Magnolia Christian Academy Policy Manual

Transcription

1 Magnolia Christian Academy Policy Manual Mission Statement: Magnolia Christian Academy exists to support homeschooling families by encouraging purposeful relationships, helping build life skills, and providing educational opportunities with a biblical worldview. To encourage a spirit of unity within our organization, all Magnolia Christian Academy (MCA) members are expected to submit to a set of policies, standards, and guidelines.these policies have been established to promote safety and respect for all who attend MCA Facility Policies Everyone is expected to be respectful of the church property at all times. There will be no running, rough behavior, or yelling/screaming in the building. First and foremost, the building is a church and all members are expected to treat it as such. MCA members are only to be in rooms and areas of the building that have been approved for MCA use. Students should not be wandering the building before or after MCA designated times. Parents must be responsible for their own children before and after classes. Do not call call the church office, all calls should be directed to MCA office number. Please do not interrupt church staff unless there is an emergency. Do not call the church office throughout the week regarding forgotten items, church availability, canceled classes, etc. If you have a facilities question, please contact MCA office number. No roller skating, shoes with wheels, or cleats are allowed in the building. Any damages to or loss of church property or equipment will be remedied by the MCA member responsible for the damages in a timely manner as deemed by MCA Leadership. MCA Property Any damages to or loss of MCA property or equipment will be remedied by the MCA member responsible for the damages in a timely manner as deemed by MCA Leadership. 1

2 Sickness If any member of the family has had fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or any contagious illness within 24 hours of MCA hours then they should not attend MCA. If you miss co-op due to illness, it must fall in the following categories to be considered excused. Fever greater than less than 24 before the start of co-op Active vomiting/diarrhea Active pink eye (less than 24 hours on antibiotics) Contagious rash, or rash of unknown origin If prescribed antibiotics, must be taking for at least 24 hours Medical emergency Illness accompanied by a physician note will be considered an excused absence Attendance Policy Participation in MCA is a 1 year commitment t hat can be renewed for each new school year. Application for new admission must be received by August 11th. Application for re-enrollment must be received by March 1st Parents are required to attend and actively participate in MCA every Tuesday from 12:30-4:30pm. Active participation involves showing up and serving where assigned all hours each week. Parents are expected to dedicate 1-2 hours preparation time each week for co-op. This will either be lesson planning, activity planning, making copies, assisting with lesson plans, set-up, clean-up, communicating with parents of your students, assigned office work, etc. Students are required to attend and actively participate in MCA every Tuesday from 12:30-4:00pm. Active participation involves being in the class in which they are enrolled and completing homework assignments on time. MCA identification must be worn on provided lanyard while on MCA premises by everyone 1st grade and above. Early Childhood and PreK/Kindergarten students will be given their identification each week. If identification lanyard lost, notify MCA office immediately. There will be a $10 replacement fee. All parents and students are required to attend assembly every Tuesday at 12:30. Attendance is taken every week during assembly. If late for assembly, you will need to come to the MCA office to check ing before going to class. Students must have a parent or guardian present at all times while the student is on the premises of MCA. Students are not permitted to be dropped off and left unattended except in the case of teacher led extra practices or classes outside of MCA s normal Tuesday hours. 2 of 13

3 Students below 7 th grade must be watched by their parent or another adult (not siblings or other older students) while on MCA premises unless they are in class. If a member is going to be absent from MCA they should follow the procedures given for securing substitutes. See Appendix 1. Everyone is expected to help with cleanup at the end of each day. Because of the responsibility that each member carries, it is important to realize that simply choosing not to attend MCA is not acceptable. Students are expected to attend the classes in which they are enrolled and are not allowed to attend other classes without prior approval of both teachers and the Scheduling Director. Families are expected to be on time to co-op each week. Assembly will begin promptly at 12:30 and the doors will be locked at this time. If you are going to be late you must notify the Scheduling Director and check in with security or a member of leadership when you arrive. Showing up late to co-op will be counted as a tardy. More than 3 unexcused absences by a parent or student may result in termination of membership. Excused absences include sickness and emergencies, all other absences must be approved by the MCA Leadership Team at least 1 week in advance to be considered an excused absence. Families that have 3 or more excused absences and/or 3 or more tardies in a school year may be required to reapply for admission for the following school year. Infants and Toddlers Mothers are welcome to keep their infants with them. However, once a child is mobile and toddling around, or they impede your ability to complete your assigned tasks, they need to be put in his or her assigned classroom. The nursery is provided for nursing mothers to feed their child. If your nursing schedule will interfere with your assigned duties, please contact MCA Leadership. Mothers are required to leave a detailed schedule of the day for nursery and toddler teachers. This includes eating, nap, and diapering times. Mothers are required to label diaper bags and all personal items. Weapons and Substances Guns, knives (including pocket knives), and all other weapons are not allowed inside the building except those that have been approved by the Director of MCA to be used by parents or guest speakers for educational purposes. Strict approval from MCA Director is required. 3 of 13

4 If you have your CCW please notified MCA Director and the Safety Team Leader if you plan to carry. If you chose to carry your weapon you need to let us know weekly so we can notify the church of all members on the premises carrying weapons. MCA has a strict no tolerance for tobacco, e cigarettes, alcohol, illegal substances, or the abuse of prescription drugs. Apparel Undergarments (including bra straps and cami/spaghetti straps) should not be visible. Pants should be worn high enough to cover underwear. Shirts should be high enough in the front to cover cleavage, and long enough to touch pants when arms are raised. Shorts, Skirts, and dresses should be mid -thigh length or longer. Tank tops should be worn under see. through or large neck shirts. Holes in jeans or pants should be mid- thigh or below. Clothing should not be so tight that undergarment lines show through. Track shorts are not to be worn. Leggings and yoga pants should be worn with a shirt long enough to cover the entire bottom front and back. No hats should be worn in the the church building. Shoes must be worn at all times by everyone preschool age and above. If it is brought to our attention that the dress code has been broken, a MCA Leadership Team member will assess the attire and approach the student or parent if it is deemed necessary. See Appendix 3. These guidelines apply for all MCA sponsored events. Public Displays of Affection Public displays of affection by students are to be limited to a friendly hug. Romantic hand holding, hugging, and kissing are not allowed by students. Homework Homework is assigned in many classes. Parents are expected to require their students to complete assignments on time. 4 of 13

5 Communication with teachers is very important in the case of absence or special needs. The Spring Program is part of the requirements for all students. They are required to participate in music performances as well as any extra practices that their earned part (speaking, non speaking, dance or solo) may require. See Appendix 4. Attitude and Conflict Resolution Respect should be shown towards all parents and students at all times. Name calling, hurtful teasing, and verbal abuse will not be tolerated. MCA is not a place for gossip or slander. Respect for others space is also expected. Hitting, kicking, spitting, biting, irritating, or inappropriate touch will not be tolerated. Any conflict between MCA members should be handled privately between the parties involved. If the conflict remains after a private attempt at reconciliation, a MCA Leadership Team member may be asked to be included in a further attempt at reconciliation. In the case of conflict with a child in a classroom, when warnings and redirection do not remedy the conflict, the child will be respectfully removed from the classroom by the Classroom Coordinator. If the Coordinator is unable to resolve the conflict with the student, they must take the student to a member of the MCA Leadership Team for mediation to resolve the conflict.the child will be returned to class and their parents will be notified at the Leadership member s discretion. A discipline report form will be filled out by Leadership. If the conflict cannot be resolved, parents will be notified and it will be brought to the MCA Director for mediation. If a single member has 3 discipline and/or conflict forms on file, the family s membership will be terminated. Background Checks MCA requires that all participating parents submit to a background check run through MCA. Non participating parents are not required to submit to a background check, however, if they have no background check then they will be considered a visitor and must follow our visitor policy. 5 of 13

6 Allergies All families should have any and all allergies on file in the office so that coordinators are aware of allergies and be trained to handle any reactions quickly and effectively. Because the church building is used by many people throughout the week, there is no way to guarantee that any foods or other item have not been brought into the building at some point outside of MCA hours. Therefore, our facility cannot be considered nut free or free from any other food or item. All students with allergies will be provided with a snack that is safe for them. All outside snacks that are brought into the facility must be nut free. All outside food and drink must be store bought, not homemade. Visitors An adult who has not completed a background check through MCA is considered a visitor and is required to check in with security. Visitors are not allowed in the building and must stay with a member of the security time while on the premises. Any visiting minor will be signed in and expected to remain with their age appropriate class and must be approved by MCA Leadership. Graduated seniors and other alumni are considered visitors. We have Visitor Days scheduled periodically throughout the year. If a non member wants to visit MCA to find out more about it or get on our waiting list, they may contact MCA Leadership to find out about a scheduled Visitor Day. Students are not permitted to bring visitors to MCA. MCA does not permit any visitors to attend our Christmas, Valentine, or End of Year parties. Tuit ion & Fees There is a $25 non refundable application fee for first time applicants per participating parent. This fee is used for a background screen and does not go towards tuition. Yearly tuition will be $300 per family. Yearly tuition can be paid in 3 installments of $100 or in full Current eligible MCA members planning to re enroll for following year must fill out a re enrollment form and submit first installment of $100 by March 1st. Second $100 installment is due April 1st, and final installment is due May 1st. 6 of 13

7 In the case of a current MCA member that has greater than 3 absences and/or tardies, a re-application form must be submitted by March 1st to be considered for admission for the next year. The first $100 installment will be due upon acceptance. Remaining installments will be determined by the date you are accepted on. Tuition must be paid in full by May 1st. New members first installment of $100 is due upon acceptance. Remaining installments will be determined by the date your application is received. Tuition must be paid in full by September 1st. All fees are nonrefundable All question or concerns regarding tuition and fees should be directed to the MCA Leadership Team. Cell Phones & Electronics Students may not have ANY electronic devices (including cell phones, ipods, ipads, smart watches, mp3 players, laptops, kindles, tablets, etc) on their person or in their bag during co op hours. See Appendix 2. Parents are asked to keep their phones turned to silent and hidden in a pocket or bag while in the classroom so as not to be a disruption. Miscellaneous Participating parents are asked to check the MCA community website at least once weekly to make sure they are staying up to date with current communications. mcacommunity.org You are a representative of MCA and your public display should adhere to our policies and guidelines. This includes posting on personal social media accounts. MCA reserves the right to terminate membership for communications that negatively represent our group. 7 of 13

8 Appendix 1 Absences and Substitute Policy In case of absence, you should contact Scheduling Director at the earliest possible time. You will need to provide the reason for your absence. If no reason is given, it will automatically be counted as an unexcused absence. If the absence is due to an emergency the Scheduling Director will make the necessary calls to secure substitutes to cover your positions for the day. In the case of all other absences, you will be required to make the calls necessary to secure substitutes to cover your positions for the day. The Scheduling Director will provide a list of names of substitutes. After securing substitutes, you will need to let the Scheduling Director know who will be covering each of your positions on the day of your absence. If you do not secure substitutes for your positions, your absence will be counted as unexcused. Lead teachers will need to provide lesson plans for their class. Please have a quick and easy lesson plan available for your substitute. After 3 unexcused absences, your membership may be terminated. After 3 excused absences, you may be required to reapply for admission for the following school year. Appendix 2 Electronic Policy The 1 st time a student is found with an electronic device it will be taken away. The parent must come to the office to get the device. The 2 nd time a student is found with an electronic device student will be sent home for the day. The 3 rd time a student is found with an electronic device the family s membership will be terminated. Appendix 3 Apparel Policy The 1 st time a MCA member breaks the dress code, they will be asked to change. The 2 nd time a MCA member breaks the dress code, they will be sent home for the day. The 3 rd time a MCA breaks the dress code, the family s membership will be terminated. 8 of 13

9 Appendix 4 Homework Policy MCA was created to be an academic cooperative. Because of that, homework is a part of many of our classes. Participating in class and completing homework assignments is a matter of respect. If you will not require your students to participate in class, complete their homework assignments to the best of their ability, to turn assignments in on time, and to communicate with teachers regarding struggles and/or absences, then MCA is not a good fit for your family. In the case of a student not participating or turning in homework assignments, the teacher and classroom coordinator will meet with the student to attempt to resolve the issue. If the student continues to not participating or turn in homework assignments, the teacher will notify a MCA Leadership team member and contact the student s parents. The student will be given an opportunity over a specified period of time to make the necessary changes. If no change is made, the family s membership will be terminated. Termination of Membership In order to maintain a peaceable and orderly environment at MCA, there are policies, standards, and guidelines that have been set in place. We are expecting that each family actively participate and fulfill the commitments that are stated above. We understand that MCA cannot meet the needs of every family. In the case that you would have to break your commitment to MCA by leaving before the end of the school year, we would ask that, out of respect for other members, you share your intentions in advance with the MCA Leadership Team so we can secure replacements to cover your positions, restore relationships, if necessary, and hopefully learn from any mistakes we may have made. We understand that life sometimes gets in the way of our best intentions and can prevent us from fulfilling all of our commitments and it is our desire to extend grace when and where it is needed. However, we cannot allow commitments to be repeatedly broken, because it is the responsibility of the MCA Leadership Team to provide the best possible environment for ALL members, and a large part of that is enforcing adherence to our policies, standards, and guidelines. So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. Matthew 7:12 9 of 13

10 MCA Contact Information MCA Office Number MCA Leadership Team MCA Director, Suzanne Koepke Ashley Johnson Hannah Thompson Support Team Scheduling Director, Ashley Johnson Communication Director, Hannah Thompson IT Support, Matt Johnson com 10 of 13

11 MCA Calendar Teacher Syllabus Due August 1 Parent Orientation August 15 MCA Open House September 5 Start of Term September 12 Thanksgiving Break November 21 Christmas Program December 12 Christmas Break December 19- January 2 Start of 2nd Term January 9 Spring Break March 13 Last day of co-op April, 24* End of Year Program May 1* *Pending no inclement weather make up days 11 of 13

12 Magnolia Christian Academy Statement of Faith We believe in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament as equally inspired by God and inerrant in the original writings, and that they are the supreme and final authority in faith and life. We believe in one God: eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, manifesting Himself in Three Persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) one in nature, attributes, power and glory. God is the Sustainer of all things and the Source of all truth. We believe in the pre existence, incarnation, virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, substitutionary death, bodily resurrection, ascension to heaven, and second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that He is true God and true man. We believe in the literal account of creation and that the Scriptures clearly and distinctly teach that the creation of man lies in the special, immediate, and formative acts of God; that man sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death which is separation from God; and that all human beings are born with a sinful nature. We believe in the fall of man, His need for regeneration by the operation of the Holy Spirit on the basis of grace and faith alone, and the coming resurrection of the dead. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice, and rose again for our justification; that all who believe in Him are justified on the grounds of His shed blood and are saved by grace through faith wholly apart from human merit and works. We believe in the spiritual relationship of all believers as they are related to Jesus Christ, living an overcoming life of true righteousness by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit. The Christian relates to life from a Biblical perspective and is not conformed to society s lifestyles and values. Therefore, we believe in the sanctity of life upon conception (Psalm 139) and that transgender, homosexuality, polygamy, and premarital and extramarital sexual relationships are not acceptable lifestyles (1 Corinthians 6). We believe that all who receive, by faith, the Lord Jesus are born again by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, and thereby become children of God. Therefore, we are not in agreement with the teachings of Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Unitarians, New Age, Christian Science, Scientology, or any cults or secular groups that do not accept the Biblical Jesus Christ as their Savior or who use books besides the Bible as part of their doctrinal faith. 12 of 13

13 Magnolia Christian Academy of the Ozarks Parent Commitment Form Membership at Magnolia Christian Academy of the Ozarks (MCA) is a privilege that should not be taken for granted. When you commit to MCA you are committing to a year of weekly participation. Please prayerfully initial each of the following statements and sign your name at the bottom. I have read and agree with the Policy Handbook. I understand that curriculum taught at MCA will be in agreeance with MCA Statement of Faith. I commit to showing respect towards the church, treating all church staff with kindness and honor, and respecting the boundaries and requests given to MCA by the church. I commit to showing respect towards MCA property and equipment. I commit to attending assembly every Tuesday at 12:30 with my student(s). I commit to attending MCA every Tuesday from 12:30 4:30 except in the case of sickness or emergency (or another absence that has been approved in advance) and requiring the same of my student(s). I commit to not dropping my students off at MCA unsupervised. I commit to actively participating in my assigned classes each week and helping with cleanup at the end of each day. I commit to requiring my student(s) to leave their electronic devices with myself, at home, or in the vehicle during MCA hours. I commit to leaving all guns, knives (including pocket knives), and other weapons at home or in the vehicle during MCA hours and requiring the same of my student(s). I commit to showing respect and consideration for others by following the dress code while at MCA and MCA events and by requiring my student(s) to do the same. I commit to requiring my student(s) to complete their homework assignment in the time frame given by their teachers. I commit to being respectful of others by keeping conflicts with other members private, by handling conflict in a Godly fashion, by speaking encouraging words always, and by avoiding public disrespect, slander, or disagreement on social media. I commit to following the procedure for securing substitutes in the case of my absence. I commit to keeping any children home who have been sick within 24 hours of MCA hours. Signature: Dated: Printed Name: 13 of 13

14 Magnolia Christian Academy of the Ozarks Student Commitment Form Membership at Magnolia Christian Academy of the Ozarks (MCA) is a privilege that should not be taken for granted. When you commit to MCA you are committing to a year of weekly participation. Please prayerfully initial each of the following statements and sign your name at the bottom. I have read and agree with the Policy Handbook. I understand that curriculum taught at MCA will be in agreeance with MCA Statement of Faith I commit to showing respect towards the church, treating all church staff with kindness and honor, and respecting the boundaries and requests given to MCA the church. I commit to showing respect towards MCA property and equipment. I commit to attending assembly every Tuesday at 12:30 with my parent. I commit to attending MCA every Tuesday from 12:30 4:30 except in the case of sickness or emergency or an absence that has been approved in advance. I commit to actively participating in my classes each week. I commit to leaving my electronic devices with my parent, at home, or in the vehicle during MCA hours. I commit to leaving all guns, knives (including pocket knives), and other weapons at home or in the vehicle during LCA hours. I commit to showing respect and consideration for others by following the dress code while at MCA and MCA events. I commit to completing my homework assignment in the time frame given by my teachers. I commit to refraining from public displays of affection. I commit to being respectful of others by keeping conflicts with other members private, by handling conflict in a Godly fashion, by speaking encouraging words always, and by avoiding public disrespect, slander, or disagreement on social media. Signature: Dated: Printed Name: 14 of 13