OPPORTUNITY

The objective of a private school is to teach children how to live and to equip them for success. The Bible verse in Proverbs 22:6 admonishes adults to train up a child in THE way he SHOULD go. 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 Christian behavior.

ADMISSIONS POLICY

This school admits students of any race, color, and national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and the activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, and national and ethnic origin in administration or its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school administrated programs.

ACCREDITATION

Accreditation by state governmental agency is an administration mechanism designed as an attempt to attain uniform education for all children in government schools. It was established as a governmental means of causing local public school districts to meet what the state educational agencies determined to minimum academic and facility standards for all schools. Accreditation teams, therefore, investigate and approve or disapprove facilities and curriculum in educational institutions according to the criteria developed by secular educational administrators who may not be Christians.

Accreditation of a private Christian school is not necessary for a graduate of that school to enroll in a college or university. Registrars of such institutions are interested in the academic merits of individual students, not in the name of their school of graduation. Thus, they evaluate each applicant’s academic aptitude through nationally standardized tests. This school does not seek accreditation by state educational agencies, but does endeavor to provide the highest possible academic program.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of twenty-three units of credit is required for graduation. A prescribed course of study will be determined through a conference among the staff, parents, and student. Transfer students must complete at least the complete senior year before receiving a diploma.

ACADEMIC POLICY

For a student to be re-enrolled for the next school year, he/she must complete a minimum of 40 units during the current school year. Otherwise, his/her position at GCS will be forfeited. If a student does not complete 40 units and his/her parents feel this child deserves special consideration, the parents may meet with the Faculty Academic Committee and explain the extenuating circumstances. The Faculty Academic Committee may then recommend re-enrolling the child if they feel the student deserves another chance. The decision of the committee is final.

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 Alpha Omega curriculum, which includes Scripture memory passages and references to God - 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.

STANDARD OF CONDUCT

Students of this school are expected to refrain from talking about or engaging in cheating, swearing, smoking, gambling, rock music, public dancing, drinking alcoholic beverages, 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.

ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE

1. Parents attend all orientation (BOTH PARENTS).
2. Parents visit school.
3. Parents and student read this handbook thoroughly.
4. For each student there will be submitted a previous report card, birth certificate and shot records.
5. All students must have the following immunizations: diphtheria, polio, measles, and rubella. In instances where a student needs medical attention, the principal will call the parent or family doctor (in that order).
6. Before the first day of school all forms, all fees, and first months tuition must be turned in to the    principal’s office.
7. Both parents and students must attend parent/student orientation.

MEDICAL GUIDELINES

No staff member will be allowed to administer any medicines without parent authorization in writing. All medication must be kept and administered at the school office.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Parent orientation, meetings, and conferences promote a good understanding between parents or guardians and  the faculty/administration of this school. Every parent is required to participate in these informative and helpful programs.

The first parent/staff meeting will be held at the opening of school. Parent/staff meetings are scheduled following the first quarter, following the third quarter, and/or when deemed necessary.

COMPUTERS

Computers are a way of life; therefore, students are given opportunities to learn how to use computers starting as early as first grade. Students in grades 3 - 12 are required to have a lap top computer for their curriculum studies. Every graduate is expected to be computer literate.

CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP TRAINING

Devotions:

Students meet in a morning devotional period of at least 30 minutes or until all students and staff have “touched God”, and feel spiritually ready for the day. Principles of life are organized, outlined, illustrated, and discussed in these meaningful sessions.

Chapel:

Monthly chapel sessions are held during which the student identifies his education with Biblical principles and wisdom.

Students must bring Bibles to all devotions, chapels, and special meetings.

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. If the absence is foreseeable, a note should be sent in advance. Doctor, dental, music, and other appointments are to be scheduled after school hours.

Absence for reasons other than for sickness and emergency will be excused only if arrangements are made in advance with the supervisor and the student is sufficiently advanced in his work, unless there is a death in the immediate family.

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.

A student is considered tardy if he is not in the Learning Center on time. A detention will be given. Continued tardiness will necessitate a conference with parent and principal, possibly leading to revocation of student privileges or suspension.

LOST AND FOUND

The Lost and Found Department of the school is operated from the school office. A handling charge of one demerit will be given for each article recovered through lost and found. At the end of a reasonable time, all items which have not been picked up will become the property of the school and may be disposed of through a student auction.

HOMEWORK

The responsibility for scholastic achievement is placed on students. Most students should not need to take academic work home. The goals set by the supervisor and computer usually are no more than the student is capable of completing during the school day. Should the student not meet his goals for that day, he will be required, at the discretion of the supervisor, to complete the work at home or after school in the Learning Center. Should the student have homework, a Homework Slip giving the pages or lessons to be completed will be placed in the student’s envelope. The slip is to be signed by the parent and returned the following day. No resource books may be taken home. 

CHRISTIAN AMERICANISM

Christian Americanism places emphasis upon the greatness of America’s heritage and the sacrifices of her heroes. America’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, flag, and 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 it 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 Savior for Whose kingdom it stands, one Savior, 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 its words in my heart that I might not sin against God.

AWARDS PROGRAM

Awards of different sorts highlight the annual Awards Program held each spring. Students compete during the year to attain these awards.

This is a list of awards commonly presented:

• Certificate of Participation
• Kindergarten   Diploma
• Service Award
• Certificate of Excellence
• Improvement Award
• Principals Award
• Perfect Attendance Award
• Citizenship Award
• Student Council Award
• A Honor
• B Honor
• Computer Achievement Certificate
• Athletic Award
• Social Studies Achievement Award
• Spelling Achievement Award
• Science Achievement Award0
• Mathematics Achievement Award
• Language Arts Achievement Award
• Highest GPA
• Hundreds Club
• Bible Memory Award
• Christian Award
• Valedictorian
• Salutatorian

PROGRESS REPORTS

The grading system of our school is designed to give parents a true indication of the student’s progress or lack thereof.

Progress Reports are given to students to present to their parents on the Wednesday following each nine-week period. A fee will be charged for duplicate cards.

DISCIPLINE

This is not a corrective institution; consequently, we ask that a child not be enrolled with the idea that he will be reformed. We are here to work with the home, but not to take the place of parents who have experienced difficulty in fulfilling their roles.

All new students are admitted on probation for the first nine weeks.

The student must at all times conduct himself in a manner becoming a lady or gentleman. Griping is not tolerated! If your child does come home complaining about a policy or discipline, please follow this procedure.

1. Give the staff the benefit of the doubt.
2. Realize that your child’s reporting is emotionally biased and may not include all information.
3. Realize that the school has reasons for all rules and that they are enforced without partiality.
4. Support the administration and call the school for all the facts.

When a child’s attitude is not in accord with school policies or principles, the child will be placed on probation and both 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.

High school students in particular - because of their influence on younger children - are trained to adhere to the school’s philosophy and Biblically based program. Such adherence includes abstinence from smoking, use of alcoholic beverages, use of narcotics, listening to secular or religious rock or country music, public dancing, swearing. This also includes, but not limited to, all viewing or discussing pornographic items, inappropriate internet sites, movies, video games and other questionable practices.

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 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

The school will not administer corporal punishment, but we will call the parent (first the father then, if he is unavailable, the mother) to attend to their child when dealing with rebellion or immoral acts. All other offenses will be able to be handled by demerits, detention and corrective action slips being sent home.

Rebelliousness and immoral acts are serious offenses and the school will have a zero tolerance of such actions. Suspension or expulsion will be the result of such action.

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 time as follows:

• 3 marks - 20 minutes detention
• 4 marks - 30 minutes detention
• 5 marks - 45 minutes detention
• 6 marks - 1 hour detention

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 is returned and detention time is served.

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.

EXPULSION

A student may be expelled for the following reasons:

• repeated discipline problems
• threat to the safety of school, staff, or students
• statements or behavior inferring that the student no longer desires to attend the school
• severe inappropriate behavior on or off campus
• damaging school, staff, or student property
• immoral behavior on or off campus
• illegal behavior on or off campus
• damaging statements or behavior towards the school, staff, or students