High School Handbook

Transcription

1 High School Handbook Supplement to TCS Parent/Student Handbook January 2018 DCF License #C09OR0932 1

2 Trinity Christian School High School Handbook Table of Contents TCS Who We Are Vision, Mission, Philosophy TCS Why a High School TCS High School Profile High School Handbook Co-Curricular Plans for High School

3 Trinity Christian School Who we are Vision Statement: Trinity Christian School seeks to develop young people with the spiritual and academic foundation to obey God s will for their lives and to walk in a manner worthy of their calling. Mission Statement: Trinity Christian School exists to glorify God by leading children to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, modeling and instilling Christ-like character, imparting Biblical truths, providing challenging educational instruction and encouraging students to become Christian leaders with servant s hearts for future generations. Philosophy: Trinity Christian School s philosophy is To instill the highest standards of academic achievement Where there is no mediocrity in Christian education, But superiority in excellence. To address a glaring void in society that deletes all references to God, Creation and divine purpose for the human experience. To disciple a Christian heart in our students today, To produce Christian leaders of tomorrow. Core Values: To teach the highest standards of academic achievement based on Biblical principles To present this quality education from the Christian context or perspective, to produce students who possess a Christian Worldview To utilize fully competent and certified instructors who yet possess a Christian heart and an exemplary character To avoid all extreme viewpoints of and radical philosophies while instilling normal responses to God, country and fellowman To introduce the unsaved to a personal relationship with Christ To nurture all students in their growing faith To acknowledge the education of children is a sacred task Our school is designed to be an extension of the Christian home in attempting to give young people foundations for time and eternity. Therefore, our entire staff attempts to work closely with parents in training all children academically, socially, and spiritually. Our main incentives come from Biblical teaching. The words of Moses are appropriate in expressing the school s interest in children, Come with us and we will treat you well Numbers 10:29 3

4 Our scriptural motivations are: These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children, talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it Proverbs 22:6 Fathers, do not exasperate your children: instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. II Corinthians 12:14b but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:19b Upon meeting the entrance criteria of Trinity Christian School, all children regardless of race, creed, or color are welcome. Expected Student Outcomes: Trinity Christian School is committed to instill the highest standards of academic achievement where there is no mediocrity in Christian education, but superiority in excellence. We seek to address a glaring void in society that deletes all references to God, creation and divine purpose for the human experience. It is our goal to disciple a Christian heart in our students today, to produce Christian leaders of tomorrow. When asked about the greatest of all commandments, Matthew 22:37 tells us, Jesus said unto him. Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all they heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. As students complete an education at Trinity Christian School, they are expected to fulfill this commandment in the following ways: CONDUCT Students will love God with all their heart. 1. Students will be self-disciplined and have a respect for the reverence toward God and those God places in positions of authority. 2. Students will understand the value and engage in community, appropriate social, civic and political activities while modeling the character of Christ. 3. Students will develop a strong work ethic enabling them to become responsible adults, valued by those in authority and pleasing to God. 4. Students will model attentiveness, obedience, cooperation, responsibility, and effort. A BIBILICAL WORLDVIEW - Students will love God with all their soul. 1. Students will understand the value of every human being as created in the image of God and will treat their bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit including the practice of healthy, moral living. 4

5 2. Students will personally respond to carrying out the Great Commission, without prejudice, in a culturally sensitive manner, locally and around the world. 3. Students will understand the value of our Christian and American heritage of freedom and human dignity avoiding all fanatical viewpoints and radical philosophies while exhibiting appropriate responses to God and country. 4. Students will know, understand, and apply God s Word in their daily lives. 5. Students will be able to defend their Christian worldview while having a foundational understanding of opposing worldviews. 6. Students will understand that spiritual growth goes beyond curriculum and is an ongoing study of the Bible. 7. Students will recognize that the world was created by God, and that it is our responsibility to protect and care for our environment. 8. Students will understand and commit to a personal relationship with a living Savior. 9. Students will exemplify the fruit of the Spirit: goodness, righteousness, and truth. ACADEMICS Students will love God with all their mind. 1. Students will be prepared in all academic disciplines, skilled in reading, writing, speaking, listening and be able to articulate thoughts and ideas effectively through intellectual inquiry and an open, honest exchange. 2. Students will have a knowledge and understanding of people, events, and movements in history (including church history) and the cultures of other peoples and places. 3. Students will possess the critical thinking skills, creativity, and confidence to deal with opportunities and adversities. 4. Students will know how to utilize resources including technology to find, analyze, and evaluate information, collaborating with others, in a God-honoring manner. 5. Students will be committed to life-long learning. 6. Students will have the skills to question, solve problems, and make wise decisions. 7. Students will value music as an expression of worship through academic study of reading music and instrumental performance. 8. Students will appreciate literature and be able to distinguish between ethical and questionable values and how they express and shape their beliefs and values. 9. Students will be proficient in math and science and recognize their importance. 5

6 Trinity Christian School Why High School? Expanding TCS to provide a high quality high school is a God sized task :. The kinds of assignments God gives in the Bible are always God-sized. They are always beyond what people can do, because He wants to demonstrate His nature, His strength, His provision, and His kindness to His people and to a watching world.. Henry Blackaby As the administration and school board of Trinity Christian School began to pray and look to the future to seek to understand God s plan for this ministry, they began to realize that high school may be part of God s plan. To determine if this was indeed God s plan and not simply their desire, a survey was created and distributed to the school stakeholders. Responses were received from parents, teachers, church members, alumni, students, as well as the school leadership. They all responded to the question: After a time of prayerful consideration respond to the following question - If resources were not an issue, what do you believe the Lord would have TCS: look like, be doing, or be in 10 years? The 5 most common responses were: 1. Provide a top quality education for students Birth 12 th Grade. Add a High School 2. Updates to the facility To provide the best environment possible for our students. 3. Continue to develop the Athletic Program and offerings for our students. 4. TCS needs to provide a cutting edge academic program. We are the place the public schools come to see how things should be done. 5. Tie: Continue to develop the Fine Arts Program and offerings for our students. Provide Service Opportunities for all of our students and mission outreaches for upper grades. Strategic Thinking Retreat was held on January 14, 2017 A representative group of TCS stakeholders came together for a time of prayer and Strategic Thinking. This group sought to: Preserve the core - Building on a foundation of prayer and a clear understanding of the school s history, mission, philosophy and values Stimulate growth By identifying a clear vision of God s leading for the school. This group came to the conclusion that: The Lord is leading Trinity Christian School to expand by offering a high-quality traditional Christian high school. This conclusion was acknowledged and seconded by the TCS School Board. 6

7 Follow-up meetings with Parents, Church Leadership and Teachers: During the weeks following the Strategic Thinking Retreat, follow-up meetings were held with school parents, Church Leadership, and Teachers to help determine when the high school should begin. The parents of 5-7 th graders were surveyed as to their interest in their students attending high school at TCS. The results were as follows: - 7 th grade had 20 families 9 said yes, 3 unsure; 5 families already had other plans and 3 no response. - 6 th grade had 13 families 8 said yes, 1 unsure, 2 said no. - 5 th grade had 15 families 7 said yes, 8 did not reply. This was seen as a good response and that it was likely that half or more of the students families in Middle School were ready to commit to a high school that had yet to be completely defined. The church ministry leaders all looked at and discussed how adding a high school would likely impact the facility and the facility usage. It was clearly seen that growth of the school and church ministry would require that much of the facility would need to be shared in a much more active way than it is currently. It was determined that the nearly 100,000 square foot facility could serve a high school as well as the other ministries of Trinity Baptist Church. As the high school grows, it will likely move into the upstairs classrooms of the A Building and share space with the church Sunday school ministry. The Middle School Teacher met and all excitedly committed to participate in the process of beginning a high school. They all realize that this would mean broader responsibilities and a fuller schedule. It was also noted that our MS teachers currently have sufficient certifications to teach most of the classes that would be offered in 9 th grade. This information was shared with the school board at the February 8, 2017 meeting. At that meeting, the Board approved a motion to begin the high school during the school year. 9 th Grade will added to the TCS program during the fall of 2018, and a grade will be added each year until the first graduating class will be in

8 Trinity Christian High School Profile Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2022 College Prep Honors* Bible 4 4 English 4 4 Math 4 4 Science 4 4 Social Studies 4 4 Foreign Language 2 2 HOPE (PE & Health) 1 1 Fine Arts 1 1 Speech.5 SAT Prep.5 Elective 2 1 Total Required Community Service Hours *3.5 GPA or higher & must include 8 or more credits weighted beyond 4.0 **Honors with Distinction for 3.75 GPA or Higher & must include 12 or more credits weighted beyond 4.0 including at least 4 AP/DE credits. Curriculum Plan Subject TCS Credit 9 th Grade Options Bible 4 Let God Be God English 4 English 9 English 9 (H) Math 4 Algebra 1 Algebra 1 (H) Geometry (H) Science 4 Biology Biology (H) Social Studies 4 World History (H) Continued: 10 th Grade Options Life Shaping Decisions & Bible Study Meth English 10 English 10 (H) Geometry Geometry (H) Algebra II (H) Chemistry Chemistry (H) US History H) AP US History 11 th Grade Options World View Understanding the times English 11 English 11(H) AP/DE Language Algebra II Algebra II (H) Pre-Calculus (H) Physics Physics (H) Government(H) AP Government & Law Studies 12 th Grade Options Apologetics & Sr. Seminar English 12 English 12 (H) AP/DE Literature Pre- Calculus (H) Statistics (H) AP/DE Calculus AP/DE Physics AP/DE Chemistry Anatomy/Physiology Economics (H) Personal Financial Literacy 8

9 Subject TCS Credit 9 th Grade Options 10 th Grade Options 11 th Grade Options 12 th Grade Options World Languages 2 Spanish I Spanish I Spanish II Spanish I Spanish II Spanish I Spanish II American Sign Spanish III Spanish III Language I ASL I or II ASL I or II Physical 1 Hope.5 PE Elective PE Elective PE Elective Education Fine Arts 1 Fine Arts Course Fine Arts Course Fine Arts Course Fine Arts Course Electives 2 Elective Elective Elective Elective Possible Elective Opportunities: World Language American Sign Language Fine Arts Art / Drama / Photography / Band / Multi Media / Yearbook Leadership / Teaching Assistant Speech Test Prep 1:1 Technology Plan All high school students will have a Chromebook purchased through the school to use for classwork and textbooks, homework and projects. 9

10 Additions to the Trinity Christian School Handbook for High School Admission Policy and Procedures: Signed transcript from previous middle school. Final report card that indicates promotion to 9 th grade. 2.0 or higher overall 8 th grade report card GPA. Final, passing grade of C or above in Language Arts and math and any high school credit classes (state course codes must be on report card or transcript) taken in middle school. Entrance testing- OLSAT 8, Level G (9 th -12 th ) - SAI-Student Ability Index score of 90 or above, no time limit on testing, 7 or higher (based on FSA exam criteria) on 250 word essay (rubric & prompt prepared by TCS LA teacher) and/or FSA scores of 1, 2 or 3 in Math and Language Arts (if coming from Florida public school) or other standardized test scores-50th (or higher? 50 is national average) percentile or higher in Language Arts and Math. Former teacher/school recommendation without suspensions and/or expulsions. Separate parent and student interview with principal at the time of testing. Parent and student signed Honor Code (TBD) indicating commitment to quality work, high moral expectations, and obedience to Biblical principles (set forth in handbook?). Student s educational, social, and physical needs must meet requirements of and be suitable for TCS existing programs, services or staff. 10

11 Community with Integrity A Rationale for the TCS Honor Code The characteristics of a Christian academic and social community include love (Romans 12:10), unity (I Corinthians 1:10), humility, gentleness, forbearance, kindness, forgiveness (Ephesians 4), and encouragement (I Thessalonians 5:11). They also require community members to be committed to integrity in both academic activities and human relationships (Romans 12:17; Matthew 18:15 20; Philippians 2:1 7). The Christian is called to do all to the glory of God (I Corinthians 10:31). We glorify God when our actions and attitudes reflect His glory by emulating His attributes. These include the characteristics listed above as well others including justice, grace, integrity, beauty, compassion, and truth. We are exhorted to walk worthy of our calling as believers which includes manifesting these characteristics in our lives (Ephesians 4:1-4; Colossians 1:10). We readily recognize our dependence upon God s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit in this process. As we endeavor to apply these principles in the context of the school community, it is helpful to provide specific descriptions of the commitments, expectations, and practices that should be present in the Christian school. TCS is committed not only to the academic development of students but also to the maturity of each student s walk with Christ. This includes encouraging holiness of life and academic integrity (Hebrews 10:24; Romans 12:17). The TCS Honor Code has been established to provide specific expectations of what attitudes and actions are essential in building a school culture that will contribute to the flourishing of all members of the community. Students are expected to contribute to fostering a school community that will reflect the glory of God by personally committing to comply with these standards and by encouraging one another to do so as well. This Honor Code has been developed in light of I John 2:1. I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. In the previous chapter, John calls believers to acknowledge their sin and to confess it to God and be cleansed (I John 1:8-10). Psalm 32:1-5 warns of the difficulties associated with covering our sin and the benefits of seeking forgiveness. The point of the Honor Code is not that it will make us righteous. It will, however, help guide the way to right and honorable living in the academic community. Scripture calls us to confession and repentance when we fail. To deny one s sin and profess honor while refusing the way of repentance produces a hypocrite. To aspire to honor while recognizing, confessing, and repenting from failure when it occurs leads to growth in grace and builds a community of integrity that glorifies God. The goal is not perfect compliance but that students live honorably and respond with appropriate confession and repentance when they fail. This can lead to restoration and growth in grace and will cultivate a community where all can flourish. 11

12 Trinity Christian School Honor Code As a student of Trinity Christian School, I recognize my calling to a lifestyle that glorifies God. I will be committed to uphold and promote honesty, trust, respect and fairness in all aspects of school life as defined in this Honor Code. I will be committed to academic honesty and integrity: by submitting my own work for tests and assignments without the unauthorized assistance of others; by refusing to provide unauthorized assistance to others; by reporting research and accomplishments accurately; and by avoiding any behaviors that involve cheating, plagiarism, fabrications, and falsifying data (Exodus 20:15: Romans 12:17). I will be committed to showing respect and cooperation with those in authority: by being truthful, honest and fair in all my communication with the faculty and staff; by avoiding any behavior that shows defiance or insubordination of authority, by expressing opinions and making appeals with humility and respect (Titus 3:1 2; Colossians 3:9; Hebrews 13:17). I will be committed to showing respect to my fellow classmates: by showing tolerance of others and their views; by respecting the personal property of others, by using appropriate, nonviolent means of resolving conflict; by avoiding such behaviors as bullying, harassment, hazing, or any speech or behavior which is demeaning to others (Romans 12:9 18; Colossians 3:8 14; Ephesians 5:4; Romans 12:18). I will be committed to a lifestyle that pursues excellence in all that I do and say: by living a life of integrity and personal accountability to do the right thing; by taking appropriate action against wrongdoing, undeterred by peer pressure, fear, loyalty or compassion; by conducting myself as a responsible member of the school community in a manner that brings honor to the Lord, the school, and my family (Colossians 3:17; Acts 5:29; I Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:22) I will be committed to following school policies: by being cooperative and accepting of instruction and discipline; by complying with the school s student conduct policies. This includes honoring school policies by refraining from the use or possession of alcohol, drugs or tobacco on or off campus and by avoiding sexual immorality (I Thessalonians 4:3 8). I recognize that attendance at Trinity Christian School is a privilege which includes certain responsibilities, some of which are listed in the Honor Code. I recognize that violations of the Honor Code or school policies may result in discipline, up to and including suspension or expulsion. I have received a copy of the Honor Code and commit to live in compliance and to respond appropriately should I violate the provisions stated above. Student Name Date NOTE: The point of the Honor Code is not that it will make us righteous. It points the way to right and honorable living in the school community. The goal is that students live honorably and respond with an appropriate confession and repentance when they fail. This can lead to restoration and growth in grace and will cultivate a community where all can flourish. 12

13 Drug Testing Policy DRUG PREVENTION TESTING AND EVALUATION Mandatory Testing and Evaluation: If a student in grades 7 12 is suspected of using or abusing illegal drugs, alcohol, or other substances, Trinity Christian School may require evaluation at any time by a physician or medical technician, including, but not limited to, drug testing. The suspicion may be based on any information considered reliable in the discretion of the administration including, but not limited to: 1. Observed change in behavior or performance 2. Reckless driving or speeding on campus 3. Any major disciplinary infraction as defined by the administration 4. Chronic tardiness or absences from school 5. Being off campus without permission 6. Violation of any criminal law Students refusing to submit to any required testing will be subject to dismissal. Universal and Random Drug Testing: Students in grades 9 12 are subject to universal and random drug testing as follows: 1. Trinity Christian School may test every student at least once during the academic year. 2. A number of students will be randomly selected for additional tests during the academic year. 3. Any student testing positive on the initial or on any subsequent test will be re-tested within 100 days and again thereafter at the discretion of Trinity Christian School. All follow-up testing will be at the expense of the student s parents. 4. New students may be initially tested within 15 days of beginning classes and are subject to additional testing as described above. 5. Students refusing to submit to any required testing will be subject to dismissal. Testing Method: The primary testing method will be hair analysis performed by a licensed clinical laboratory, such as Psychemedics Corporation. Each hair sample will be analyzed for a number of substances, including, but not limited to, cocaine, opiates, marijuana, methamphetamines, PCP, and Ecstasy. Other forms of testing (such as urine testing or hair testing for additional drugs) may be employed at the discretion of the school. Trinity Christian School will not require students to give blood samples. All tests required by Trinity Christian School will be performed at a site determined by Trinity Christian School and results will be sent directly to Trinity Christian School. Hair Collection Procedures: Each student will be assigned a unique identification number. The school will perform the hair collections using chain of custody procedures established by the licensed clinical laboratory. Trinity Christian School s Head Administrator and Principal, will be the only people privy to the identification numbers. A sample of hair (approximately 60 strands) will be cut cosmetically from the crown of the 13

14 student s head. Students with insufficient head hair will have hair collected from the arm, leg, or underarm. The sample will be mailed to a licensed clinical laboratory for analysis. Confidentiality and Dissemination of Results: 1. All sample collections and results will be identified by the unique identification number of the student. No names will be recorded on the collection bag or the test results. 2. Test results will be confidentially provided by the licensed clinical laboratory to Trinity Christian School s Head Administrator and Principal and to no one else. 3. Parents will NOT be notified if a test is negative. Trinity Christian School will notify the student s parents of a positive result within 15 days of receipt of the test results. 4. Trinity Christian School will maintain all test results of students as strictly confidential between the student, his/her parents, the Head Administrator and Principal. 5. Absent a court order, no test result of any student will be disclosed to any person or agency beyond the persons identified above without the written consent of the student s parent. Re-testing: 1. If a student testing positive wishes to dispute an initial test result which is not subject to automatic retesting, he or she may do so within ten days of notification of the student s parents of the positive results. 2. Re-tests will be at the expense of the student s parents. 3. Re-tests must be performed by Trinity Christian School s selected licensed clinical laboratory using the same collection procedures as in the initial test. Consequences of a Positive Result: 1. Trinity Christian School will not initiate criminal charges or other legal action against the student or the student s parents based solely on a positive drug test obtained from the testing program. 2. Trinity Christian School will require a conference between the parents of a student testing positive and the Head Administrator and Principal. 3. In the event of a positive testing result, Trinity Christian School will require the student, with the support of his or her parent(s), to obtain a substance abuse evaluation through a counselor or community agency. 4. All costs for the recommended counseling are the responsibility of the parents. 5. A student who has tested positive for the first time on a test administered in the universal drug testing program will continue normal school activities unless directed otherwise by the parents or counselor. 6. Any student who tests positive in the universal testing program will be re-tested approximately 100 days after the first test and thereafter at the discretion of Trinity Christian School until graduation or until the student is no longer enrolled at Trinity Christian School. 7. A second positive test within 12 months will result in the student being dismissed from Trinity Christian School. Additionally, at the discretion of the administration, a second positive test at any time may result in the student being dismissed from Trinity Christian School. 14

15 8. Any student who has tested positive on a test administered in the universal drug testing program for the first time remains subject to all other disciplinary policies and procedures of Trinity Christian School. 9. Seniors who test positive for the first time with less than 100 days of school remaining must successfully pass a second test (to be given in the summer) prior to the school issuing his/her diploma. Agreement by Parents and Students: By execution of the signature page of the Trinity Christian School Handbook, students and parents agree that: 1. Students shall submit to any reasonable testing, as outlined above, that at the school s discretion, is deemed necessary, including, but not limited to, breath tests, urine tests, hair tests, and fingerprinting. Students refusing to submit to any required testing will be subject to dismissal. 2. Students and their parents understand the purpose and reason for the tests and give their consent to said testing. 3. Students and their parents will hold harmless Trinity Christian School and its employees, agents, and representatives for any loss sustained as a result of said testing, including the negligence (but not gross negligence) of Trinity Christian School and its employees, agents, and representatives. 4. Students and their parents waive any privilege or confidentiality that might exist or come into existence with respect to said testing, including, but not limited to, any doctor-patient relationship. This waiver shall be limited to Trinity Christian School, and Trinity Christian School will not publicly disclose the results of any such testing except as may be ordered by a court of law. 15

16 DRUG POLICY: COMMUNITY AND PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES For the welfare of students and the school and to promote and insist on a drug-free environment, the entire Trinity Christian School community, including parents and guests, should not be in possession of or under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs during any activity on Trinity Christian School s campus or at any Trinity Christian School event, athletic or otherwise. The cooperation of parents and guests is needed to send a strong message to our students with regard to the school s position. 16

17 Co-Curricular Plans for TCS High School Trinity Christian High School will offer a full range of opportunities for students to grow, develop gifts, serve, explore, and be challenged. Fine Arts will be offered in a variety of formats to provide opportunities for students to develop their gifts and talents as well expand their opportunities leadership and service. Concert Band Jazz Band Chorus Drama class Musical Productions Athletics will be offered in a variety of formats to provide opportunities for students to develop their gifts and talents as well expand their opportunities leadership and service. When possible, teams will be fielded in all levels - Middle School (6-8), Junior Varsity (9-10), and Varsity (11-12). Girls Volleyball Co-Ed Soccer Boys and Girls Basketball Cross Country / Track Future opportunities could include Tennis, Golf, Bowling, etc. Service Opportunities will be offered and encouraged at all levels of the school. Beta Club will be continued through high school. Community Service Projects and opportunities will be encouraged. We will seek to impact the City of Apopka as we see areas of need. Mission trips and opportunities will be offered to expand the students view of service to the nation and world. Student Life will be full and active. Student Government. Class Trips will be planned each year. 10 th and 12 th grade years will have the opportunity to go on overnight trips. Each year student will participate in school spirit-building activities such as Spirit Week and Homecoming events. 17