THEMISSION
ByprovidingaclassicalandChristianeducation,weseektonurturetheheartsandmindsofour studentsintruthandrighteousnesssothattheymayglorifyGodandenjoyHimforever.
OurVision
Throughimplementingandfulfillingourmission,weenvisionourschoolwillbeaplacewhere students…
…willbelifelonglearnerswhohavedevelopedaloveoflearningthroughtheirtimeatVCA.
…willbefreemenandwomen,inthesensethattheyknow,understand,andlovethetruth(John 8:32)andthattheywillbewise,exercisingself-controlandnotenslavedtotheirpassions
willbeequippedforalloflifebecausetheywillnotjustlearnbutbegiventhetoolsoflearning tofigureoutanyproblemtheyfaceandbeabletojumpconfidentlyintowhateverGodcallsthem todo.
…willsettheirhopeinGod,andbeeagertodowhathecommandsasPsalm78laysout.
…willplaytheirpartintheCreationMandateaswebelievethatGodhasacallingoneachof thestudent’slivesanditistheirresponsibilityandprivilegetodeterminewhatthatisandfulfillit.
…willbelongtoacommunity,alongwiththeparents,staff,andfaculty,thatisknownforalove, defense,andpursuitofthetruth Thistruthshinesoneverythingfromacademicexcellenceto virtueinthelivesofstudentstothededicationofallthoseinvolvedintheschooleffort.
OurDeepHope
OurdeephopeforourstudentsisthattheyfindcompletehappinessinChristthatmanifestsina contentedandrichlife,shapedbyadesiretofollowChristandliveinawaythatpleasesGod.Wepray thisentailslivingcounter-culturally,rootedinthetruthofGod'sWord,becomingshapersofculture ratherthanconformists AsChristiandisciplers,wewantourstudentstobecome leadersmarkedby discernment,hardwork,andcreativity,reflectingtheCreator Wehopethatstudentsarecalledtolive livesofcreativityandcultivation,beingminicreatorsandimagebearers,usingtheir imaginationto honorGod.Ourprayeristhattheylivealifeofloveandcompassiontowardsothers,thattheyrespect andvalueauthority,embodyingtheprinciplesofChristintheir dailyinteractions Wealsoenvisiona
thrivingandsupportivecommunitywherestudents,parents,teachers,andstaffseethefruitoftheir laborsasourstudentsgrowtolivefortheLord.
“Wewillnothidethemfromtheirchildren, buttelltothecominggenerationthegloriousdeedsofthe Lord,andhismight,andthewondersthathehasdone.”–Psalm78:4
OurLogo
OurlogoistheDNAofVCAexternalized.Becausewebelieveweareamulti-facetedschoolthat educatesthewholeperson,wecreatedalogothatcoversatleastfourdimensions:thesoul,themind, theheart,andthewill.ThesecorrespondtotheChristianfaithsignifiedbytheTrinityknot;our emphasisonaClassicaleducationsignifiedbythethree-pillaredbuilding;thecharacterofthestudents signifiedbytheScalesofJustice;andtheirlegacytheywillbuilduponleavingourschoolsignifiedby thetorch.Otherimplicitelementstothelogoistheshieldsignifyingourdefenseofthetruthandthe CrosshonoringourLordJesusChrist.
PHILOSOPHYOFEDUCATION
AtVeritasChristianAcademy,educationisapersonalrelationshipbetweentheteacherandthe studentthatleadsthestudenttowardswhatistrue,good,andbeautifulinthepaideiaoftheLord. ClassicalChristianeducationismorethanateachingmethod;it’satransformativephilosophyand mindsetrootedinaChristianworldview,seekingtoimpartChristianculturebynurturingwisdom andvirtuethroughtheliberalarts.*Weunderstandeachstudenthasadifferent“frame”(Psalm 103:14)andwestrivetodiscoverandcultivatetheuniqueabilitiesandcallingseachchildhasbeen givenbyGod.Weteachbiblicalvirtuesinallthatwedoandfocusonteachingchildrenhowtothink, notsimplywhattothink WeequipthemtonavigateandengagewiththecomplexitiesofGod’sworld whilefosteringalifelongloveoflearning.Weemphasizeholisticcharacterdevelopmentalongside academicexcellence,†guidingourstudentstowardabiblical“good” life onemarkedbypeace, contentment,andjoyfoundintheLord.Throughtheclassicaltoolsofthetrivium‡andquadrivium,§
weaimtodevelopmasteryinallfieldsofstudy movingfromknowledgeoftheconcreteto understandingtherelationshipbetweenpointsofknowledge,culminatinginwisdom(knowledgeand understandinginaction) Weequipourstudentsforarich,meaningfullifeinChrist
*Liberalarts:sevenskillsconsistingofthetrivium(languageskills)andthequadrivium(mathematical skills).
†Academicexcellence:mentorseachstudentchildtoglorifyGodineverythingtheydo,recognizinghow Godindividuallycreatedthemandstrivingtowardsindividualmastery.
‡Trivium:skillspertainingtowords;grammar,logic,rhetoric.
§Quadrivium:skillsaboutnumbers;arithmetic,geometry,astronomy,music.
“TheendthenoflearningistorepairtheruinsofourfirstparentsbyregainingtoknowGodaright,and outofthatknowledgetolovehim,toimitatehim,tobelikehim,aswemaythenearestbypossessingour soulsoftruevirtue,whichbeingunitedtotheheavenlygraceoffaithmakesupthehighestperfection.” –JohnMilton
“Manbythefallfellatthesametimefromhisstateofinnocenceandhisdominionovernature.Bothof theselosses,however,caneveninthislifebeinsomepartrepaired;theformerbyreligionandfaith,the latterbytheartsandsciences”–FrancisBacon
CULTURALISSUES
OnGender,Marriage,&Sexuality
WebelievethatGodwonderfullyandimmutablycreateseachpersonasmaleorfemale,inconcertand consistentwithotherdichotomiesinHiscreation(lightanddark,seaanddryland).Thus,preserving theintegrityofgenderidentityandthecharacterofmaleandfemalesexualrelationshipsshouldnotbe seenassomethingculturallyboundorfoundinisolatedbiblicaltexts.Thebeliefsandthetextscited belowarepartofaconsistentcontextandinstructionthatpervadesallofGod'srevelationtous. Seekingtoupholdthiswitness,weaffirmthat:
WebelievethateverypersonismadeintheimageofGodandmustbeaffordedcompassion,love, kindness,respect,anddignity.Hatefulattitudesandharassingbehaviordirectedtowardanyindividual orgrouparetoberepudiatedandarenotinaccordwithbiblicalscriptureandChrist-likebehavior (Mark12:28–31;Luke6:27–31;Genesis1:27)
WebelievethatinordertopreserveVCA’sintegrityandeffectiveness,asabiblicallyfaithfulinstitution ofChristianeducationandasamodeltoourcommunity,itisimperativethatallpersonsemployedby VCAinanycapacity,orwhoserveasvolunteers,affirmandabidebythisstatement(Matthew5:16; Philippians2:14–16;1Thessalonians5:22).Wealsoexpectstudentstoupholdthesebiblicalvalues regardingsex,gender,andsexualactivityintheirspeech,dress,andconduct.
OnGender
WebelievethatGodwonderfullyandimmutablycreateseachpersonaseithermaleorfemale,bothin biologicalsexandingender Thesetwodistinct,complementarygenderstogetherreflecttheimageof God(Genesis1:26–27).Torejectone'sbiologicalgenderisanactofrebellionagainstGod'sdesign.
OnMarriage
WebelievethataccordingtotheBible,marriagehasonlyoneappropriatemeaning:theunionofone manandonewomaninaholyrelationshipintendedtobeexclusiveandlifelong(Genesis2:18–25).We believethatGodintendssexualintimacytooccuronlybetweenmenandwomenjoinedinmarriage(1 Corinthians6:18and7:2–5;Hebrews13:4).
WebelievethatGodintendssexualintimacyonlytooccurbetweenamanandawomanwhoare marriedtoeachother(Deuteronomy5:18;Matthew5:27;Mark7:21;1Corinthians7:3),andthatno intimatesexualactivityshouldbeengagedinoutsideofamarriage(1Corinthians6:15–18;Ephesians 5:3;1Thessalonians4:3–5;Hebrews13:4).
OnSexuality
Webelieve,asaconsequenceofthefall,thattheworldandeachpersonissinfulandbroken,including sexualbrokenness.ButGodoffersredemptionandrestorationtoallwhoconfessandforsaketheirsin, seekingHismercyandforgivenessthroughJesusChrist.(Genesis3;Acts3:19–21;Romans10:9–13;1 Corinthians6:9–11;1Timothy1:12–16)
WebelievethatparticipatinginorapprovingofanyformofsexualactivityforbiddenintheBible (includingunmarriedsex,adultery,homosexualorbisexualbehavior,andpornography)issinfuland offensivetoGod(Matthew15:18–20;Romans1:24–32;1Corinthians6:9–10)
OnSanctityofHumanLife
WebelievethatallhumanlifeissacredandcreatedbyGodinhisimage Humanlifeisofinestimable worthinallitsdimensions,includingpre-bornbabies,theaged,thephysicallyormentallychallenged, andeveryotherstageorconditionfromconceptionthroughnaturaldeath.Wearethereforecalledto
defend,protect,andvalueallhumanlife(Psalm139).Webelievethisisthestartingpointforall discussionsrelatedtothesanctityoflife(e.g.,abortion,euthanasia,war).
STATEMENTOFFAITH
VeritasChristianAcademybelievesinthefaiththatwasonce“deliveredtoallthesaints”(Jude1:3) In this,webelievethatalldoctrineisimportant,butnotalldoctrinefunctionsinthesameway.Thereare doctrineswhichareessentialtosavingfaith(essentialdoctrines)andtherearedoctrineswhichadorn thegospel(secondarydoctrines) WebelieveallChristiansoughttohaveunityinessentialdoctrines, butcharityinsecondarydoctrines(evenwhenaccompaniedwithscrutiny)
VeritasChristianAcademyisdistinctlyrootedinthehistoricProtestanttraditionwhilerecognizingthe ChristianidentityofthoseinotherhistoricChristiantraditions
Essentialdoctrinesarethosedoctrineswhichthechurchhastaught,believed,andconfessed throughouthistory Essentialdoctrinesarefoundinthosestatementswhichhavehistoricallydefined basicChristianorthodoxy:theApostlesCreed,theNiceneCreed,theChalcedonianDefinition,and theAthanasianCreed.WealsoteachandfollowtheNewCityCatechismforstudents.
Secondarydoctrinesarethosedoctrineswhichreflectdistinctivedenominationaldifferencesin otherwisehistorically-orthodoxChristians.Thesedifferencesincludeproperrecipientsofbaptism (paedobaptismorcredobaptism),expressionofspiritualgifts(continuationismorcessationism),views oftheendtimes(pre-millenialism,amillennialism,post-millenialism),etc.Thesearenotunimportant doctrinesandmaybediscussedandevenchallengedasstudentsprogressinmaturity
Asaschool,VeritasChristianAcademywillclearlyteachessentialdoctrinesandprovidestudentsthe importanttoolsindevelopingsecondarydoctrines Studentswillbeencouragedtoworkthroughthese withtheirparentsandintheirlocalchurch.
BasicBeliefs
● WebelievetheBibleconsistsofthe39booksoftheOldTestamentand27booksoftheNew Testament.TheBibleisGod’swrittenrevelationtoman,inspiredbytheHolySpirit,and withouterrorintheoriginalmanuscripts TheBibleisthewordsofaninfallibleGodandis authoritativeinallmattersoffaithandpractice
● WebelieveintheTriuneGod.ThereisoneGod,whoexistseternallyinthreepersons:the Father,theSon,andtheHolySpirit
● WebelievethatallaresinnersandtotallyunabletobesavedapartfromGod’smercy
● WebelievethatJesusisIsrael’sMessiahandtheeternalSonofGod,whothroughHisperfect life,andsacrificialdeath,andbodilyresurrectionfromthedeadatonedforthesinsofallwho willtrustinHimaloneforsalvation
● WebelievethatJesusascendedbodilytotherighthandoftheFatherwhereHecurrentlyreigns withallauthorityandintercedesforallthosewhoareHis
● WebelieveGodisgraciousandfaithfultoHispeople,notsimplyasindividuals,butasfamilies insuccessivegenerationsaccordingtoHiscovenantpromises
● WebelievetheHolySpiritindwellsGod’speopleandgivesthemthestrengthandwisdomto trustChristandfollowHim
● WebelieveJesuswillreturn,bodilyandvisibly,tojudgeallmankindandtoreceiveHispeople toHimself
● WebelieveallaspectsofourlivesaretobelivedtothegloryofGodunderthelordshipofJesus Christ
SecondaryDoctrine
VeritasChristianAcademy’sStatementofFaithandtheNewCityCatechismdefinethebeliefson whichtheschoolisbased.Veritasdefinessecondarydoctrineasdoctrinalissueswhicharenotdirectly addressedinourStatementofFaithortheNewCityCatechism.
Inmattersofsecondarydoctrine,Veritasadministratorsandteacherswill:
1 Encourageandchallengestudentstothinkandbediscerningonallmattersaccordingtothe truthofGod’sWord
2 Fosteraclassroomenvironment,especiallyatthesecondarylevel,oflove,respectandcharity amongstudents
3. Beencouragedtocharitablypresentthevarioussidesofasecondaryissue
4. SeektomaintainunityamongourstudentsandfamiliesaccordingtoourStatementofFaith andtheNewCityCatechismandbynotteachingsecondarydoctrinesasprimaryandnot disparagingsecondarydoctrinalbeliefsthatarecontrarytotheirpersonalconvictions
5. Encouragestudentstoseekthesupportandinstructionoftheirparentsandtheirlocalchurch
Thefollowinglistisnotexhaustivebutrepresentssomeofthesecondarydoctrinediscussionsthatmay occur(mainly)atthesecondarylevel:
1.Ageoftheearth
WereadGenesis1–3fromtheframeworkofanorthodoxChristianperspective.Wewillteachfromthe perspectiveofaliteral24-hourdaybutwillopenthediscussionupinsecondaryyears,wherewewill discussotherorthodoxviewsasviableinterpretations
2.Eschatology
WewillteachabouttheimminentreturnofJesusandthatthedeadwillberaisedtoeternallifeor eternaljudgment.Thiswillexpand,inthesecondaryyears,todiscussionofthreeheldviewsof eschatology:historicalpremillennialism,*amillennialism,†andpartialpreteristpostmillennialism ‡
*Historicalpremillennialism:Anon-literalinterpretationofthetrialsdescribedinRevelation,thisview holdstotheimminentreturnofChristafteraperiodoftribulationwithafollowingageofpeacewhere Satanisbounduntilrightbeforethefinaljudgment
†Amillennialism:ThemillenniumissymbolicandrepresentsthetimeofChurchgrowththatisspiritual ratherthanphysical Jesus'imminentreturnwilloccuraftera“millennium”ofpeoplecomingtoChrist Therearevariousaspectstotimingheldwithinthisview.
‡Postmillennialism:Satanwasboundatthecross,themillennialperiodisaperiodoftimeratherthana literalthousandyears.Duringthismillenniumthegospelwillspread“totheendsoftheearth”until deathisthelasttobeconqueredandputunderJesus’feet, whentheearthwillbetransformedinthe “blinkofaneye”withJesus’imminentreturn.ThisviewholdsthatmanyoftheNewTestamentprophetic passageswerefulfilledbythefallofJerusalemin70AD
3.Baptism
Weholdthatbaptismisnotsalvific ItisthewashingwithwaterinthenameoftheFather,theSon, andtheHolySpirit;itsignifiesandsealsouradoptionintoChrist,ourcleansingfromsin,andour commitmenttobelongtotheLordandtohischurch(NCC,question44).Inthesecondaryyearswe willdiscussthetwomainpositions,credobaptism§andpaedobaptism,**asaviable,orthodoxbelief
§Credobaptism:Thispositionteachesthatbaptismisasignofabeliever’sfellowshipwithChristinhis deathandresurrectionandshouldbeadministeredtothosewhoprofessrepentancetowardGodandfaith
inandobediencetoourLordJesusChrist.BelieversaretobebaptizedinthenameoftheTriuneGodby immersioninwater.
**Paedobaptism:Thispositionteachesthatbaptismisasignandsealofthecovenantofgrace.Immersion intowaterisnotnecessary,butisrightlyadministeredbypouringorsprinklingwateruponthepersonin thenameoftheTriuneGod Infantsofoneorbothbelievingparentsaretobebaptized,notforsalvation, butsothatthepromisedgraceofGodisexhibitedandconferredbytheHolySpirittosuchasthatgrace belongsto,accordingtoGod’sownwillandinHisappointedtime.
4.Cessationism&Non-cessationism
WewillteachthattheHolySpiritisGod,coeternalwiththeFatherandtheSon,andthatGodgrants himirrevocablytoallwhobelieve(NCC,question36)andthatHeisthebeliever’sHelperwho convictsusofoursin,comfortsus,guidesus,givesusspiritualgiftsandthedesiretoobeyGod;andhe enablesustoprayandtounderstandGod’sWord(NCC,question37).Inthesecondaryyearswewill discussthetwomainpositionsconcerningthegiftsoftheSpirit,cessationism††andnon-cessationism,‡‡ asaviable,orthodoxbelief
††Cessationism: Cessationism is the view that the “miracle gifts” of tongues and healing have ceased—that the end of the apostolic age brought about a cessation of the miracles associated with that age. Most cessationists believe that, while God can and still does perform miracles today, the Holy Spirit no longer uses individuals to perform miraculous signs.1
‡‡Non-cessationism: Continuationism is the belief that all the spiritual gifts, including healings, tongues, and miracles, are still in operation today, just as they were in the days of the early church. A continuationist believes that the spiritual gifts have “continued” unabated since the Day of Pentecost and that today’s church has access to all the spiritual gifts mentioned in the Bible.2
1 Taken from: https://www gotquestions org/cessationism html
2 Taken from: https://www gotquestions org/continuationism html
DISCIPLINEPOLICY
DisciplinePolicy
“Nodisciplineseemspleasantatthetime,butpainful.Later,however,itproducesaharvestof righteousnessandpeaceforthosewhohavebeentrainedbyit”–Hebrews12:11
Importanceof‘Virtue’atVCA
VCAseekstoprovideaChrist-centeredcommunitywhereChristianvirtueispracticedand communityrelationshipsamongstudentsandwithfacultyarefostered,developed,cultivated,and encouragedinaccordancewithPhilippians2:2–8.
“…beingofthesamemind,havingthesamelove,beinginfullaccordandofonemind.Do nothingfromselfishambitionorconceit,butinhumilitycountothersmoresignificantthan yourselves.Leteachofyoulooknotonlytohisowninterests,butalsototheinterestsof others Havethismindamongyourselves,whichisyoursinChristJesus,who,thoughhewas intheformofGod,didnotcountequalitywithGodathingtobegrasped,butemptied himself,bytakingtheformofaservant,beingborninthelikenessofmen.Andbeingfoundin humanform,hehumbledhimselfbybecomingobedienttothepointofdeath,evendeathona cross ”
Expectations
VCAstudentsandfacultystrivetoliveinawaythatrealizesweareintheverypresenceofGod. EverythingwedoisforHisglory,andthemoreconsciousweareofGod’spresenceamongus,the moreharmonywefindinourschool.
Theintegrityofrelationshipsisoneofourtoppriorities,sothedesiredendofalldisciplineisthe reconciliationofstrainedrelationshipsbetweenstudentsorbetweenstudentsandtheirteachers. Facultymembersareempoweredtohelpstudentsmaintaintheirrelationshipswitheachotherand theirteachersandotherschoolstaffastheyshould.
Wealsoteachstudentstolivewithinconventionalsocialstandards,soeventhoughtheBibledoesnot telluseverythingstudentsshoulddo,VCAasksthemtodemonstratetheirknowledgeofordinary courtesies(eg,dressingappropriately,notinterruptingeachother)
AVCAstudentreflectsthemissionandidentityoftheschool,nomatterwhereheorsheis.Students areexpectedtobehaveatalltimeswithconsiderationforothersinthought,word,anddeed,and
studentsmustabidebytheschool’sstatedrulesandanyothersstipulatedbyfacultymembers.Thefirst (andusuallytheonly)persontodealwithadisciplineinfractionistheteacheronthespot,whetherin oroutoftheclassroom Facultymembersmayalsoconsultwithotherteachersand,accordingtothe seriousnessofasituation,withtheHeadmaster.Whendisciplineisnecessary,parentsmayrelyupon theteachersandadministrationtocorrectbehaviorinwaysthatwillaffirmBiblicalstandardsof fairnessandjustice,thedignityofeachchild,andtheneedfordamagedrelationshipstobe appropriatelyrestored
Discipline
1. Thekindandamountofdiscipline(punishment)willbedeterminedbytheteachersandthe Headmaster Thedisciplinewillbeadministeredinthelightoftheindividualstudent’s problemandattitude.Alldisciplinewillbebasedonbiblicalprinciples,e.g.restitution, apologies(publicandprivate),restorationoffellowship,forbiddingofsinful,lingering attitudes,etc.Thevastmajorityofdisciplineproblemsaretobedealtwithattheclassroom levelbytheclassroomteacher Administratorswillgetinvolvedandaddressdisciplineissues whentheissueisofaseriousnatureorwhenthebehaviorsorattitudesbecomepatterns. Teachersandadministratorswillcommunicatewithparentsaboutdisciplinemattersthrough variousmeans,includingaccountabilityforms,emails,ParentNotificationForms,conferences, etc
2. Itisvitalforparentsandstudentstorealizethatmaintaininganorderlyatmosphereinthe schoolandtheclassroomiscriticaltothelearningprocess Asinallotherareasoftheeducation atVCA,loveandforgivenesswillbeanintegralpartofthedisciplineofastudent
3 OfficeVisits:Therearesixbasicbehaviorsthatwillautomaticallynecessitatedisciplinefrom theHeadmaster(insteadoftheteacher) Thosebehaviorsinclude:
● Disrespectshowntoanystaffmember.Thestaffmemberwillbethejudgeofwhether disrespecthasbeenshown
● Dishonestyinanysituationwhileatschool,includinglying,cheating,andstealing
● Rebellion(i.e.,outrightdisobedienceinresponsetoinstructions)
● Fighting(ie,strikinginangerwiththeintenttoharmtheotherstudent(s))
● Obscenelanguage,includingtakingthenameoftheLordinvain.TheHeadmaster andstaffwilljudgewhatconstitutesobscenelanguage
● Vandalism(i.e.,anydestructionordefacingofthebuildingandfacilities,schoolbooks andsuppliesbelongingtoVeritasChristianAcademy,orotherpeople’sproperty)
4. DuringthevisitwiththeHeadmaster,theHeadmasterwilldeterminethenatureofthe disciplineandmayrequirerestitution,in-schoolsuspension,janitorialwork,parent’s attendanceduringtheschoolday,orothermeasuresconsistentwithappropriatebiblical guidelines
Ifforanyoftheaboveorotherreasons,astudentreceivesdisciplinefromtheHeadmaster,the followingaccountingwillbeobservedwithineithersemesteroftheschoolyear:
● ThefirsttwotimesastudentissenttotheHeadmasterorprincipalfordisciplinethe student’sparentswillbecontactedandgiventhedetailsofthevisit Theparents’ assistanceandsupportinpreventingfurtherproblemswillbesought
● Thethirdofficevisitwillbefollowedbyameetingwiththestudent’sparents,the student,andtheHeadmaster
● Shouldthestudentrequireafourthofficevisit,atwo-daysuspensionfromschoolwill beimposedonthestudent
● Ifafifthofficevisitisrequired,thestudentwillbeexpelledfromtheschool
5. NoteonExpulsion:VCArealizesthatexpellingastudentfromschoolisaveryseriousmatter andshouldalwaysbecarefullydealtwithonacase-by-casebasis.Forgivenessandrestitutionare fundamentaltoourtotaldisciplinepolicy.However,shouldastudentandhisparentsnotbe abletoeliminatebehavioralproblemsbeforeafifthofficevisit,thestudentwillbeexpelled
6. SeriousMisconduct:Ifastudentcommitsanactwithsuchseriousconsequencesthatthe Headmasterdeemsitnecessary,theoffice-visitprocessmaybebypassedandsuspensionor expulsionimposedimmediately.Examplesofsuchseriousmisconductcouldinclude:acts endangeringthesafetyorlivesofotherstudentsorstaffmembers,grossviolence,vandalismto theschoolfacilities,violationsofcivillaw,oranyactinclearcontradictionofscriptural commands
7. Re-admittance:ShouldtheexpelledstudentdesiretobereadmittedtoVCAatalaterdate,the VCAandHeadmasterwilldecidebasedonthestudent’sattitudeandcircumstancesatthe timeheorshereapplies
SchoolRules
Allstudentsshouldbeawareofandareexpectedtoadheretothefollowinglistofschoolrules:
1. StudentsareexpectedtomaintainChristianstandardsofbehaviorandattitudeinallactions andformsofcommunication,includingspeech,bothpublicandprivate,writing,andbody language.
2 Thereshouldbenotalkingbackorarguingwithteachersorstaff Promptandcheerful obedienceisexpected Requestsfromtheteachershouldnothavetoberepeated
3. Gunsorweaponsarenotallowedonschoolgrounds.
4. Studentsarenottohaveorchewgumwhileatschool.Gumonschoolgroundscreates problems.
5. Studentsarenottoeatanddrink(exceptforwater,attheteacher’sdiscretion)intheclassroom exceptonspecialoccasionsorpartiesasallowedbytheteacher.Snacktimeandlunchtimeare excludedfromthisrule.
6. Ifstudentsbringcellularphones,iPods,orpersonalelectronicdevicestoschoolortoschool functions,theyshouldbekeptoutofsight.Duringschoolhourscellphonesshouldbekeptin thedeskandturnedoff Therearenoexceptionstothisrule Ifastudentneedstomakea phonecall,theycanreceivepermissionfromtheirteacher.
7 Studentsmaynotbringpocketknives,multitools,orotherknivesintotheschoolbuilding,on fieldtrips,orontotheplayground,athleticfields,etc
8. Studentswillbeheldresponsiblefordamagedonetoschoolproperty,includingtextbooks. Replacementorrepaircostswillbeassessed
9. Studentsarenottoleaveschoolwithoutreportingtotheschoolwelcomedesk.
10.StudentsarrivinglatetoschoolaretoreporttotheHeadmasterbeforegoingtoclass.
11 Nodrugs,alcohol,ortobaccoproductsareallowedatschoolorschoolfunctions Theknown andillegaluseofdrugs,alcohol,ortobaccoproductsoutsideofschoolwillbeconsideredas detrimentaltothereputationoftheschoolandwillresultinameetingwiththestudent,the parents,andtheHeadmaster.
12.Studentsmaytakemedicationsonlywithparentalapprovalviaanoteordirectcontactwith staff.
13.Studentsmaynotleavetheschoolgroundsafterarrivingatschoolwithoutadministrative approvaluntiltheendoftheschoolday.Studentsmaynotleaveforlunchunlesstheirparents pickthemup
14.Studentsarenottousethecopierorthetelephoneforpersonalbusiness.
15 Theschooldaybeginsat8:00am After8:00,studentsaretardy Theseventhtardyinany givenquarterwillresultinoneabsence.
16 StudentsfromotherschoolsorfriendsofVCAstudentsarenotallowedtovisittheschool,the parkinglot,orclasses,unlesstheyhavebeeninvitedbytheschoolstaffmembers.
17 Parentswillbenotifiedifstudentsdonotcomplywiththedresscodeandappearance standardsofVCA.Studentswhocontinuetobeoutofcompliancewillbesubjectto disciplinaryaction.
EtiquetteCode
VCAstudents
● willbeseatedandquietwhenclassiscalledtoorder
● willnotwalkacrossdeskseatsordashacrosstheroomtogettotheirdesks
● willnotthrowpaperfromtheirdeskstothetrash
● willnotchewgum
● willnoteatordrinkinclassexceptduringsnacktimeandlunchtimeorclassparties
● willnotdisturbanythingontheteacher’sdesk(includingreferencebooks)withoutpermission
● willnotsitattheteacher’sdeskoropendrawersinthedeskwhentheteacherisnotinthe room
● willnotproptheirfeetuponother’sdesks
● willnotthrowanythingacrosstheroomtoanotherstudent
● willnotwriteondesks,walls,textbooks,posters,etc.
● willnotwriteonclassroomwhiteboardswithoutpermissionfromtheteacher
● willpickupanytrasharoundtheirdesksbeforeleaving
● willnotadjustblindsoropenorclosewindowswithoutpermissionfromtheteacher
● willnotrearrangedeskswithoutpermissionfromtheteacher
● willnotpassnotesoraskotherstopassnotes
● willnottalkwhiletheteacheristalkingorinterruptotherstudentsduringclassdiscussion
● willnotbringgames,PEequipment,electronicdevices(e.g.,toys,gameboys,PDA’s,recorders, etc.)withoutpermissionfromtherespectiveteacher
Anti-BullyingPolicy
VCAhasaNo-Tolerancepolicywhenitcomestobullying.Studentswhoarebulliedmayexperience negativephysical,social,emotional,academic,andmentalhealthproblemsandstudentsandfaculty areexpectedandrequiredtoreportsignsofbullyingimmediately.
TeachersandstaffatVCAwill:
1. Modelandteachrespectfulbehavior
2 Addressbullyingwithbystandersandstressimportanceandresponsibilitytostopbullying VCAstudentswillbeencouragedto:
1. Reportinstancesofbullyingtheysee
2 Showkindnesstoallstudents
3. Reachouttostudentswhoarebeingbullied
Mostimportantly,VCAwillkeepthelinesofcommunicationopenwithstudentsandparents.
ElectronicDevicePolicy
Useofpersonalelectronicdevices(i.e.,phones,smartphones,portablegamingdevices,smartwatches, etc.)bystudentsisprohibitedoncampus.Suchdevicesmaybebroughttoschoolbuttheymustbe checkedinattheschoolofficeduringschoolhours
Watchesthatofferparentalcontrolsettingsandareusedstrictlyascommunicationdevicesbetween parentsareallowed,pendingnodistractionsensueinclassrooms.
● Useoflaptopsispermissibleforsecondaryacademicpurposesonlyunderthepre-approved directionandsupervisionofateacher
● Afirstviolationofthispolicywillresultinimmediateconfiscationofthedevice,tobereleased toaparentorguardian
● Asecondviolationofthispolicywillresultinaparentconferencewithadministration
● Athirdviolationofthispolicywillresultinadisciplinaryhearing
● VCAacceptsnoresponsibilityforuse,breakage,theft,orlossofphoneorotherpersonalitems
Cheating&Plagiarism
Cheatingisdefinedaslookingatanother’sworkwithouttheteacher’spermissionorcommunicating withanotherduringanexamwithouttheteacher’spermission.
Plagiarismisdefinedasusinganother’sworkwithoutacknowledgingandthankingthemfortheuse.
Ifeithercheatingorplagiarismisnoticed,theassignmentorexamwillimmediatelyreceivea0 Parents willbenotified.AsecondcheatingorplagiarisminfractionwillresultinanEducationCouncilreview.
OURPROGRAM
OnCurriculum
AtVeritasChristianAcademy,webelievethatcurriculumisatool,whichisessential,buttheteacher bringseducationtolifethroughuseofthattool.Assuch,inadditiontousingvariouscurriculaanda developedlistofskillsandobjectiveswewillobtainthemostqualifiedanddedicatedteachersas possible:teacherswhoexemplifyaloveoflearningandpointyoungstudentstoJesusChristthrough immersingtheirteachingingoodness,beauty,andtruth.
GradingPolicy
Gradingshouldtellastoryofachild’sprogressinlearning,andbecause,asChristians,webelievethat educationofthewholemanisessential,VCAusesbothacademicandcharactergradessothatparents
canseewhetherapoorgradeisasinissueoranacademicstruggle.Reciprocallyparentscanseethata goodgradedoesnotnecessarilyimplyrighteousness.ForthisreasonVCAwillgivebothacademic gradesandconductdescriptionssothatwecantrulydisciplethewholechild
ConductItems
● Diligenceintheclassroomandintheirwork
● Respectforauthority
● Kindnessfortheirpeers
● Joyfulattitude
● Initiative/grit
● Livingcourageously
Primary&SecondaryWeightedCategories
● 30%PracticeWork
● 70%MagnumOpus
PrimaryGrading
Secondary&SecondaryPrepGrading
Assessment&GradingProtocol
Humanities
● Softgradingthroughouttheweekonvariouswritingandspeakingassignments
● MagnumOpusforeachweekthatisgradedinthegradebook(maybewrittenororal)
● Assessmentattheendofeachbookthatincludes:
○ Grammarsection
○ Logicsection
○ Rhetoricsection
Mathematics
● 1hardgrade*perweekofhomework/practicework
● 1assessmenteveryotherweekasahardgrade*
Science
● 1hardgrade*perweekofhomework/practicework
● 1assessmenteveryotherweekasahardgrade*
Music&Art&PhysicalEducation
● Assessment-basedgeneralobservationsandencouragementsbytheteachers,buthardgrades arenotgivenforelectives.
Latin
● 1hardgrade*perweekofhomework/practicework
● 1assessmenteveryotherweekasahardgrade*
*Hardgrade:afterpracticingthechildwillbeassessedonmasteryorimprovement ReviewweekandfinalsweekbeforeChristmas.
Reviewweekandfinalsweekattheendoftheyear.
ParentCommunication
● GradeswillbecommunicatedthroughClassReach
● ConductitemswillbeenteredpriortotheFallandSpringParent-TeacherMeetings
● Teacherswillcontactparentsifastudentisstrugglingacademicallyorsocially
● PleaseuseClassReachasthebestwaytocommunicateimportantinformationwiththestaff
HomeworkPhilosophyandGuidelines
VeritasChristianAcademyiscommittedtowholepersoneducationofthestudent,evenoutsideofthe fourwallsoftheschool Werealizethattheremaybeothereducationaltools,settings,events,and activitiesthatparentsmaywanttoinvolvetheirchildrenintohelpthemtobecomewellrounded persons.
VCAisalsoaChristianinstitutionwhereweseektohonortheSabbath Wedonotintendnorwishto assignhomeworkthatneedstobestressedoverorcrammedtogetdoneonSunday.Sundaysshouldbe dedicatedtoworship,family,andrest,andnothomework.
Godhasequippedpeoplewithdifferentacademicgiftsanddifferentstylesofworking.Parentsand studentsmustconsiderthecostintimeandsacrificesneededtomarkwellinacademics.Whilesome parentsandstudentsmaydeterminetostriveformakingallA’sandthereforeputthehighestpriority onhomework,othersmaybecontenttoplacetheirchildreninextracurricularactivitiesoutsideofthe school,knowingparticipationintheseextracurricularactivitiesmayimpacthomeworktimeand thereforetheoverallgradeofthestudent.Somestudentscanscorewellontestsandrecallinformation withlesseffortthanothers.Somestudentsareabletoaccomplishworkmorequickly.Somestudents areinvolvedinmanyoutsideactivities,whileothershavemoretimeforstudy Somestudentsmake gooduseofstudytimeatschool,whileothersdonot.Ourteachersconsiderallofthesefactorsbefore assigningstudentshomework,soweaskparentstokeepthesefactorsinmindaswell.Shoulda situationarisewherehomeworkisassigned,herearetheprimarycauses:
1. Studentsoftenneedsomeamountofextrapracticeinspecific,newconcepts,skills,orfacts.In certainsubjects(e.g.,mathorlanguages),thereisnotenoughtimeinaschooldaytodoas muchpracticeasmaybenecessaryformastery
2. Repeated,shortperiodsofpracticeorstudyofnewinformationisoftenabetterwaytolearn thanonelongperiodofstudy
3. Studyingfortests,memorizationwork,reviewingnotes,readingofliterature,projectsand researchareallexamplesofworkthatmaybedoneoutsideofclass
4. SinceVeritasChristianAcademyrecognizesthatparentalinvolvementiscriticaltoachild's education,homeworkcanbeusedasanopportunityforparentstoactivelyassisttheirchildin hisstudies.Thiswillalsokeeptheparentsinformedastothecurrenttopicsofstudyintheclass
Parentsconvincedthattheirstudentisregularlyexceedingtheselevelsshouldkeeparecordoftime spent(actualdiligentstudytime,notdawdling,daydreaming,etc.)foratwo-weekperiodandcontact theteacher/Headmaster Atthatpoint,itcanbedeterminedifthestudentfallswithinthenormofthe class,andifso,adjustmentswillbemade.Ifastudentisbelowaverageinperformance,everyattempt willbemadetoofferstudyhabitsuggestionstoimproveefficiency,buthomeworkloadcannotbe adjustedinthosesituations.
Currently,VCAoperateswithmulti-gradedclassroomsonafour-dayschedule.Thismeansthatthe teachersareonverytightlessonplansandschedulestoattendtotheacademicneedsofeachstudent andeachclassasawhole Homeworkisimportantbecauseitkeepstheclassesonscheduleandmoving forward Studentsnotkeepingupwiththeirpeersimpactsthedailyandweeklylessonplans
Sincehomework,byitsnature,takestimeathome,itisnottobeassignedduetotheteacher’spoor planningorinplaceofanassignment,whichcouldhavebeencompletedinschool Thenecessityfor doinghomeworkwillvaryfromgradetogradeandevenfromstudenttostudent.Theguidebelow shouldberegardedasmaximumtimes,notasrequiredminimumtimes,andthenonlyifhomeworkis assigned.
Toencourageanddevelopaloveforreading,15-20minutesofuninterruptedreadingeverydayis expected.Thiscouldincludereadingatgradeappropriateleveltoasiblingorfamilymember,listening toastorythewholefamilyreadswithmomordadreading,readingtheBibleformorningdevotions, etc.Thetimerecordedbelowaretimesdedicatedtohomeworkoutsidethe15-20minutesofreading.
3 30–45mins(asneeded) 120–180mins
4 45mins 180mins 5 45mins 180mins
6 45–60mins 180–240 mins
7–8 60–90mins 4–6hours
IndividualGrades
VCAwilluseauniquemethodofgradingthatensuresstudentshavetimeto“practice”beforethey receiveagrade Thereforeregularfeedbackwithinthescopeoftheclassregardingnewconceptswillbe givenand“practice”gradeswillberecordedwithinthegradebook.MagnumOpusassignments(best work),thatwillmoregreatlyaffectoverallstandings,willalsoberecordedfortranscriptpurposes. Consistentwitheducatingthewholechild,bothattitudeandeffortwillbeconsideredwithinour gradingsystems
GroupProjectGrades
“Andweurgeyou,brothersandsisters,warnthosewhoareidleanddisruptive,encouragethe disheartened,helptheweak,bepatientwitheveryone.”–1Thessalonians5:14
Groupprojectsareapartofcourseworkanditshouldbeexpectedthatgradingofthesewillnotbe individualizedbecausewebelievethatcharacterincommunityrevealstheheart.VCAcaresevenmore abouttheheartthantheacademics,groupprojectsallowteacherstoseewherecharacterworkis needed,andsincewearepreparingstudentsforlife,notjustcollege,characterinChristiancommunity isintegralto“lovingGodandlovingneighbor”(Matthew22:36–40)
MathematicalGradingPolicy
Becausemathproblemsareobjectivelyrightorwrong,gradingwillfollowasimplenumbercorrectout ofthenumberofproblems.
● Mathexaminationsare70%ofthefinalgrade
● Mathhomework,practicums,andprojectsare30%ofthefinalgrade(grouporindividual)
ScienceGradingPolicy
Sincescienceistaughtthroughexperiments,anddiscovery,thiswillbeaparticipationandgroup projectgradeintheprimaryyearsandwillmovetowardsmasterygradingthroughthevariousscientific fieldsofstudyinthesecondaryyears.
LatinGradingPolicy
LatinistaughttobuildvocabularyandcontinuetogrowEnglishaswellasLatingrammarskills. Assessmentswillbebasedontheseconceptsandpointswillbeawardedforthepurposeof demonstratingmastery
HumanitiesGradingPolicy
Vocabularyterms,spelling,grammar,anddirectcharacternamesordateswillbeobjectivelygradedand willbeonapoints-basedsystem.Withmasteryasourgoal,studentswillbeaskedtocorrectthewrong answers.
Assignmentsthataremorephilosophicalinnaturewillbegradedonascale.Withineachassignment, grammaticalandspellingmistakeswillbeclearlymarkedandstudentswillbeaskedtoreviewtheword orgrammaticalruleandedittheirwriting Thispromotesmasteryinwritingassignments
Failing&Retakes
Retakeswillbelefttotheteacher’sdiscretion Astudentwhohassimplyfailedforalackof understandingmaybegivenanotheropportunitytoprovetheirunderstandingafterfurtherpractice. Astudentwhoneglectedtheirstudiesandthereforefailed,maynotbegivenaretakeopportunity.
Ifastudentfailsanentirecourse,thestudent,parents,andteacherwillmeetwiththeEducation Counciltodeterminethebestcourseofactionforthestudent.Circumstances,understandingof directionsandeffortwillallbetakenintoconsideration.
Parentswillbenotifiedwithinthreeweeksoftheendofthegradingperiodiftheirstudentisin jeopardyoffailing.
PARENTCOMMUNICATION& INVOLVEMENT
Therelationshipbetweenschoolandhomeisadelicateonerequiringtheutmostrespectforthe authorityinthehomeandtheauthorityoftheschool.Onceenrolledintheschool,thefamilymustbe willingtosubmittotheschool’sauthorityingoverningitsaffairs Yet,theschoolmustalsoupholdthe family’sauthorityingoverningitsaffairs.Giventhesetworealmsofauthorityandconsideringthe vastnessoftheresponsibilityintrainingandeducatingourchildren,disagreementsareinevitable.They maybesmallorgreatbuttheywillinevitablyoccur.WebelievethatGodcanbeglorifiedinthemidst ofthesedisagreementsthroughthepeacemakingactionsofthoseinvolved Everyparentmustbe willingtoseekproperresolutiontoanyconflict.Sometimesthismeanssimplyoverlookingtheaction (Proverbs19:11),andsometimesitmeansspeakingthetruthinlove.Harboringbitternessorkeeping recordsofoffensesisneitherbiblicalnorprofitable(1Corinthians13).Weencourageeveryfamilyto attempttobeatpeacewithallmenandhaveoutlinedtheproperlinesofcommunicationbetweenthe schoolandhomeaccordingtothebiblicalprinciplesfoundinMatthew18.Webelievethatscripture teachesthatconflictsshouldbehandleddiscreetlyandcarefully,whilebelievingandspeakingthebest abouteachindividualinvolved VCAstaffandHeadmasterwillabidebythesesameprinciplesin communicatingwithparentsandstudents
ClassroomVisits
VCAseekstoassistparentsintheireffortstobringuptheirchildren“inthedisciplineandinstruction oftheLord"(Ephesians6:4).Asasupportandextensionofthefamilyunit,VCAconsidersthefamily tobeoffirstimportancetoachild.God,throughHisWord,theBible,indicatesthatthefamilyisthe mostimportanthumaninstitutionHedesigned,sinceHecomparesittotherelationshipbelievershave withChristandtheFather.Therefore,atVCAwearecontinuallyseekingwaystoactivelyinvolvethe parents,siblings,andgrandparentsofourstudents.Thefollowingarejustafewofthecommonways thisisdone.Youmay:
1. Visittheschool/classatanytime.Parentsarewelcometoobserveinourclassrooms.Someread, helpgrade,orplanactivities,whilesomejustcomeforthejoyofwatchingtheirchildrenlearn
2. Assistintheclassroom,regularlyorinfrequently(arrangementsshouldbemadewiththe teacherconcerned)
3. Assistwithlunchduty
4. Serveasastory-reader,song-leader,orguestartist;offeryourspecialtalents
5 Shareyourexperiencesortravelsastheymayrelatetoanareaofstudyinaclass
6. Helphostclasspartiesasaclassroomparent
7. Assistwithlargeofficemailingsorphotocopying
8 Supportateacheroradministratorthroughregularprayer
9. Accompanytheclassonfieldtrips
10.Volunteertoleadanelectiveclass:Art,Music,orPhysicalEducation
FormoreinformationabouthowtobecomeaVeritasChristianAcademyVolunteer,pleasereachout totheHeadmaster.
Parent-TeacherConferences
Thereisadedicateddayattheendofthefirstandthirdquartersforparent-teacherconferencesat VCA.Seetheschoolcalendarforthespecificdates.Additionalparent-teacherconferencesare scheduledasneeded.ContactateacherortheHeadmastertosetupatime.Parentsareencouragedto beproactiveindevelopinganongoingdialoguewithallteachers
RegularCommunicationfromSchool
VCApublishesaweeklyNewslettercontainingofficialinformationconcerningschoolactivitiesand otherimportantannouncementsforthemonth.ParentsareresponsibletoreadtheNewsletter, familiarizethemselveswithitscontents,andplaceschooleventsontheircalendarsforreference.
TeachersmaybecontactedthroughClassReachoutsideofregularworkinghours.Whenaddressing anyconcerns,parentsshouldcopytheHeadofSchooltokeeptheschoolinformedofclassroom circumstances Teacherswilldothesamewhenaddressingconcernsviaemailswithparents
Ifyouhaveaconcernaboutcurriculumcontent,VCApolicy,orphilosophy,communicatewiththe HeadofSchool.Ifyouhavequestionsabouttheweeklyworkingsofaparticularclassroom(e.g., homeworkload),contacttheteacherthroughClassReach Atnotimeshouldanindividualstudent’s problembeaddressedtonon-involvedparties.Inthegreatmajorityofcases,ifyouhaveworked patientlyandingoodfaith,withtheteacheranddirectors,youwillfindasatisfactoryresolution.
PleasefollowMatthew18:15todeterminetheproperorderofcommunication:“Ifyourbrothersins againstyou,goandtellhimhisfault,betweenyouandhimalone.Ifhelistenstoyou,youhavegained yourbrother”
InternetUse&SocialMedia
Studentsareheldtothesamestandardofbehaviorwhethertheyareoncampusoronlineathome Individualsagreetousethesetechnologicaltoolshonorablyandresponsibly.
Thefollowingisnotpermitted:
● Sendingordisplayingoffensivemessagesorintimatepictures
● Usingobscene,vulgar,orprofanelanguage
● Harassing,tormenting,threatening,embarrassing,humiliating,insulting,orattackingothers
● Textingorsocialmediainteractionwithteachers
ClassReachcommunicationispermittedforstudents,parents,andteachers.
HEALTH&WELLNESS
Lunch
Studentswillbringpackedlunchestobeeatenintheirclassroomoroutsideiftheweatherpermits Pleasepacklunchesthatdonothavetobeheatedorrefrigerated.Pleasealsoalertusofanyallergies yourchildhassowecanaccommodateasneededandalertotherfamilies(iftheallergyisverysevere). AtVCA,wevaluehealthandwellness,sopleasekeepthisinmindwhenpackinglunches,asyour youngstudentswillbelearningaboutnutrition,abalanceddiet,etc
Snacks
Parentsarewelcometosendaneasytoeatsnack(werecommendanutritioussnack)formid-morning Wateristheonlybeverageallowedtoaccompanysnacks.
HealthRecords
VeritasChristianAcademyshouldbenotifiedofanysevereallergiesorhealthconcerns.
AdministrationofMedicines
VeritasChristianAcademyAdministrationmayadministerover-the-countermedicationtothe childrenintheircarebutonlywithauthorizationfromthechild’sparentorguardianthroughthe ClassReachreleaseform.
VCAreservestherighttorefusetheresponsibilityofprescriptionadministrationforanyreason Ifthis occurs,wewillbehappytoaccommodateparentvisitsduringthedayforthepurposeofmedication administration.
IllnessPolicy
Inconsiderationofyourchild’swellnessandtopreventthespreadofillnesstoclassmatesandteachers, wekindlyaskthatayoungstudentshouldbesymptom-freeafull24hoursfromthefollowingbefore returningtoonsiteclasses:
● Fever Temperatureof100degreesorabovewithouttheuseoffever-reducingmedication
● Vomiting/diarrhea
● Pleasedonotsendchildrenwithahighlycontagiousillnessessuchasstrep,hand/foot/mouth, orpinkeye(tonameafew)
GovernmentAgencyRequests
VCAvaluesourparentpartnershipandassuchwewillnotifyparentsofanyinteractionwitha governmentagencysuchaschildprotectiveservices,asitrelatestoyourchild.Ourpolicyisasfollows:
● Parentswillbenotifiedandtheirpresencerequestedpriortoagovernmentagencybeing allowedtointerviewachildduringschoolhours
● VCAwilldoitsbesttoholdupthispolicywithanygovernmentagencybutcannotbeheld liableifwearenotabletogetaholdofafamilyorifthegovernmentagencyuseslegalforceto demandtheinterview
ACADEMICSCHEDULE
Calendar
TheAcademicCalendarislocatedonourwebsite.
INSTITUTIONALGUIDELINES
AttendancePolicy
Thispolicyisdesignedtoencouragestudentattendanceatschool.Atschoolastudentisexposedto varioustypesofinstruction.Becauseeachclassperiodshouldcontributesignificantlytothe curriculumobjectivesofVCA,andbecausetheinstructionalprogramisprogressiveandsequential, studentsshouldattendallprescribedclasses.Muchofwhatastudentlearnsinschoolcomesfromthe classroomexperiencesthatarenotrecordedasagrade.However,inrecognizingtheauthorityof parentsovertheirchildren,weunderstandthatparentsmaydecidethatitisinthebestinterestsoftheir childnottoattendschoolonaparticularday
PlannedAbsences
Plannedabsencesareanyabsencesthataretheresultofparentsdecidingtoexcusetheirstudentfrom attendanceatschoolforreasonsthatareforeseeable.Examplesincludeabsencesduetofamily vacations,doctorordentistvisits,programsthatarenotschool-related,etc.
UnplannedAbsences
Unplannedabsencesareanyunforeseeableabsences.Specificexamplesincludeillnessesorfamily emergencies
Procedure
Arecordofattendanceforeachstudentwillbekeptandthetotalnumberofdaysabsentwillbe recordedonthestudent’squarterlyreportcard.Intheeventthatastudentmissesmorethanfivedays inanyonequarter(foranyreason),thestudent’sparentsneedtomeetwiththeHeadmasterand teacherstoconsidertheacademicconsequencesofthestudent’sabsences Intheeventastudentis
absentfromaclass,orfromschool,formorethantendaysduringonequarter(foranyreason),the student’sgradesfortheclassesmissedmaybedroppedonelettergrade.Uponrequestfromparents, theHeadmasterisauthorizedtoconsiderwaivingrequirementssetbytheattendancepolicy Indoing so,hewilltakeintoaccountthefollowing:student’smasteryinallsubjects,attitudetowardworkand study,anddisciplinaryrecordatschool.
Theseventhtardy(foranyreason)inanygivenquarterwillresultinoneabsence Eachsubsequent tardywillbecountedasanabsence.Nodistinctionwillbemadeforexcusedorunexcusedtardies.The teacherisnotobligatedtore-teachanylessonorextendanyopportunitytocompleteorturnin assignments
Astudentwhomissesmorethanhalftheclassenteringlateorleavingearlyistobecountedabsent fromthatclass.Suchcaseswillbeexcusedornotexcusedbytheofficebasedonthecircumstances.For example,doctor’sappointmentsorsicknesswouldbeexcused,whileunexplainedlatenesswouldbe unexcused.
AttendanceGuidelines
1. UnplannedAbsences:
a Assignmentduedates:Anextensionmaybegivenforassignmentsdueonaparticular dateatthediscretionoftheteacherandHeadmaster.Theextensionwillnotexceedthe numberofschooldaysmissedduringtheabsence.Assignmentduedateswillbe establishedbytheclassroomteacher
b. Studentsmustcompleteallworkassignedduringtheirabsence.However,intheevent ofanillnesslastingthreedaysormore,theteachersmay,attheirdiscretion,excusethe studentsfromsomeoftheassignmentsmissed
c. Studentswillreceivefullcreditforsubmittingassignedworkuponreturningtoschool afteranexcusedabsence
d. Note:Inthecaseofillness,itisrecommendedthattheparent/studentcontactthe schooltofindoutwhatassignmentsweremissed
2. PlannedAbsences(oneortwodays):
a Assignmentduedates:Itistheparent/student’sresponsibilitytoaskforandcomplete missedassignments.Generally,noextensionofduedateswillbegiven.However,one
additionaldaymaybegivenforabsencesresultingfromattendanceatschool-related functions.Duedateswillbesetbytheteachers
b. Studentsmustcompleteallworkassignedduringtheirabsence.Theteacherwill compileassignmentsandcourseworktobesenthomewiththestudent
c. Pointsmaybedeductedforgradesoncompletedassignmentsforeachdaythat assignmentsaresubmittedpasttheassignedduedate
3 PlannedAbsences(threedaysormore):
a. Duedate:Studentswillhavenomorethanhalfofthetimetheywereabsentto completeallassignedwork Specificduedateswillbesetbytheteacher
b. Teachersmay,attheirdiscretion,excusethestudentfromsomeoftheassignments issued Otherwise,allmissedworkistobecompleted
c. Studentswillreceivefullcredit(nogradededuction)forcompletingassignmentsgiven totherestoftheclassduringtheirabsence
SigningStudentsOut/In
Whenitisnecessarytosignstudentsout(andconsequentlybackin,eg,foradoctor’sappointment) duringthecourseoftheschoolday,parentsarerequestedtogototheWelcomeDeskandsignout/in withthe“SignOutLog.”Parentsareaskedtoprovidethedate,timeout/in,student’sname, homeroomclass,andparentsignature.
Forregulardismissal,studentsmustremainwiththeirclassandteachersuntilpickedupbyan authorizedadultorolderstudent.
ParkingforStudentDrop-off
Driversaretorememberthethreegoalsofdrivingintheparkinglotforstudentdrop-off:safety, efficiency,andcourtesy.
Driversmayarrivebetween7:45am and8:00am todrop-offandsign-instudentsandbetween3:30 p.m.and3:45p.m.tosign-outandpick-up.
DriversmayuseanyparkinglotspacethatisdesignatedforLivingWaterBibleFellowship.Pleasebe courteousofotherdriversintheparkinglotandfamilieswalkingtotheentrance.Donotuseyourcell phonewhilemaneuveringthroughtheparkinglotanddonotpassotherdrivers
Facultyandstaffrelyondriverstopickupstudentsontime.ForgradesK–8,theend-of-daypick-upis from3:30to3:45pm Intheeventastudentisnotpickedupbytheendoftheirpick-upperiod,we willbringthestudenttotheappropriateofficeandVCAwillbegincallingtheemergencycontactlist Ifyouknowyouarerunninglate,pleasecontacttheappropriateofficeassoonaspossibletogiveusan ETA.Wedonothaveanafter-careprogram.Astaffmembermuststaywhenastudentisleftafter pick-uphours
Building
LivingWaterBibleFellowshiphostsVCAstudentsingradesK–8 Classesareheldonthesecondfloor ofthebuilding.Alloutsideandfirstfloordoorsaremonitoredduringschoolhoursandwhenclassisin session,classroomdoorsarelocked.TheHeadmasterofficeislocatedonthesecondfloorofthe building.
Allvisitorsshouldcomethroughthemainentrancedoorsonthenorthsideofthebuildingforentry duringtheschoolday.Pleasenotethesignsthatwilldirectyouinside.Visitorsmustsigninandoutat theofficesoweareawareofallpeopleinthebuilding Ifyouarebringingitemsforyourchild(lunch, etc.)pleasebringthemtotheofficeandthestaffwilltaketheitemstotheclassroomatthenextclass break.
Boundaries
Studentsarerequiredtoremainwithinthecampusboundariesduringtheschoolday.Studentsshould alwaysbeinsightandsoundofaVCAmemberorvolunteer Studentsmaynotgointothe surroundingareasortheparkinglotswithoutpermission
Cleanliness
Cleanlinessofacampusreflectstherespectfulnessandstewardshipofitsstudents.Everyoneshouldgo beyondsimplynotlitteringandshouldtakeresponsibilityforpickingupanytrashtheynoticelying aroundcampus.
ElevatorUse
StudentsarenottousetheelevatorwithoutpermissionfromtheHeadmaster Permissionmaybe grantedonaone-timebasisforaspecificreason,orforalong-termbasisintheeventastudenthasan injuryorillness.Studentsmustonlyusetheelevatorfornecessarytravel.Insomecases,astudentmay beallowedtobringoneclassmatetocarryabagorotheritems.
FoodandDrink
VCAstudentsaretoeatonlyduringdesignatedtimes,typicallymorningbreakandlunch Studentsare permittedtobringwaterbottlestoclass Waterbottlesmustcontainonlywater;otherbeveragesare notpermittedinclassrooms.Studentsmaynotchewgumatschoolunlessgivenpermissionbya teacher.
FieldTrips
Fieldtripsareanintegralpartofthe“handson”learningprocessatVCA.Eachchildmusthaveafield trippermissionformonfilebeforeheorshewillbeabletoparticipateinanyfieldtrip Teacherswill notifyparentsofupcomingfieldtripsintheirTeacherNotesandmayaskforparentstoserveas chaperonesand/ordrivers.Weencourageparentalparticipationandbelievethataparent’sattendance enhancesthelearningprocessandthemoraldevelopmentofourchildren.Parentswhowishto chaperoneand/ortransportVCAchildrenmustsubmitproofofautomobileinsurance Guidelinesfordrivers/chaperonesandstudentsincludethefollowing:
● Chaperones/driverswillbeassignedaspecificgroupofchildrentoride/drivewithbothtoand fromtheevent
● Whileinthevehicle,childrenmustremainseatedwithseatbeltsappropriatelyfastened(one childperseat no“double-buckling”).Nochildbelowtheageof12ispermittedtositinthe frontpassengerseat
● Normally,childrenarenotallowedtohaveoruseelectronicequipmentonfieldtrips(phones, handheldelectronicgames,etc.)
● Driversshouldbemindfulofallfamiliesrepresentedwhenchoosingmusicinsidethevehicle whiletraveling
● BehavioralstandardsshouldmirrorVCAexpectationsintheclassroom,bothduringthedrive andatthesiteofthefieldtrip.Studentsshouldshowrespectandhonortootherclassmates,the audience,performers,andchaperones WeexpectVCAstudentstoactwithimpeccabledignity andmanners,doingonlywhatispleasingtoGod.Chaperones/driversareexpectedtobe presentandassistinmaintainingthesestandardsonfieldtrips
● Forstudentsafetyandsecurityreasons,itisimportanttohavethechildrenleave,travel,and arriveatrelativelythesametime.Driversshouldnot“runerrands”whendrivingfortheschool, includingstoppingforlunchorgasapartfromthegroup/caravan
● Ifstudentscanwearspecialattireasidefromthenormalschooluniformduringthefieldtrip, familieswillbenotified
LunchandSnacks
VCAstudentsmustbringtheirsnacksandlunchestoschool.Studentswillnormallyeatinthe fellowshiphalldownstairsnexttothewarmingkitchenwithsupervisionfromanaideand/orteacher Ondayswheretheauditoriumisbeingusedforotherevents,studentswilleatintheirclassrooms. Self-containedlunchesthatdonotrequirerefrigerationorheatingarethemostconvenient,and thereforerequiredinorderforeveryonetomakeadequateuseofthelunchhour.Ifyourstudentneeds specificlunchaccommodations,pleasecontacttheHeadmaster
Inaddition,studentsaretobringanyutensilstheymayneedaswellasnapkins.Foryoungerstudents, pleasepurchaseeasilyopeneddrinksandsnacks
BirthdayObservances
VCAstudentsthathaveabirthdayduringtheschoolyearandwouldliketocelebratewithclassmates maybringcupcakestoclasswithteacherpermission.Parentsshouldarrangedetailsofthesmall celebrationwiththestudent’steacherandplantoprovideatreatforeachstudentthatdoesnotrequire specialserving(i.e.,cake,largebowlsofpuddingorjello,etc.).
LostandFound
VCAwillmaintainalostandfound Pleaselabelallclothing,books,andpersonalarticleswiththe student’sorfamily’sname Thelostandfoundwillbecleanedouteverymonth Unclaimeduniform itemswillbedonatedtotheuniformexchangeandotherunclaimeditemswillbedonatedtoalocal charityordisposedof.
PhotographyandPublicity
VCAstudentsarephotographed(andvideoed)onaregularbasis Thesephotosandvideosmaybe usedtopromotetheschoolonsocialmediaandthewebsite.Ifastudentorfamilydoesnotwishsuch pictures,orastudent’sworktobeusedinschoolpublicationsorpromotions,theschoolshouldbe notifiedbyfillingoutthePhotographyPermissionForm,whichcanberequestedviaemailto info@veritaschristianacademy ParentscanreturnthePhotographyPermissionFormtothe Headmaster’soffice.
InclementWeather
VCAwilltakeallnecessaryprecautionstoinsureyourchild’ssafetyandtoaidinyourfamily’s preparationforsevereweatherand/orotheremergencysituations.Incaseofinclementweather,the administrationandboardwillconsultwithauthoritiestodeterminethebestcourseofaction Inmost occurrences,VCAclosingsordelayswillcoincidewiththeAlamosaSchoolDistrict
Fornotificationofschoolclosings,delayedopenings,andearlydismissals,VCAoffersthefollowing options:
1. SignuptoreceiveatextmessagebyemailingVCA(info@veritaschristian.academy)and providingyourcellphonenumberandcellphoneserviceprovider
2. Allparentsreceiveanemailfromschoolofficials
3. LikeandFollowVCA’sFacebookpage,whereallurgentannouncementsareposted
EmergencyDrills
VCAwillconductperiodicdrillstoacquaintteachersandstudentswithvariousemergency procedures.Thiswillincludefire,tornado,andschoollockdowndrills.Ifyouhavequestions regardingspecificprocedures,pleaseseetheHeadmaster
ENROLLMENTPOLICY
EnrollmentRequirementsforParents
ThoughnotrequiredtobeChristians,theparentsofstudentsatVCAshouldhaveaclear understandingofthebiblicalphilosophyandpurposeofVCA,includingtheschool’smission,vision,
andStatementofFaith.Thisunderstandingincludesawillingnesstohavetheirchildclearlytaughtthe school'sStatementofFaithinvariousandfrequentwayswithintheschool'sprogram.Parentsshould haveaclearunderstandingofouruniqueclassicaleducationalapproach Parentsshouldcarefullyread theinformationalmaterialsabouttheschool.
Ourenvironmentislargelyaproductofthevaluesheldbyourfamilies WeseekcommittedChristian familieswhoshareourvalues FamiliesneednotbeevangelicalChristianstobeadmitted,thoughwe areanevangelical,Bible-believingorganization.ItisourhopethatfamiliesofmanyChristian denominationswillfindsuccessinattendingourschool.Familiesareexpectedto1)supportourethic ofdisciplineintheirhome,2)permitustoteachtheirchildreninmattersoffaith,accordingtoour statementoffaith,and3)supportourculturalvaluesbyobservingthestandardssetforthinthis handbookforclothing,music,language,andotherculturalinfluenceswhileattheschooloratschool functions.
SpecialNeeds
VeritasChristianAcademyaimstoteachstudentsofallabilitylevelsthroughsolidChristianpedagogy andmaterials Becauseweareabletotakebothconventionalanduniquelearners,ourprogramisvery distinct.Weofferclassicalteachingasinputbutonlyexpectclassicaloutputbasedonthegiftingof eachindividualstudent.Ourteachingisdoneina“roundtable”setting,wherewemovefromthe concretetothephilosophicalasthestudentsareready Aslongasweareabletoservethestudentwell, weareopenforenrollmentwithstudentswhostruggle Astudentneedstobeabletokeepthe disciplinepolicyandwhilewemaybeabletosupportadiagnosisandassistwithtoolsachildmayneed wedonotallowadiagnosistobeanexcuseforsin.
Anti-Discrimination&ADAStatement
VeritasChristianAcademyadmitsstudentsofanyrace,color,nationalorigin,andethnicorigininall rights,privileges,programs,andactivitiesgenerallyaccordedormadeavailabletostudentsatthe school.Itdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,color,nationalorigin,andethnicoriginin administrationofitseducationalpolicies,admissionpolicies,scholarshipandloanprograms,and athleticandotherschool-administeredprograms.
ChildrendiagnosedwithalearningdisabilityarewelcometobeapartofVCAsolongastheycan meet,orbeassistedtomeet,thedisciplinestandardsoftheclassroom,discussions,anddailyroutine.
Studentsapplyingforadmissionsshouldhaveadesiretoreceivethisformofeducation.Wedonot mindassistingparentsinfosteringthisdesire,butthestudentneedstoattheveryleastbe“willingtobe madewilling”tobediscipledthroughaclassicalChristianeducation
EnrollmentProcess
1 GeneralInquiry
2. FamilyInterviewRequest
3. AdmissionsInterview
4 Assessmentofstudent
5. Application
6. Enrollment
7 TuitionAgreement
TUITION
PleaseseeourtuitionpolicyHERE.
TuitionAssistance
WedonotwantfinancestobeareasonthatafamilycannotsendtheirchildrentoVeritasChristian Academy,whilewealsowanttobegoodstewardsofdonorfunds.Weaskthatfamiliesinneedof tuitionassistanceaskgrandparents,churches,andfamilybeforeapplyingforfinancialaid Iftuition assistanceisstillnecessaryweuseathirdpartyfinancialaidprocessorcalledBeneFAQ Theapplication is$35andVCAreceivesareportrelatedtowhatafamilycanfeasiblyaffordbasedontheirfinancial portfolio.Withthisinformation,ourcommitteemakesadecisiontakingintoaccountthereportand anyextenuatingcircumstance Ourdesireisthatafamilyinneedoftuitionassistanceisabletopaya minimumof10%oftheirsalarytowardsChristianeducation,butwealsoreviewthefinancial circumstancesinmakingourdetermination.
Step1:Askforhelpfromyourchurch(manychurcheshaveeducationfunds)
Step2:ApplythroughBeneFAQ.
Step3:Thecommitteewillreviewandmakearecommendation.
Step4:Youwillbenotifiedofanyaidtobeawarded
Step5:Payyournewtuitionamountthroughmonthlytuition.
EVALUATIONS
1 Teacherswillevaluatestudentsregularlyforthepurposeofassessingskillandknowledge
2. Teachersareevaluatedunannouncedthroughouttheyear
3. Theadministrationwillbeassessedperiodicallybythestaff
4 Parentswillevaluatetheschoolannually
GeneralAgreement:AllparentsandstudentswhoareenrollinginVeritasChristianAcademyaffirmby theirapplicationandenrollmenttheirintentionalwillingnesstoabidebytheexpectationsandrules presentedinthishandbookandallotherschooldocuments,bothexpressedandimplied.Thisincludesall policiesstatedherein.
Disclaimer:Thereadershouldtakenoticethatwhileeveryeffortismadetoensuretheaccuracyofthe informationprovidedherein,VeritasChristianAcademyreservestherighttomakechangesatanytime withoutpriornotice.Parentswillbenotifiedofanychangestothehandbookthatoccurduringthecurrent academicyear.VeritasChristianAcademyprovidestheinformationhereinsolelyfortheconvenienceof thereaderand,totheextentpermissiblebylaw,expresslydisclaimsanyliabilitywhichmayotherwisebe incurred.