Upper School Handbook

UpperSchool Handbook

UPDATEDFEBRUARY9,2026

UpperSchoolCampus

JuniorHigh:Grades7-8

HighSchool:Grades9-12

6255CahabaValleyRoad Birmingham,Alabama35242 (205)776-5900

BriarwoodChristianSchoolexiststoprovideaChrist-centered,transformationaleducationthat equipsandinspireseachstudenttoglorifyGodbymaximizingtheirGod-givenabilities.Our visionistodevelopleaderswhoimpacttheworldbyglorifyingChristineverysphereoflife.

Introduction

Thisstudenthandbookprovidesstudents,parents,andstaffwithastatementofthebasicpolicies, procedures,andphilosophyofBriarwoodChristianSchool(BCS).Althoughthehandbookisnotintendedasa comprehensivestatement1onthesesubjects,norisitacontract2,itiswrittentoanswerthemostfrequent questions3askedaboutthepoliciesandproceduresoftheschool.Inthehandbook,noattempthasbeenmade toexplaintherationaleforeachpolicyorprocedure,butitisimportanttorealizethatourpoliciesand proceduresareformulatedasoneway4toimplementourgoalsinChristianeducationandtoprovidefora safe,effective,efficient,andconsistentapproachtoproblems.5

Commitmenttothesepoliciesandproceduresbystudents,parents,andstaffenablestheschooltorun smoothly,effectively,andefficiently.WebelievethatChristianeducationinvolvesencouragingandtraining studentsforresponsibleaction.Thesepoliciesandproceduresarebasicguidelines,whichshouldbeviewedas onewaytoencourageandtrainstudentstorecognizeandassumeresponsibilityfortheiractions.Therefore, theultimatepurposeofthishandbookistoallowparents,students,andstafftobe“ofonemind”inthegreat privilegeoftrainingchildrentohonorGodwiththeirwholelives.

TheprovisionsofthishandbookdonotconstituteacontractbetweenBCSorBriarwoodPresbyterianChurch andanyapplicant,student,orstudent’sfamily.BCSreservestherighttochangethepolicies,procedures, rules,regulations,andinformationinthehandbookatanytime.TheSchoolBoardapprovesmajorchanges.

“Wherethereisnoguidance,thepeoplefall,but inanabundanceofcounselors,thereisvictory.”(Proverbs11:14)

1Theschoolreservesroomformattersthatfalloutsidewhatiswritten.

2Clarifyingthatthesepoliciesarenotacontractpreventsthemfrombeinginterpretedasanexhaustiveorlegallybindinglistof everypossibleresponseorconsequence.

3Lesscommonormorecomplexsituationsmayrequiredecisionsbeyondwhatislisted.

4Administratorsandteachersmayneedtoactinotherwayswhencircumstanceswarrant.

5Thisgivesadministratorsandteachersafoundationformakingprofessionaljudgmentswhenfacingsituationsthatdonotfitneatly intopredefinedcategories.

Takentogether,thesefootnotesshowthatthehandbookgrantsadministratorsandteachersappropriateflexibilitytoapply professionaldiscretionwhenaddressingsituationsnotexplicitlycoveredinthewrittenpolicies.

GeneralPhilosophy

SchoolPhilosophy/Governance

BCS,underthecounselandadviceoftheSchoolBoardasastandingcommitteeoftheSessionofBriarwood PresbyterianChurch,operatesasaministryofBriarwoodPresbyterianChurch.Theschoolisavitalsegmentof theChristianEducationprogramofthechurch.Theopportunityforeducationaltraining,fromtheCubHouse (formerlymother’sdayout)throughhighschool,istobeprovidedfromadistinctlyBiblicalfoundationand perspective.Thetruenatureoflife,thestudyofeverysubject,andallco-curricularactivitiesandeventsareto beviewedinrelationtoGodandHisinerrantWord.Theschooladherestoastandardofexcellencein providingChrist-honoringeducation,whichreflectsacommitmenttoGod’sWordandacademicexcellence. TheeducationalprocesswillbemeasuredbythecriteriastatedinLuke2:52.

Theschool’seducationalprocessandcommitment,bothinandoutoftheclassroom,willbedirectedtothe developmentofChristianstudentstoenablethemtotranslatethedifferentfacetsoftheireducational experienceintoChristianliving.Althoughtheprimaryemphasisistoprovideaneducationalopportunityfor Christianstudents,whethermembersornon-membersofBriarwoodPresbyterianChurch,enrollmentisnot limitedtoChristianstudents.Evangelism,throughproclamationofthegospeltostudentsandparents,isan importantpartoftheschool’seducationalprocess.TheschoolisalsocommittedtoadvancingChristian educationinourregion.

SchoolDistinctives

Mission&Values

WeexisttoprovideaChrist-centered,transformationaleducationthatequipsandinspireseachstudentto glorifyGodbymaximizingtheirGod-givenabilities.OurVisionistodevelopleaderswhoimpacttheworldby glorifyingChristineverysphereoflife.

SchoolBoard

TheSchoolBoardisacommitteeoftheSessionofBriarwoodPresbyterianChurch.TheSchoolBoardis comprisedof15individualsnominatedbytheSchoolBoardandapprovedbytheSessionofBriarwood PresbyterianChurch.Eachmemberoftheboardservesathree-yearterm.PleasecontacttheSuperintendent's officeformoreinformation.

StatementofPurpose

BriarwoodChristianSchoolisacollege-preparatoryinstitutionthatexiststopartnerwithparentsinthe educationoftheirchildrensothatstudents:

●LearntoloveGodwithalltheirhearts,minds,andsoulsandtoloveothersasthemselves

●Learntobring“everythoughtcaptivetotheobedienceofChrist”

●AdvanceindevelopingChrist-likecharacter

●Growandmaturespiritually,intellectually,socially,andphysicallythroughworld-classacademicand co-curricularprogramsinaChrist-centeredenvironment

●ArewellpreparedforcollegeandcareerandequippedtoserveChristandtheircommunitiesthrough theircallings

SanctityofHumanLifeStatement

WebelievethatallhumanlifeissacredandcreatedbyGodinHisimage.Humanlifeisofinestimableworthin allitsdimensions,includingpre-bornbabies,theaged,thephysicallyormentallychallenged,andeveryother stageorconditionfromconceptionthroughnaturaldeath.Wearethereforecalledtodefend,protect,and valueallhumanlife(Psalm139).

SchoolVerse/Motto-“Icandoallthingsthroughhimwhostrengthensme.”Philippians4:13

SchoolColors-Blue&Gold

TeamName-BriarwoodLions

GraduateProfile

AtBCS,undertheauthorityofGod’sWordandforHisglory,ourstudentsreceiveaChrist-centered, transformationaleducationthatequipsandinspiresallstudentstoglorifyGodbymaximizingtheirGod-given abilities.TheywilldevelopintoleaderswhoimpacttheworldbyglorifyingChristineverysphereandbecome:

GrowingDisciplesofChrist

ResponsibleStewards

CompassionateNeighbors

ResilientLearners

CourageousLeaders

AGrowingdiscipleofChrist(Lk.9:23,Rom.12:1-2,Matt.4:19-20,Col.1:28-29,Jn.15:18-19,Jn.8:12)

●EndeavorstofollowJesusChristfaithfully

●Understandsthatman’schiefendistoglorifyGodandtoenjoyHimforever

●RealizesthatknowledgeofGodisthemostimportantknowledgeonecanhave

●CultivatesalifestyleofSpirit-filledvirtue

●Knows,obeysandgenuinelylovesGod’sstandardsofbehaviorexpressedinHismorallaw

●Recognizes,delightsinandpursuesthetrue,thegoodandthebeautiful

●Engagesfaithfullyinjoyfulworshipandauthenticfellowshipinalocalchurch

●Livesalifestyleofevangelismanddiscipleship

AResponsiblesteward(Gen.2:15,Prov.22:29,Matt.25:21,Prov.3:9,1Pet.4:10,Ps.24:1,Col.3:23-24)

●DiscoversandcultivatesGod-givenabilities

●AppliesBiblicalprinciplestorelationships,decision-making,finances,anddailywork

●Pursuespersonalspiritual,emotional,mental,andphysicalhealth

●DelightsinandcaresforGod’screation

●Createsandcraftswithbeauty,generosity,andexcellenceforGod’sgloryandother’sgood

●Servesinjoyfulobedienceinone'sareaofgiftingandcalling

ACompassionateneighbor(Jn.13:34-35,Micah6:8,1John3:17,1Peter3:8,Deut.10:18,James1:27)

●Seekstodojustice,lovemercyandwalkhumblywiththeirGod

●Valuesanddelightsintheinherentdignityofallpersons

●EvaluatesaccuratelyperspectivesthatdifferfromtheirownaccordingtoScripture

●Recognizesandembracesthetruegreatnessofservicetoothers

●LovesandpraysforothersasaresponsetoGod’sloveforus

●ServesselflesslyasanambassadorofChrist

AResilientlearner(1Peter1:13,Prov.1:7,Ps.25:5,Rom.15:4,2Tim.2:15,Jer.17:7-8)

●UnderstandsthatlearningisforthepurposeofgrowingourabilitytoparticipateinfulfillingtheGreat Commandment,theGreatCommissionandtheCulturalMandateforGod’sgloryandother’sgood

●UnderstandsthatthefearoftheLordisthebeginningofwisdom

●Discoversjoyinlearning

●UnderstandsourculturalmomentinlightoftheBiblicalstory

●Thinkscritically,logicallyandBiblicallyandisfurthermoreabletocommunicatethosethoughtsclearly, articulatelyandpersuasivelythroughboththewrittenandspokenword

●Developsresilienceinthelearningprocess,becomingalifelonglearner

●Cultivatesacommunityofotherwise,resilientlearners

ACourageousleader(Deut.6:7-9,Ps.78,Eph.4:15,1Tim.4:12,1Pt.1:13,Mark10:43-45,Heb.13:7,Ps.37:3)

●HumblyfollowsChristastheyseektoleadotherstoandforHim

●DesirestoinfluencebyglorifyingandservingChristineverysphereoflife

●LeadsinthesphereofinfluencewithChristlikecourage,conviction,humilityandgrace

●Leadsbyexampleindealingwiththechallengesoftheculturalmomentwithgrace,truthandlove

TheCovenantofHonor

AsaChristianschool,BCSdesirestobuildwithinstudentsastrongsenseofpersonalhonorandintegrity.For anhonorsystemtobemosteffective,eachpersonintheschoolcommunitymustbelieveinandsupportthe principlesuponwhichthesystemisbased.Duringour2018-2019academicyear,ourstudentscreatedalistof Biblically-centeredcharacteristicsthataBCSstudentshouldstrivetoemulate.Inthislight,theCovenantof HonorwascreatedandnowalwaysappliestoeachstudentwhilethestudentisenrolledatBCS.

AsamemberoftheBriarwoodChristianSchoolcommunity:

Iwilldedicatemyselftotheideasoftruthandscholarship.(Philippians4:8) Ipledgetodemonstratepersonal&academicintegrityinallmanners.Iwillrefrainfrom dishonestyordeceptionofanynature.

Iwilllearntodogood,toseekjustice,andcorrectoppression.(Isaiah1:17) Iwillbereflectivetorevealmyownsin,whichmaybringaboutrepentance.Iwilllookatthe crossofJesustoseethedisplayofGod’sjusticeagainstsin.Inresponse,Iwillseekjusticefor themembersofmycommunity.

Iwillthinkofothersbeforemyself.(Philippians2:3-4)

Throughempathizingwiththoseinmycommunity,Iwilllooktodisplayservantleadershipatall times.Itismyintentiontoconsistentlyencourage,listenwell,andforgiveothers.

Iwillpursueexcellenceinmycalling.(Colossians3:23)

IwillpracticeChristianstewardshipbyusingthegiftsthatGodhasgivenmetothebestofmy ability,inaccordancewithGod’swillformylife.

Iwillloveothers.(John13:34)

BecauseGodfirstlovedus,wecanloveoneanotherincommunity.Icommittoavoidinggossip andslanderandcommittopursuinghumility,trust,andacceptanceinmyrelationships.

PhilosophyofDiscipline

TheBibleclearlyindicatesthatparentsareresponsibleforthediscipline,training,andinstructionoftheir children.TheChristianschoolexiststoassistparentsintheirGod-givenresponsibilities.Therefore,BCSseeks nottoassumeataskwhichGodgivestoparentsbutonlytoserveastheparents’appointedandauthorized limitedrepresentativesintrainingandeducatingchildren.Informulatingaphilosophyofeducationand discipline,theschoolhasattemptedtoalignitselfascloselyaspossiblewiththeBible’sinstructionstoparents toprovidetheutmostconsistencyforthechildbetweentrainingtobetaughtathomeandtrainingreceivedat school.

Disciplinemaybecorrectlyviewedasbothaprocessandaproduct.Godexpectsparentsorotherauthorities todisciplinechildrentodevelopachildwhoconsistentlybecomesmoreself-disciplined,requiringless supervisionastheymature.Thenasaself-disciplinedadult,theprocessbeginsagainasthatadult,qualifiedby self-discipline,assumestheroleoftrainingthenextgeneration.God’sultimatepurposeinchargingparents withthistaskistopreparechildrentoenterintoandmaturewithinGod’sspiritualfamilyandtorespondto Himwithrespectandobediencebasedontheirformertrainingbytheirparents.BCS’sphilosophyof educationanddisciplineexiststoserveandfurtherthisultimatespiritualgoal.

God-givenresponsibilitiesinthedisciplineprocessexistnotonlyforparentsandteachers,butalsofor students.Duringschoolhoursandatotherschool-relatedandschool-supervisedfunctions,studentsareto respondtoschoolfacultyandsupervisorystaffmemberswiththesameobedience,samerespectfulness,and inthesamespiritthatshouldbepresentunderbiblicalstandardswhentheyrespondtotheirparentsor guardian.Failuretomaintainabiblicalattitudeofrespectandobediencetowardschoolauthority,which manifestsitselfinimproperbehaviororviolatedstandards,willresultindisciplinaryactionappropriateforthe violation.Theschoolexpectsthatparentswillsupporttheadministrationofsuchdisciplinaryactionby encouragingobedienceandrespectfulnesstotheactionoftheschool.

Theaimofdisciplineisrestorationandrenewal.Ourdesireisnotmerelyforbehaviormodificationbutheart transformationthatcanonlycomethroughrepentanceandspiritualrenewalthroughourLord,JesusChrist. Onlywhileoperatingwithinthisphilosophyofdisciplinecantheeducationalprocessreachitsmaximum potential.

BCSiscommittedtothephilosophyandprinciplesofChristianeducation.Studentconductwhichworks againstschoolphilosophywillnotbecondoned.TheguidelineslistedinthishandbookarebasedonChristian principles,appropriatestandardsofconduct,andcommonsense.Guidelinesprovideboundariesforsecurity andfreedom.Wetrustthatourstudentswouldrespondwithpositiveattitudesandconduct.

StudentConduct

Thegoalofstudentconductistouseinstruction,encouragement,andeducationtoadjustattitudinaland behavioralproblemsandpreventrecurrences,resultinginagreaterdegreeofself-disciplineandthe "righteousnessandpeace"thatGodpromisesinHebrews12:11(“Forthemomentalldisciplineseemspainful ratherthanpleasant,butlaterityieldsthepeacefulfruitofrighteousnesstothosewhohavebeentrainedby it.”).BCSisinterestedintheheartsofourstudentsandbelievesthatrulesaccomplishnothingoflastingvalue ifthestudentsarenotwillingtocooperatewiththepurposesoftheschool.

BriarwoodChristianSchoolreservestherighttosuspendorexpelastudentformisconductonoroffschool campus,andwithoutregardforwhethertheformofmisconductisidentifiedspecificallyherein,andwithout regardforwhetheritisspecifiedasimproperoffcampus.

GeneralGuidelinesandExpectationsforStudentBehavior

●Studentsshouldshowproperrespectforpeersandthoseinauthoritybybeingconsideratetoall.This includesrespectingschoolpropertyandthepropertyofothers.

●Studentsshouldbeontimeandpreparedfortheacademicday.

●Studentsshoulddoalloftheirownacademicworkandrefrainfrominappropriatecollaborationwith others.

●StudentsshouldadheretothedresscodeandallotherpoliciesintheStudentHandbook.

●StudentsshouldvalueschoolandChristianeducationbyabstainingfromgossiporslanderofstudents, facultyorBCSasaninstitution.

StudentSafetyExpectationsandRequirements

StudentsatBCSareexpectedtobevigilantinmaintainingallschoolsafetyprotocols.Anyreasonablesuspicion ofdangertoanystudent,faculty,orstaffmembermustbereportedimmediatelytoafacultymemberor administrator.

Anyviolationofthesafetyprotocolslistedbelow(butnotlimitedto)maybesubjecttodisciplinaryaction:

●Unauthorizedopeningorproppingofexteriordoors

●Withholdinginformationofreasonablesuspicionofdanger

●Interferingortamperingwithschoolsecuritycameras

●Lackofcooperationinschoolsafetydrills

●Hinderingtheinvestigationofsafetyconcerns

ConductViolations

Anyviolationofschoolruleswillsubjectthestudenttooneormoreofthefollowingdisciplinaryactions. Basedonthenatureoftheinfraction,disciplinaryactionwillbeplacedinoneofthefollowingcategories:

●Level1-Generallyadministeredbytheteacheroradministration

●Level2-Administeredbytheteacheroradministration

●Level3-AdministeredbythePrincipalsorAssistantPrincipals

●Level4–AdministeredbythePrincipalsorAssistantPrincipalswiththeadviceandapprovalofthe Superintendent

Level1Cases

Suchcaseswillbehandledbytheindividualteacherinharmonywithhisorherownmethodsandabilities consistentwithschoolpolicies.Milddisciplinecouldrangefromareprimandtodetention.Thesecould include,butarenotlimitedto,servicework,writinganessay,orpreparingawrittenapology.

Detentions,usedonlyforgrades7-12,maybeissuedbytheappropriatePrincipalorAssistantPrincipalupon receiptofaDisciplinaryReferralfromateacherfordiscipline.APrincipalwillreceiveeachreferraland evaluateapropercourseofactionforcorrectionandtraining.IfthePrincipalassignsadetention,adetention noticewillbesentthroughFACTStodocumenttheeventandinformtheparentorguardianabouttheevent.

●Typicallyforafirstoffense,detentionsareservedfor30minutesimmediatelyafterschoolondays designatedbytheadministration.

●Forasecondoffense,detentionsareservedforaperiodof75minutes.

●Schooltransportationwillnotbeprovidedforstudentsservingdetention.

●AninitialdresscodeviolationwouldfallunderaLevel1violation.AdescriptionoftheBCSdresscode, followslaterinthishandbook.Studentsmayalsoberequiredtocorrectthedresscodeviolation.This mayincludehavingparentsbringthenecessaryitemstocorrectsuchviolations.

Level2Cases

ViolationsofthisnatureareoftensimilartothoseoftheLevel1category.TheymayfallintoaLevel2category iftheyareofegregiousnatureorcontinueafterattemptsatcorrection.Furtherdisciplineisusually administeredaftertheschoolhasexhaustedothermethods.

●Afirst-timeacademicintegrityviolationwouldresultindetentionorSaturdaySchool.Inadditiontothe detention,thestudentwouldalsoreceiveazeroontheassignment.

●AThursdaymorningdetention,afterschooldetention,oraSaturdaySchoolworkdaymaybe administeredbythePrincipalorAssistantPrincipalforLevel2violations.Parentswillbenotified throughFACTSofalldetentions.

●StudentssubjecttoaSaturdaySchooldetentionwillberequiredtopayafineof$25,whichwillbe billedthroughFACTS.

●MultipledetentionsinasemestermayalsoresultinaSaturdaySchooldetention.

●AnymisseddetentionfromaLevel1violationwithoutpriorcommunicationandapprovalbyschool administrationmayresultinanadditionaldetentionorotherconsequences.

Level3Cases

Theschoolreservestherighttosuspendanystudentforaseriousinfractionofschoolrules.ThePrincipalsor AssistantPrincipalswilladministerallsuspensions.

Suspensionsmaybegivenforaperiodofuptofivedays.

Examples(butnotlimitedto)forwhichasuspensionmayoccur:

●Fightingonschoolproperty,aboardbusesoratschoolfunctions.Thiswouldincludeassaultofone studentbyanotherstudentwhileonschoolproperty,aboardbusesandatschoolfunctions.

●Usingfoulorinappropriatelanguage,flagrantlyabusivelanguage,bullying,racialdisrespector disrespectfulconduct.

●Possessionofknivesofanytypeorsize,orotherweaponsoncampus.Thiswouldincludehavingthese itemsinautomobiles.

●Asecondacademicintegrityoffense(e.g.,cheating,plagiarism,etc.).Inadditiontoasuspension,the studentwillalsoreceiveazeroonthetestorassignment.Note:Plagiarismfallsunderthedefinitionof cheating.ForafurtherdescriptionoftheBCSAcademicIntegritypolicy,pleaseseeAppendixB.

●Skippingclassorleavingschoolwithoutpermission.

●RepeatedLevel1orLevel2violationsafteraSaturdaySchooldetentionhasbeenenforced.

●Possession,consumption,supplyingorsellingofalcohol(includingoff-campus)

●Possession,use,supplying,orsellingoftobaccoproducts,electronicnicotineorothersubstance deliverysystem(e-cigorvape)onschoolgroundsoratschool-sponsoredevents.Principalshavethe discretiontomovethistoaLevel4offenseifitisdeterminedthatstudentsarevapingsubstances otherthannicotine-basedliquids.Thiswouldincludebothon-campusandoff-campususeor possession.

●Otherseriousbehaviordeemedbytheadministrationtobeinconsistent,contrary,ordetrimentalto thespiritualmissionorclimate/cultureoftheschool.

Level4Cases

Violationsofthisnaturemayresultinexpulsion,whichispermanentdismissalfromschool.TheHeadofUpper SchoolorPrincipalwilladministerexpulsionwiththeadviceandapprovaloftheSuperintendent.

AppealofanexpulsionmaybemadeinwritingtotheSuperintendentwithinthreedaysoftheexpulsion.A studentmaynotattendclassesduringrequestforanappeal.ThedecisionoftheSuperintendentisfinal.

Studentswhoareexpelledorwithdrawnfordisciplinaryreasonsarenotpermittedoneitherschoolcampus foraminimumofonefullacademicyear.Grantingpermissiontobeoneithercampusisatthesolediscretion ofschooladministration.

Examples(butnotlimitedto)forwhichexpulsionmayoccur:

●Possession,use,selling,orsupplyingofcontrolledsubstancesofanykind,orthemisuseofany prescribeddrugsofanykind,onoroffschoolproperty

●Intoxication,possession,consumption,supplyingorsellingofalcoholonschoolpropertyoratschoolsponsoredevents

●Repeatedviolationsofdisciplinethathaveresultedinsuspensions

●Failureofparentstocooperatewiththeschoolinthedisciplineoftheirchildren

●Habitualdishonesty(academics&behavior)

●Threatsrelatedtotheschoolenvironmentortopeople

●Assaultorbatteryofateacher

●Sexualmisconduct,including,butnotlimitedto:

oSexualcontactoractivityoutsidetheallowancesoftheGod-ordainedinstitutionofmarriage

oVerbalabuseofasexualnature

oSexualinnuendoorgestures

oSolicitation,possession,ordistributionofpornographicmaterials

oSexualharassmentorothersexualmisconduct

oSolicitation,possession,ordistributionofinappropriate/nudeimagesofotherstudents

●Stealingincludingpersonalpropertyofothersandschoolproperty

●Possessionoruseofaweaponinathreateningordangerousmannerwhichisperceivedtobecapable ofinflictingphysicalharm

●Possession,transfer,saleordischargeofanygun(includingastartergunorpelletgun),firearmorany otherexplosivedevice,ofanytype,whetherloadedorunloaded,onschoolpropertyoratanyschoolrelatedactivity

●Bullyingorharassmentonschoolpropertyoratschoolsponsoredevents.Pleaseseethe “Bullying/HarassmentPolicy”intheStudentRelationssectionofthishandbookforafurther descriptionofthispolicy.

●AnyothermoralmisconductinconsistentwithBiblicalteachingorthestandardsorpoliciesofBCSor BriarwoodPresbyterianChurch.PleaseseeAppendixAfortheBPCPastoralPositionandGuideline Paper.

Theschoolreservestherighttoreportseriousoffenses(thoseoffensesthatmayconstituteviolationof criminallawsestablishedbytheStateofAlabama)totheproperauthoritiesandtopresschargesagainstthe studentifthesituationshouldsowarrant.ThisactionwouldrequiretheapprovaloftheSuperintendentand theExecutiveCommitteeoftheSchoolBoard.

ReadmissionorContinuedEnrollment

Anystudentexpelledfromschoolorallowedtowithdrawfordisciplinaryreasonswillnotbeallowedtoapply forreadmissionforatleastonecalendaryear.ReadmissionwouldnotbeavailableuntiltheFallfollowingthe onecalendaryearoutofschool.Anystudentchoosingtoreapplymustmeetallrequirementsincluding entrancetesting,interviews,andapprovalbytheAdmissionsCommittee.Requestsforreadmissionshouldbe madeinwritingtotheSuperintendentwillmakefinalconsiderationforreadmission.

Theschoolreservestherighttodenyreadmission,admission,orcontinuedenrollmenttoanystudentwhose actionsdemonstratethatitisnotintheschool’sbestinteresttoallowadmission,readmission,orcontinued enrollment.

SubstanceAbusePolicy

BCS’spolicyistostrivetomaintainadrugfreeenvironmentforallitsstudentsandstaff.Theschoolreserves therighttoteststudentsuniversallyorrandomlyfordruguseatanytimeasadeterrenttoillegaluseof controlledsubstances.Thepenaltyforanyviolationofthispolicymay,attherecommendationoftheschool administration,bearequestforwithdrawalorexpulsionofthestudent.Anyrefusaltoprovideasamplefor requiredtestingwillbedeemedaviolationoftheschoolhandbookandwillresultinarequestforwithdrawal orsubsequentexpulsion.BCSreservestherighttoselect/approvedrugtestingcompaniesandtechnologies andmayrefuseatestresultfromanunapprovedoroutsideagent.

SubstanceAbuseSelf-ReportingPolicy

BCSoffersaprobationaryenrollmentprogramforstudentswhohaveasubstanceabuseproblemthatmaybe initiatedwhentheparentorstudentinformstheschooloftheissue(self-reporting)ifthecaseisindeed determinedtobeaself-reportingincident,andtheviolationallowsforsuchenrollment.Ifaninvestigationhas begunandthereisalreadypriorknowledgeoftheincident,itwillnotbeconsideredaself-report.Ifa probationaryenrollmentisgranted,theschoolwillpartnerwithparentsinformingprobationary requirements.Thisprobationmayincludecounselingandtestingattheparent’sexpense.Parentsand studentswillnotbeallowedtoself-reportmorethanonce.ThePrincipals/AssistantPrincipals,incoordination withtheheadoftheupperschool,mustapproveallself-reportingexemptions.Theadministrationstrivesto keepself-reportingconfidential.Inthecasewhereastudentself-reports,thestudent'sparents/guardianwill beinformed.

Search&Seizure

BCSadministrationreservestherighttoconductsearchesandtoinviteappropriatelawenforcementofficers tovisitatanytimetosearchforcontrolledsubstances.Searchesmayincludetheuseoflawenforcement officersandcaninesspeciallytrainedinthedetectionofnarcotics,firearms,explosivesorothertechnologies.

Theschoolreservestherighttosearchanypersonorproperty,includingautomobiles,broughtontoschool premises.Anyalcohol,drugs,ordrugparaphernaliafoundinlockers,carsorotheritemsunderthestudent’s controlwillconstitutepossession.Thepossessionofprescriptiondrugsoncampusisaviolationofschool policyunlessthepossessionisincompliancewiththePoliciesforStudentswithHealthConditionsRequiring MedicationsatSchool.Thepossessionofcontrolledsubstances,includingprescribeddrugs,withoutavalid prescriptionisafelony.

Ifduringasearchoftheschoolorschoolpremises,anycontrolledsubstancesarediscovered,anarrestmaybe madeinaccordancewithappropriatefederal,state,orlocallaw.

Anystudentarrestedduringthecourseofaschoolsearchwillbetransportedbyappropriatelawenforcement officialstotheappropriatefacility.Theschoolhasnoauthoritytointervenewithlawenforcementofficials.

Self-HarmPolicy

Whenstudentsexhibitsignsofactivesuicidalideation,activeself-harmand/orotherself-destructive behavior,hisorherparents/guardianswillbecontactedandaskedtopickupthestudentfromschool.School counselorswillprovideguidanceandreferralsforlocalcounselors,ifneeded.Toreturntoschool,astudent whohasexhibitedthesesignswillberequiredtoprovidedocumentationbyalicensedcounselor/therapist thatheorshehascompletedasuicide-riskassessmentandisnolongerathreattohimself/herselforto others.Inthesecases,thecounselingstaffand/oradministrationmayaskfordocumentationofthe counselingvisitstoensurethesafetyofthestudentandothersattheschool.

StudentRelations

Duringtheyearmisunderstandingsorproblemscanarisebetweenstudents.Ourstaffshallseektodraw studentsinconflicttowardapeacefulresolutionusingtheprinciplesofMatthew18.Notallconflictsriseto thelevelofharassmentorbullyingbutmayleadtotheneedforresolutionordiscipline(orboth)underthe StudentHandbookguidelines.

Bullying/HarassmentPolicy

Harassmentorbullyingisdefinedas:

●Anysustainedgesture,written,verbal,graphicorphysicalactorcommunicationincluding electronicallytransmittedactsorcommunicationsthatarereasonablyperceivedtobedirectedatone ormorestudents

●Substantiallyinterfereswitheducationalopportunities,benefitsorprogramsofoneormorestudents

●Adverselyaffectstheabilityofastudenttoparticipateinorbenefitfromtheschool’seducational programsoractivitiesbecausetheconductisperceivedbythestudentandschoolstafftobesosevere, pervasive,andobjectivelyoffensiveastobeinclearviolationoftheschool’sstandardsofconduct

Theschoolprohibitsbothactiveandpassiverolesforactsofharassmentorbullying.Studentsareexpectedto supporttheirpeersandreportactsofharassmentandbullyingtoschoolstaff.Theschoolprohibitsreprisalor retaliationagainstanypersonwhoingoodfaithreportsanactofharassmentorbullyingandappropriate consequencesfortheseactswillbedeterminedbytheadministrationbasedonthefactsofthecase.

Theschoolprohibitsanypersonfromfalselyaccusinganotherasameansofharassmentorbullyingand appropriateconsequencesfortheseactionswillbedeterminedbytheadministrationbasedonthefactsofthe case.

StudentPranks

Studentpranksthatdisruptanyaspectofschool,causeanypropertydamage,orhaveanadverseeffecton studentsorfaculty,maysubjectthestudenttoseriousdisciplinaryaction.Thestudentwillalsoberesponsible foranyfinancialliabilitiesresultingfromtheprank.

ReportingSeriousOffenses

Theschoolreservestherighttoreportseriousoffenses(thoseoffensesthatmayconstituteviolationof criminallawsestablishedbytheStateofAlabama)totheproperauthoritiesandtopresschargesagainstthe

studentifthesituationwarrantsit.ThisactionwouldrequiretheapprovaloftheSuperintendentandthe ExecutiveCommitteeoftheSchoolBoard.

Attendance

Regularattendanceinclassisimportantforthesuccessofastudent’sChristianschoolexperience.Itis assumedeachstudentwilldoeverythingpossibletofulfillcommitmentstotheschool,includingattendance andcoursework.BCSacknowledgesthebestformoflearningiswhenastudentispresentandengagedon campus,andnotunnecessarilymissingin-personinstruction.Asmembersofonebody(1Corinthians12), eachstudent’spresencemattersandcontributestothehealthandunityofourschoolcommunity(Hebrews 10:24–25).

BCSalsoacknowledgesthechanginglandscapeofoff-campusstudentopportunitiesandexperiencesand wishestopartnerwithparentstohelpmakewellinformeddecisions.Thegoalofourattendancepolicyisto bestmeettheneedsofthestudentsandfamiliesweserve.Pleasenote,allschool-sponsoredactivitiesare automaticallyconsidered(schoolrelated)excusedabsences.

Studentabsenceswillbecategorizedas“unexcused”whenastudentisreportedabsentuntilproper documentationisreceivedforthereportedabsence.Itisanticipatedthatthiswilloccurinadvanceasparents shouldprovidegoodnoticetotheschoolofpre-plannedabsences.

Pre-PlannedExcusedAbsences

●Aparent/guardianshouldemailattendance@bcsk12.orgfortheadministrationtoprovideapprovalof pre-plannedexcusedabsences.Thisemailshouldcontainthedate(s)andagenuinereasonforthe absence.Pleasesendallpre-approvalrequestsatleasttwobusinessdaysinadvancetoensure completionofthisprocess.

●Examplesofpre-plannedexcusedabsencesincludethefollowing(butarenotlimitedto):funerals, weddings,siblinggraduations,familytrips,individualorclubsportingorartisticevents,collegevisits, medicalappointments,DMVandpassportappointments,participationinactivitiesatan‘exceptional level’,etc.

●Forregularorfrequentabsencesduetoparticipationinactivitiesatan‘exceptionallevel,’ameeting withtherespectivePrincipalmayberequiredtoensureclearcommunicationandeffective coordinationoflogistics,astheschoolseekstopartnerwithstudentsinthepursuitoftheirgiftings.

●Amemberoftheschooladministrationwillevaluatetheparentemail,notifyinghimorherofthe decisionrelatedtoanyfamilyevents,educationalopportunities,andpositivestudentexperiences. Uponreceiptofthisrequest,thefollowingcriteriawillbereviewedinordertograntapre-planned absence:

o Currentnumberofabsencesalreadyaccumulated

o Studenthasa75%gradeorhigherinallcourses

oIfastudentiscurrentlyonanacademicordisciplinaryplan

●Ifastudentisdeniedapre-plannedexcusedabsenceandgoesagainsttheschool’srequestandisstill absent,thestudentwillserveSaturdayschool(s)tomakeupthemissedtimeandyouraccountswillbe billedaccordingly.

●StudentsandparentsareencouragedtocheckthestatusofanabsenceonFACTSandnotifytheoffice immediatelyifanydiscrepanciesexistinaspecificstudent’srecordofabsences.

UnplannedExcusedAbsences

Aparent/guardianshouldemailattendance@bcsk12.orgattheearliestpossibletimeifhisorherstudentis absentduetosickness,injury,oremergency.Anyabsencethatdoesnotreceiveproperwritten documentationwithinfivebusinessdaysoftheabsencewillremaindesignatedasunexcused.Onceastudent reachesfivemedicalrelatedabsenceswithoutsubmittingadoctor’sexcuse,thenadoctor’sexcusemaybe requiredtoexcusetheabsence.Studentsareencouragedtoengagewiththelearningmaterials-suchasthe teachervideo(s),notes,tasks-postedbytheirteacher(s)onGoogleClassroomassoonaspossible.These resourceswilltypicallybeavailableattheendofeachschoolday.

UnexcusedAbsences

Unexcusedabsencesmaybedefinedas:

●Anyoftheabovelistedpre-plannedandunplannedabsences,whicharenotdocumentedinwriting andapproved.

●Anyabsencethatisnotdocumentedwithinfivebusinessdays.

●Studentsthathavemorethantwounexcusedabsencesinaclassaresubjecttodisciplinaryaction.

●Theschooladministrationreservestherighttorecordabsencesasunexcused.

ExamExemption

All9th-11thgradestudentswilltakefallandspringsemesterexams.Examexemptionsforspringsemester examsareavailableonlytoseniors.Tobeeligible,seniorsmusthaveaspringsemesteraverageof90or highertobeexcusedfromtheirfinalspringsemesterexam.PleasenotethatthispolicydoesnotapplytoAP andDEcourses.Seniorsmusthavenomorethantwounexcusedabsencesduringthesemestertoremain eligibleforthisexemptionpolicy.

Make-UpWork

Studentswillberequiredtomakeupallmissedwork,includinghomework,tests,andquizzes asfollowsforbothexcusedandunexcusedabsences:

●Forunplannedabsencesrelatingtoillness,injury,anddeathinthefamily,allworkmissedmustbe madeupwithintwotimesthenumberofdays(notperiods)thestudentwasabsent(butnottoexceed fiveschooldays).

●Forpre-plannedabsencessuchastrips,collegedays,appointments,etc.,studentsreceiveone additionaldayformake-up(unlessspecificallyapprovedbyrequest).Studentsareexpectedtohave theirassignmentsreadyandbepreparedtotakeanymissedtestsonedayaftertheirreturntoschool orbythedatedeterminedbytheteacherpriortotheabsence.Failuretomakeuptheassignmentor testwithintheallottedtimeasreferencedaboveresultsinazero.Asallacademictaskshavearolein learningandareapartoftheacademicprogram,BCSrequiresstudentstoturninALLassigned work,evenifitislateandthegradewillbeazero.

ProperProcedureforCheckingOut

Detailedrecordsforstudentswillbekeptintheofficeregardingcheckingin/outofschool.Studentsshowing anexcessivenumberofcheck-ins/outswillhavethesituationreviewedinaconferencebetweenthe parent/legalguardian,thestudent,andthePrincipalorAssistantPrincipal.

Studentsmaynotleavecampusduringtheschooldaywithoutwrittennotificationintheformofanoteor emailstatingthereasonforcheckingoutoranin-personappearancefromtheparent/legalguardianoradult onthefamilyemergencycontactlist.Aphonecallwithoutsomeformofwrittenverificationwillnotbe acceptedforcheckingout.TheAdministrationmaydesignateanunexplainedabsenceinasituationwherethe check-outisdeemedunnecessaryorexcessive.Allstudentsmustcometothemainofficetocheckinorout. Studentstooyoungtodrivewillnotbereleasedtoanyoneotherthanthestudent’sparent/legalguardianor adultonthefamilyemergencycontactlist.Inextremecases,thePrincipalorAssistantPrincipalmaygrantan exception.Studentswhodonotdrivemustwaitintheareadesignatedbytheschoolforaparent/legal guardianoremergencycontacttoarrive.

Theschoolisnotliableforanyinjuryoraccidentthatoccurstoandfromschoolatanytimeorforanyridersin astudentvehicle.

CheckoutsduetoIllness

Studentsmaybeallowedtocheckoutofschoolfollowingaconversationandwrittenconfirmationwithparent orapprovedparentalcontactsonfile.

ParticipationinAthletics/Co-curricularActivities

Inmostcases,anystudentinvolvedinathleticsorco-curricularactivitiesmaynotparticipateinthatactivity (practice,game,orevent)ifhe/sheisabsentthedayoftheactivity.Inordertobeeligibletoparticipate,heor shemustcheckinby11:30AMandcompletetherestoftheschoolday.Thisdoesnotapplytooff-campus schooleventssuchasfieldtrips.

Studentsinvolvedinathleticsorfineartsareexpectedtostaycurrentwiththeirassignmentsandbeprepared fortestsandquizzes.However,BCSunderstandsthatlate-nighteventsortravelrelatedtoschoolactivities mayoccasionallyimpactastudent’sabilitytocompleteworkontime.Insuchcases,studentsshould communicatewiththeirteachersinadvanceorassoonaspossible.Teacherswillexercisereasonable flexibilitywhenthesecircumstancesarise,whilestillhelpingstudentsstayontrackacademically.Itisnot intendedthatco-curricularactivitiesimpedeacademicprogressanditisunderstoodthatsomebalanceis neededtosupportawell-roundededucation.

CollegeVisitation

Takingcollegevisitsandcampustoursisavitalstepinthejourneyofourstudents.Weaskthatrequestsbe madeatleasttwobusinessdaysinadvanceandbemindfuloftheweekofstandardizedtestsormajorexams. AllcollegevisitsmustbescheduledpriortoApril15th.

Tardies

AtBCS,atardyisrecordedasunexcused;however,therearetimeswhen,duetounusualcircumstances(i.e. severetrafficorweatherorapriorclassrunninglong)atardymaybeexcused.Thesedecisionsaremadeat thediscretionoftheAdministration.Studentsthatarechronicallytardyaresubjecttothefollowing accountabilitystepswhenthefollowingnumberoftardiesarereachedinaparticularclassfortheacademic semester:

●4thTardy:After-SchoolDetention

●5thTardy:ThursdaymorningDetention

●6thTardy:SaturdaySchoolDetention

●7thTardy:In-SchoolSuspension

TardiesFollowingOff-CampusPrivileges

Forseniorswhochoosetouseanoff-campusprivilege,consistentpunctualityisimperativefortheirfirst academicclassoftheday.Ifastudentistardytwicefollowinganoff-campusprivilege,includingseniorlunch, theywillbesubjecttoremovaloftheiroff-campusprivileges.Forafurtherdescriptionofoff-campus privileges,pleaseseeAppendixC.

DressCode

PurposeandPhilosophy

Thepurposeoftheschool’sdresscodeistopromoteaspiritofmodestyanddignity(1Timothy2:9), encouragingstudentstoreflectChristinboththeircharacterandtheirappearance.Inalignmentwiththe school’smission,ourgoalistofosteranatmospherethathonorsGodandreflectsthevaluesofaChristcenterededucation.Ourdesireisnotsimplytoestablishrules,buttocultivateheartsthatseektoglorifythe Lord,rememberingthattruebeautyisfoundintheinnerself(1Peter3:3-4).

TheSchoolBoardandadministrationprayerfullyencouragefamiliestoviewthedresscodeasatoolfor meaningfulconversationsaboutlifelongstandardsofpersonaldress.Ultimately,werecognizethattheway wepresentourselvesisanexpressionoftheheart(Proverbs4:23),andweaimtosupportstudentsingrowing inwisdomanddiscernmentastheymakethosechoices.

Wewelcomerespectfulfeedbackandsuggestionsregardingthedresscode.Thesemaybedirectedtothe Superintendentandwillbethoughtfullyreviewedasneeded.

Parentsareencouragedtomodelandsupportthespiritofthedresscodeatschoolfunctionsandoncampus, reinforcingunityintheschool’smissionandsettingagodlyexampleforstudents.

FoundationalGuidelines

Weencourageallstudentstodressinawaythatisclean,modest,andappropriateforanintentionalacademic setting.ThefocusisnotonfashionorattentionbutonpreparationforlearningandhonoringtheLordthrough excellenceinallthings.Itistheparents’responsibilitytoensurethatchildrenarriveatschooleachdayandare preparedforactivitiesasperthedresscode.

Allclothingshouldbemodest,neat,wrinkle-free,andsuitablefortheresponsibilitiesofaschooldaywitha business-casualstandard.

Ifattiredoesnotmeetthesestandards,studentsmaybeaskedtovisitthefrontofficetomakenecessary adjustments.Insuchcases,parentsmaybecontactedtobringalternativeclothing.

Ourhopeisthatthesestandardswillserveasahelpfulguideinformingyoungmenandwomenwhohonor theLordthrougheveryaspectoftheirlives—includingthewaytheypresentthemselvestotheworld.Weare gratefulforourstudentsandfamiliesandthepartnershipweshareinraisingupthenextgenerationofChristfollowerswithwisdom,excellence,andintegrity.

StandardsforBoys

Boysareexpectedtowearclothingandmaintaingroominghabitsthataretidy,respectful,andmodest. ClothingshouldreflecttheseriousnessoftheacademicdayandthevaluesofaChristianyoungmanseekingto liveunderChrist’slordship.

PantsandShorts

Boysmaywear:

●Dressslacks,khakis,bluejeans,orsolid-colorshorts

●Allpantsandshortsshouldbewornatthewaistwithabelt

●ShortsmustbeBermuda-lengthandofasolidcolor

Thefollowingdonotmeetourbusinesscasualstandard:

●Camouflage,cargopants,sweatpants,joggers(elastic-bottompants),frayedortornclothing,oritems madefromextremefabricsorinextremecolors/stylesthatdrawunnecessaryattention.

Shirts

Boysmaywear:

●Collaredshirtsthatareneatlytuckedinincludingpolosorbutton-downshirts.Shirtsshouldbe buttonedappropriatelytomaintainmodestyandshouldneverrevealabarechest.

Thefollowingdonotmeetourbusinesscasualstandard:

●T-shirtsorshirtswithoutafoldedcollararenotpermittedduringtheschoolday.Additionally,clothing bearingthenameorlogoofanotherhighschoolisnotallowed.

Outerwear

Boysmaywearsweaters,jackets,andsweatshirts/hoodies,providedthat:

●Acollaredshirtiswornunderneath

●Outerwearismodest,neat,andingoodcondition

●Designsormessagesonouterwearshouldreflectthevaluesoftheschoolandnotcontradictthem (e.g.,noreferencestoalcohol/drugs,politicalstatements,secularartists,orinappropriateimages)

Shoes

Tomaintainasafeandappropriatelearningenvironment,boysareexpectedtowearclosed-toeandclosedheelshoes.Crocs,houseslippers,andsandalsdonotmeetourbusinesscasualstandard.

Grooming

Personalgroomingreflectsdisciplineandrespectforoneselfandothers.Boysshouldmaintainacleanand well-keptappearance:

●Hairshouldbeneatlytrimmed:notintheeyes,belowthecollar,touchingtheeyebrows,orcovering theears

●Hairstylesshouldbeanaturalcolorandconservativelystyled—avoidingextremes(e.g.,mohawks, unnaturalcoloreddye,or“manbuns”)

●Sideburnsshouldnotextendbelowthebaseoftheearlobe

●7-11boys'facesareexpectedtobecleanshavenandSeniorswell-groomed

●Bodypiercingsandtattoos(permanentortemporary)arenotpermitted

Additionalnotes:

●Athleticwearisreservedforbeforeandafterschoolorasapprovedbyadministration

●Hatsarenottobewornindoors

●StudentsareexpectedtopresentthemselvesinawaythatreflectstheirGod-givenidentity,including atspecialevents(suchasdances,picturedays,etc.)

●Allclothingshouldalignwiththeschool’svisionforbiblicalmanhood,modestrepresentationanda business-casualstandard

StandardsforGirls

Girlsareexpectedtowearclothing,accessories,andhairstylesthataremodest,clean,andreflectcareand thoughtfulness.Clothingshouldnotbedistractingordrawundueattentionbutinsteadshouldpromotea Christ-honoringlearningenvironment.

Pants

Girlsmaywearpants,slacks,orjeansthatareneat,notform-fitting,andalignwithabusinesscasualstandard. Thefitshouldpromotebothcomfortandmodesty.Frayingisonlypermittedinthehem.

SkirtsandDresses

●Skirtsanddressesshouldhaveahemlinenoshorterthanthreeinchesabovethetopoftheknee (approximatelythelengthofyourstudentlunchcard).

●Itemsthataretootight,sheer,orrevealingaretobeavoided.Thefabricofthegarment(ortheneckto kneeportionofthetorso)mustbeopaque.

●Oversizedshirtswornasdressesandmaterialsordesignsthatcompromisemodestyshouldnotbe worn.Wesuggeststudentssitandtestthecomfortandcoverageoftheirskirtsanddressestoensure modestyfromallangles.

●Splitandoverlayskirtsaremeasuredatthemostsolidorrevealingpoint(topofthesplitorsolidlayer).

Tights

Tightsmaybewornunderaskirtordressthatmeetstheschool’slengthguidelines.Tightsaretobeofasolid color.Patternedorfishnettightsarenotpermittedtomaintainaunifiedandappropriateappearance.

Blouses/Tops

Girlsmaywearmodestblouses,dressshirts(withsmalllogos),dresst-shirtsandsweaters.

Pleaseobservethefollowingguidelinestoensuremodestyandalignmentwithourbusinesscasualstandard:

●Topsshouldbelongenoughtoreachthehip(iliaccrest);skinmustnotbeexposedatanytime.A “cami”(orsimilar)maybewornunderablouseortopthatmeetstheschool’slengthguidelinesto assistinmaintainingmodesty.

●Shirtsmusthaveasleeveofminimum1inchlengthfortheentirearmscyeandmaynotgape;the sleeveisnotrequiredtobeopaque.

●Clothingmustbeopaque.Fabricthatislooselyknitorhasholesintheouterlayerarenotopaqueand itshouldnotbenecessarytohavealinerorcamitomakeablouseortopopaque.

●Shirtsshouldhaveamodestneckline;lowcutorplungingnecklinesarenotpermitted.Asaguide,the necklineshouldbeclosetothemanubrium.

●DressyT-shirtsmaybeworn

●SpecialspiritwearT-shirtdayswillbeannouncedbytheadministration.SportsteamT-shirtsmustalso beapprovedbeforebeingwornduringtheschoolday

Wesuggeststudentstestcomfortandcoverageoftopsfromallanglesusingamirror.

Outerwear

Girlsmaywearjackets,sweaters,andsweatshirtsthatareneat,ingoodcondition,andalignwiththeschool’s valuesandthebusinesscasualstandard.Adresscode-approvedtopmustbewornunderneathallouterwear. Anymessageorprintsonsweatshirtsmustalignwithschoolvaluesandourmission.Referencestoalcohol, politicalslogans,secularartistsetc.areexamplesthatdonotalign.Designsormessagesonouterwearshould reflectthevaluesoftheschoolandnotcontradictthem(e.g.,noreferencestoalcohol/drugs,political statements,secularartists,orinappropriateimages)

AccessoriesandGrooming

●Makeupandjewelryshouldbeworninmoderationandgoodtaste.

●Hairstylesandhaircolorsshouldreflectaneat,natural,andrespectfulappearance.

●Hairfeathers,hats,andtoboggansarenotpermittedinsidetheschoolbuilding.

●Visibletattoos(permanentortemporary),bodypiercings(otherthantraditionalearrings),orgauges arenotallowed.

AdditionalNotes:

●Athleticweardoesnotmeetthebusinesscasualstandardandthereforemaynotbewornduringthe academicdayunlessapprovedbytheadministrationforaspecificpurpose

●Crocsandhouseslippersdonotmeetourdressstandards.

●StudentsareexpectedtopresentthemselvesinawaythatreflectstheirGod-givenidentity,including atspecialevents(suchasdances,picturedays,etc.)

●Clothingshouldnotbearthenameorlogoofanotherhighschool.

●SeniorgirlsmayweartheirSeniorjerseysonthedayofhomefootballgames.

AthleticsandSchoolEventsforBoysandGirls

●Whileathleticattireisnotpermittedduringschoolhours,studentsmaywearsuchclothingduring practicesorgamesafterschool.Eveninthesesettings,modestyandrespectforothersremain essential.

●Shirtsmustremainonatalltimesduringathleticevents—whetherastudentisparticipatingor spectating

●Boyswhowishtopainttheirupperbodies(shirtoff)forspecialoccasionsorgamesmustreceiveprior approvalfromschooladministration

●Anycoordinateddress-upthemesforeventsmustalsoreceivepriorapprovalfromtheAthletic Directororadministrationbeforebeingcommunicated

●Uniformswornduringtheschooldaymustbeapprovedandwornwithshirtstuckedin

●Allchangingofclothingshouldtakeplaceinlockerroomsorrestroomsonly

ElectronicMediaUsePolicy

Anelectronicdevice,definedasamobilephone,iPad,laptop,desktopcomputer,gamingsystemoranyother personalelectronicdevice,mayonlybeusedinaccordancewiththespecificguidelinesoutlinedinthis section.Violatorsoftheschoolelectronicmediausepolicywillhavetheirelectronicdevicetakenupwithall informationneededtoproperlyexaminethedevice.Thedevicewillthenbegivenimmediatelytotheproper administrator.Duetothecomplexnatureofelectronicmediauseviolations,suchinfractionsmayrange anywherefromLevel1toLevel4ofthepreviouslyoutlineddisciplinaryprogression.

●BCSreservestherighttoexamineanyandallcontent(includingbutnotlimitedtomessages,text messages,socialmediaaccounts,videos,andpicturesonanyelectronicdevice),andtotake disciplinaryactionbasedonthecontentincludingtherighttonotifycivilauthoritiesattheschool’s discretion.

●BCSreservestherighttousecurrent,existing,andavailabletechnologiesinexaminingelectronic devices.

●BCSreservestherighttorestrictanyelectronicdevicewhetherornotthespecificdeviceis mentionedinthehandbook.

●BCSisnotresponsiblefortheloss,damage,ortheftofpersonallyownedelectronicdevices.

Pleasenotethatanyelectronicdevicetakenupforviolatingtheelectronicmediausepolicymaybekeptfor anundeterminedamountoftime.Thougheffortswillbemadetoreturntheelectronicdeviceinatimely manner,theydonothavetobereturnedattheendofanyschoolday.Inmostcases,theschoolmayrequirea parentorguardiantopickthedeviceupduringregularbusinesshours.

Mobilephones&SmartWatches

UpperSchoolstudentsmustturnthepowerofftoallmobilephonesandsmartwatchesandtheymustbeoff theirpersonthroughouttheschoolday.Nomobilephoneorsmartwatchistoeverbepoweredoninschool lockerroomsorrestrooms.

Mobilephonepolicyonanyschool-sponsoredtripisuptothediscretionofthetripleader.

SpecialAnnouncementsIncludingSuddenCancellationofSchoolEvents

Ifannouncementsaremaderegardingcancellationsorimportantchangestoschoolevents,theschool administrationmaygrantpermissionforstudentstoturnonphonesandtextparents.Teacherswillbeasked toprovidethatopportunitywithminimalinterruptiontoinstructionaltime.Teachersarealsogiventheability tograntimportantoremergencymobilephoneneedsassituationswarrant.

SocialMediaandAppRecommendations

Studentsmaynotposttoanysocialmediawebsiteduringtheschoolday.Anyconfirmedpoststosocialmedia betweenthehoursof8AMand3PMonaschooldaywhileoncampuswillbeconsideredaviolationofthe electronicspolicy,andthestudent’sphonewillbetakenup.

ElectronicPolicyonSexting

Sextingistheactofsendingorpostingpicturesorcontentofasexualnatureelectronically.BCS administration,faculty,andstaffaretonotifyproperlaw-enforcementauthoritieswhenevidenceis discoveredthatcouldpossiblybeidentifiedassextingorcontainsanysexuallyexplicitcontent.Thecurrent lawsregardingchildpornographyaresuchthattheschoolwouldbenefitfromthosewhohavegreater expertiseintheevaluationanddocumentationofsuchevidence.PleasenotethattheAlabamaCriminalCode mayrequireanitemthatcontainsthistypeofinformationbesubjecttotheforfeitureofthatequipment (Section13A-12-198oftheAlabamaCriminalCode).Schooldisciplinaryconsequenceswillfallundervarious categoriesupontheevaluationofevidencebytheproperauthorityandcouldrangeanywherefromaparent consultationtoexpulsion.

MobileDevicesandUseofCameras

BCSdoesnotgrantpermissionforastudenttocapturebyphoto,video,oraudioanyschoolemployeeor studentwithouttheirexpressedapprovalunlessitisauthorizedworkdonebyschoolpublicationsandmedia. Anytransmissionofphotos,videosoraudioofschoolemployeesorstudentswithoutapprovalmaybesubject toschooldisciplinaryaction.Useofacamerainanyrestroomorlockerroomisforbiddenatalltimes.

ElectronicMalfeasance

Anystudentattemptingto“hack”orharmschooldevicesornetworks,including(butnotlimitedto)GPSand Wi-Fijamming,mobile-phonemalware,base-bandtampering,IDspoofing,passwordtheft,screen manipulation,keystrokelogging,orunauthorizedWi-Finetworking(includingrunningaWi-Fihotspot)isa veryseriousdisciplinarymatterandmaysubjectthestudenttoconsequencesuptoandincludingexpulsion. Familiescananticipatebeingbilledforthecostofrecovery/repairthatistheresultoftheirstudent’sactions.

IdentityTheft

Sharing,storing,orusinganotherstudent’sorstaff’susernamesorpasswords,orsendingamessageorsetting upanaccountthatimpersonatesastudentorstaff,isasevereviolationoftheschool’selectronicpolicyand maysubjectthestudenttoconsequencesuptoandincludingexpulsion.

MoralMisconductandtheInternet

Anystudentengaginginactivityontheinternet(includingbutnotlimitedtosocialmedia,blogs,email,web pages,pictures,chatservices,texting,etc.)thatisdeemedbytheschooladministrationtobeimmoral, harmful,threatening,demeaning,bullying,harassing,disparagingtoordefamingofthereputationand characterofothers,orotherconductorcontentthatisinconsistentwithschoolpoliciesandbiblicalteaching andstandardsorinviolationoflocal,state,orfederallawwillbesubjecttoschooldiscipline.Studentswho refusetoremovecontentofthisnaturemaybesubjecttowithdrawalorexpulsion.

AnonymousInternetPosting

Iftheschoolmusttakelegalactionstouncoveranonymousinternetcontentthatisdeemedbyadministration tobeharmfultotheclimateoftheschool,thestudent(s)responsibleforthecontentmayberequiredtocover thecostsinvolvedinthoseactionsandwillbesubjecttoschooldiscipline.

SchoolMobilephonesandParentCommunication

Callstostudentsfromparentsduringschoolhoursaretobelimitedtoemergencies.Theofficeassistantmay alsoforwardimportantparentmessagestostudent’semailaccountswhichcanbereadbythestudentson theiriPads.Parentsmustunderstandthatnon-emergencymessagesarenotallowedduetoaschool commitmenttolimitclassroominterruptions.

Studentsarepermittedtouseschoolmobilephoneswhenneededandifavailable.Thesephonesareinthe schooloffice.Theseschoolmobilephonesmaybeusedbystudentswithspecialpermissionbyafaculty member.

ElectronicPolicyforBCSUpperSchoolnote:ThispolicyworksinconjunctionwiththeAcceptableUse

Agreement(https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bVH3XkIvDPDshsUNM1DrmTm1IGjfr1O-/view)forSchooliPads. PleaseconsulttheAUAforpolicyconcerningBCSiPaduse.

AIInappropriateImageGeneration,Manipulation,andDistribution

Thepurposeofthispolicyistoensureasafeandpositiveeducationalexperienceforallstudents(Philippians 4:8)byprohibitingthecreationanddistributionofinappropriatecontentthatmaycompromisethesafety, dignity,andemotionalwell-beingofindividualswithinourschoolcommunity(Colossians3:5).BCSis committedtoupholdingBiblicalstandardsofconduct(Thessalonians4:3-5)andhonoringallindividualsas madeintheimageofGod(Genesis1:27).

ProhibitionofExploitativeorSexualImages:

●Studentsarestrictlyprohibitedfromgenerating,manipulating,ordistributinganycontentofoneselfor othersthatissexuallyexplicit,nude,pornographic,orotherwiseinappropriate(1Peter2:11).

●Thisincludestheuseofsoftware,apps,AIprograms,oranyothertoolstocreate,edit,ormanipulate imageswithexplicit,sexual,oroffensivecontent.

ConsequencesforViolation:

●ViolationofthispolicymayresultindisciplinaryactionandbetreatedasaLevel3CaseorLevel4Case disciplineaccordingtotheStudentHandbook.

●AspertheStudentHandbook,disciplinaryactionmayinclude,butisnotlimitedto,counseling, parentalinvolvement,suspension,orexpulsion,dependingontheseverityoftheoffense.

●Theschoolreservestherighttoreportseriousoffenses(thoseoffensesthatmayconstituteviolationof criminallawsestablishedbytheStateofAlabama)totheproperauthoritiesandtopresscharges againstthestudentifthesituationshouldsowarrant.Thisactionwouldrequiretheapprovalofthe SuperintendentandtheExecutiveCommitteeoftheSchoolBoard.

SocialMediaPolicy

AtBriarwoodChristianSchool,webelieveinpromotingasafeandrespectfulenvironmentthatalignswithour Christianvaluesbothwithinandbeyondtheclassroom.

ThisSocialMediaPolicyoutlinesguidelinesandexpectationsforstudentswhenusingsocialmediaplatforms.

RespectourMission&Vision:Studentsareexpectedtoconductthemselvesonlineinamannerconsistent withtheChrist-centeredmissionandvisionupheldbyBriarwoodChristianSchool.

Privacy:Protectyourprivacyandrespecttheprivacyofothers.Donotsharepersonalinformation,suchas homeaddresses,phonenumbers,orsensitivefamilydetails,withoutpermission.

RespectforOthers:Treatallindividuals,regardlessoftheirbeliefs,withkindnessandrespect.Avoidengaging inonlinebehaviorthatisdiscriminatory,disrespectful,orharmful.

HonestyandIntegrity:Betruthfulandaccurateinallonlineinteractions.Donotengageinplagiarism, spreadingfalseinformation,orcheatinginanyform.

Cyberbullying:Cyberbullyingwillnotbetolerated.Thisincludesanyformofonlineharassment,intimidation, orderogatorycomments.Reportanyinstancesofcyberbullyingtoateacherorschoolauthority.

RepresentingBriarwoodChristianSchool:WhenidentifyingasastudentofBriarwoodChristianSchoolonline, studentsareexpectedtorepresenttheschoolpositivelyandresponsibly.Anyactionsthattarnishtheschool's reputationordisruptthepeacefulandorderlylearningenvironmentoftheschoolmayresultindisciplinary action.Studentsdonothavepermissionfromtheschoolunderanycircumstancestocreatesocialmedia accountsthatrepresentBriarwoodChristianSchool.

RespectforTeachers&Staff:Maintainarespectfulandappropriatetonewhendiscussingteachers,staff,and school-relatedmattersonpersonalsocialmediaplatforms.

ConsequencesforViolations:ViolationsofthisSocialMediaPolicymayresultindisciplinaryaction,including warnings,suspension,orexpulsion,dependingontheseverityoftheviolationandtheimpactontheschool community.

ReportingViolations:Ifastudentencountersaviolationofthispolicy,theyareencouragedtoreportittoa teacher,schoolcounselor,oradministrator.

ByfollowingthisSocialMediaPolicy,studentsofBriarwoodChristianSchoolhelpcreateapositiveonline environmentthatreflectsourmissionandvision.Responsibledigitalcitizenshipisacommitmenttotheschool communityandanessentiallifeskillforthefuture.Itismandatedthatthreatsthatinvolveschoolsafetyare reportedtotheHeadofSchool.

StudentLeadAccounts:BriarwoodChristiansSchooldoesnotalloworendorsestudent-ledaccountsthat representBriarwood.

Thispolicyissubjecttochange,andallstudentsareresponsibleforstayingupdatedonthelatestversion.

UseofArtificialIntelligence

TherapidgrowthandaccessibilityofArtificialIntelligence(AI)toolsrequirethoughtfulconsiderationoftheir impactonteachingandlearning.BCSseekstostewardthispowerfultechnologyinamannerthathonorsGod andservesstudentsaccordingtosoundeducationalprinciples.Asaresult,AImaybeusedappropriatelyin someareasoftheacademicprogram,whileitsusewillbelimitedorprohibitedinothers.

AcentralgoalofaBCSeducationisthedevelopmentofarticulate,thoughtfulcommunicators.Masteryof writtenandspokencommunicationisbothavital21st-centuryskillandacorecomponentofourGraduate Profile,particularlythequalityofaResilientLearner.Developingthisskillrequiressustainedpractice,critical thinking,andpersonaleffort—elementsthatcanbeunderminedbyrelianceonAItools.

EnglishDepartmentAIPolicy

Thestudenthandbookstatesthat“theuseofAIcouldbesubjecttotheAcademicIntegrityPolicy.”Inthe EnglishDepartment,thisexpectationisclarifiedasfollows:

InEnglishclasses,anyuseofAIrelatedtothewritingprocessisprohibited.Thisincludes,butisnotlimited to:

Ideaortopicgeneration

Draftingorrewritingtext

Editing,revising,orimprovinglanguage,style,orstructure

PleasenotethattoolssuchasGrammarlymaybeflaggedasAIbydetectionsoftware.Studentsare responsibleforunderstandingthisrisk.

ThispolicyreflectstheEnglishDepartment’sdeepcommitmenttocultivatingstudentswho“thinkcritically, logically,andbiblically,andwhoareabletocommunicatethosethoughtsclearly,articulately,andpersuasively throughboththewrittenandspokenword”(Col.4:6),andwhoarepreparedto“understand,live,and persuasivelydefendBiblicalvaluesintheirculturalmoment”(1Pet.3:15).

Accordingly,anyuseofAIinthewritingprocessinEnglishcourseswillbetreatedasplagiarismandsubject totheAcademicIntegrityPolicy.

GeneralAIGuidelinesforStudents

BCSrecognizesthattechnologyisconstantlyevolvingandthatAIplaysanincreasingroleindailylife.Itisthe sharedresponsibilityoftheschoolandfamiliestoeducatestudentsintheethicalandresponsibleuseofthese tools.WhileAIisnotuniversallybannedatBCS,studentsareexpectedtoadheretothefollowingguidelines:

BCSstudentemailaccountsandschool-manageddevicesblockaccesstocertainAIplatforms(e.g., ChatGPT)duetodataprivacyandsecurityconcerns.

AnymisuseofAItools(includinghacking,datamanipulation,orunauthorizedaccess)isstrictly prohibited.

TeachersmaypermitAIuseforspecificinstructionalpurposes.Accesswillbegrantedonanas-needed basisandinaccordancewithage,privacy,anddataguidelines.

CollegeBoard,DualEnrollment,andpartneringcollegesoruniversitiesmayimposeadditional restrictionsonAIuse.

StudentswhouseAItoolsonpersonaldevicesorwithpersonalaccountsdosoattheirownriskand shouldunderstandthatAIplatformscollectuserdata.

StudentsmustclearlyacknowledgeanyuseofAIinschoolwork,includingtext,images,ormultimedia.

AI-generatedcontentmaybesubjecttotheAcademicIntegrityPolicy.

StudentsshouldrecognizethatAIisnotalwaysfactuallyaccurate,isnotconsideredacrediblesource, andmayreflectbias.ClaimsgeneratedbyAImustbesupportedwithreliableevidence.

FacultyandstudentsmustneveruploadorinputPersonallyIdentifiableInformation(PII)intoanyAI tool.Thisincludes,butisnotlimitedto,personalphotos,legalnames,addresses,phonenumbers,or socialsecuritynumbers.

ItisourhopetopartnerwellwiththeBriarwoodcommunity,throughtheever-changinglandscapeof technologyandAI.

Academics

ForinformationregardingGPAorgradingscales,pleaserefertotheCourseSelectionGuides (https://www.briarwoodchristianschool.org/academics/counseling/student-registration).

Progressreportsaresenttoparentseverythreeweeks.

ReportCards

●Pleaseseetheschoolcalendarfortheendofeachgradingperiod.Reportsongradeswillbeissuedas expeditiouslyaspossible.

●Allentriesmadebytheteacheronastudent’sreportcardaremadeaftercarefulevaluationof classroomlearning,attitudes,andeffort.Pleasediscusseachreportwithyourchildcarefully. Remember,however,thatgradesshouldbeguidesinlearningratherthangoalsforlearning.Often,far toomuchemphasisisplacedongrades.Parentsshouldberemindedthatgradesaremerelyindications ofpresentachievementandnotindicationsofone’soverallabilitytolearn.

●Ifastudentdoesnotmakeuptestsbytheendofthegradingperiod,thestudentwillreceivean Incomplete(INC)onthereportcard.

Exams

FinalexaminationswillbegiveninmostcoursesattheUpperSchool(7th-12thgrades)levelattheendofeach semester.Semesterexamswillcount20%ofthefinalsemestergradeforHighSchoolstudentsand10%for JuniorHighstudents.

Finalexamswillremainthepropertyoftheschoolandwillnotbereturnedtothestudent.Theywillbekept onfileintheschoolforaminimumofoneyear.Examsareavailableforreviewbystudentsortheirparentsin theschoolofficebyappointmentwiththeclassroomteacher.

ServiceHours

BecausethetruegoalofallChristianeducationistohelpthestudentbecomelikeJesusChrist,serviceto thosewhocannotrepayusisanimportantfacetoftheBiblecurriculumatBCS.AllhighschoolstudentsatBCS arerequiredtofulfilltheBibleservicehourrequirement.Studentsplanningoncompletingtheirservicehours duringthesummermusthavepreapprovalfromamemberoftheBibledepartmentortheAssistantPrincipal. Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytoenterallservicehoursinMobileServetoreceivecredit.BCSwillprovide technicalassistanceasneeded.HoursrunfromMay1sttothefollowingMay1st.

ServiceHoursRequirementperacademicyearbygrade:

●FreshmenandSophomores-10hours

●JuniorsandSeniors-20hours

Afive-pointdeductioninthestudent’sBibleclassismadefornotcompletingyearlyrequirements.

AcademicProbation

Studentswithlessthana2.0GPAincoreclasses(Math,English,History,Science,andBible)ormorethanone “F”foranysemesterwillbeplacedonprobationforthenextsemester.Studentswithlessthana2.0GPAin coreclassesormorethanone“F”fortheprobationarysemestermaynotbeeligibleforcontinuedenrollment.

TheSchoolCounselingDepartmentmonitorsstudentachievementasrelatedtoacademicprobationand communicatesregularlywiththeBCSadministrationandwithparentsofstudentsatriskforbeingplacedon academicprobation.Whenastudentisplacedonacademicprobation,theCounselingOfficewillfacilitate communicationbetweentheBCSadministration,student,andparentsregardingeligibilityforre-enrollment asperBCSpolicy.

AcademicIntegrity

BCSstudentsareexpectedtopursuehonestyandintegrityinallthattheydoandsay;therefore,creatinga falseimpressionofcourseworkisaformofdishonestyandwillbetreatedasaLevel2-4violation.Fora furtherdescriptionoftheBCSpolicyonAcademicIntegrity,pleaseseeAppendixB.

OfficePolicies&Procedures

StudentRecords

TheschoolmaintainsapermanentcumulativefileonallBCSstudents.Recordsofhealth,grades,standardized testscores,reportsonparentconferences,anddisciplinaryactionmakeupmostofthecontentofthese records.

Transcripts

Anunofficialtranscriptofastudent’sgradeswillbeprovidedfreeuponrequesttothestudent’sparentor guardianortothestudentifhe/shehasattainedtheageof18.ThetranscriptwillincludethefullHighSchool recordofgrades.Briarwooddoesnotincludedisciplinehistoryonstudenttranscripts.

ReleaseofRecords

●Briarwoodwillreleasestudentgrades,standardizedtestscores,andmedicalinformationuponthe writtenrequestofanotherschoolsystem,whensuchrequestscontainboththesignatureofan authorizedschoolofficial,andthesignatureofatleastonelegallyauthorizedparentorlegalguardian ontherequestformtobesuppliedbythereceivingschool.

●Noschoolrecords,otherthanthetranscriptandstandardizedtestingrecordsdefinedabove,willbe releasedtoastudent’sparentsoralegalguardian,oranyagencyotherthananotherschool.

●Theconfidentialityofcumulativerecordswillbemaintained.Theprofessionalstafforotherapproved personsmayhaveaccesstotherecordsunderconditionsspecifiedbythePrincipal.

●Recordsandtranscriptswillnotbereleasedwhenastudent’stuitionorfeesarenotpaidinfullatthe endofaschoolyear,orifanaccountisdelinquentduringtheschoolyear.

●TheSchoolreservestherighttoverifytheidentityandcustodialprivilegesofapersonrequesting records.

StudentRecordsAdministrativeFeePolicy

Whenacopyofstudentrecordsandcommunicationsaredemandedbysubpoena,theschoolexperiencesa significantadministrativeburden.Consequently,thegatheringofsubpoenaedrecordscommencesonlyonthe receiptof$500forcurrentBCSstudentand$1000forapaststudent.

WithdrawalPoliciesandProcedures

Towithdrawastudentduringtheschoolyear,aparentmustcompleteawithdrawalformandsubmitittothe AdmissionsDirector.Theentireyear’stuitionisdueandpayableinfullunlessthestudentisbeingaskedto leaveduetodisciplinaryactionorthestudent’sfamilyismovingoutofthearea.Anyrequestforspecial exemptiontothispolicymustbesubmittedtotheSuperintendentinwriting.Therequestshoulddetailaplan forpayingtheaccount.Norecordsortranscriptswillbeforwardeduntilthisobligationismetinfull.

Astudentwhohaswithdrawnduringtheschoolyearmaynotbereadmittedforaperiodofoneyearexcept byrecommendationoftheschooladministrationandapprovalbytheSchoolBoardExecutiveCommittee.To beeligiblefortheexceptiontheentireyear’stuitionfortheyearofwithdrawalmusthavebeenpaidinfull. Readmissionafterayearshouldnotbeconsideredautomatic.Wewillnotmakeacommitmenttoyouabout thereadmissionofyourstudenttoBCS.

Astudentmaynotre-enrolluntilanyoutstandingbalanceispaidinfull.

StudentPictures

Eachfalltheschoolwillhaveindividualpicturestakenbyanapprovedphotographer.Therewillbenocharge forthisservice.

LostandFound

Clothing,books,andpersonalarticleswillbecollectedbytheschoolcustodialstaffeachdayandplacedinthe lostandfound.Theschoolassumesnoresponsibilityforarticlesleftlyingaboutthebuilding.Articlesthatare notreclaimedwillbedonatedtoacharitableorganization.Studentsareencouragednottobringlarge amountsofcashtoschoolastheschoolcannotrepaymoneythathasbeenlostorstolen.

Lockers

BCShasalimitednumberoflockersthatareavailableforusethroughoutthefacility.WhileJuniorHigh studentsareassignedalocker,HighSchoolstudentsarenot.IfaHighSchoolstudentdesirestousealocker duringtheschoolyear,thestudentmaysubmitarequesttotheHighSchoolOffice.Onceapproved,the studentwillbeassignedalocker.Thelocksoneachofthelockershavebeendeactivatedbutcanbe reactivatedbyrequest.Studentsarenotpermittedtoplacetheirownlocksonschoollockers.Lossofor deliberatedestructionofaschoollockorlockerwillresultinafeeforthereplacementvaluebeingassessedto theparentsofthestudent.Theschoolretainstherightofaccesstoalllockersatanytimeforanyreason. Lockerinspectionmaybeheldatanytime.

TextbooksandSupplies

Textbooksandsupplementarybookswillbeprovidedforeachstudent.Itmustbeemphasizedthatthese booksarethepropertyofBCSandmustbetakencareofproperly,includingappropriateprotectivecovering. Deliberatedefacingorlossofanyofthesematerialswillresultinthefullreplacementcostbeingassessedto theparentsorlegalguardian.Studentsmayretainpossessionof“consumable”books.

Studentsarerequiredtoprovidetheirownsuppliessuchaspencils,pens,paper,notebooks,andother materialsthatmayberequiredbyindividualteachers.

Admissions&Enrollment

BCSdoesnotdiscriminateinconnectionwithadmissionsandenrollmentonthebasisofrace,color,gender,or nationalandethnicorigin.StudentsmustscoreatgradelevelonastandardizedtestadministeredbyBCSand successfullycompletetheapplicationprocesstobeeligibleforenrollment.Theschooldoesnotprovide

enrollmenttostudentswhosespecialeducationalorphysicalneedscannotbemetbyourexistingprograms, services,orstaff.Theschoolreservestherighttodenyadmissionorcontinuedenrollmenttoanystudent whoseactionsdemonstratethatitisnotintheschool’sbestinteresttoallowadmissionorcontinued enrollment.

Re-admissionorContinuedEnrollment

AnystudentexpelledfromBCS,orallowedtowithdraw,willnotbeallowedtoapplyforre-admissionforat leastonecalendaryear.Re-enrollmentwouldnotbeavailableuntilthefallfollowingtheonecalendaryear outofschool.Anystudentallowedtore-applymustmeetallentrancerequirements.RequestsforreadmissionshouldbemadeinwritingtotheSuperintendent.Considerationforre-admissionwillbemadeby theExecutiveCommitteeoftheSchoolBoard.

Anystudent,giventheoptiontowithdrawwithoutapointdeduction,maynotre-enterwithouttheinclusion ofpenaltypointsuponre-enrollment.Ifre-admissionisgranted,thesepointswillbedeductedduringthefirst gradingperiodofthestudent’sreturn.Theschoolreservestherighttodenyre-admission,admission,or continuedenrollmenttoanystudentwhoseactionsdemonstratethatitisnotintheschool’sbestinterestto allowadmission,re-admission,orcontinuedenrollment.

Athletics&Co-CurricularActivities

TheroleofsportsandactivitiesatBriarwoodistoprovidephysicalactivityforstudentsandtoofferan opportunityfordiscipleship,fellowshipandcharacterdevelopmentinaChristianenvironment.Studentsare requiredtodemonstratetheutmostintegrityintheseafterschooleventstomaintaintheprivilegeof participation.

Student-athletesandtheirfamiliesshouldreviewtheBCSAthleticsHandbookforinformationaboutBCS athletics.

Achieving&MaintainingEligibility

AtBriarwood,studentsmustmaintainaminimumsemesterGPAof2.50,currentsemestergradechecksmust shownogradesof“F,”nomorethantwogradesof“D”andmaintaingoodbehavioralstandingtobeeligible toparticipateinathleticsand/oractivities.Studentsarenoteligibletoparticipateingameswhileonacademic orbehavioralprobation,buttheymayparticipateinpractice.Onceastudenthasbeenputonacademic probationduringaseason,theirgradeswillbeevaluatedweeklyfortheentireseason.Thegradesofastudent onacademicprobationwillbeevaluatedat3:30pmeachFridaytoassesseligibilityforthecomingweek.To beginanewsportsseason,thestudentmusthavesatisfiedtheschoolandAHSSAguidelinesfortheprevious semester.

Additionally,agradecheckwillbecompletedforallathletesatthebeginningofeachsportsseasonandevery fiveweeksafteruntiltheendoftheseason.

AstudentnotmaintainingtheschoolandAHSSAguidelineswillbeputonathleticprobationuntileligibility requirementsaremet.

MiddleandhighschoolstudentsintheASPProgramwillhavetheireligibilityassessedbytheadministration.

CoachesandactivitydirectorsmaintaintherighttorecommendtothePrincipalorAthleticDirectorthata studentbedismissedfromthesportoractivityinwhichtheyparticipate.

FieldTrips

Thesewillbeconductedinrelationtoclassroomlearningactivities.Allfieldtripsmustberequestedinwriting withspecificobjectiveslistedandapprovedbythePrincipal.

●Schooltime-Mostfieldtripswilloccurduringtheschoolday.Offcampustripswilluseschoolprovided transportationortransportationapprovedbythePrincipal.

●Afterschoolhours-Onsomespecialoccasions,afieldtripwillbeapprovedforafterhoursorona Saturday.Overnighttripswillonlyrarelybeapprovedandthenonlyunderverystrictsupervisionand withparentalconsentformssignedandonfileforeachstudent.

MusicalPerformances&Concerts

Forstudentsinthechoirandbandprograms,anumberofafterschoolorweekendconcertswillberequired, astheseperformancesareanintegralpartofthemusiccurriculum.Thetimes,datesandplacesofthese specialeventswillbeannouncedinadvancetoenableparentsandstudentstoplanaccordingly.Studentswho areunabletoattendarequiredperformancemustpresentanexcusefromaparent/guardianandfurnishitto thePrincipalforconsideration.

SpecialProgramsandAssemblies

Fromtimetotime,specialspeakers,filmsorprogramsofsignificantspiritual,academicorculturalvaluewill bepresented.Parentsareinvitedandencouragedtoattendtheseprograms.Studentgroupsororganizations mayrequestapprovalforprogramsorpresentationstothestudentbody.

Chapel

AttheveryheartofChristianeducationistheconstantconcernoftheentirestaffforthespiritualgrowthand vitalityofthestudentbody.Asapartofthisconcern,weeklychapelprogramswillbeplannedtochallenge studentstocommitorrededicatetheirlivestoChrist,toencouragethemtoleadaChristianlifeandtoprovide opportunitytopraiseGodforHisgreatgiftofsalvation.Weeklychapeltopicswillbeplannedbyteachersand Administratorswithinputfromstudents.Parentsandguardiansareinvitedandencouragedtoattendchapel. UpperSchoolchapelsareusuallyheldonFridaysintheauditorium.

SchoolSponsoredTrips

Parentsandstudentsmustrecognizethatanyschoolsponsoredtrip,especiallythosethatrequireovernight stays,aresubjecttoschoolpoliciesanddiscipline.Improperbehavior,including(butnotlimitedto),curfew violations,controlledsubstanceviolations,vandalism,pranks,disobedience,anddisrespectofauthoritymay subjectthestudenttoconsequencesuptoandincludingexpulsion.

Parent&CommunityRelations

School/FamilyCooperation

TheschoolbelievesthatapositiveandconstructiveworkingrelationshipbetweentheSchoolandfamilyis essentialtothefulfillmentoftheschool’seducationalpurposeandresponsibilitiestoitsstudents.Ifthe Parent’s/Guardian’sorotherfamilymember’sbehavior,communications,orinteractionsonoroffcampus (includingduringschool-sponsoredevents)isdisruptive,intimidating,oroverlyaggressive,orreflectsalossof confidenceorseriousdisagreementwiththeschool’spolicies,methodsofinstruction,ordiscipline,or otherwiseseriouslyinterfereswiththeschool’ssafetyprocedures,responsibilities,oraccomplishmentofits educationalpurposeorprogram,theSchoolreservestherighttodismissthefamilyfromthecommunity.In addition,theschoolreservestherighttoplacerestrictionsonparents’orotherfamilymembers’involvement oractivityatschool,onschoolproperty,oratschool-relatedeventsiftheparentorotherfamilymember engagesinbehaviororhasastatus(suchasacriminalconviction)thatwouldreasonablysuggestthatsuch restrictionsmaybeappropriateforthecommunity.Therewillbenorefundoftuitionwheresuchenforced withdrawaloccursandanyunpaidbalanceispayableinfullaccordingtothetermsofthisAgreement.If,for anyreason,itisinthebestinterestoftheschool,theschoolalsoreservestherighttowithdrawanofferof enrollmentorre-enrollmentatanytime,andtonullifyanexecutedenrollmentcontract.

Parent&CommunityStandards

AsaministryofBriarwoodPresbyterianChurch,BriarwoodChristianSchoolexiststoglorifyGodbypartnering withChristianfamiliestoprovideaChrist-centered,biblicallybasededucationthatnurturesstudentsin wisdom,stature,andfavorwithGodandman.Insupportofthismission,thebehaviorofparentsand guardiansinourschoolcommunitymustalignwithbiblicalvalues,reflectChrist,andpromoteunityandgrace.

1.ParentSocialMediaPolicy–ChristlikeCommunication(Ephesians4:29;Philippians2:14;Matthew18:1517)

ParentsandguardiansareexpectedtohonorChristinallformsofcommunication,includingsocialmedia platformssuchasFacebook,Instagram,TikTok,GroupMe,orothers.Postsandcommentsshouldreflectgrace, encouragement,andunity.Parentsmustnotusesocialmediatosharenegative,critical,ordivisivecontent relatedto:

●Theschool,itsleadership,operations,curriculum,events,orassignments

●Faculty,staff,oradministration

●Studentsorotherschoolfamilies

Concernsshouldbedirectedprivatelytoappropriateschoolpersonnelfollowingthebiblicalmodelof reconciliationoutlinedinMatthew18.Publicorprivateonlinebehaviorthatisdefamatory,divisive,or harmfultoindividualsorthereputationoftheschoolisinconsistentwithChristianwitnessandmayresultin disciplinaryactions,includingdismissalofthefamilyfromtheschoolcommunity.

2.ParentExpectations(Philippians2:14-16)

Westrivetocultivateapositive,Christ-honoringschoolculturebuiltonmutualtrustandclearexpectations. Whenaparent’sconductunderminesthisculture,itmayjeopardizetheirchild’scontinuedenrollment. Examplesofunacceptablebehaviorincludeandarenotlimitedto:

●Hostingstudentgatheringswherealcohol,drugs,orinappropriatebehaviorispresent

●Possessingalcoholordrugsatschooleventsandfunctions

●Speakingdisrespectfullytooraboutschoolpersonnel

●Demandingthedismissalofemployees

●Underminingdisciplinarymeasurestakenbytheschool

●Spreadingcriticismornegativitywithintheschoolcommunity

●Becomingundulyinvolvedinclassroomoperationsorstaffresponsibilities

●RefusingtofollowtheMatthew18conflictresolutionprocess

●Treatingotherparents,students,orstaffmemberswithdisrespect

ConcernswillbeaddressedindividuallywiththeSuperintendentand/orDivisionPrincipal.Groupmeetings, protests,ortownhallsintendedtoairgrievancesorresolveproblemsarenotpermitted.Ifaparentofa currentstudentfilesalawsuit—orthreatenstodoso—againsttheschool,thestudentwillbedismisseduntil thematterisresolved.Acriticalspirit,ingratitude,andfailuretopursuebiblicalreconciliationthreatenthe spiritualhealthofourschoolcommunity.

3.ParentCommunication

Tosupportahealthywork-lifebalanceandmaintainprofessionalism,facultyandstaffarenotexpectedto respondtocommunicationsbefore7:00a.m.,after7:00p.m.,oronweekends.Allcommunicationswith schoolpersonnelshouldberespectful,constructive,andtimely.

Emailistheprimarymodeofcommunicationforschool-relatedmatters.Parentsareaskednottocallortext teachersorstaffdirectly,especiallyduringinstructionalhours,asteachersarefocusedonteachingandmay notseethesemessagespromptly.

Forurgentortime-sensitivematterssuchasstudentdismissalchanges,after-schoolplans,ortransportation updates,parentsshouldcontacttheschoolofficedirectly.Theofficestaffisbestequippedtoensurethis informationreachesstudentsandteachersquicklyandefficiently.

Parentsarealsoaskedtocarefullyreadallcommunicationssentbytheschooltoavoidunnecessaryemailsto teachersregardinginformationthathasalreadybeensharedthroughofficialchannels.Thishelpsreducethe volumeofemailsteachersreceive,allowingthemtofocusontheirprimaryresponsibility—teachingandcaring forstudents.

Weappreciateyourcooperationinhelpingkeepteacheremailinboxesmanageableandenablingourstaffto serveyourchildreneffectively.

4.ConflictResolution

ConflictsandconcernsshouldbeaddressedaccordingtothebiblicalprocessinMatthew18—beginningwith thosedirectlyinvolved.Emailandtextarediscouragedforconflictresolution.Face-to-faceconversationsare thepreferredandexpectedmethod.

TheSuperintendent,respectiveheadofcampusordivisionalPrincipalmanageconflictsinvolvingparents.

TheBCSExecutiveteammanagesconflictsamongstaff.ChurchandBCSExecutiveteamworkcollaboratively withcommunicationsprofessionalsduringcrisesorpublicrelationsmatters.

OurgoalistopreserveaGospel-centeredenvironmentmarkedbykindness,joy,andgratitude.

IfthereisaconflictbetweenmembersofourfamilyandanyoneassociatedwithBriarwoodChristianSchool,a ministryofBriarwoodPresbyterianChurch,wecommittomakingasincereefforttoresolveitaccordingtothe peacemakingprinciplessetforthinScripture(see,forexample,Prov.19:11;Matt.5:9,5:23-24,7:3-5,18:1520;1Cor.6:1-8;Eph.4:29-32;Gal.6:1;Phil.2:1-4;www.rw360.org/peacemaking;www.rw360.org/gptc).Ifwe areunabletoresolveaconflictthroughpersonalconversationsorinformalmediation,orthroughthe establisheddisciplinaryprocessoftheschool,weagreetoresolvingthematterthroughformalChristian conciliation,whichisdescribedintheHandbookforChristianConciliation(www.rw360.org/ccshandbook).If formalChristianconciliationisnotsuccessful,weagreetoparticipateinlegallybindingarbitrationin accordancewiththeRulesofProcedureforChristianConciliationoftheChristianConciliationService®,a divisionofRelationalWisdom360(completetextoftheRulesisavailableatwww.rw360.org/ccshandbook). Judgmentuponanarbitrationdecisionmaybeenteredinanycourtotherwisehavingjurisdiction.Theparties understandthatthesemethodsofdisputeresolutionshallbethesoleremedyforanycontroversyorclaim arisingoutofthisagreementorthepartiesdisputesarisingoutoforrelatedtoanyfamilymembers enrollmentandexpresslywaivetheirrighttofilealawsuitinanycivilcourtagainstoneanotherforsuch disputes,excepttoenforceanarbitrationdecision.

5.Church&SchoolCommunications

WearethankfulforourstrongrelationshipwithBriarwoodPresbyterianChurch.Thechurchempowersthe SuperintendenttoleadBriarwoodChristianSchool,supportedbytheSchoolBoard.TheBoardsetstuition, reviewsfinancialreports,supportsstrategicplanning,participatesinfundraising,andapprovespolicybutis otherwisenotinvolvedinthedaytodayoperationsoftheschool.

Parentswhobringschool-relatedconcernstothechurchwillberedirectedtotheSuperintendenttoensure properandunifiedresolution.

6.CampusUnity&Expectations(Romans13;Hebrews13:7)

Adultsintheschoolcommunity—faculty,staff,andparents—modelthevaluesweseektoinstillinour students.Unityoncampusispreservedwhenwe:

●Avoiddivisiveornegativeconversationsandsocialmediaposts

●Speakrespectfullyaboutfellowparents,staff,churchleadership,andtheschoolitself

●Supportschoolandchurchleadershippubliclyandprivately

●FollowBiblicalteachingsregardinglifestyleandrelationships

WeallanswertoGod-ordainedauthorityandarecalledtosupportthoseHeplacesinleadershipoverus.

7.Controversies&CampusProtests

Wewelcomecivil,respectfuldialogueledbyChristianeducators,butcampusprotests,political demonstrations,anddivisivebehaviorarenotpermitted.Politicalapparel,accessories,orpromotional materialsarenotallowedatschoolorschool-sponsoredevents.

ClassroomdiscussionofdifferingviewpointsisallowedatthediscretionoftheteacherandrespectiveHeadof Campus.However,behaviorthatstirscontroversyordisruptslearningwillnotbetolerated.Ourmission requiresustomaintainfocusonGospel-centeredteachingandstudentwell-being.

8.ParentConductatSchoolEvents&Activities(Colossians3:17;1Corinthians10:31)

ParentsrepresentBriarwoodChristianSchoolandBriarwoodPresbyterianChurchnotonlyoncampus,but alsoatschool-sponsoredevents,athleticcompetitions,fineartsperformances,fieldtrips,andtravelactivities. Whetherinthestands,onthesidelines,oratstudentgatherings,weexpectparentstoreflectChristand modelexemplarybehavioratalltimes.

TohonorChristandsupportourschoolculture,parentsareexpectedto:

●DemonstrateChristlikebehaviorinwords,actions,andattitudeatallevents,bothhomeandaway

●Respectreferees,officials,coaches,judges,andstaff—neverarguing,confronting,yellingator displayingangerpublicly

●Supportallstudentsandteamswithencouragingwordsandattitudes

●Followchaperoneandsupervisionguidelinesduringschooltravelortrips,ensuringstudentsafetyand appropriateness

●Avoidengaginginnegativeconversationsaboutcoaches,staff,students,orotherschoolsduringor afterevents

●Setapositiveexampleforstudents,opponents,andspectatorsbyprioritizingsportsmanship,respect, andgrace

OutofrespectforstudentsandtheChrist-centeredenvironmentweuphold,parentsareexpectedtorefrain fromsmoking,vaping,consumingalcohol,orusinganysubstancesthatareinappropriateinthepresenceof studentsatanyschoolevent,competition,ortrip—whetheronoroffcampus.Thisincludesteam celebrations,travelevents,andinformalgatheringswherestudentsarepresent.Suchbehaviorcompromises thesafe,healthy,andmorallyresponsibleatmosphereweseektomaintainforallstudents.

Ourbehaviorateventsandinthecommunityreflectsdirectlyonourschooland,moreimportantly,onthe nameofChrist.LetusdoallthingsinamannerworthyoftheGospel,seekingtoglorifyGodandupliftone another.

9.StudentSupervisionandSafetyatAthleticEvents(Proverbs4:6–7;1Corinthians14:40)

BriarwoodChristianSchooliscommittedtoprovidingasafeandenjoyableenvironmentforallwhoattendour athleticevents.AsourcommunitygathersforFridaynightfootballgamesandothereveningcompetitions,we askparentsandguardianstopartnerwithusinsupervisingstudentbehaviorandreinforcingexpectationsfor safetyandrespect.Wealsoaskthatyoureviewtheseguidelineswithyourchildbeforeattendinganathletic event.

StudentSupervision

Toensurethewell-beingofallchildrenduringathleticevents,studentsin6thgradeandundermustbe accompaniedbyanadult.LowerSchoolstudentsshouldnotbedroppedoffwithoutappropriatesupervision. Parentsareresponsibleforknowingtheirchild’swhereaboutsthroughouttheevent.

RespectforPropertyandSpace

Studentsshouldrefrainfromclimbingonfences,tamperingwithequipment,ordamaginglandscapingor schoolbuildings.Thegrassyhillleadingtotheshelfareaisnotaplayzoneandnottobeaccessed.

Off-LimitsAreas

Duringeveningevents,allunlitareasoncampusareoff-limits.Thisincludes:

●Tenniscourts

●Cross-countrytrails

●Thewoodedareabehindtheshelf

●Thegrassbanksbesidethehomestands

●Schoolhallwaysandspacesnotusedforaspecificevent

●Baseballandsoftballdugoutsorstands(unlessthefieldislitandstudentshaveparentalpermission)

Evenwhenfieldlightsareon,theseareasarenotofficiallysupervisedbyschoolpersonnel.Fortheirsafety, studentsfoundinrestrictedorunsupervisedlocationswillbereferredtoanadministratorforfollow-up.

ConsiderationforOthers

Weaskthatstudentsbemindfuloftheirsurroundings,especiallywhentossingballs,running,orplaying gamesincrowdedareas.Itisessentialtoconsiderthesafetyofyoungerchildren,olderadults,andfellow attendees.

SportsmanshipandConduct

Studentsareexpectedtoberespectful,encouragingfanswhoreflectChristinbothwordsandactions.Poor sportsmanship,disrespecttowardplayers,coaches,officials,orspectatorswillnotbetoleratedandmaylead totheofferoftheprivilegetowatchgamesbeingwithdrawn.

Theseguidelinesapplytoallathleticevents.Thankyouforyourongoingpartnershipinhelpingusmaintaina safe,respectful,andChrist-honoringatmosphereatBriarwoodChristianSchoolevents.

10.AnonymousComplaintsandFeedback

Wewelcomeparentsrespectfullyraisingconcernsandmeetingtotalktheseover.Feedbackisreceived withoutretaliationfromfaculty,staffandcoaches.Asaclearandsafepathwayisavailableforsharing concerns,anonymousfeedbackisseenasdivisiveandcowardiceandcontrarytotheprinciplesoutlinedin Matthew18.Accordingly,anonymousfeedbackisdiscardedwithoutanyconsideration.

Parent/TeacherConferences

RegularlyscheduledconferenceswillbeheldeachschoolyearforgradesKthrough8.Parentswillbegiventhe opportunitytorequestscheduledconferenceswithasmanyteachersastheywishtosee.Additional conferencesmaybescheduledasneededbydirectlycontactingtheteacherforanappointment.

SchoolCommunications

Theschooliscommittedtoeffectivecommunication.Announcementsregardingspecialeventsandactivities willprimarilybecommunicatedviaemailorfoundontheschoolwebsite.Contentsofthecommunication mustbelimitedtoschoolnewsofgeneralinterestandmustbeapprovedbytheadministration.

ClassroomVisits

Parentsorguardiansmayvisittheclassroomprovidedarequestforsuchvisitismadeatleast1dayinadvance andapprovedbythePrincipalorAssistantPrincipal.Anyonevisitingthecampusmustfirstcheckinatthe mainofficeandbeissuedavisitor’spass.

Visitorsarelimitedtoparents,prospectivestudents,alumniandchurchyouthleaders.Studentsfromother schoolsarenotpermittedtovisitduringtheschoolday.

CampusVisits

BCSalumni,parents,grandparentsandsiblingsofBCSstudentsmayattendlunchattheschool.Guestsare welcometoattendlargeeventsduringtheacademicday(forexample,peprallies,fineartsperformances,or NationalHonorSociety/HonorsDayceremonies).

AnyotherlunchroomvisitorsmustreceivepriorpermissionfromtheAssistantPrincipalorPrincipal.Students fromotherschoolsarenotallowedtovisitBCSduringlunchprimarilyfromalogisticalissueofspaceandtime.

AllvisitorstoBCSduringtheschooldaymustsigninwiththemainofficeandreceiveavisitor’spass.

LunchDeliveries

Studentsarenotallowedtoorderfooddelivery.Parentsbringinglunchtoastudentareaskedtoleaveiton theshelvesbythemainofficeforthestudenttopickup.

IssuesResolutionsPolicy

Occasionallyduringthecourseoftheyearmisunderstandingsorproblemscanariseamongindividualswithin theschool.Complaintsorproblemswillbeconsideredinnootherwaythanprescribedbelow(Matthew 18:15-17),unlesstheyinvolveaspecificdisciplinaryactiontakenbytheBoarditself:

●Allquestions,problemsorcomplaintsshouldbebroughtdirectlytotheteacherfirstbeforeanyone elseisinvolved.

●Ifthesituationisnotclearedupatthislevelthroughdirectcontact,itshouldthenbebroughttothe Principal.

●Ifunresolvedatthispoint,awrittenrequestforreviewcanbesenttotheExecutiveCommitteeofthe SchoolBoard.

Studentsandparentsshouldknowthatconcerns,complaintsandproblemswillnotbevalidatedbythe petitionmethod.AnypetitionreceivedbyateacherwillbegiventothePrincipalanddealtwithaccordingly.

Conflict&Conciliation

IfthereisaconflictbetweenmembersofourfamilyandanyoneassociatedwithBriarwoodChristianSchool,a ministryofBriarwoodPresbyterianChurch,wecommittomakingasincereefforttoresolveitaccordingtothe peacemakingprinciplessetforthinScripture(see,forexample,Prov.19:11;Matt.5:9,5:23-24,7:3-5,18:1520;1Cor.6:1-8;Eph.4:29-32;Gal.6:1;Phil.2:1-4;www.rw360.org/peacemaking;www.rw360.org/gptc).Ifwe areunabletoresolveaconflictthroughpersonalconversationsorinformalmediation,orthroughthe establisheddisciplinaryprocessoftheschool,weagreetoresolvingthematterthroughformalChristian conciliation,whichisdescribedintheHandbookforChristianConciliation(www.rw360.org/ccshandbook).If formalChristianconciliationisnotsuccessful,weagreetoparticipateinlegallybindingarbitrationin accordancewiththeRulesofProcedureforChristianConciliationoftheChristianConciliationService®,a divisionofRelationalWisdom360(completetextoftheRulesisavailableatwww.rw360.org/ccshandbook). Judgmentuponanarbitrationdecisionmaybeenteredinanycourtotherwisehavingjurisdiction.Theparties understandthatthesemethodsofdisputeresolutionshallbethesoleremedyforanycontroversyorclaim arisingoutofthisagreementorthepartiesdisputesarisingoutoforrelatedtoanyfamilymembers enrollmentandexpresslywaivetheirrighttofilealawsuitinanycivilcourtagainstoneanotherforsuch disputes,excepttoenforceanarbitrationdecision.

Non-BCSStudentsParticipatinginSchoolDances

BCSreservestherighttorestrictattendanceorremoveanynon-BCSstudentfromdancesorotherschool supervisedactivities.BCSstudentswhowishtobringanon-BCSstudenttoaneventmustcompleteanofficial schoolpermissionformPRIORtotheevent.PleasenotethatBCSrequiresallgueststobeatleastafreshman inhighschoolandmustbeenrolledandingoodstandingatanotherhighschoolorcertifiedhomeschool.All non-BCSguestsmustpresentaphotoIDattheentranceofthedanceoreventandbewillingtosubmittoany requestforsearchesandon-siteBreathalyzertests.

StudentSafety&Health

Immunizations

InaccordancewithAlabamaStateLaw,eachstudentmusthaveup-to-daterequiredimmunizationsoran exemptionontheappropriategovernmentissuedform.

Anystudentseekingtoenrollwillberequiredtoproducecertifiedproofthattheyhavebeenadministeredall requisiteimmunizationsorproduceanexemptionformbeforeadmissionintoBCS.

ToclaimaMedicalExemption,acertificationfromaqualifiedmedicalprofessionalmustbepresentedonthe approvedAlabamaDepartmentofPublicHealthMedicalExemptionformonapplicationforadmissionto,and approvedby,theBCSadministration.BCSadministrationhastherighttoobtainaverifyingopinionfroma qualifiedmedicalprofessionalofitschoosingasaprerequisiteforthestudent’sadmission.

Weacceptamedicalbasisfornon-immunizationandrespecttheparentalchoicetodelayornothavetheir childrenimmunizedforagenuineanddeeplyheldreligiousbasis.BCSreservestherighttolimitthenumberof unvaccinatedstudentsineachcohortandtheschool.

AdmissionmaybeconsideredforastudentwheretheparentsarerequestingaReligiousExemptionfor immunizations.Insuchcases,theAlabamaDepartmentofPublicHealthReligiousExemptionformistobe provideduponapplicationforadmission.Thisformisobtainedfromacountyhealthdepartment.Itislikely thattheSuperintendentwillrequireawrittenbasisfortherequestforadmissionwiththeReligiousExemption forimmunization;requestsforareligiousexemptionwouldbeevaluatedonacase-by-casebasisbythe Superintendentand/orhis/herdesignee.

TheAlabamaDepartmentofPublicHealthimmunizationschedulerequiresthefollowingforthosewithoutan exemption:

●ChildrenenteringKindergartenneedboostersofDTaP(Diphtheria,Tetanus,andPertussis),Polio,MMR (Measles,Mumps,andRubella),andVaricella.

●Childrenaged11andenteringthe6thgradeneedaTdap(Tetanus,diphtheria,andPertussis) vaccination.

Studentsadmittedwherethereisanagreedandmedicallyverifieddelayinimmunization,aretomeetthe agreedupontimelines(orseekanexemption)tocontinueenrollment.TheschoolNurseisdesignatedwiththe roleofoversightinsituationsinvolving“catch-up”immunizationsaccordingtopublishedADPHcatch-up standards.

NOTICE:Itistheparent/guardian’sresponsibilitytoreadandtoadheretoschoolpoliciesandtosubmitto theschoolrequestedinformation,forms,andotherdocuments.

Aparent/guardian’sfailuretonotifytheschoolofamedicalconditionforwhichastudentisormaybe carryingmedicationsmayresultintherevocationofthestudent’senrollmentprivilegesatBriarwood ChristianSchool.

InfectiousDiseases

Ifanenrolledstudentorapplicantintheprocessofenrollmentisdiscoveredtohaveaninfectiousdiseaseor tobeacarrierofaninfectiousdisease,theschooladministrationwilldeterminewhethertoadmitorcontinue toenrollthestudentbasedonthestudent’sphysicalconditionandtheprobabilityofcontagion.Thisdecision willbemadeonacase-by-casebasisatthesolediscretionoftheschool.

Theparents/guardiansofaninfectedstudent(whohasbeenpermittedtoenrollorremainenrolled)are responsibleforsecuringregularmedicalevaluationsasdeterminedbytheschooladministrationtopermita reliableassessmentofanychangeinthestudent’sconditionwhichmayaffecttheschool’sdecisionpermitting enrollmentorcontinuedattendance.

PoliciesforStudentswithHealthConditionsRequiringMedicationsatSchool

Studentswithconditionsrequiringmedicationatschoolareallowedtokeepapprovedmedications(including inhalers,epinephrineauto-injectorsyringesandglucosemonitors)intheirpossessionatschool.Thisisin accordancewithSection16-1-39oftheCodeofAlabamawhichstates,“Uponobtainingpermissiontoselfadministerapprovedmedicationspursuanttothissection,astudentshallbepermittedtopossessandselfadministerapprovedmedications,accordingtotheordersoftheprescriber,atanytimewhileonschool propertyorwhileattendingaschool-sponsoredevent.”

Therequirementsforyourchildtocarryanapprovedmedicationare:

●ProvideacompletedSchoolMedicationPrescriber/ParentAuthorizationForm(BCSversion)indicating thatself-administrationispermittedandrecommendedbythephysiciantobecarried“on-person”by thestudent.TheBCSversionofthisformcanbeobtainedfromtheschoolofficeorthewebsite.

●Theapprovedmedicationmustbekeptinaclosedpouchthatthestudentcarriesatalltimes.Itmust beintheoriginalcontainerproperlylabeledwiththestudent’sname,prescriber’sname,dateof prescription,nameofmedication,dosage,strength,timeinterval,routeofadministrationanddrug expirationdate.

IftheSchoolMedicationPrescriber/ParentAuthorizationFormdoesnotauthorizethestudenttocarrythe medicationon-person,themedicationwillbekeptinthenurse’soffice.Parentsmayelecttokeepanextra supplyofmedicationthatisneededforemergenciesinthenurse’sofficeincaseastudentlosesorforgetsit. Medicationkeptinthenurse’sofficemustbeintheoriginalcontainerproperlylabeledwiththestudent’s name,prescriber’sname,dateofprescription,nameofmedication,dosage,strength,timeinterval,routeof administrationanddrugexpirationdate.

Theschoolwillinformfacultyandstaffofstudentswithhealthconditionsrequiringmedicationsatschooland whetherthestudenthasthemedicationon-personorintheschooloffice.

AdministrationofOtherMedications

Allprescribedmedications,otherthanthoseapprovedmedicationsdiscussedabove,shouldbekeptinthe nurse’soffice.Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytodeliverthemedicinelabeledwithnameanddosage instructionstothenurse,andthentoreportattheappropriatetimetoreceivethemedicationwhichmustbe takeninthepresenceofthenurse.ForanyOTCmedicationsnotlistedinFACTS,parentswillbecalledbythe schoolnurseandwrittenpermissionmustbeobtainedfromtheparentbeforemedicationcanbe administeredtothestudent.

DisclosureofHealthInformation

ParentsprovidemedicalinformationtotheschoolontheStudentInformationFormcompletedannuallyand ontheSchoolMedicationPrescriber/ParentAuthorizationFormifoneisrequired.BCSwilldisclosethis informationtoallpartieswhoneedittoprovidemedicalcaretothestudent.

FirstAid

Designatedfacultywithpropertrainingshallrenderfirstaidtreatmentasnecessary.Studentswhobecomeill atschoolwillbetemporarilyhousedinasafeareauntiltransportationhomecanbearranged.Underno conditionwillastudentbereleasedwithoutthespecificauthorizationofaparentorlegalguardian.

EmergencyPhoneNumbersofParentsRequired

BCSrequiresthatatleastoneemergencyphonenumberbeonfileintheschooloffice.Inadditiontohome phonenumbers,theschoolrequiresaworkphonenumber,mobilephonenumberorthenumberofacontact whocouldbecalledintheeventofaseriousproblem.

MedicalReleaseFormRequired

TheschoolmusthaveasignedConsentforParticipationandMedicalTreatmentandaReleaseofLiability(on theStudentInformationForm)foreachstudent.Thisformallowsphysicianstoperformemergencytreatment intheeventweareunabletoreachaparentorlegalguardian.Fewhospitalsordoctorswilltreatapatient undertheageof18withoutparentalconsent,andinaseriousemergencyitcouldsavealife.

StudentAccidentInsuranceProtection

Schooltimestudentaccidentinsurancecoverageisprovidedforallstudentsforlossresultingfrombodily injurycauseddirectlybyacoveredaccident,independentofallothercauses,withpaymentsasprovidedand inaccordancewiththeterms,provisions,andconditionsofthemasterpolicyissuedtotheschoolbythe carrier.Generally,abodilyinjuryincludedundertheterm“coveredaccident”wouldbeanaccidentalbodily injuryoccurringataschoolsponsored,scheduled,andsupervisedactivity,(exceptvarsityfootball)or occurringwhilebeingtransportedtoorfromsuchactivitybyschoolsponsoredtransportation.

Thisinsuranceisdesignedtosupplementthefamily’sindividualorgroupinsurancecoverageanddoesnot eliminatetheneedforsuchcoverage.Thestudentaccidentinsuranceislimitedinthebenefitsprovidedand, inmostcases,willnotcoverallofthelossofexpenserelatedtoacoveredaccidentalbodilyinjury.

AcopyofabrochureisavailableintheSchoolBusinessOffice.Themasterpolicyisavailableforinspection duringbusinesshours.

MedicalandDentalAppointments

Wheneverpossible,allmedicalanddentalappointmentsshouldbemadeoutsideofregularschoolhours.If thisisnotpossible,parents/guardiansshouldnotifyteacherstobeaffectedbythestudent’sabsencein advance,andpropercheck-outproceduresmustbefollowedbeforethestudentmayleaveschool.

PhysicalEducationExcuses

EverystudentenrolledinPhysicalEducationisexpectedtoparticipate.Excusedabsencesmayincludebutare notlimitedto:

●Sicknesswhichpreventsattendanceinanyotherclass.

●Doctor’swrittenexcuse.Thesenotesmuststatethecauseandreasonforexcusingthestudentaswell asthetimethestudentwillbeabletoreturntonormalactivity.

●Parents’writtenexcuse.Thesenotesshouldasktheinstructortotakeintoconsiderationastudent’s condition.Generally,thereareactivitiesthatcanbedonewithoutaggravatingaproblem.Therefore,in mostsituationsastudentwillnotbeexcusedfromP.E.

●Instructor’sprerogative.Theinstructormayexcuseanystudentwhomheorsheconsidersunableto participate.

WithpermissionofadoctorandspecialsupervisionofPhysicalEducationteachers,specialexerciseprograms forstudentstemporarilyorpermanentlyunabletoparticipatemaybeoffered.

FinancialResponsibilities

Paymentoffees,tuitionandotherchargesassetoutintheEnrollmentApplication,Re-enrollmentForm, ScheduleofCharges,StudentHandbook,andothercommunicationsmustbemadeinaccordancewiththe termsspecified:

●A2%discountisallowedontheadvancepaymentoftheannualtuitionifreceivedbytheschoolonor beforeMay31.Nodiscountisallowedonfeesoranyothercharges.

●Itistheparent/legalguardian’sobligationtopaytheannualtuitionwhenastudentisenrolled regardlessofwhetherthestudentactuallyattendsschool.Withdrawalofastudentduringtheschool yeardoesnotvoidthefinancialobligationtotheschoolwiththeexceptionoffamilieswhomovefrom theschoolarea(50-mileradiusoftheschool).

●Applicationfeesarenon-refundable.Theinitialregistrationfee,studentcommitmentfeeandadvance tuitionpaymentsarerefundableif(a)thefamilymovesoutofthearea(50-mileradiusoftheschool) beforetheopeningofschool,or(b)theschoolfailstoprovideenrollmenttothestudent.

●Afeewillbechargedforeachreturnedcheck.

PastDue

Currentmonth’stuitionandfeechargesarepastdueifnotreceivedbythelastdayofthemonth.Afinance chargeof1.5%(annualrate18%)isassessedonabalanceduefromthepreviousbillingperiod.Anypastdue accountissubjecttothefollowingprovisions:

●Astudentwhoseaccountismorethan60dayspastdueisineligibletoenrollortoreturnforthe secondsemesteruntilsatisfactorypaymentarrangementshavebeenmade.

●Ifastudentaccountbecomes60dayspastdueduringtheschoolterm,thestudentmaybeaskednot toreturntoclassuntilsatisfactorypaymentarrangementshavebeenmade.

●Reportcards,transcriptsorotherrecordswillnotbereleasedforanystudentwhoseaccountismore than60dayspastdueuntilsatisfactorypaymentarrangementshavebeenmade.

●Astudentwhoseaccountismorethan60dayspastduemaynotchargephysicaleducationuniforms, yearbooks,afterschoolcare,oranyotheritemtotheaccount.

●AccesstotheFACTSsystemmaybeblockedforanystudentwhoseaccountismorethan60dayspast due.

●Whenanaccountbecomesdelinquentandhastworeturnedchecksapplied,nofurtherpaymentby checkwillbeaccepted.Theaccountwillbeplacedonacashonlybasis.Onlycashorcertifiedfundswill beaccepted.

Tuitionisbilledoveraten-monthperiodfromJunetothefollowingMarchasaservicetofamilies.However, theschoolreservestherighttorevokethisprivilegeatanytimeforaccountswhicharehabituallydelinquent orforothersituationsasdeemednecessary.Whenthishappens,theschoolwillprovidewrittennoticethatall remainingtuitionfortheyearmustbepaidinfullwithinthetimeframespecifiedbytheschoolifthestudent istoremaininschool.Note,however,thisrequirementmaybechangedbytheExecutiveCommitteeofthe SchoolBoardatitsdiscretion.

Parents/legalguardiansareresponsibleforhonoringtheirfinancialcommitmentstotheschool.Itistheir responsibilitytocontacttheschooliftheyareunabletomakepaymentsbythescheduledduedatein accordancewithspecifiedterms.

Transportation

ShuttleBusService

Asaservicetostudentsandparents,BCSoperatesashuttlebusprogrambetweentheUpperSchooland LowerSchoolcampuses.Althoughthereisamonthlychargeforthisservice,theschoolofferstheprogramat thelowestpossiblecharge.ThebusschedulesandtheservicefeesareincludedontheShuttleBusSchedule andRequestForm,whichisavailableintheschooloffice.

Themonthlychargecannotbeadjustedbecauseastudentfailstoridethebusonanyoccasion.Chargesfor thebusserviceareaddedtothemonthlystatement.Itisthestudent’sorparent’sresponsibilitytonotifythe school’sBusinessofficeinadvanceoftheservicebeingcanceled.Failuretoreportyourcancellationwillresult inyourcontinuingpaymentfortheservice.

Theschoolcannotprovidetransportationotherthanthatstatedintheestablishedbusschedule.

Improperbehavioronschoolbusesisnotpermitted.Busdriversneedtoconcentrateondrivingandshould notbedistractedbythemisbehaviorofstudentsonthebus.Thosestudentswho,intheopinionofthebus driver,misbehavewillbereferredtotheirrespectivePrincipalorAssistantPrincipalforappropriateaction. Shouldmisbehaviorcontinue,thestudentwillnotbepermittedtoridetheshuttlebus.

ShuttleBusServiceandStudentswithMedicalConditions

Studentswithlife-threateningallergiesarenotpermittedtoridetheshuttlebusbetweenthetwocampuses.

StudentsonCampusafterSchoolHours

JuniorHighstudentswaitingforridesattheUpperSchoolcampusmustgotothesupervisedafterschool studyhalliftheyarenotpickedupby3:25pm.

HighSchoolandJuniorHighstudentswaitingforridesattheLowerSchoolcampusmuststayintheLionlobby.

StudentsWhoDrivetoSchool

Allstudentsprovidingtheirowntransportationmustparkinthedesignatedparkingarea.Sign-upfor designatedparkingspaceswilltakeplacewithinthelastfewweeksofthepreviousyear.Ifastudentobtains his/herdriver'slicenseduringtheschoolyearandbeginsparkingoncampus,he/shemustcometotheoffice tobeassignedadesignatedspace.

LossofDrivingPrivileges

BCSreservestherighttosuspendorrevokestudentdrivingprivilegesoncampusforanylengthoftime. Reasonsforthelossofdrivingprivilegescanvaryfromtrafficviolationstosafetyconcerns.

StudentsLeavingCampus

Anystudentleavingcampusduringschoolhoursmusthavepermissionfromaparentorlegalguardianand thePrincipalorAssistantPrincipal.Anystudentwholeavescampuswithoutpermissionissubjectto suspension.

Nostudentsarepermittedincarsorparkingareasduringtheschooldaywithoutadministrativeapproval.

VehicleLiability

Theschoolassumesnoliabilityfordamagetoorlossesfromanyvehicleparkedoncampusatanytime.

Trafficflowandparkingrestrictionswillbeexplainedandenforcedfromthefirstdayofschool.Anycareless driving,speedingorloiteringintheparkinglotisforbidden.Studentswhoviolatetheserulesmayhavetheir drivingprivilegesrevoked.CarsmaynotbeparkedovernightwithoutthepermissionofthePrincipal.

OtherPolicies

BiblicalMoralityStatement

Theschoolreservestherighttomakedecisionsregardinganyissueofmoralityinaccordancewiththe standardsandpracticesofchurchleadership.ThosestandardsandpracticesbeginwiththeScripturesofthe OldandNewTestaments(theinerrantWordofGod),andincludethefollowing,whicharesubjecttoand subordinatetotheScriptures:TheConstitutionofthePresbyterianChurchinAmerica,consistingofits doctrinalstatementssetforthintheWestminsterConfessionofFaith,togetherwiththeLargerandShorter Catechisms,andtheBookofChurchOrder,comprisingtheformofgovernment,theRulesofDiscipline,and theDirectorforWorship,alladoptedbyBriarwoodPresbyterianChurch(BCOpreface89,95,97).

WeatherOrEmergencySchoolClosure

Intheeventofemergencyschoolclosures,BriarwoodChristianSchoolwillannouncespecificinformationon thefollowingradioandtelevisionstations:TV(Fox6,NBC13,ABC33/40,CBS42)andRadio(WLJRandWDJC). Informationwillalsobedistributedviaourschoolwebsite,socialmedia,email,textmessage,andtheschool voicemessagingsystem.

SchoolClosed

●AllareasofBriarwoodChristianSchoolareclosed.

●Allactivitiesarecanceled.

●Staffarenotrequiredtoreporttowork.

DelayedStart

●Beforeschoolactivitiesarecanceled.

●BeforeSchoolCareiscanceled.

●K-12,AMandfull-dayEarlyChildhoodclassesbeginat10:00a.m.;CubHousestartat10:15a.m.

●AfterSchoolCareandPMEarlyChildhoodwilloperateontheirregularschedules.

●Thebusbetweencampuswillbedelayed:LStoUSat9:00a.m.,UStoLSat9:10a.m.

●On-siteafter-schoolactivitieswillcontinueunlessotherwisenoted.

●AHSAAactivitiesmaybepostponedorcanceled.

EarlyDismissal

●BeforeschoolactivitiesandBeforeSchoolCarewilloperateontheirregularschedule.

●AMandfull-dayEarlyChildhoodclasseswillendat11:30a.m.orascommunicated.

●AllK-12classeswillendat11:30a.m.JK-6classesendat11:30a.m.;CubHouseat11:15a.m.;JHat 11:45a.m.;andHSat12noon.

●AllafterschoolactivitiesandAfterSchoolCarearecanceled.

●AHSAAactivitiesmaybepostponedorcanceled.

●Schoollunchwillnotbeserved.

●BusesbetweencampuseswillrunONLYforfacultyandstaff(11:30a.m.and11:50a.m.)

Werequestthatparentsusetheirdiscretionindeterminingthesafetyoftheroutethatmustbetraveledto andfromschooloninclementweatherdaysregardingstudentattendance.Ifaparentdeterminesthatsafety conditionswarranttheirstudentstayinghome,theparentmustcontacttheschoolviaemailorphonetolet theschoolknowtheirchildwillbeabsent.OnceastudentisatBCS,heorshemustremainoncampusuntil regulardismissaltimeorparentpick-up.UpperSchoolstudentsunabletoattendschooloncampusare expectedtoparticipateintheirlearningviatherecordedlessonsinGoogleClassroom.

ToreceiveParentAlertsyoumusthavecurrentcontactinformation(validhome,work,andmobilephone numbersandemailaddressesenteredintoFACTS).Failuretomaintainaccurateandcurrentinformationon FACTSwillpreventyoufromreceivingnotifications.Parentsareresponsibleforkeepingthisinformation accurateandcurrent.

LegalActionAgainstBCS

Astudent’senrollmentwillbeterminatedoninitiationoflegalactionagainsttheschool.

NationalHonorSociety

10th-12thgradestudentsareeligibleforthefalltappingintotheNationalHonorSociety.Thesestudentsmust filloutaNationalHonorSocietyApplicationwhichlistsscholarshipandsocialachievement,servicetochurch andthecommunity,andleadershippositionsheldinschool,church,orcommunity.

PregnancyPolicy

Intheinstanceofpregnancy,itisthepolicyofBCStoworkwithstudents,theirfamilies,andtheirchurchto bringaboutrepentance,growthandlifeforallinvolved.Itisofprimaryconcernthatourstudentsunderstand thatabortionnotonlyputstodeaththelifeofanunbornchildbutinmostcases,isalsoapainfulregretand shamethatboththemotherandfatherofthechildcarrywiththemfortherestoftheirlives.

Itisthisschool’sdesiretoworkwithstudentstoencouragethecontinuationofthepregnancytofulltermand tohelpfindcounseling,adoptionorotherservicesrequiredwhilecontinuingtoministertoandeducatethe studentsinvolved.Thiscouldincludeoptionsforcontinuededucationasdeemedappropriatebythe administrationonacase-by-casebasis.ContinuedenrollmentatBCSisatthesolediscretionofthe administration.Keyfacultyandstaffwillworkwithstudentstoprovidethenecessarynextstepstopromote theintegrityoflifeforallconcerned.

Receiving/ReportingInformation-Confidentiality

Schooladministrationinvestigatesallinformationreceivedappropriatetothecredibilityofthesource. Whenparentsarewilling,theyareencouragedtocommunicatetheinformationathandtotheparent(s)of thestudent(s)involved.Whentheparentsareunwillingtodothis,theadministrationmayinvestigatethe informationandtakeappropriateaction.

●Noinformationisacteduponwithoutaninvestigationincludingdate,place,time,action,witnessand affectedparties.

●Itisnotnecessaryforthepersonwhohasgiventheinformationtobepresentoridentifiedduringthe investigationormeetings.

StudentClubs&ServiceOrganizations

Manyspecialinterestclubsandorganizationsareformedoroperateeachschoolyear.Clubsoriginatefrom andareledbystudentsunderthedirectionandguidanceofthefacultyandstaffofBCSwhomayserveasclub sponsors.Studentsareencouragedtodevelopideasthatareinaccordancewiththemissionandvisionofthe school,aimedtowardhelpingstudentsbecomegrowingdisciples,compassionateneighbors,responsible stewards,andcourageouslearners.ForanideatobecomeanofficialclubofBCS,studentsmustcompletean applicationthatdemonstratesthattheclubisinlinewiththemissionandvisionoftheschoolandbe approvedbytheDirectorofStudentLifeandPrincipals.Formoreinformationortoreceiveaclubapplication, pleasecontacttheDirectorofStudentLife.

Surveillance

Securitycamerasdonotrecordsoundandareunmonitored.Digitalrecordingsareforinternaluseonly. Studentsandothersoncampusareautomaticallyrecordedinvariouslocations.

DesignatedGiftsPolicy

BCSwillaccepttaxdeductible,designatedgiftsforthefollowingpurposes:

●Giftssolicitedbytheschoolforspecificpurposes.

●GiftsreceivedforoneormoreofthefundsestablishedbytheschoolsuchasitsGeneralScholarship Fund,AcademicEnrichmentFund,etc.

●Giftsreceivedforaseparatescholarshipfundtobenamedinmemoryorinhonorofaperson.Insuch acase,thedonormustnothaveanycontrolovertheawardofscholarshipsfromthefund.

●Giftsforthegeneralfund.Allgiftsnototherwisedesignatedwillbeplacedinthegeneralfundunless otherwiseallocatedbytheSchoolBoardoritsFinanceandLegalCommittee.

●Giftsforanyregularprogramorestablishedactivitysuchasband,choral,academic,athletic,etc.

Taxdeductiblegiftswillnotbereceived,designatedfor,orforthebenefitof“individuals.”Theterm “individual,”inadditiontoafacultyorstaffmember,includesastudentorstudentparentorguardian.

Non-deductiblegiftsdesignatedforindividualfacultyorstaffmembers,students,orstudentfamilieswillbe receivedbyBriarwoodChristianSchoolandthefundsdisbursedinthemannerrequestedbythedonoror donors.Anysuchgiftwillbeacknowledgedwithanappropriateletterthatclearlystatesthatitisreceivedasa non-deductiblegiftandacopyofthelettermustbefiledwiththedepositdocumentthatincludesthegift.

Whenagroupofsupporterswithinaboostergrouporganizesanapprovedsolicitationofgiftsforacoach, groupofcoaches,otherfaculty,orstaffmembers,theSuperintendentwillworkwiththeleadersofsaidgroup togiveguidanceandcounselforthesolicitation.Thegiftswillbeaccumulatedinadesignatedfundand disbursedinamanneragreeabletothesupportersandtheSuperintendent.

Ifabenefactorrequeststheprivilegeofpayingthetuitionorotherstudentchargesforaparticularstudentor family,thensuchgiftswillbereceivedandapplieddirectlytotheaccountofthestudentorfamily.Thedonor willbeinformedinwritingofthismethodofhandlingthegift.Thiscommunicationwillclearlystatethatsuch paymentswillnotberecordedasgiftsontherecordsoftheschool.

TheStudentHandbookisrevisedbytheSuperintendentasneeded.Commentsfromparentsonany segmentoftheHandbookarewelcomedandshouldbesubmittedtotheSuperintendent.

THEPROLOGUE

WhileitisincumbentforBriarwoodPresbyterianChurchtodevelopandapproveaPastoralPosition& GuidelinePaperforthepurposeofrespondingtotheinevitableissuesresultingfromtheObergefellv.Hodges opinionfromtheSupremeCourtoftheUnitedStates,therealityisthatthepapersimplyaffirms,clarifiesand amplifiesthehistorical,Biblical,Constitutional,andConfessionalpositionofthechurchonmarriage,sexuality, andgender.

BriarwoodPresbyterianChurch,asacongregationofthePresbyterianChurchinAmerica,isfirmlyrootedin theinerrantandinfallibleWordofGodasexpressedintheScripturesoftheOldandNewTestament,“Allof whicharegivenbyinspirationofGodtobetheruleoffaithandlife.”WCFI-2.TheScripturesclearlyteachthat sexualdistinctionandunionarenothumanconstructsbutarecreatedbyGodandaretobeexpressedinthe covenantofmarriagebetweenonemanandonewoman,allaccordingtoHispurposeandordinance:

“AndGodcreatedmaninHisownimage,intheimageofGodHecreatedhim;maleandfemaleHecreated them.AndGodblessedthem;andGodsaidtothem,‘Befruitfulandmultiply,andfilltheearth....’Forthis causeamanshallleavehisfatherandmother,andshallcleavetohiswife;andtheyshallbecomeoneflesh” (Genesis1:27-28;2:24).

God’sWordspeaksunequivocallyindeclaringhomosexualityandothersexualsinstobeaperversionofHis createdorder,Hismorallaw,andthefoundationsofsociety(Leviticus18:22,24,28,30;1Corinthians6:9-10), andwarnsthattheprevalenceandapprovalofsexualperversioninacultureisasignofthejudgmentofGod uponthosewhorejectHisstandardforsexualpuritywithintheconfinesofmonogamousheterosexual marriage(Romans1:26-27).Moreover,theScripturesplainlyteachthatmoraldarknesshasdescendedovera peoplewho,thoughperhapsnotgiventosexualperversionsthemselves,nevertheless“giveapprovaltothose whopracticethem”(Romans1:32).Consequently,thedoctrinalstandardssetforthalmost500yearsagoin theWestminsterConfessionofFaith,theWestminsterLargerandShorterCatechisms,andtheBookofChurch Order,whichwereadoptedbythePresbyterianChurchintheUnitedStatesofAmericauponitsfoundingin 1789,andwhichhavecomprisedtheConstitutionofthePresbyterianChurchinAmericasinceitsfoundingin 1973,explicitlyteachthat“marriageistobebetweenonemanandonewoman”(WCFXXIV-1)andthatthe sinsforbiddenbytheSeventhCommandment’sprohibitionofadulteryinclude“allunnaturallusts;... prohibitingoflawful,anddispensingwithunlawfulmarriages;...havingmorewivesorhusbandsthanoneat thesametime;...andallotherprovocationsto,oractsofuncleanness,eitherinourselvesorothers”(Larger CatechismNo139).1...asalsoaffirmedbytheexpositionandapplicationoftheSeventhCommandmentfound inLeviticus18,Romans1,1Corinthians6,etc.

BecausetheChurchoftheLordJesusChristministersinafallenandsin-corruptedworld,shehasaprimary concernforthespiritualwell-beingofmenandwomencreatedintheimageofGod.Responsibilitytosucha callingmustoccasionallybutinevitablyplacetheChurchintoirreconcilableconflictwithanygovernment policyorrulingostensiblyapprovingawayoflifewhichiscontrarytotheeternalgoodofitscitizens.2Evenso, formuchofherhistoryintheUnitedStates,theChurchcouldreasonablyexpecttheprotectionsofthecivil

governmentandithadnoreasontofearinterferencebythegovernmentinthedueexerciseofGod-ordained governmentanddiscipline“amongthevoluntarymembersofanydenominationofChristians,accordingto theirownprofessionandbelief”(WCFXXIII-3).Moreover,throughtheblessingsofGod’sbenevolent providenceandcommongrace,therewasageneralsocietalconsensusthatquestionsofmoralityandethics wererightlyinformedbyBiblicalprinciplesaboutwhichtheChurchspokeclearlyandwithforce.TheSupreme CourtoftheUnitedStatescouldoncethusstatewithabsoluteconfidencethatinviewof“Americanlife,as expressedbyitslaws,itsbusiness,itscustoms,anditssociety,wefindeverywhereaclearrecognitionofthe sametruth....thatthisisaChristiannation”(ChurchoftheHolyTrinityv.UnitedStates,143U.S.457,471 (1892).

ThatsameSupremeCourtnowtellsusthattheConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesprotectssexualpreferences andguaranteestherightofhomosexualcouplestomarry,andthereforeofnecessityredefiningmarriageand furthermorerequiresthateverystaterecognizethevalidityof“same-sexmarriages.”Inthewordsofoneof thedissentingJustices,therulingispowerlesstochangemarriageasa“religiousinstitution”andwilltherefore inevitablyleadto“conflict,particularlyasindividualsandchurchesareconfrontedwithdemandsto participateinandendorsecivilmarriagesbetweensame-sexcouples.”Anticipatingthatcomingconflict,we nowreiterateanddeclarethatwefirmlyremainwherewehavealwaysbeen,rootedandgroundedinthe WordofGod,andsodopublishthis...

1ThePresbyterianChurchinAmericawasfoundedinresponseto“numerousnon-Biblicalpositions”including “anunbiblicalviewofmarriageanddivorce.”AMessagetoAllChurchesofJesusChrist,etc.FirstGeneral Assembly,December1973.

2Onmanyprioroccasionsofsuchconflictconcerningmarriageandsexualsin,thePresbyterianChurchin AmericahasnothesitatedtopubliclyreaffirmitscommitmenttoBiblicalstandards.See,e.g.,FifthGeneral Assembly(1977)(affirmingthatboththehomosexualactanddesireisasin);SeventhGeneralAssembly (1979)(affirmingthattheintegrityofmarriageisfoundedonGod’sWord,whichdeclaresthatmarriageis God’sinstitution,andreaffirmingitscommitmenttoWCFXXIV);TwentiethGeneralAssembly (1992)(reaffirmingthePCA’scommitmenttotheBible’steachingonsexandmarriage,that“sexisagiftfrom Godwhichshouldbeexpressedonlyinmarriagebetweenamanandawoman”andthat“allsexual intercourseoutsidemarriage,includinghomosexualityandlesbianism,iscontrarytoGod’sWord(theBible), andissin”);Twenty-FourthGeneralAssembly(1996)(reaffirmingtheBible'steachingthatanyactionbythe government“tosanctionandlegitimizehomosexualrelationshipsbythelegalizationofhomosexual marriages,isanabominablesincallingforGod’sJudgmentuponanysuchsociety”).

BPCPASTORALPAPERObergefellv.Hodges

OnJune26,2015,theU.S.SupremeCourtissuedanopinionthatsamesexmarriageisaprotectedrightunder theU.S.Constitutionapplicabletoallstates.ThecaseofObergefellv.Hodgesheldsamesexpersonshavedue processandequalprotectionconstitutionalrightstobemarried.Thecourtalsoruledeverystatemustgivefull faithandcredittothesamesexmarriagesofotherstates.

Themajorityfive-fouropinionwaswrittenbyJusticeAnthonyKennedywhowasjoinedbyJusticesGinsberg, Breyer,SotomayorandKagan.Thecourt’sopinionreliedonGriswoldv.Connecticutanditsprogeny,which basestheso-calledliberty/privacyrightsonsexualpreference.

DissentingwereChiefJusticeRoberts,alongwithJusticesScalia,ThomasandAlito.Thedissenterseachfiled separateopinions.TheChiefJusticeobservedthat“Forallthosemillennia,acrossallthosecivilizations, ‘marriage’referredtoonlyonerelationship:theunionofamanandawoman....Theuniversaldefinitionof marriageastheunionofamanandawomanisnohistoricalcoincidence.”

Robertssaidthemajoritycommitteditsgreatesterrorbyimplementingthedangerousjudicialdoctrineof “substantivedueprocess.”Dueprocessoflawnormallyappliestothe“procedures”takentobesureacitizen isnotdeprivedoflife,libertyorpropertywithoutproperlegalprocesses.Itdoesnotcreatesubstantiverights, asdonebytheObergefellopinion.RobertsnotedthecourtmadeasimilarmistakeinDredScottv.Samford (1857),holdingablackpersonwasnotapersonwithinthemeaningoftheConstitutionwhichholding“was overruledonthebattlefieldsoftheCivilWarandbyconstitutionalamendmentafterAppomattox....”

JusticeScaliadissentedthat,“WhentheFourteenthAmendmentwasratifiedin1868,everyStatelimited marriagetoonemanandonewoman,andnoonedoubtedtheconstitutionalityofdoingso....”

SinceObergefellisbasedonsexualpreference,theopinionopensthedoorforotherformsofmarriage,viz., polygamy,polyamory,andothermoreexoticrelationships.ItwillalsohaveaneffectonwhatJusticeKennedy calledthestate’s“constellationofbenefits,”meaningchangestoinheritance,divorce,childsupportand custody,adoption,spousalrightsandotherlaws.

ThemostsignificantimpactofObergefellwillbetheadverseeffectsonreligiousfreedom.JusticeThomas observedinhisdissent,“Themajority’sdecisionthreatensthereligiouslibertyournationhaslongsoughtto protect....”Thepowerofthefederalgovernment,withtheurgingofthegaylobby,willseektoestablish same-sexrightsascivilrights.Stateandlocalgovernmentswillestablishandenforcegayrights.Thesewill ultimatelyaffectthefree-speechrightsofpastorsinthepulpit,taxexemptionofchurchesandministries,and therightsofindividualsnottoparticipateinsame-sexmarriageactivities,suchas,weddingplanners,bakers, andflorists.

The“supremacyclause”(ArticleVI,¶2)oftheU.S.Constitutionprovides,“TheConstitutionandLawsofthe UnitedStates....shallbethesupremeLawoftheLand.”TheU.S.SupremeCourthasusurpedthatclauseto saythesupremelawofthelandiswhatthecourtsaysitis.Thatusurpationhasbecomeanacceptedlegal process.ThebreathtakingimproprietyofObergefellhaschallengedthethinkingoflegalscholars.While Obergefellmaybeacceptedbymanyas“TheLawoftheLand,”itseffectsmustnotgounchallenged.

TheconstitutionalityandconsequencesofObergefellwillnotbefullyappreciatedorknownuntilapassageof timeallowsustofeeltheseismicimpactonourcultureanditslawsandconventions.Therewillbemorecourt casesandlegislativeenactmentsasaresultofthislandmark,butaberrant,case.Thefinaleffectsarenot foreseeable.

STATEMENTOFFAITHANDMARRIAGE

ItisagainstthisbackdropthatBriarwoodPresbyterianChurchreaffirmsitslong-standingandunwavering beliefthattheHolyBibleistheinerrantandinfallibleWordofGodandisthefinalauthorityforallmattersof faithandpractice.ThepoliciesofthischurchhavebeenandcontinuetobeinsubmissiontothisstatedWord ofGod.Itisuponthisfoundation,andonlythisfoundation,thatBriarwoodPresbyterianChurchexpressesand reaffirmsitspositionontheGod-ordainedinstitutionofmarriage.Thiscommitmentisbothaffirmedand expoundedbythePresbyterianChurchinAmericaConstitution,whichconsistsoftheWestminsterStandards andtheBookofChurchOrder,towhichtheBriarwoodPresbyterianChurchandallofitsministershave committedthemselvestoupholdwithsacredvows.

“SoGodcreatedmaninhisownimage,intheimageofGodhecreatedhim;maleandfemalehecreated them.”(Genesis1:27,ESV).Thesescripturesteachtheoriginofmanandhisrelationshiptocreationthrough thesacredunionofamanandawoman.“AndGodblessedthem.AndGodsaidtothem,‘Befruitfuland multiplyandfilltheearthandsubdueandhavedominionoverthefishoftheseaandoverthebirdsofthe heavensandovereverylivingthingthatmovesontheearth’”.(Genesis1:28ESV).Scripturefurtherstatesthat itis“Forthiscauseamanshallleavehisfatherandmother,andshallcleavetohiswife,andtheyshallbecome oneflesh”.(Genesis2:24ESV)Therefore,Godhasordainedmarriageasaunionofonemanandonewoman. God,inhisdivinewisdom,createdmarriageasthecovenanted,conjugalunionofonemanandonewoman. (Genesis2:18-24;Matthew19:4-6;Hebrews13:4ESV)Briarwoodrecognizesthebiblicaldefinitionofmarriage asthetheunityofonemanandonewomanincovenantcommitmentforalifetime,andthatitisGod’s uniquegifttorevealtheunionbetweenChristandhischurchandtoprovideforthemanandthewomanin marriagetheframeworkforintimatecompanionship,thechannelofsexualexpressionaccordingtobiblical standardsandthemeansofpro-creationofthehumanrace.“Thepurposeofmarriageistheenrichmentof thelivesofthosewhoenterintothisestate,thepropagationoftheraceandtheextensionofChrist’schurch tothegloryofthecovenantGod.”(AppendixB,BookofChurchOrder).ThePresbyterianChurchofAmericais committedtothesanctityofhumansexualrelationships.WebelieveGod’sintentincreationwasthatmale andfemalewouldbecomplementary,thattheprivilegeofsexualexpressionwouldbebetweenmaleand femaleonly,andthisexpressionwouldbeonlyinthecontextofmarriage(SummaryofPCAStatementsof Homosexuality).

Scripturecondemnsunnaturalrelationshipsbetweenmanandmanandbetweenwomanandwoman. (Romans1:24-27;Leviticus18:22;20:13ESV)Therefore,noministryofthischurchshallrecognizethevalidity ofanypositionthatcondonesanysame-sexsexualrelationship,whethermarriageoraunionreplicating marriageoradvocatesthelegalizationorlegitimizationofanyhomosexualactortransgenderactivity.Finally, BriarwoodPresbyterianChurchreaffirmsitslongstandingandunwaveringcommitmentthroughallofits ministriestoloveourneighborsandextendrespectinChrist’snametoallpeople,includingthosewhomay disagreewithusaboutthedefinitionofmarriageandthepublicgood.AllministriesofBriarwoodChristian ChurcharedesignedintheirentiretytoreachBirminghamandtoreachtheworldforChrist.Thepurposeof thispolicyistoclearlystatethischurch’spositionpertainingtoallofitsministries,whetherthroughspeechor conductemanatingfromthischurchbody,whichisdesignedandcarriedoutinsubjectiontoandintegration

withbiblicaltruth.Theteachingsandministriesofthischurchrecognizeonlythesanctityofmarriagebetween amanandawoman.

Allministers,officers,andministriesofBriarwoodPresbyterianChurchmustremainfaithfultoourCovenantal VowsandOathstothesupremacyandsufficiencyofGod’sWordandtheConstitutionofthePresbyterian ChurchinAmericaasprotectedbythe1stAmendmentoftheConstitutionoftheUnitedStates.Themembers ofBriarwoodaccordingtotheirmembershipvows,willattempttoframetheirlives,families,andvocations withaworldandlifeviewthatalsoaffirmsthesupremacyandsufficiencyofGod’sWordasexpoundedbythe ConstitutionofthePresbyterianChurchinAmerica.

Briarwood’sPastoralPositionandGuidelinePaperreaffirmingthechurch’shistoricaldefinitionof“theparties toamarriage”togetherwithits“StatementofFaithandMarriage”andotherrelatedpositionaldocuments willbecommunicatedtoallministers,staff,andemployeesofthechurch;BoardDirectedMinistries(including BriarwoodChristianSchool,BirminghamTheologicalSeminary,andMissionBoards);andindividualsin ministrywhoreceivesupportfromBriarwood.

EachExecutiveDirector,PresidentorChairmanoftherespectivegroupswillberequestedbytheSessionto submitoperationalpoliciesandproceduresthatconformtotheabovereferencedPastoralPositionand GuidelinePapertoacommitteeorcommissionoftheSessionforapproval.Corollaryissuesraisedbythe Obergefelldecisionshouldbeconsideredinthedevelopmentandimplementationoftheseministry-specific policies.

AppendixB-AcademicIntegrityPolicy

BCSstudentsareexpectedtopursuehonestyandintegrityinallthattheydoandsay.Creatingafalse impressionofcourseworkisaformofdishonestyandwillbetreatedasaseriousdisciplinarycaseasoutlined intheStudentHandbook.Formsofviolatingtheacademicintegritypolicyareasfollows:

Cheating

Thisencompassesgivingorreceivingunauthorizedassistancethatcouldresultinanunfairadvantagein completingacademicwork.Formsofcheatingincludebutarenotlimitedto:

●Sharingacademiccourseworkelectronicallyorviahardcopy.Thisincludescheckinganswerswithone another.

●Usinganyexternalassistance(books,notes,calculator,conversationswithothers,websites)onaquiz, testorexaminationunlessauthorizedbyateacher.

●Usingunauthorizedmaterials,information,studyaids,orcomputer-relatedinformationonacademic assignments.

Plagiarism

Awriter’sfacts,ideasandphraseologyshouldberegardedastheirproperty.Anypersonwhousesawriter’s ideasorphraseologywithoutgivingduecreditisguiltyofplagiarism.Informationmaybeputintoawritten paperwithoutdocumentationonlyifitmeetsallthefollowingcriteria:

●Maybefoundinseveralbooksonthesubject

●Writtenentirelybythestudent

●Notparaphrasedfromanyparticularsource

●Commonknowledge

BCSstudentsshouldusethedocumentationconventionsoftheModernLanguageAssociation(MLA)which statesthatallsourcesusedwhenwritingmustbedocumented.

ConsequencesofViolatingtheAcademicIntegrityPolicy

AllincidentsinvolvingviolationsoftheAcademicIntegrityPolicywillfirstbereferredtotheAssistantPrincipal orthePrincipal.Heorshewillworkwithacommitteethatincludestheclassroomteacher,thedepartment chair,andtheDirectorofCurriculumandInstruction.Thiscommitteewilljudgetheseverityoftheinfraction andifastudentisdeemedresponsibleforintentionalplagiarismorcheating,BCSmayenforcethefollowing consequences:

●Thestudentwillreceiveazeroontheassignmentorexaminationinquestion

●Thestudentmaybesubjecttosuspensionandacademicprobation

●ThestudentmaybesubjecttoremovalfromstudentgroupssuchasNationalHonorSociety,MuAlpha Theta,StudentGovernmentAssociation,etc.

●Ifastudentcommitsanadditionalviolationwhileonacademicprobation,thestudentmaybesubject toexpulsion

StudentsshouldrefertotheBriarwoodChristianSchoolMLAGuideforinformationonappropriatelywritinga researchpaper.

AppendixC-UpperclassmenPrivilegesPolicy

Upperclassmenprivilegescomewithanexpectationofresponsibilityandanunderstandingthatsuch privilegesmayberevokedatanytimeandforanyduration.ABCSupperclassmanmayenjoythefollowing allowances:

●Off-campusprivilegesifschedulingallows

●Accesstodesignatedcampusareasforupperclassmanstudyhallperiods

●Outdoorlunchprivilegesforseniorsonly

●Off-campuslunchprivilegesonWednesdays,asscheduleallows(forseniorsonly)

LosingPrivileges

Astudentmaylosehisorherprivilegesforanyofthefollowingreasons:

●DisciplineIssues-TheAssistantPrincipalmayrevokeastudent’sprivilegesforconsequencesof handbookviolations.TheAssistantPrincipalwilldeterminethelengthofthatpenaltyonanindividual basis.

●TeacherProgressReports-Teachersareaskedtoreportonstudentprogressevery3weeks.Students withareasofconcernmayhavetheirprivilegesrevokedforpooreffortinclass.

●Grades-Uponreviewofstudents'gradeseachMondaymorning,anystudentwithagradelowerthan a“70”willhaveprivilegesrevokeduntilthenextreviewindicatingthegradeshaveimproved.

●Incompletes-Anystudentwhohasanincompleteforasemestergradewillloseprivilegesuntilthe incompleteismadeup.

●Tardies-Ifastudentislatetwoormoretimestotheirfirstclassaftertheiroff-campusperiodorthe periodfollowingSeniorLunch,theymaybesubjecttoaremovalofoffcampusprivilegesforatimeto bedeterminedbytheAssistantPrincipal.

SeniorsmayUSENOMOREthan2OffCampusPrivilegesperday.Thisisthemaximumamountofoffcampus periodsaseniormaybeassigned.Studentsmustbespecificallyassignedanoff-campusperiodontheir scheduletoexercisethisprivilege.

JuniorsmayUSENOMOREthan1OffCampusPrivilegeperday.Thisisthemaximumamountofoffcampus periodsajuniormaybeassigned.Studentsmustbespecificallyassignedanoff-campusperiodontheir scheduletoexercisethisprivilege.

OffCampusProcedure

Studentsareexpectedtoabidebythefollowingrules:

●Ifthestudenthasanoff-campusperiodduring1stperiod,thestudentshouldarriveontimetostart thefollowingperiod.

●Studentswithanoff-campusperiodduring8thperioddonothavetosignoutbutareexpectedto leavecampusimmediatelyfollowingtheirfinalperiodoftheday.Theyarenotallowedtoloiteron campus,workoutintheweightroom,etc.

●Seniorsmayutilizeanopen-campuspolicyduringlunchonWednesdayiftheyareingoodstanding regardinggradesandbehavior.Seniorsdonothavetosignoutbutareexpectedtoreturntocampus

priortotheirnextacademicperiod.Off-campuslunchwillspanfromthebeginningoftheFocusperiod totheendofHighSchoollunch.

SeniorLunch

Seniorsmayeatinthefollowinglocations:

●Lunchroom

●OutdoortablesbyLakeLion

●CommonsArea

SeniorReminders:

●Seniorscannotgointotheparkinglotswithoutpermission.

●Seniorsarenottoleavecampuswithoutpermission.

●Nolunchroomtraysaretobeleftanywhereoutsidethelunchroom.

●Seniorsmaynotbeintheauditorium,lockerrooms,tenniscourts,track,XCtrail,orinthejuniorhigh withoutpermissionfromtheAssistantPrincipal.