringing meat products in their lunches.  However, unclean meats and caffeinated drinks are not permitted.  Vegetarian dishes and non-caffeinated drinks are preferred at school-sponsored functions.

Medications: All medications brought to school will be stored in a reasonably secure location. All prescription medications must be brought to the School Office in the original pharmaceutical container, clearly labeled as to the name of the student, the name of the medication, the appropriate dosage, and the time for each dose. No medication is to be in a student’s possession during school hours. Any student, who must have medication while at school, must have authorization form on file.  Staff will keep a current log of administered medications.

Non-prescription medications such as aspirin and cough syrup may not be procured by students from school staff.  All medicines must be brought from home along with a note from a parent/guardian, and both given to the staff as soon as the student comes to school.  Students should bring only small amounts as needed.

Chewing Gum: Gum will not be allowed on the school premises unless approved by the principal.

Restrooms: Students are expected to keep the restrooms clean.  Horseplay will not be allowed.  Loitering, writing on or kicking walls, or damaging the facilities in any way is strictly prohibited.  Restroom breaks will be given at the teachers’ discretion.K – 2 students are expected to primarily use the restroom provided in their classroom.

Proper Decorum: Respect is a Christian responsibility.  Students are expected to show courtesy and respect to all visitors, substitute teachers, aides, readers, and volunteers, as well as staff members and fellow students.  A courteous student is one of the greatest witnesses for Christian education. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Eph. 4:29  We believe that if we keep these words of Paul in mind, and show respect to each other, we will all work together well and have a much better environment for learning.

Phone Protocol: Teachers and students should not be called during school hours except when important messages need to be given.  Students are not allowed to use the phone except when given specific permission by a teacher or staff member other than an aide or volunteer.

Cell Phone Policy: Cell phones must be given to the teacher immediately upon the student’s arrival at school. Cell phones ordinarily will be returned when the student leaves for the day. Students who fail to give their cell phones to the teacher on time, will be assessed a $10 fine, and their cell phones will be confiscated for a period of time to be determined by the staff. More than one infraction may cause the student to lose the privilege of bringing a cell phone to school.

Locker Policy: Students assigned a locker are honor bound to use their own lockers and stay out of others’ lockers at all times, and not tamper with them in any way. Lockers must be kept clean and free from decoration both inside and out, except as the school may direct (for example, on a ”decorate your locker” day). Locks of any kind are not permitted. Students understand that teachers may check their lockers and their contents at any time for any reason.

Electronics: No electronic equipment or software, CDs, DVDs, thumb drives, zip drives, iPODs, etc., should be brought to the school unless the teacher grants written permission.

Drug Policy: Students who bring tobacco, drugs or alcohol in any form on campus will be reported to the appropriate law-enforcement officials.  If Administration becomes aware of off-campus usage of one or more of the above substances, parents will be notified and further actions will be taken in accordance with Georgia-Cumberland Conference policy.

Confiscated Items: Confiscated items (other than illegal or obscene items or items that must be held as evidence) may usually be picked up after school by the parent or guardian.  If the same or similar item is confiscated again, the item will be disposed of at the LCA staff’s discretion.

Loss or Damage: The School is not responsible for personal property brought to the school or brought on school activities by a student, parent, or other visitor.

Conduct: By attending LCA, each student agrees to the following standards that help instill the desire for a highly spiritual and moral life:

• To show respect for God’s name, the Bible as the inspired Word of God, and God’s representatives – including ministers, teachers, parents and other students. Students are expected to obey and cooperate with teachers and other staff.  A disrespectful attitude will not be tolerated.
• To show respect for all school and personal properties as belonging to God and His church family. Loud talking, running in the hallways, or any conduct of a boisterous nature is always out of order.
• To practice the principles of kindness, fair play and courtesy.
• To be honest and truthful in all things.
• To keep language refined.
• To choose character-building materials for viewing, reading and listening.
• To develop the principles of healthful living.

Students who use tobacco, drugs or alcohol in any form, engage in questionable activities, swear or use unbecoming language, or possess improper literature and/or pictures, or other items will be subject to discipline or dismissal from school.  Discussing questionable television programs, movies, and games at school will be strongly discouraged.  Courting or loitering in “couples groups” is out of order and will be considered inappropriate behavior. Students are expected to usually be involved in group games during free time.

Bullying: Bullying, shunning, and harassment is harmful and unlawful.  Bullying, shunning, and harassment will be taken seriously, and will be dealt with according to Georgia Cumberland Conference policy.  We follow the OLWEUS anti-bullying program and policy.  Copies of policy are available upon request.

Safety: In-line skates, roller skates, skateboards and other recreational equipment with wheels are not permitted on campus due to safety hazards.

Weapons Policy: Students are not permitted to possess weapons or dangerous instruments of any kind on school grounds, buildings, buses or at school-related or school-sponsored activities away from school facilities, as dictated by the Georgia-Cumberland Conference Board of Education.  Weapons and dangerous instruments include but are not limited to:

• Firearms, pistols, revolvers, shotguns, rifles, BB/pellet guns, zip guns, stun guns, tazers, and/or any other device capable of chemically propelling a projectile.
• Cutting and punctuating devices such as dirks, daggers, knives, disks with points or blades,
  and/or razors.
• Explosive and/or incendiary devices such as pipe bombs, time bombs, cap guns, containers or flammable fluids, matches, and/or other hazardous devices.
• Any instrument which could be used for the purpose of inflicting harm or injury.

Any school employee can confiscate any device used as a weapon. The Administration reserves the right to take any disciplinary action deemed appropriate in response to a weapons policy offense.  Upon information that a student is suspected of violating this policy, the principal or a teacher will notify the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s).  Administration’s response to any violation of the weapons policy may include the involvement of law-enforcement officials.