Upper School
Family Handbook
2016-17 School Year
5601 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308
Phone: 954.771.4600 • Fax: 954.491.3021 • www.wa.edu
Westminster Academy® is a Christ-centered,
biblically-based college preparatory school dedicated
to equipping covenant students to excel by using
their gifts and talents for God’s glory.
Table of Contents
Mission Statement ........................................................................................ iii
Guiding Principles........................................................................................ iii
Who We Are ................................................................................................... iii
What We Believe ........................................................................................... iii
Five Promises We Make To God And Parents .................................... iii
Preamble ...........................................................................................................iv
Education To The Glory Of God ...............................................................iv
School Crest .....................................................................................................vi
Student Life.................................................................................................... vii
Non-Discrimination Statement ............................................................... vii
Disclaimer ...................................................................................................... vii
Assistance Directory .....................................................................................ix
Daily Schedules ............................................................................................... 1
I. School -To-Home Reports ......................................................................... 2
II. Academic Matters...................................................................................... 2
III. Attendance ...............................................................................................13
IV. Appearance And Attire .......................................................................16
V. Expectations Of Student Conduct And Discipling ......................17
VI. Student Activities And Organizations............................................24
VII. Student Awards ....................................................................................25
VIII. Health And Safety ..............................................................................26
IX. Transportation.........................................................................................27
X. Oth er Matters ............................................................................................28
ii
MISSION STATEMENT
Westminster Academy is a Christ-centered, biblically-based, college
preparatory school dedicated to equipping covenant students to excel b y
using their gifts and talents for God’s glory.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
For the glory of God we will continue to be dedicated to:
 Teaching and modeling God’s truth, wisdom and prayerful discernm ent in
all areas of our school ministry as we exemplify Jesus Christ with our words,
work and witness.
 Equipping our students with a scholarly and biblical world and life view a s
we educate them to become exceptional lifelong learners, extraordinary
thinkers and Christ-honoring decision makers.
 Inspiring our students to excel with their gifts and talents in academics,
spiritual and character development, fine arts, athletics, service to others and
student life programs.
 Instilling in our students a biblical love and respect for God, His truth, J esu s
Christ, parents, family, teachers, school, church, community and country.
 Encouraging and disciplining our students, alumni and school community to
grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and their understanding of God’s
Holy Word as they strive to be champions of the three greats—the Great
Commandment, the Great Commission and the Great Cultural Mandate.
WHO WE ARE
Westminster Academy is a Christian college preparatory school and m inis t ry of
Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. Regionally accredited since 1977, Westmins t er
Academy provides a rigorous academic curriculum, infused with a biblical
worldview and balanced with an award winning fine arts program and a divers e
athletic program.
WA seeks to enroll young men and women from Christian families seeking an
excellent, biblical, and college preparatory education. The Upper School
professional staff is composed of 51 experienced master teachers with 53% holding
advanced degrees.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Westminster Academy is an educational ministry of Coral Ridge Presbyterian
Church and as such is governed denominationally by the Presbyterian Chu rch in
America. WA gives instruction to children and youth from within a biblical
framework, as interpreted through the historic, orthodox creeds and doctrines of
the Church. In particular it views God, life, and scripture through that form of
biblical interpretation presented by the Westminster Confession of Faith a nd t he
Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
FIVE PROMISES WE MAKE TO GOD AND PARENTS
As we prayerfully, passionately and purposefully live our mission we will:
1.
Surround the children with Christ-honoring professional people
iii
2.
3.
4.
5.
Bathe the children in steadfast prayer
Position every child to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ as
Lord and Savior
Immerse every child in the Truth of God in all areas of their learning
Inspire every child to discover and excel with their God-given gifts
and talents for His glory
PREAMBLE
The God of the Old and New Testaments is the creator and sustainer of a ll t ha t
exists. He possesses absolute authority over all things.
God is the God of the Bible. In the Bible God has revealed Himself, His will and
His way to us. Through the Bible we learn to understand the life and teachings
of Jesus Christ and learn to understand His created, natural world and the
principles He has placed therein.
Schooling must use the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the
infallible basis and interpreter for all teaching and learning.
Schooling must guide the child to an understanding of God’s centrality to all of
life and learning. No academic discipline or schooling activity lies outside of
this quest.
God has loaned children to their parents — not to schools, churches or
governments. The school exists to assist parents in the Godly rearing of their
children as an extension of their home.
EDUCATION TO THE GLORY OF GOD
Scholarship is seeing and savoring God in every branch of learning: The task of
Christian scholarship is to study reality as a manifestation of God's glory, to speak
about it with accuracy, and to savor the beauty of God in it. "Christian scholarship
must be permeated by spiritual affections for the glory of God in all things " - J ohn
Piper "Where there is a kind of light without heat, a head stored with notions a nd
speculations, with a cold and unaffected heart, there can be nothing divine in t ha t
light, that knowledge is no true spiritual knowledge of divine things"-Jonathan
Edwards; Ps 19; Ps 104:31; Col 1:16-17.
Far beyond mere academic accomplishment, education, for the Christian, is a
means to greater knowledge of and affections for God. The result is greater
passion for and effectiveness in "proclaiming the excellencies of Him who has
called us out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Pet 2:9). We have been
created and redeemed to be "to the praise of His glory" (Eph 1:6, 12,14} and
education finds its biblical definition to that end. This presupposes an unwavering
commitment to theological integrity, and academic discipline. Biblical theology, in
the tradition of Augustine, Calvin, Edwards, Spurgeon, Machen and VanTil, a nd
the classical educational model are most conducive to this goal. In this context, the
Christian student has the opportunity to develop a truly Christian worldview and
apologetic. A biblically correct view of God is essential to a uniquely Christian
worldview and a God glorifying course of life. While theological education and
God-centered academia in and of themselves do not promise to transform a child
God-ward, they are vital to cultivating and feeding those religious affections God
iv
creates in the heart. In shepherding our children's hearts, we pursue this end: a
passion in our children to live before the face of God for His glory alone and, in
this, find their greatest joy.
In this new Dark Age, pluralism is the doctrine of the culture and God is
"weightless." If our children are to survive spiritually, navigate a God-centered
course in life, be churchmen and effective apologists, there must be a pass ion f or
the truth of Scripture that transcends casual familiarity. There must be mastery of
essential doctrine and ability to study the Bible for oneself. And there must be
academic excellence to engage the created order and proclaim the glory of God in
it. Truly Christian education should be contemplated through this lens. How
should we, then, educate? D. A. Carson, The Gagging Of God, pp t;2-53: "The
impact of philosophical pluralism on Western culture is incalculable. I t t ouches
virtually every discipline - history, art, literature, anthropology, education,
philosophy, psychology, the social sciences, even increasingly, the 'hard' sciences but it has already achieved popularity in the public square, even when its
existence is not recognized. It achieves its greatest victory in redefining religiou s
pluralism so as to render heretical the idea that heresy is possible. Tolerance is
radically redefined, and masks a sometimes brutal intolerance. As Dorothy Sayers
observed: ‘In the world it is called Tolerance, But in hell it is called D es p a ir…t he
sin that believes in nothing, cares for nothing, seeks to know nothing, interferes
with nothing, enjoys nothing, hates nothing, finds purpose in nothing, lives for
nothing, and remains alive because there is nothing for which it will die.’” P ip er:
“The great end of all study—all theology—is a heart for God and a life of
holiness.”
Jonathan Edwards, The Miscellanies (vol. 13), p 495: "God is glorified within
Himself these two ways: 1. By appearing in His own perfect idea (of Himself ) , or
in His Son, who is the brightness of His glory. 2. By enjoying and delighting in
Himself, by flowing forth in infinite love and delight towards Himself, or in his
Holy Spirit…So God glorifies Himself toward the creatures also in two ways: 1. By
appearing…their understanding. 2. In communicating Himself to their hearts, and
in their rejoicing and delighting in, and enjoying, the manifestations which He
makes of Himself…God is glorified not only by His glory's being seen, b u t by it s
being rejoiced in. When those that see it delight in it, God is more glorified tha n if
they only see it His glory is then received by the whole soul, both by the
understanding and by the heart. God made the world that He might
communicate, and the creature receive, His glory; and that it might (be) received
both by the mind and heart. He that testifies his idea of God's glory (doesn't)
glorify God so much as he that testifies also his approbation of it and his delight in
it."
All truth is God's truth, therefore, the study of any subject must , u lt im ately, be
related back to God as the only reliable reference point for truth - God's Word
must interpret God's world. All academic pursuit is subservient to the end for
which the created order exists, and that being delight in the glory of God which is
revealed in all the created order-academic study is not an end in itself or a m ea ns
to any other end than the glorification of God.
v
SCHOOL CREST
P
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A
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S
IN A C
A
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E
X
D A MICA
L
E
L
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E XCE L LE N T I A
S
D
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N
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IN
SOLI
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PR
DEO
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GLORI A
In the tradition of the historic academy, Westminster Academy® sets forth a school
crest as its banner for the watching world to see. Each segment of the school cres t
states an important truth about who we are as an academy and what we do.
1.
SOLI DEO GLORIA - For God’s Glory Alone!
2.
THE LIONS and the FLAGS with DEUS (God) and PATRIA (Country) Jesus
Christ is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5). All authority is His , over
the Church and over the Nation (Eph. 1:22-23)
3.
THE SHIELD of faith (Eph. 6:16) Westminster Academy®—a ministry of
faith against the forces of evil and untruth




The Open Bible: students study both God’s world and His Word.
Hebrew Letters: In the beginning God created (Gen. 1:1)
Greek Letters: In the beginning was the Word (John 1:1)
Excellencia in Academica—Excellence in Academics (II Cor. 10:5)
In Omnibus Ipse Primatum Tenens “That in all things He (Christ) might
have the preeminence.” (Col. 1:16-18)
At the Center X—The first letter in the Greek name for Christ, and the
ancient symbol for Christ. Here REX, LEX, DUX and LUX come
together, for Christ is
REX-KING
DUX-GUIDE
LUX-LIGHT
LEX-LAW
4. THE SWORD: The Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (Eph. 6:17)
5.
THE CREST: The Helmet of Salvation (Eph. 6:17)
The Crown of Life
vi
STUDENT LIFE
Christian virtues are encouraged in every aspect of a student's life at Westminster
Academy. The following qualities will be set forth as the goal. They will be a t t he
heart of encouragement and discipleship at WA. Briefly stated they are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Kindness
Truthfulness
Respect for and courtesy toward the person and property of others
Punctuality in attendance and work
Respect for and obedience to those in authority
Diligence in effort and attention
Personal Integrity
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
Westminster Academy admits students of any race, color, national origin,
ethnicity, disability or sex to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities
made available to students of the school. It does not discriminate on t he ba s is of
race, color, national origin, ethnicity, disability or sex in the administration of it s
educational policies, admissions policies, financial assistance, athletics, or any
other school administered programs, unless a particular status protected by
federal, state or local laws contradict the deeply held religious convictions of t he
school or Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church.
DISCLAIMER
Nothing in this Handbook should be construed as a contract. Any contractual
rights are set forth in the Enrollment Agreement. Westminster Academy reserves
the right to add, delete, or modify any policy in this Handbook at any time
without prior notice.
vii
This Handbook has been written for the sole use of Westminster Academy and is not t o be
duplicated or reproduced without the expressed written consent of the School Board of
Westminster Academy.
viii
ASSISTANCE DIRECTORY
The list below provides the proper contact point for parents and students where
assistance may be obtained.
Absences for illness.............................................Student Health Services (Clinic)
Absences for reasons other than illness ....................................Attendance Office
Change of address.............................................................................. Finance Office
Classroom difficulties (student).... Classroom Teacher or Guidance Counselor
Classroom information (parents)..........Classroom Teacher first, then Principal
College information...........................................College Planning and Placement
Contributions/Donations .............................................. Director of Development
Dropping courses or schedule changes ...............................Guidance Counselor
Illness during school day ...................................Student Health Services (Clinic)
Locker problems....................................................................... Upper School Office
Lost and found.......................................................................... Upper School Office
Personal guidance ...................................................................Guidance Counselor
Registration, fees, etc. ........................................................ Director of Admissions
Student accident insurance ................................Student Health Services (Clinic)
Tardiness .......................................................................................Attendance Office
Teacher conference (parent) ..................................................Guidance Counselor
Transcripts, records, report cards ............................................................. Registrar
Tuition, fees, etc.................................................................................. Finance Office
All of the above may be reached at 954-771-4600 or 954-771-4615 between 8:00 a.m . and
4:00 p.m. The switchboard closes at 4:00 p.m. each day. Voice mail is available 24 hours a
day (954-771-4615 + ext.) to leave your message. We will respond as quickly as p ossible,
but no later than the next school day.
ix
DAILY SCHEDULES
Grades 6
Regular
1-1
1-2
2
3-1
L
3-2
4
8:00-8:42
(42)
8:47-9:30 (43)
9:35-11:05 (90)
11:10-11:55 (45)
11:55-12:35 (40)
12:40-1:25 (45)
1:30-3:00 (42)
Chapel
1-1
1-2
CH
2
L
3-1
3-2
4
8:00-8:40 (40)
8:45-9:30 (45)
9:35-10:15 (40)
10:20-11:35 (75)
11:35-12:25 (50)
12:25-1:05 (40)
1:10-1:45 (35)
1:50-3:00 (70)
1
CH
2
L
3-1
3-2
4-1
4-2
8:00-9:30 (75)
9:35-10:15 (40)
10:20-11:35 (75)
11:35-12:25 (50)
12:25-1:05 (40)
1:10-1:45 (35)
1:50-2:25 (35)
2:30-3:00 (30)
Grades 7-8
Regular
1
2
3-1
L
3-2
4-1
4-2
8:00-9:30 (90)
9:35-11:05 (90)
11:10-11:55 (45)
11:55-12:35 (40)
12:40-1:25 (45)
1:30-2:12 (42)
2:17-3:00 (43)
Chapel
Grades 9-12
Regular
1
2
L
3
4
8:00-9:30 (90)
9:35-11:05 (90)
11:05-11:55 (50)
11:55-1:25 (90)
1:30-3:00 (90)
Chapel
1
CH
2
L
3
4
8:00-9:15 (75)
9:25-10:15 (50)
10:25-11:40 (75)
11:40-12:30 (50)
12:30-1:45 (75)
1:50-3:00 (70)
1
I. SCHOOL-TO-HOME REPORTS
Westminster Academy was established in 1971 to assist parents in the educa t ional, m oral a nd
spiritual development of their child to the glory of God. “These commandments that I give y ou t oday
are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when
you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your h and s and
bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” (Deut. 6:6-9)
The following programs exist to help each work cooperatively with the other for the training u p of
every child. Experience proves that: (1) students are served best when their parents actively
communicate with the school and are actively involved with school events and programs; and, ( 2 )
students respond best when they know that their parents and teachers regularly spend time
together focusing on the student’s development and progress. Thank you for your prayers,
partnership and commitment to Westminster Academy.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Westminster Academy® has a fully developed website: www.wa.edu. Various reports,
schedules and forms are available through that site. Also available at the site is u p - to- da te
tracking of each student's grades, through ParentsWeb, which can be accessed via a link on the
top of the website.
Academic Report Cards are available on-line at the end of each grading period. The final
report card may be printed from ParentsWeb at the conclusion of the school year.
Progress Reports noting special commendation or unsatisfactory progress are sent hom e via
RenWeb email on a weekly basis.
Parent-Teacher Conferences may be requested by the parents, teacher, or administration a t
any time throughout the school year. If parents desire direct communication with a teacher,
contact should be initiated through email or the teacher's telephone extension. A ret u rn ca ll
should be expected within 24 hours.
Parent questions and suggestions. All questions, concerns or insights about a s t ud ent or a
program of study are best addressed with the particular teacher involved . I f s a t isf ac tory
answers, responses or problem solutions are not achieved through this means the princip a l
should be contacted. This practice is followed for two reasons. First, it is biblical: If your
brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he list ens t o y ou,
you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along , so t h at ev ery
matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, t ell
it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a t ax
collector. (Matthew 18:15-20). Second, it works better; since questions are best answered,
suggestions evaluated, and problems solved by those working closest with a student or a
situation.
Teachers and administrators are not always right. However, in order to train up our
children in respect for adult authority, the authority and person of the adult must always be
honored and respected. Please get the authority’s perspective before making a judgment . A
student should be guided by parents in the skill of handling his or her own problems. T his
will better prepare the child for the independence necessary later in life. Parents can a id t his
development of problem solving by exhibiting exemplary behavior throughout the process.
Touch-Base Night provides parents with a brief (5 minute) evaluation of the child's spiritual
and academic development. More lengthy conferences can be scheduled at that time, if
desired.
Back-to-school Night is intended to introduce teachers and subject matter to parents.
Individual conferences with parents may be scheduled at this time.
II. ACADEMIC MATTERS
Academic Champions Program
2
In keeping with the educational philosophy of Westminster Academy, in which there is utmost
concern for the education of the whole child and their development in the areas of academic,
physical, emotional, and spiritual growth, all academic subjects in the curriculum are included in
determining eligibility for the Academic Champions Program. An overall average of 4.0 or 90% will
result in the student being placed on the magna cum laude honor roll. Those students obtaining an
overall average of 4.5 or 95% or higher will be placed on the summa cum laude honor roll. The
Headmaster’s Club is awarded to all students who achieve all A’s.
Academic Probation
A student who is consistently unsatisfactory in achievement or in the opinion of the facult y is not
making sufficient effort, is placed on academic probation for not less than nine weeks . A s t u d ent
will be placed on academic probation upon receiving a percentage grade below 60% in any two
subjects during a given grading period or if their GPA falls below 2.0 or 70%. This step is taken
with the realization that unless the majority of his/her teachers see marked improvem ent by t he
next grading period he/she may be asked to enter a specially designed program of study. A
student placed on academic probation is ineligible for all extracurricular school activities du ring the
next grading period unless waived by the principal due to extenuating circumstances.
Accommodations and Disabilities
Westminster Academy® will consider the need for an adjustment or accommoda tion to its
programs, policies, or procedures for a student’s physical, mental, or learning disability or
difference. Should there be a need for an accommodation, it is the parent’s responsibility to request
the accommodation by meeting with the principal and cooperating in the school’s p roced u res t o
determine the need and parameters of any such accommodation. Further information on the
school’s policies and procedures for accommodations can be obtained from the Guidance
Counselor.
Accreditation
The upper school program is fully accredited by the Christian Schools of Florida, NCPSA and
Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges.
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
Advanced Placement Courses are high school courses, taught under the authority of T he C ollege
Board that allow students an opportunity to earn college credit by examination. T he college or
university awards credit to the student. The amount of credit awarded is ba s ed on t he ex a m
score.
All students enrolled in AP courses are expected to take the AP exam and must do so in ord er
to qualify for the additional 1.50 quality points. The following final exam, grading and attendance
procedures shall govern:

the student must earn a 70% or higher in order to receive the extra 1.5 weight.

the student will take the AP exam as scheduled

the student will be exempt from taking the regular final exam for the course

Seniors have completed their course requirements after taking the exa m. Sophomore and
Junior students may be allowed to terminate class attendance after the AP ex a m wit h
written parental permission; Freshmen students will continue to attend the class, to be
utilized as the instructor deems appropriate
Christian Service Outreach
James 2:14 says: What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can t h at
faith save him? Westminster Academy requires that all high school students participate in Christia n
3
Service Outreach. All high school students must complete twenty-five (25) hours of service per year
between June 1st and mid-May. This requirement must be fulfilled prior to second semes ter f ina l
exams. Students are encouraged to serve additional hours and, if they accumulate a m inim um of
200 hours during their high school career, may receive a Christian Service Outreach honor cord t o
wear at graduation exercises. Comprehensive Outreach Guidelines are published by the school and
are available on-line, through the Upper School Office. It should be noted that certain scholars hip
opportunities may require additional minimum hours to qualify.
Courses Failed and Summer School (High School)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
When a failure is received in a course for the semester, a percentage grade no lower t ha n
50% will be recorded. However, if a student is negligent in completing work, a failing grade
of less than 50% may be recorded, if parents have been contacted in an attempt to rem ed y
the situation, and administrative approval has been given.
Credit for a subject failed with a semester percentage grade below 60% is received by one
of the following methods:
(1) Repeat the course another year and earn a passing grade.
(2) Attend an accredited summer school with a minimum grade of 60% in the course.
When a failure is received in only one semester of a two-semester course, the student will
be required to make up only that semester failed.
A failure in English, Bible, Science, Math or History must be made up before p rom otion
into the next grade level. (See Promotion Policies.)
In all courses failed, regardless of the makeup method, both grades appear on the student’s
record. The higher of the two grades will be used in computing the GPA.
Courses Failed and Summer School (Middle School)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
When a failure is received in any two quarters in a year, a percentage grade no lower t ha n
50% will be recorded. However, if a student is negligent in completing work, a failing grade
of less than 50% may be recorded, if parents have been contacted in an attempt to rem ed y
the situation, and administrative approval has been given.
Credit for a subject failed with a quarter percentage grade below 60% is received by one of
the following methods:
(1) Repeat the course another year and earn a passing grade.
(2) Attend an accredited summer school with a minimum grade of 60% in the course.
When a failure is received in only one semester of a two-semester course, the student will
be required to make up only that semester failed.
A failure in English, Bible, Science, Math or History must be made up before p rom otion
into the next grade level. (See Promotion Policies.)
In all courses failed, regardless of the makeup method, both grades appear on the student’s
record.
Directed Studies Program
The Directed Studies Program (DS) is designed for students who have a psychoeducational
evaluation and IEP for academic accommodation, in order to achieve success in the daily classroom
environment. DS students learn strategies for managing their personal learning differences . A ll
students enrolled in DS will have a written accommodation plan on file. The direct or of D S will
monitor the student's progress and will also function as liaison between the student, t ea cher a nd
family.
Dropping a Course
4
A course dropped prior to the end of the third week of a course does not appear on the
student’s high school record. After the end of the third week of a course, or after the end of t he
second week of Band, Chorus, or Orchestra, no course may be dropped without the prior
approval and recommendations of the teacher and the high school principal. A two-semester
course dropped at the end of the first semester receives the grade earned and quality point s only
for the first semester. All 9-11 grade students must be enrolled in seven (7) classes for credit each
semester. Seniors must be enrolled in a minimum of six (6) classes for credit each semester.
Special circumstances require the approval of the upper school administration. Any cha nge in a
student’s schedule must be approved in writing by their parents.
Dual Enrollment Courses
Westminster Academy participates with Broward College's Dual Enrollment Program by
providing students with college courses taught on campus by WA faculty who are sanctioned by
Broward College. Students may earn 20+ semester hours while in high school. In order to
participate, students must be recommended by teachers and meet certain minimum
requirements. Detailed information is available through the Guidance Counselor. Dual enrollment
courses will be awarded 1.50 additional weight for any grade of 70% or higher.
Eligibility for Co-curricular Activities
Athletic Eligibility
At WA we want all of our students to be engaged in learning opportunities beyond the classroom,
in our co-curricular programs.
1.
Athletic eligibility will be determined on a semester basis. If a student is ineligible at the end
of one semester, he/she will be ineligible for all athletic competition for the entirety of t he
next semester. Other policies dealing with maximum age, maximum number of years of
eligibility, and transfer can be obtained from the office of the athletic director.
a.
Ninth graders who do not have a 2.0 cumulative GPA on an unweighted grading
scale at the end of the spring semester, or tenth graders who do not have a 2.0
cumulative GPA on an unweighted grading scale at the end of the fall semes t er, m a y
be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics in the fall or spring, respectively, of
their tenth grade year if:
i.
They have earned a 2.0 GPA in courses taken during the ninth grade spring
semester or tenth grade fall semester, respectively;
ii.
They sign an academic performance contract with the school; and
iii. They enroll in and attend summer school as necessary, prior to entering into
the tenth or eleventh grade, respectively.
b. Once a student enters the 11 th grade, and thereafter, the student must m a int ain a 2 . 0
cumulative GPA on an unweighted scale, in all courses taken that are required by
section 1003.43(1), Florida Statutes, at the conclusion of each semes t er t o be eligible
during the following semester.
Eligibility for School Events
To be eligible to participate in any extracurricular event (practices, rehearsals, games and
performances) on a given school day, a student must: 1) attend academic classes for at least half of
that school day, and 2) have an excused absence for the classes missed that school day.
Eligibility for Part-time Students
5
In order to be eligible for participation in extracurricular activities (athletics, school play, etc.),
students must register and be fully enrolled for a minimum of two (2) full-time, on-campus
courses. Those enrolled for less than two (2) full-time courses must be granted special perm is sion
by the School Board.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Beginning in the 9th grade, all completed courses taken in high school will be recorded and
calculated on the WA transcript.
• High school courses taken in middle school will be recorded on the transcript, but will not be
calculated into the cumulative GPA. For example: courses taken in middle school, such as
Algebra I, Latin I and/or Spanish I, will receive a numerical semester grade. The grade will not
be calculated into the high school cumulative GPA.
• High school transfer grades will be recorded and calculated into the cumulative GPA based on
WA grade guidelines. For example: student grades from previous high schools will have a
numerical grade recorded on the WA transcript and will be calculated. If a student transfers
middle school grades for high school credit, the grades will be recorded, but not calculated.
• Courses taken through Florida Virtual School and available at WA will be recorded and
calculated into the cumulative GPA. Courses taken through FLVS that are not offered at WA
will be recorded but not calculated into the cumulative GPA.
• Only dual enrollment courses offered by WA will be calculated into the cumulative GPA. Dual
enrollment courses taken at a college or university that are not dual enrollment courses offered
at WA will be recorded, but not calculated into the cumulative GPA.
• The Boys State and Girls State dual enrollment government course taken through Tallahassee
College will be calculated into the WA cumulative GPA.
• Students may choose to have the strength and conditioning grade calculated into their
cumulative GPA or have it count as a pass/fail in which it is not calculated.
The top ten senior students will be identified during their senior year in the middle of t he s econd
semester of study. The valedictorian and salutatorian will be identified after senior grades are
submitted at the end of second semester.
Grading Period
For Middle School (grades 6-8), a grading period is a quarter. For High School (grades 9 -12), a
grading period is a semester.
Grading Scale
The following point system is used to evaluate academic achievement:
(A)
(B+)
(B)
(C+)
(C)
(D+)
(D)
(F)
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0
90-100
85-89
80-84
75-79
70-74
65-69
60-64
0-59
Grading Option for Non-Academic Courses: Pass or Fail grades will be awarded for select
courses. A failing grade in one grading period will result in no credit awarded for that entire year.
Graduation Credits
6
In order to graduate from Westminster Academy®, a student must attend and complete the work
in eight (8) semesters of high school, earning a minimum of 26 credits (see below). A student must
have attended WA full-time during the senior year and one additional year of high school in ord er
to receive a WA diploma. Only students who are enrolled full-time (enrolled in at least 5 cou rs es
on campus), with senior standing may graduate from Westminster Academy®. Students a re not
permitted to graduate at the end of their junior year even though all graduation requirements
may have been met. The school does not recommend an early college admissions program, except
by special arrangement through the administration.
7
Graduation Requirements
Standard
Required Courses
Grades 9-12
DIPLOMAS
English
Math
Science
History
Fine Art
Health/PE or
Strength and
Conditioning
Bible
Electives
SCHOLARS DIPLOMA
• 26 credits in which 8 are honors
courses with a minimum of 5
being dual-enrollment or AP
courses
• 1 credit of Latin plus 2 years of a
foreign language
- or 3 years of Spanish
- or 2 years of Latin
• Cumulative GPA of 3.75
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
1.0
1.0
4.0
4.0
26.0
HONORS DIPLOMA
• 26 credits in which 8 are honors or
college level courses
• 1 credit of Latin plus 2 years of a
foreign language
- or 3 years of Spanish
- or 2 years of Latin
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0
ACADEMIC DIPLOMA
• Standard required courses and a
Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or 70%
Homework
Homework should be assigned in such quantities as to provide adequate training in ind ep end ent
study and in practicing the skills covered in the classroom. If a student consistently shows
difficulty in this area, a conference with the appropriate faculty member should be a rra nged s o
that the matter can be given prompt attention. In order to encourage Wednesday evening chu rch
attendance, WA will strive to balance the amount of homework assigned. To this end, hom ework
should not be assigned during classes that meet on Wednesday. Long-term projects (e.g. res ea rch
papers) may be due on these days.
Honor Graduates - Valedictorian, Salutatorian (High School)
Only student(s) having attended Westminster Academy for ninth through twelfth grades,
graduating with the highest GPA, and who, in the judgment of the faculty and administration,
exhibits an exemplary Christ-honoring lifestyle, will represent the graduating class as
Valedictorian. The same procedure will be used in selecting the Salutatorian; the student(s) wit h
the second highest GPA. The top ten senior students will be identified during their s enior yea r in
the middle of the second semester of study. The valedictorian and salutatorian will be id ent if ied
after senior grades are submitted at the end of second semester.
8
Honors Courses — Grading Procedures
For high school students only, an additional quality point (1) will be awarded in honors cou rs es
when the report card grade is 80% or above. An additional quality point of 1.50 will be awarded
in Advanced Placement courses when the report card grade is 70% or above or in dualenrollment courses when the report card grade is 70% or above. If the report card grade is below
70% in an honors or Advanced Placement course for any upper school student, the student m a y
be required to drop the course.
Incomplete Grades for a Grading Period
A student’s grading period grade is incomplete when, due to circumstances beyond his/her
control, he/she does not complete the assigned work in any subject. A student is encou raged t o
make up work within one class meeting for each class meeting missed. Upon completion of the
work, the teacher will change the grade appropriately. The student is responsible for making
arrangements for makeup work and/or exams. Incomplete work must be complet ed wit hin t wo
weeks of the end of the grading period or the course grade remains as earned without the mis s ing
work.
Independent Study
Students in the eleventh and twelfth grades may be granted permission to work on an independent
basis in a chosen field. Working under the supervision of a qualified faculty member, a nd wit h
the approval of the administration, a student may explore and grow in any chosen field of
study, obtaining full academic credit. This may take the form of a research project, “shadowing”
a member of an occupation or skill that the student is interested in exploring as a life’s voca tion,
or in advanced courses not presently offered in the school curriculum. To enter such a study, the
student must:
1.
Show responsibility and competency in past performance
2.
Obtain the sponsorship of a faculty member qualified in that field
3.
Submit a final proposal to the appropriate Guidance Couselor, written in
conjunction with the sponsor
4.
Report regularly to the sponsor at prearranged times
5.
By examination or written essay show competency in a final form
Independent study course grades will be calculated for college application GPA.
Library/Media Center
The Media Center is designed for the use and enhancement of all students. It shall be open f rom
7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Students may check out reading materials during regular hours. The Cent er
may be used for reading, study and computer research. It is best for those students using the Center
that all patrons work quietly. During normal class time, students using the Center should sign
in/out with the Center staff.
National College Testing (High School Only)
All students in Grades 9, 10 and 11 are scheduled to take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic
Aptitude Test). All students are encouraged to take the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude T es t ) a nd /or
the ACT (American College Test) in grade 11, and sit for additional tests in Grade 1 1 a nd 1 2 a s
needed.
These exams seek to measure aptitude for college level work and are perceived to be valid
indicators of potential college success. They are test scores in composite form and a re lis t ed in
the Annual Report of the school. Preparation in test taking skills and sample content of questions
asked are reviewed regularly and systematically throughout the secondary school program. For
9
further information regarding college planning, please contact the Director of College Planning
and Placement.
Physical Education
Absences and Illnesses - Physical Education/Health (PE) (or Strength and Conditioning) is
scheduled for all students in grade 9. Athletes who participate at the varsity level in t wo or m ore
sports may be exempt. There are occasions when students have legitimate reasons for an extend ed
or temporary excuse from the regularly scheduled PE program. The following guidelines govern
such absences.
Excused Absences
1.
Medical Excuses
(1) Permanent excuses: these must include a description of physical limitation, which
would prevent participation of any kind. Permanent excuses are to be filed in the
cumulative folder.
(2) Extended time excuses: these are for non-participation during an extended time
period because of temporary physical limitation. For example: broken bones, surgery, a nd
severe illness. These excuses must be completed by the attending physician and present ed
to the physical education department.
2.
Parental Excuses
(1) Parental requests covering a particular minor ailment (flu, colds, headaches, and
minor injuries) will be accepted for up to three consecutive class periods. Thereafter,
medical excuses are required.
(2) A child with a parental excuse will be encouraged to attend class in order t o wa t ch
and keep up-to-date.
Promotion Policies (High School)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5
6.
A 9th grade student must have completed a total of six credits of high school work
including Bible, math, history, science and English in order to enter into 10th grade.
A 10th grade student must have completed a total of 13 credits including Bible, math,
history, science and English in order to enter the 11th grade.
An 11th grade student must have completed a total of 19 credits inclu d ing B ible, m a th,
science, English and U.S. History in order to enter the senior year.
All students in grades 9-11 must successfully complete the research paper requirements of
their English class to be promoted to the next grade level. All 12th grade s t ud ents m us t
complete the required research paper prior to receiving their final grades and diploma.
Any exceptions to the above regulations must be approved by the administration.
If a senior student has not successfully completed requirements for a diploma the d a te of
the high school commencement ceremony, he/she may complete the necessary course
requirements either in a summer school or through an individualized study program
approved by the administration.
Promotion Policies (Middle School)
6 th – 8 th Grades — A student will be promoted to the next grade if, in every subject, the quarter
grades are passing in three of the four marking periods and the student has earned, in every
subject, an overall percentage grade of 60% for the year. Students may make up the necessary
quarter grades to receive credit and be promoted. All failing grades must be made up prior t o t he
start of the next school year through an accredited summer school program by a certified teacher or
a tutor with a minimum of 30 contact hours, and will be required to earn a minimum passing grade
of 70% for the course.
10
8 th Grade (high school course work) — Students must pass both semesters with a score of 60% to be
promoted, or may take summer school.
Research Paper
Preliminary Assignments
Students will receive a schedule of preliminary assignments with deadlines (e. g. weekly,
biweekly). Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the day assigned. Students
absent all day on the day an assignment is due must have the work delivered to the teacher
by the end of the calendar day. No excuses are acceptable for late work other than fa mily
emergencies or serious illness.
Final Paper
If a student is absent on the day the final paper is due, he/she must have someone deliver the
paper by the beginning of the class period. Alternately, the paper may be emailed to the
teacher. All preliminary assignments must be submitted with the final paper. Prior to
release of the final grade the student’s paper must be uploaded to turnitin.com . All p a pers
turned in after the class period has begun will be considered late. Late papers may receive a
grade reduction.
Semester Exams (High School Courses Only)
Comprehensive exams are given in each subject at the end of each semester of high school. These
exams represent 20% of the semester grade.
1.
All students are required to attend exams in school uniforms on the regularly s ched u led
dates and times. A student cannot receive credit for a course without taking the course
semester exams, except when exempt (see paragraph 6 below), or qualifies under the AP
guidelines.
2.
If a student fails the semester exam and thereby fails the course for a s em est er, he/ s he
may petition the administration to retake the exam due to extraordinary circumstances or
special needs.
3.
Exceptions to the attendance regulation for semester exams may only be gra nt ed by t he
upper school administration. Exceptions must be requested and granted prior to the regu larly scheduled time. All other non-approved absences are subject to a possible letter grade
reduction.
4.
Leaving school at the end of the school year prior to exams shall be approved by the
administration only by special request submitted as follows:
(a) Request in writing at least two weeks prior to the date for leaving
(b) Payment of a $25 fee for each exam taken early
5.
Students may be prohibited from taking, or being exempt from semester exams for any one
of the following reasons:
(a) family tuition account in arrears more than 60 days, or
(b) outstanding library fines or overdue books, or
(c) outstanding fees or unreturned uniform through the Athletic Department, or
(d) unreturned uniforms/costumes through the music/drama departments, or
(e) incomplete Christian Service Outreach hours.
A student who does not take a semester exam for any of the above reasons may be
sanctioned under paragraph 3 above.
6.
A senior student (and all junior level students enrolled in senior level courses, e.g. S p a nis h
IV, Physics, Micro/Macro Economics, etc.) who earns a semester grade of 90 %, a nd who
has not been absent more than five times in the course in a semester, may choose to be
exempt from the semester exam in that course. The absence policy may be wa ived f or a n
extended illness with the approval of the administration. Special situations approved by t he
administration beforehand, involving students with exceptional skills and talents requ iring
them to be absent from the classroom, may also result in the absence policy being modified.
11
Standardized Testing
A standardized test is administered at least annually in grades 6-11. Standardized tests meas ure
a student's relative progress in essential skills in comparison to his or her anticip a t ed p rogres s
(based on a limited IQ test), in comparison to the other students in that grade at Westminster
Academy, and other students nationally. Results for each child are available through the
Registrar’s Office.
Student Records
The school maintains a complete record, including a cumulative academic and guidance record, for
each student. All material in these records is treated as strictly confidential and is available only
according to the following policy:
1.
Parents or guardians have the right to inspect and review all official records, files and data
directly related to their child's academic progress, including all material that is incorporated
into their student's cumulative record folder.
2.
Parental requests to inspect and review official records relating to a child shall be mad e in
writing to the administration. Such requests will be honored within a reasonable p eriod of
time following receipt of the request. All records will be reviewed or inspected in the
presence of the Registrar, Guidance Counselor or Principal in order to provide proper
explanation.
3.
Parents shall have an opportunity for a discussion with the administration in order to ga in a
comprehensive understanding of their student's school records to ensure that the record s
are not inaccurate or misleading, and to provide an opportunity for the correction or
deletion of any such inaccurate or misleading information.
4.
The school may not release a student's personal records or files or any data in those
records without the written consent of a parent or guardian to any individual, agency, or
organization other than the following:
(a) Members of the school faculty or administration who have legitimate educational
interest
(b) Court or law enforcement officials, under a properly executed subpoena or court
order
(c) Certain federal, state, or local authorities performing functions allowed by law
(d) Officials of other schools in which the student intends to enroll. In all such cases, the
parents or guardians of the student are to be notified of the transfer of records. No records
shall be transferred to another school without the initiation of such by the parents or
guardians through a signed parent release form supplied by the receiving school.
5.
The school will release report cards and information material to noncustodial parents under
the following guidelines:
(a) Noncustodial parents have equal access to report cards, teacher conferences, etc.,
together with the custodial parent.
(b) If the final judgment and/or settlement agreement stipulates otherwise, the custodial
parent must submit a copy of that judgment or agreement to the principal if the school is to
comply. Such documents shall be placed in the student's cumulative file.
(c) Whenever a request by a noncustodial parent is made for information, appearance at
a teacher's conference, etc., the custodial parent shall be promptly notified by the school.
6.
No report cards or student records will be released to parents or to another s chool if t he
family is over 60 days delinquent in tuition payments or has a debt of any kind with the
school. The Parents’ Webpage access will also be denied to families with financial
delinquency.
Textbooks
12
Middle School – All middle school textbooks will be provided through the school (with the
exception of required summer reading) under the technology book fee.
High School – Required on-line textbooks will be purchased through the school and charged to the
family account. Optional textbooks and all workbooks shall be purchased directly by families.
Students will be notified of textbook requirements upon receipt of their course selections in ea rly July. A reference book may be available in certain classrooms for the students who do not bring
their book to class. It is the responsibility of the student to secure a copy of the required textbook
within the first week of the commencement of classes. Any financial hardship issues should be
brought to the attention of the school administration. Every effort will be extended to the family for
assistance and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Virtual School
Florida Virtual School (FLVS) offers a variety of courses, some of which are not available at WA .
WA students may take classes through FLVS through the coordination of the Registrar’s Office and
with administrative approval. The grade earned for the course(s) taken through FLVS will be
placed on the student’s transcript. Those courses taken through FLVS and offered a t WA will be
used to calculate the student’s GPA. Courses taken through FLVS that are not offered at WA will be
recorded but not calculated into the cumulative GPA. Completion of all coursework is the
independent responsibility of the student. If the student does not complete the required
coursework in a timely manner, a failing grade may be given and recorded. Information
regarding enrollment and course offerings may be found on the FLVS website at www.flvs.net.
WA administrative approval will generally not be given under the following circumstances:
1.
Seniors may not enroll in any FLVS course that is required for graduation, and must ha ve
all FLVS courses completed before beginning senior year.
2.
All FLVS foreign language courses must be completed by the end of the student’s j unior
year.
3.
If a FLVS student receives more than three (3) “no contact” letters from FLVS during a ny
semester, the student is prohibited from enrolling in any subsequent FLVS course.
Any appeal to the above, must be submitted in writing to the administration.
III. ATTENDANCE
General Requirements
Absences (both excused and unexcused) totaling more than 8 in a semester will cause a review of
the student’s record by the administration. This policy may be waived for an extended illness (min.
3 consecutive days) validated by a physician’s signature, and approved by the adm inis tra tion.
Extraordinary circumstances, if approved by the administration, may also result in the policy
being waived. Special situations approved by the administration beforehand involving s t u dent s
with exceptional talents and skills requiring them to be absent from the classroom may result in
the policy being modified. Students who exceed the limits noted above will receive a red u ct ion
for the grading period, upon the advisement of the administration. Parent(s) may elect to have t he
academic penalty reversed rescinded by arranging for tutorial sessions with the appropriate
teacher or making up the instructional time missed through additional independent study as
arranged by the administration. Tutoring fees, as established by the School B oa rd , a re $ 4 0 p er
hour.
1.
Absences
All absences will be applied to the total absence limit policy as stated in General
Requirements above unless waived by the administration. Absences may inclu de, bu t a re
not limited to, those resulting from illness, certain family trips and medical appointment s.
If a student will be absent, his/her parent must notify the attendance s ecret ary by 8 : 30
13
a.m. of the reason for the absence. If the student leaves campus during t he d a y wit hou t
signing out (e.g. off-campus lunch), and does not return, that student must notify the
attendance secretary prior to the beginning of the next scheduled class period. The student's
absence must be verified with the parent or guardian. An unverified absence will be
considered Truancy (See #3 Truancy).
A student who misses a portion of the day’s class periods will be responsible to m a ke u p
all missed work (See Make Up Work, below). In addition, if any research paper materials
were due, or tests or quizzes were administered, the student must complete that requ ired
assignment, test or quiz prior to 4:00pm of the same school day.
2.
Family Trips
When the student will be absent because of a family trip, a “Trip Slip” should be
completed prior to the absence(s). This written notice serves several purposes: (1) notifies the
attendance secretary and the teachers, in advance, of the date(s) of absence; and, ( 2) a llows
the student an opportunity to be made aware, in advance, of the instructional materia l t hat
will be missed and of any assignments that should be completed. Students not current in
their assignments, or students seeking to be absent during inopportune times in t he s chool
year (exam period, end of nine weeks, etc.) will be advised not to be absent. The proced u re
for “Trip Slips” is as follows:
(a) The student obtains a “Trip Slip” from the attendance secretary and the parental
note/letter is attached to the “Trip Slip.”
(b) The student brings the “Trip Slip” to the teacher of each class that will be missed, f or
their comments and signatures.
(c) The student returns the completed “Trip Slip” to the attendance secretary.
(d) A call home may be made by the administration.
3.
Truancy/Unexcused Absence
Any absence that remains unexcused for two school days may be deemed as t rua ncy a nd
will result in an automatic Saturday detention and may result in a grade reduction. U nles s
permission is obtained from the instructor of the scheduled class period, the student would
be considered being unexcused absent when class is missed, even if he/she is on ca m p u s
in a location other than the assigned classroom.
4.
Early Release From School (See also #8 below)
To obtain an early release the student must show a written note from the p a rent s t o t he
classroom teacher who will then permit the student to go to the attendance office for
checkout. The procedure is as follows: (1) give the written or faxed note for early release t o
the attendance secretary prior to signing out; (2) sign out; and, (3) if returning t he s a m e
day, report to the office and sign in before returning to class. Phone permission is not
acceptable for early release.
5.
Leaving Campus Without Permission
Students leaving campus without written permission from a parent and the administration
(including signing out in the attendance office) will receive an automatic Saturday detention
and may be suspended from classes for one day. Any student who is allowed off campus and
takes another student off campus without permission, will also receive an automatic
Saturday detention and may be suspended for one day. Repeat offenses will resu lt in m ore
serious consequences.
6.
Lateness To Class (Tardy)
Students arriving late to school must report directly to the Attendance Office to sign i n an d
obtain a class admittance slip. A student will be recorded as absent if more than 30 minutes of
14
any period is missed. Disciplinary action will be taken when a student exhibits excessive
tardiness, i.e. 3 or more times per class/per 9-week period. Travel difficulty f rom hom e t o
school is not an excuse for lateness to school.
7.
Makeup Work
It is the student's responsibility to obtain all makeup work from his/her teachers
immediately upon return after an absence from school. Students who are absent are
required to make up work missed in each subject and may have one (1) cla s s m eeting in
which to make up each class meeting's new instructional work that was missed. A preannounced assignment due or test missed due to an absence must be submitted /t aken by
the next class meeting. The teacher and/or administration may grant additional time for
making up tests in extenuating circumstances. The student is responsible to make necessary
arrangements for makeup testing. Any tests/quizzes not made up within t hes e t im elines
may be subject to grade reduction. Testing hall will be held on Tuesday and Thursday ea ch
week to accommodate the timely make up of missed tests/quizzes. A ny s p ecial m a keup
sessions with teachers caused by absences for reasons other than illness will carry the
established tutoring fee of $40.00 per hour. Additional fees may be administered for
additional test preparation as deemed necessary by the administration.
8.
Release of Student to Persons Other than Custodial Parent or Guardian
Westminster Academy® shall take all reasonable steps to ensure and safeguard the safety of
its students while at school.
(a) No student will be released by a teacher during the day for any reason without
specific instructions from the administration to do so.
(b) All requests for early release from school must be approved by the attendance
secretary.
(c) All written requests may be authenticated by a telephone call to the p a rent by t he
attendance secretary. Requests in person by neighbors, grandparents, etc., may be
authenticated in the same manner.
(d) Should a written or personal request be made by a noncustodial parent for the early
release of a child into his care, such a request will be honored only with (1) the consent of
the custodial parent through a school initiated telephone conversation; or, (2) instructions
from a court of appropriate jurisdiction.
(e) Should a request be made by a noncustodial parent to make contact with a child a t
the close of the school day or during regular class hours, such a request shall be denied by
the administration unless there is (1) consent of the custodial parent through a school
initiated telephone conversation; or, (2) instructions from a court of appropriate
jurisdiction.
(f)
Should a custodial parent request that the school prevent a child from a ny cont act
with the noncustodial parent, the custodial parent shall be requested to submit to the
school a final judgment and/or settlement agreement serving as a basis for his or her
request.
(g) In the event that the custodial parent or guardian is going out of town without their
student(s), the custodial parent should notify the school in writing of adult caretakers who
will be responsible for the student(s). The names, phone numbers and any alternate
procedures to be followed should be included in the notification.
10.
Lunch Time Procedures
(a) Seniors may leave campus daily. These off-campus privileges may be sus pend ed if
the tardy limit is exceeded in any class period following lunch.
(b) All students other than Seniors will eat lunch on campus and are responsible for
leaving their lunch area (table, chairs and floor) neat and clean.
15
11.
Withdrawals
When a family files to withdraw their student(s), the administration will conduct an exit
interview with the family to ascertain the reason for the withdrawal and to clearly bring t o
the family's attention that the family remains responsible to pay the tuition in f u ll f or t ha t
academic school year. Requests for waiving this policy due to unusual hardship may be
submitted to the Finance Committee of the School Board for their consideration.
IV. APPEARANCE AND ATTIRE
Academy®
Westminster
is a uniformed school to ensure the modesty and neatness of its students
and to allow all students the freedom to be themselves apart from the stress of competition in
attire. Students should be neat, modest, well-groomed and in uniform while on the school cam p u s
during the school day.
1.
Uniforms
Students in all grades must wear the full school uniform during the entire school day
(including lunch time), except on announced special occasions. Any shirt worn under the
uniform shirt must have no inappropriate letter or designs and, for boys, may not be vis ible
below the bottom of the uniform shirt. Short length for girls should be within four (4") inches
of the top of the knees and not shortened by rolling up the waistband or cuff. All uniform
clothing must be supplied by Risse Brothers School Uniform Company and embroidered
with the school monogram. Appropriate WA sport wear polo shirts may also be worn to
school. Students out of uniform will be encouraged to come into compliance im m edia tely.
Students who are determined to be out of uniform will be kept from attending classes u nt il
remedied.
2.
Outer Wear
All outerwear should be purchased through the school store, school website or throu gh a
WA athletic team. During times of unusually cold weather, students may a lso wea r p la in
red, white, grey or blue outerwear.
3.
Footwear
Footwear for boys and girls should consist of regular dress shoes (i.e. closed-toe with f u ll
back, not straps) or athletic shoes appropriate in design, color and condit ion t o enha nce
the total uniform. Sandals, flip-flops or Crocs-style shoes are not acceptable.
4.
Other Items
Boys and girls, when appropriate, are to wear belts. Other items such as wallet chains,
hats, sunglasses, headbands and/or elastic bands etc. are not to be worn on campu s d u ring
the school day. Visible tattoos or body piercings, including nose piercing, are not permitted.
Boys may not wear earrings on campus or at any school function. Girls may have no m ore
than three piercings per ear.
5.
Hair
Students are to keep their hair neat, well-groomed, and in styles appropriate to the school
setting. There should be no coloring/dyeing of hair using unnatural colors, i.e., red, pink,
blue, green, etc. Boys are not permitted to “bleach” their hair, and are to keep t heir ha ir
moderate in length and style. Boys’ hair length in front should not hamper vision
(eyebrow length), on the sides not below the middle of the ear and the back no longer t ha n
the top of the collar. Boys are to be clean-shaven, with sideburns not below the ear. The
administration reserves the exclusive right to determine the appropriateness of hair s t yles
for boys or girls.
7.
Dress-Up Days
Guidelines have been approved by the administration for jeans days, field trips, etc. On
Fridays, students may wear t-shirts issued by a WA athletic team, club or other school
sponsored activity, bearing the WA logo. On team game days, team members may wear t he
shirt/jersey issued by the team. On jeans days, students may wear blue jeans t ha t ha ve no
tears, rips or holes. On field trips when girls will be wearing swimwear, one-piece swimwear
16
is required. The administration reserves the exclusive right to advise a student that his / her
attire is inappropriate and that the student should take immediate steps to be in compliance,
including contacting parents. Sweatpants, yoga pants and tights are not permitted to be
worn during the school day.
V. EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENT
CONDUCT AND DISCIPLING
Personal Virtues
At the core of who we are at Westminster Academy is our mission to be Christ-centered and
biblically-based. The administration, faculty and staff at WA are committed to living out t he
character and attributes of Jesus Christ in our own lives, and helping students to do the
same.
We believe that the heart is the wellspring of all actions and attitudes. Our hope for all
students is that their heart will desire to know God and grow in love for Him, and t ha t a s a
result, they will honor Him and receive His blessings. Our goal is to root all disciples hip of
students within the context of this relationship, in order to point them to the Gospel. This
does not however, diminish the importance of the outward attitudes and actions themselves,
which are evidence of a right heart, and necessary to cultivate an excellent learning
environment. To these ends, WA has established certain expectations of behavior. The
following personal Biblical virtues serve as the social code of community life at
Westminster Academy:
Kindness
Truthfulness
Diligence in effort and attention
Punctuality in attendance and work
Respect for and obedience to those in authority
Respect for and courtesy toward the person/property of others
Purity in thought, word and deed
Abstinence from the illegal use of drugs, alcohol or tobacco
Personal Integrity
1.
Abuse, Verbal or Physical
A.
Any student using abusive language or is physically or emotionally abusive, by
threatening to or actually bringing harm to the person or property of another member of t he
school community may be suspended on the first offense.
B.
Threatening or actually bringing harm to the person or property of any faculty or
staff member of the school community may result in:
(1) Multi-day suspension from school, and/or
(2) Full financial restitution for any damages incurred, and/or
(3) Immediate expulsion from Westminster Academy.
2.
Alcohol and/or Drug Use /Abuse
Students must abstain both on and off campus from the use or possession of alcoholic
beverages, drugs and other illegal substances; and participat ing in undesirable practices,
which are generally recognized to be harmful to health and Christian character. Disciplina ry
action, up to and including expulsion from the school, will result if a student viola t es t his
requirement, at any time while on or off campus; while on a school-sponsored trip, or while
attending a school-sponsored function.
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A.
B.
3.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Students may be required to submit to drug screens, blood alcohol tests, Breathalyzer
tests and medical examinations under the following circumstances:
1)
when a student is suspected of attending school or school related activities
under the influence of intoxicants or mind-altering substances; or
2)
when a student is placed on disciplinary probation and such screenings or
examinations are terms in the probation. Refusal of a student to undergo testing or t o
cooperate fully with any of these tests is also a violation of our policy.
Any student who voluntarily comes forward to admit to a personal problem with
substance abuse will be provided full support. The student will be allowed an
opportunity to enroll in an outpatient treatment program. The administration will
cooperate with the student’s family to restore the student to good health and standing
in the school community.
Tobacco Policy
Students are to abstain both on and off campus from use or possess ion of t obacco
and tobacco products, which medical research has confirmed to be harmful to hea lt h
in many ways.
Cheating
Westminster Academy encourages and trains up all students that honesty and integrit y a re
virtues that are to be pursued by all. Please do your own work. Do not cheat. Each student's
record is to reflect his/her own individual effort. Cheating (using or attempting to use
unauthorized information) and plagiarism (representing another's words, works or ideas as
one's own) are serious offenses. Whether you give or receive information, the offense is t he
same.
A.
On homework assignments, quizzes and tests students should accept the responsibility
to honestly pursue academic growth. Except in cases where joint effort or group
work is clearly intended and/or allowed by the teacher, copying another student's
homework and seeking or obtaining answers to questions on a quiz or test, and
representing it as one's own and will result in a “0” on the assignment, quiz or test f or
all parties involved. The teacher will conference with the student(s), contact the parents
and inform the administration.
B.
During an exam or research paper, it is the student's responsibility to avoid every
appearance of academic misconduct.
(1) Cheating on a research paper will result in a percentage grade of no higher
than 60% in the course for the grading period. Following a conference wit h t he
student, his/her parent(s) and an administrator, the student will be not if ied in
writing that any further incident of cheating will result in more severe
disciplinary action.
(2) If it is determined that a student has cheated on a grading period exam, the
student will receive a percentage grade no higher than 60% on that exam.
(3) Plagiarism on a written assignment is cheating. Plagiarism is using another's
words or ideas without clearly acknowledging the source of that information. In
order to avoid plagiarism, the student must give proper citation to:
(a) another's idea, opinion or theory;
(b) any facts, statistics, graphs or drawings, i.e. any pieces of inf orm a tion
that are not common knowledge;
(c) quotations of another's actual spoken or written words (which m u s t be
clearly marked in proper quotation marks);
(d) a paraphrase or summary of another's spoken or written words.
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4.
Computer Systems Usage
Technology is on-going evidence of God’s blessings. It is important that all of God’s gif t s be
used to His glory. The school-based computer/internet/email system shall be used for
academic purposes only. Students may not use the school’s system in any way t ha t m ay be
seen as insulting, disruptive, offensive, or harmful. Examples of prohibited, nonacademic
purposes include, but are not limited to:
(a) convey insensitive, improper, derogatory, insulting, threatening, or harassing language
or remarks, or sexually-explicit messages, cartoons, jokes, or other potentially offensive
material;
(b) send any message that could be construed to be harassment by the recipient;
(c) unauthorized running of computer games or other personal software, or to cop y s u ch
software;
(d) a forum for gossip, such as Facebook or other social networking websites;
(e) internet access from the school is to be used only in support of education and res ea rch
that has been assigned by a WA teacher or is within the educational goals and
philosophy of WA.
(f) the downloading, accessing or use of threatening or obscene literature and pictu res , or
games of violence is not permitted.
(g) vandalism, defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data, including the
uploading of computer viruses, illegal use of administrator passwords to gain entra nce
to servers, or invasion of other users’ stored files, is prohibited.
(h) accessing chat rooms of any kind is not permitted.
(i) threats to other students, staff members, or school buildings and grounds, through cha t
rooms or email from computers outside of the WA campus, will be reviewed by the
school administration.
(j) it is the responsibility of the student to report any sites that are accidentally or
inadvertently accessed that are not appropriate so that WA faculty and st af f ca n ha ve
that site blocked by the school’s Internet filter.
5.
Student Social Media and School Email Policy
At the heart of Westminster Academy’s Student Social Media Policy is to:
(a) Support usage that leads to positive outcomes and a proper reflection of ou r s t u d ents ,
our school, and of Christ.
(b) Intervene to help students whose social media or technology use has caused or may
cause negative outcomes.
(c) Intervene to help students who are at the receiving end of negative social media
behavior.
Westminster Academy's goals for student use of social media:
(a)
To create channels of communication: We believe social media provides an
opportunity for our students to receive and share information and celebrate God’s
work in and through Westminster Academy.
(b)
To increase creativity and collaboration: Social media can provide students a means t o
share original content with a wider audience. Appropriate content creation and
publishing are critical skills for students today.
(c)
To build community through online connections: Westminster Academy has a
wonderfully diverse online community of students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Social media makes these connections easy to create and keep current. Mainta ining a
clean, Christ-honoring social media profile allows for these networks to be used in t he
future for college placement and in professional relationships.
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Expectations for use of social media at Westminster Academy:
1.
Use social networks responsibly (no spamming, bullying, threatening, harassment, or use
in an any inappropriate manner.)
2. Be aware that once something is posted to the Internet it is permanent and can be
brought to light years later.
3. Use appropriate language and images. Nothing should even appear to viola t e s t ud ent
behavior policies.
4. Be selective in who you follow/friend and what posts and content you favorite/like.
Your reputation is important to us and should be important to you.
5. Do not create accounts/profiles that impersonate someone else or may appear to
represent Westminster Academy in any way.
6. Do not post photos of students, faculty, or staff without their prior permission.
Westminster Academy expects students to act in an appropriate, responsible, and Christ -honoring
manner in person and online, whether on or off campus, and regardless of whether or not school is
on session. Should a student deliberately violate these guidelines and the spirit of these
expectations, the school may take disciplinary action, up to and including possible susp ens ion or
dismissal from Westminster Academy.
Student Email: In order to keep the Westminster Academy community interconnected and
improve the channels of communication between faculty, administration and students, it has been
determined that all WA email communication will be done via the WA issued email addresses . A
WA email address has been assigned to all faculty, administrators, staff and upper school students.
Accounts will remain active while enrolled at Westminster Academy, and for one year for all
alumni. WA email may be accessed through gmail.com by entering the assigned ema il address and
personal password. All official notifications from the school will be sent to the WA assigned ema il
address. It is the student’s responsibility to periodically check for mail sent to their add res s f rom
the school or a faculty member.
6.
Dangerous or Distracting Items (e.g. weapons, cell phones)
It is our desire that a highly academic setting be fostered during the school day. In order that
WA best provide this environment we intend that our campus be safe from personal threa t,
or theft of property and that we maintain strict academic integrity. Therefore, we have
implemented policies prohibiting certain items from the campus, and disallowing the use of
certain items during the school day.
A.
Any dangerous, annoying or distracting items (i.e. matches, lighters, laser pointers,
water pistols, noise makers, air horns, etc.) are not allowed on the school campus,
unless otherwise specifically permitted by the school administration.
B.
Guns (of any type, real or imitation), knives and other weapons (including tasers,
pepper spray, etc.) are strictly prohibited by law from the school campus for any
reason. Those who bring real guns, knives or other weapons onto the school campus
may be expelled immediately. Imitation weapons intended for classroom instructiona l
activities may only be allowed by written permission of the administration.
C.
WA encourages a sense of community on its campus. To this end we want our students
to tune in, not out, through the use of personal listening devices. Cell phones may be on
and in use before and after school hours, and during lunchtime only. All video and still
cameras are prohibited from campus without specific permission from the
administration.
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D.
7.
Any prohibited items found or used on campus in violation of these regulations will be
confiscated and returned to the student at the end of the day. Illegal items will be
turned over to authorities.
Discipling Through Love and Discipline
As a Christ-centered college prep school, we want to encourage everyone to exemplify
Jesus Christ with their words, work and witness. We want every student to cont ribu te t o
the learning process. It is the student's responsibility to make a commitment to know a nd
follow the rules and regulations that are necessary for the school community t o f u nction
together each school day. The normal process of discipling through discipline at
Westminster Academy follows a Christ-centered loving approach by the classroom teacher;
however, the administration and School Board maintain the final responsibility for all
disciplinary decisions. This process will normally follow specific steps as described below .
The parent/guardian will be informed of any action taken by the administration, beyond a
student conference.
Step 1: Teacher/student conference
Step 2: Teacher/student conference; teacher contacts parent by phone to inf orm a nd t o
seek partnership in changing student's thinking, decision-making and behavior
Step 3: Administrator/parent conference to discuss the inappropriate behavior(s) and
enact strategies to change behavior(s)
Step 4: Student is placed on a Disciplinary Probation contract
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Dismissal from Class
If a teacher finds it necessary to send a student from the classroom because of
flagrant or disruptive behavior, the student must report immediately to the upper
school office.
Lunch Detention
A student assigned to serve lunch detention must report to the faculty member
supervising the lunchroom who will inform the student what activities he/she will be
performing that day.
After School Detention (D-Hall)
Students may be assigned a detention to be served after school on Tuesday or
Thursday, for one hour, for infractions of school regulations. A student who is
assigned a detention may reschedule the date one time. Failure to attend a n a s s igned
detention may result in a Saturday detention.
Saturday Detention
Saturday detention is generally served on Saturday morning from 9:00 am to 12:00
noon. Students should come prepared to assist in general cleaning and maintenance
around the school grounds. Students serving Saturday detention will be assessed a
supervisory fee of $25.
Suspension
A student may be suspended from classes for inappropriate actions or a t t itu des or
repeated infractions of school regulations. The school's usual practice is to notify
parents by telephone conference and in writing of the reasons for the suspension,
although either will be effective to initiate the action. A suspended student will be
reinstated to class after consultation with both the student and parent with assurance
from them that such behavior and/or attitudes will be corrected. All assignments,
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F.
G.
8.
quizzes, tests or exams missed during suspension must be completed. Standard
Makeup Work (see paragraph III.8) rules apply.
(1)
A one-day suspensions may be served on the school premises in a designa t ed
location. Suspended students must come prepared to study for the d a y. A one- d ay
suspension will not be placed in the student’s official record.
(2)
Multi-day suspensions, normally served at home under parent supervision, will
be administered for repeated occurrences of inappropriate actions or attitudes,
repeated infractions of school policies and for serious breaches of school rules and
regulations
Expulsion
Expulsion has rarely been the necessary action in discipling our students. This step may
result from serious infractions of school policies or expectations of students . When a
student is expelled, the school's usual practice is to notify parents in person and in
writing of the reasons for the expulsion. The Headmaster alone has the authority to
expel a student and may expel a student for any reason he deems necessary, wit h or
without the consent and/or agreement of the parents. Parents are responsible to p a y
the full tuition for the academic year in which the student is expelled. The student
and his parent or guardian may appeal their case to the School Boa rd only f or t he
reason that the evidence upon which the decision to expel was made was inaccurate or
insufficient. The appeal shall be in writing and shall be presented to the Headmaster
within three (3) days of the expulsion. Only the parent, guardian, or a member of the
School Board may represent their case in a specially called meeting of the Board. The
School Board's decision shall be final. A student who has been expelled or withdrawn
for disciplinary reasons may be considered for readmission to the school after the
conclusion of the semester in which the expulsion occurred, under procedures
established by the Headmaster.
Disciplinary Probation
Disciplinary probation is invoked by the administration when it becomes apparent that
a student has a serious problem. It gives the student an opportunity to correct his or
her behavior and to assume the responsibilities involved in a more mature and
appropriate manner. The problems for which a student can be placed on disciplinary
probation may include:
(1)
Attitude: a rebellious spirit which is unchanged after much effort by the school;
or a continued negative or uncooperative attitude and bad influence upon other
students.
(2)
Misconduct: continued deliberate disobedience of a teacher or school rules;
committing a serious breach of conduct inside or outside of school which has an
adverse effect upon the school’s Christian testimony.
Probation will last for a minimum of nine weeks, at the discretion of the
administration. Students on disciplinary probation may be ineligible for athletics and all
other extracurricular activities.
Food, Drink and/or Gum
Food and drink consumption in the hallways or classrooms is not allowed for cleanliness
reasons. Except by special permission, all food and drink is to be consumed in d es igna t ed
areas. The chewing of gum is never permitted within the classrooms, hallways or interior
areas of the campus.
9.
Harassment/Bullying
Westminster Academy is intended to be and will be maintained as a “home away from
home” for all students. Personal safety and freedom from demeaning behavior on the p a rt
of others is to be expected. WA is dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes
22
kindness and acceptance, and embraces differences among individuals. Therefore, WA will
not tolerate any type of harassment or bullying. Harassment includes, but is not lim it ed t o,
slurs, jokes, and other verbal, graphic, or offensive conduct relating to race, religion, color,
sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, or disability. Bullying includes, but is not
limited to, physical or verbal aggression (hitting, kicking, taunting, teasing, threatening,
ridiculing, etc.), relational aggression (harming or threatening to harm relationships or
acceptance, friendship, or group inclusion), emotional aggression (teasing, threatening,
intimidating others). The school also prohibits cyber-bullying (creating websites, instant
messaging, e-mails, using camera phones, or other forms of technology to engage in
harassment or bullying). Any of these types of offensive conduct can create an uncomfortable
school environment.
All concerns relating to harassment or bullying should be reported immediately to the
administration. We also expect that anyone, whether student, faculty, staff or family member
who witnesses, or has knowledge of an incident of bullying or harassm ent, will report the
incident to the administration immediately. When the school administration becomes awa re
of harassment or bullying, the situation will be promptly investigated. No adverse action will
be taken against any person who makes a good faith report of harassment or bullying.
Retaliation in any form against anyone for making a complaint under this policy or for
participating in an investigation is strictly prohibited. Any retaliation should also be reported
pursuant to this policy and is itself a cause for disciplinary action.
VIOLATION OF THIS POLICY WILL SUBJECT THE HARASSER/BULLY TO
DISCIPLINARY ACTION, UP TO AND INCLUDING IMMEDIATE SUSPE NSION OR
EXPULSION FROM SCHOOL.
10. Internet Use
Use of the Internet has become pervasive in our culture. While this technological
development has opened a vast array of information readily accessible for professional
research and personal development, it also facilitates the sinful nature of man to be
corrupted. One specific area of the Internet that has become very popular among young men
and women is social networking sites, such as Instagram. These sites allow f or m em bers t o
communicate in words and pictures across the country and around the world. It is our hop e
that the use of these sites by WA students would always bring glory to God. To that end, t he
school administration may monitor such sites for, and may occasionally have brought t o it s
attention, information from such sites that inappropriately represent the name of Jesus Christ
or Westminster Academy. Should any student be found to have violated any of the school’s
policies on the Internet, disciplinary action will be administered.
11. Search of Personal Property
In the unlikely event that a search of personal property (locker, handbag, backpack, vehicle)
is necessary, it will first be approved by the administration and must be conducted in the
presence of two members of the administration or faculty. While on Westminster Academy
property no student has any reasonable expectation of privacy with res p ect t o p ers onal
property. Westminster Academy and/or its designees, reserve the right, at all times, to
conduct searches and inspections of student clothing, possessions, lockers, and vehicles , if
the school has a reasonable suspicion that there has been a violation of any policy
contained in this Handbook.
11. Physical, Emotional, Social and Personal Purity
In his letter to the Colossians, Paul reminds us to: Put to death, therefore, what ever belong s t o
your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
23
Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.
But now you must rid yourselves of all such things… (Col. 3:5-8) Students must maintain
personal purity in their actions, and abstain from profanity and vulgar speech, writing or
actions. Such speaking, writing and acting are harmful to the name of Christ, the reput at ion
of Westminster Academy and others, and certainly not appropriate nor conducive t o one's
own moral and spiritual development. Students must refrain from any public display of
affection such as holding hands, embracing, and kissing, at all times on school grounds
and/or during school-sponsored activities. The school holds to a strict Biblica l view of t he
sinful nature of homosexuality. As such, any student who openly admits to or in some ot her
way is found to engage in homosexual behavior will be counseled and will be asked to
withdraw from the school.
12. Stealing
God’s Word makes it clear that we are not to steal (Ex. 2:15) It is imperative that all stud ent s
and guests fully understand that stealing or damaging property or someone else’s belongings
will not be tolerated. A student found to be stealing will be disciplined up to and inclu d ing
expulsion. No transcripts will be released without complete restitution.
VI. STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS
All clubs, organizations, and other extracurricular activities representing the school or involving
its name must have the approval of the administration and abide by the policies found in the
School Board Policy Manual. Parents, faculty and students shall be advised of all such a ct ivities
well in advance. All activities are to be actively supervised by the sponsors, officers, and/or
accompanying adults. In planning all such activities, approval of the date must be given by the
administration. This is to prevent conflicts in scheduling events.
Whenever students gather and wherever they gather, it is expected that Christian behavior will
be present. The school’s expectations in personal conduct apply to all students in all such activities,
whether held on or off campus. Some of the activities and their guidelines are found below.
National Honor Society
The Westminster Academy Chapter of the National Honor Society seeks to recognize and bring
together for common growth and interaction those students in the 11th and 12th grades who
exhibit notable qualities in each of the following areas: scholarship, leadership, character and
service. After applying for membership, new members will be selected by the faculty during
second semester each year. Students who are inducted and fail to uphold the criteria will be
placed on probationary status or removed from the Society, in line with the organization’s bylaws.
The following criteria determine eligibility for election into the society:
1.
Scholarship - The student must possess a cumulative grade point average of 4.0. This
cumulative averaging begins in grade 9.
2.
Leadership - The student is to show definite positive leadership in the school community
and/or the community in general. School-oriented leadership is the primary concern;
however, this is not to the exclusion of leadership evidenced in the church and community.
3.
Character - The student must:
(1) Display a positive and supportive attitude towards the philosophy and policies of the
school
(2) Be an obvious example of courtesy, respect, and concern toward others
(3) Demonstrate a high moral character in school and community
(4) Display visible evidence of spiritual interest including, for example, church
attendance, Sunday School and choir participation, etc.
(5) Demonstrate high standards of honesty and responsibility
24
(6)
4.
Have a record of positive behavior as evidenced by lack of, or unquestionable
resolution of, severe disciplinary action in high school.
Service - The student must show that he/she has willingly given of his/her time and skills t o
benefit his/her fellow students and/or bring positive recognition or honors to the school,
church, or community. Examples of such areas of service include Scouts, athlet ics, choir,
church youth groups, student aid, student leadership roles and community service.
Quill and Scroll - The Quill and Scroll is a national literary society open to out standing and
select members of the Optime staff.
Sports (See “Eligibility for Extracurricular Activities”)
Student Council
The Student Council participates in the administration of school life and school activities. It sha res
in the supervision of student life. In addition to its other projects, it provides extracurricular
activities during the year. It consists of elected executive officers. The executive officers are elected
in the spring of each year. Eligibility to candidate and serve as elected officers and representatives
is maintained by a cumulative GPA of 3.0. The administration reserves the right to remove from
candidacy or service on Student Council any student whose behavior does not fully represent t he
Christ-centered focus of the school.
Other Clubs or Activities : Patriot’s Club, Robotics Club, Key Club, Fellowship of Christian
Athletes, Chess Club, Spanish National Honor Society, Art National Honor Society and Girl Talk.
Homecoming/Winter Court Guidelines
The student must have:
1.
Attended Westminster Academy for one full semester,
2.
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0,
3.
Participated in one sport or one Westminster Academy activity,
VII. STUDENT AWARDS
Boosters Club Awards
Several awards are given to male and female student athletes. Recipients are recognized by their
Christian character, scholastic achievement, as well as athletic achievement. Recipients are
selected by the coaches and approved by the administration.
High School Leadership Awards
Annually, several 10-12th grade male and female students are selected to participat e in or a re
awarded a scholarship to the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar, Freedom s Fou nd ation
Leadership Conference at Valley Forge, Boys & Girls State, Scholar Athlete, (Best of the Class
UPN-33), and the Community Service Award & Scholarship. Recipients are selected by s chool
staff according to established criteria.
25
VIII. HEALTH AND SAFETY
Closing of School Due to Emergencies
If the news indicates that a hurricane or other potential emergency situation is imminent in the Ft .
Lauderdale area, the school will send out voice and email blasts to all families.
Fire/Code Red/Tornado Drills
Drills are held regularly to develop safety practices to enable students to move quickly and
orderly in case of an emergency. Evacuation routes are posted in each room.
Human Sexuality
It is the conviction of the School Board and of the Session of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church t ha t
Westminster Academy is to be biblically faithful in this culture and thus not s ilent wit h you t h
about the dominating attitudes and practices of a sinful culture in which we live. Theref ore, t he
School Board and Session authorize the professional staff of the school to include in the
curriculum biblical teachings about human sexuality. All materials used and content tau ght a re
reviewed by a School Board committee of parents, teachers, ministers, and adminis t rat ors a nd
referred to the School Board for approval. The following guidelines govern all related
instruction:
1.
Instruction and materials are faithful to biblical principles and in harmony with the
teachings of CRPC and the Westminster Confession of Faith. This includes the biblical truth
that human sexuality is a gift from God and is to be used for His glory and a ccord ing t o
His principles.
2.
Instruction is centered on the spiritual and moral side of human sexuality a nd d oes not
deal with culture’s attempts to minimize, curtail, guide, or prevent the normal consequences
of sinful uses of human sexuality. Thus, instruction in birth control or other supposed
“safe sex” practices are not approved nor included in our teaching.
3.
Instruction is age-appropriate and gender-appropriate and is carried out with dignity,
honor, and spiritual wisdom.
4.
In the school’s attempt to be an extension of the home, when specific chapels or seminars are
on occasion planned for older students, and when specific course content is inclu d ed in a
course of study, they are announced to parents and students with sufficient advanced notice
to allow a parent to request the absence of the student from that event or unit of
instruction. Whenever possible, the school also attempts to hold accompanying event s f or
parents for their information and edification.
Illness or Injury
Should a student become ill or receive an injury while at school, he or she should receive a pass
from the teacher in charge to report to the school Student Health Services. First aid will be given,
but school personnel will administer no medication without written parental permission.
Immunization
A Certificate of Immunization for prevention of certain communicable diseases is required f rom
the student’s physician for all students and must be in their school file. A complete list of
required immunizations is found in the Summer Letter posted annually in June on the school's web
page. Florida allows an exemption from immunizations for permanent medical or religious
reasons.
Insurance (Student)
Student insurance is mandatory and the cost is covered in the Enrollment Fee. When a student is
injured on school grounds during the school day, or while participating in a school activity other
than those associated with participation in athletics, a claim should be filed with the school nu rs e
26
for those costs not paid by the family’s regular carrier. Where there is no family policy or p olicy
does not pay claim, school coverage will be considered primary.
Severe Weather Conditions
In the event of severe weather conditions (severe lightning, tornado, massive rain down p ou r) ,
the following procedure will be implemented for 6-12 grades after school student pick-up:
1.
First go to the regular pick-up spot at the church. A sign will be posted informing you if
the severe weather plan is in effect. Please wait there until 3:20 p.m. so that the lower school
line can clear.
2.
Students will be dismissed for pick-up in front of the gym at 3:20 p.m. The gym will be the
holding area for students during pick-up time.
3.
Enter pick-up line through the open gate at 22nd Avenue (NW corner of the building).
4.
If you have lower and upper school children, you must go through the lower s chool line
first, then return for the 3:20 pick-up of your older child.
5.
Upper school students who were not picked up in front of the gym will be p erm it t ed t o
leave only when the weather permits. This includes student drivers.
6.
Parking in front of the gym will not be allowed.
7.
Early childhood through third grade pick-up remains the same regardless of the weather.
Student Health Services (Clinic)
A nurse is on duty from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each school day. Should a student become ill or
receive an injury at school, he/she is to receive a pass from the teacher in charge to report to
Student Health Services. It is against Florida law for a school nurse to dispense medicine of a ny
kind whether by prescription or over-the-counter unless a Physician's Authorization for Med icat ion
form is filled out, signed by a physician, and returned to the nurse. These forms are obtained
from Student Health Services or on the WA web page.
IX. TRANSPORTATION
Automobiles (Student)
Students who are properly licensed may drive automobiles to school. Student drivers are
required to properly operate the automobile in a safe, mature and responsible manner and to
comply with the school and public traffic regulations, including but not limited to speed, noise and
courtesy. While the school will take precautions to safeguard vehicles, there is no assump tion of
liability by the school for any loss or damage which may occur while a vehicle is parked on
campus.
Bus Behavior
While riding the bus, students are expected to treat the driver and fellow students with respect.
Students must not distract or disobey the driver or make inappropriate remarks to the driver,
pedestrians, others motorists, or fellow students. Eating or drinking on the bus is no t allowed
unless special permission is given. Students must remain in their seats and use required safety
equipment. They must keep their head, arms and legs inside the bus at all times. They must not exit
the bus through the emergency door at any time unless directed by the driver. There is no fight ing
on the bus, changing clothes, vandalism or throwing of objects out the window. Students are
expected to represent Christ and WA when riding the bus.
Traffic Procedures for Parents
Specific instructions for the dropping off and picking up of children are distributed prior t o t he
opening of school. Upper school drop-off and pick-up location is the CRPC (church) p a rking lot .
For security and safety reasons, students being picked up later than 3:45 p.m. should wa it a t t he
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school. Please drive carefully and slowly in the school and church driveways. Children are
walking, loading and unloading.
X. OTHER MATTERS
Chapels
A regular part of the upper school program is the chapel service, held at Coral Ridge Presbyt eria n
Church. Guest speakers, musical groups, videos, visiting missionaries, as well as students and
faculty members of the school lead these services. They are intended to help students grow as
Christians, and to provide them with the opportunity for corporate worship and praise to God
together with fellow students and teachers. Attendance at chapel is required of all students.
Church Membership and Attendance
Initial enrollment requires prior evidence from the parents of an applying student that they a re
active members of a local church, that they personally trust in Jesus Christ alone for their
salvation, and that their personal lives and that of their children exemplifies this faith. The family
shall provide a reference form completed by the pastor of their church, written responses on t he
application form, and a personal interview with both parents. Confirmation of church
membership and consistent attendance is made each year through the re-enrollment process that
includes a reference from the family's current pastor.
Debts
It is assumed that Christian schooling is a top priority for all families. We strive a long wit h ea ch
family to be good stewards of the many gifts that God has entrusted to us. The school has financial
responsibilities to faculty, staff and vendors, as we carry out our responsibility in educating thes e
students. It is the expectation of the school that each family will recognize and fulfill it s f ina ncia l
obligation to the school. Financial assistance is available to all qualified families. No grades or
transcripts for departing students will be released until all debts are satisfied. If an account
reaches 60 days in arrears the current student(s) will be subject to suspension f rom a ll clas s es
until the account is settled.
Parents who withdraw their child from the school once enrollment is confirmed or if their
student is dismissed by the Headmaster once classes have begun are responsible to pay t he f u ll
tuition for that academic year. Requests for waiving this policy due to unusual ha rd s hip m a y be
submitted to the School Board for their consideration.
Lockers
Lockers are assigned to all students and are the property of the school. The school reserves t he
right to inspect lockers at any time. No graffiti or inappropriate pictures or signs are perm it ted
on or in the locker. Each student should secure their textbooks/personal items inside their
assigned locker and not use classrooms or hallways as storage locations. Students shou ld a lwa ys
lock their lockers.
Lost and Found
All lost articles will be collected and made available during school hours through the upper school
office. Any unclaimed, unlabeled book bag or article of clothing will be held for two (2) weeks, and
then will be donated to charity. Westminster Academy does not assume responsibility for any
personal property which is lost or stolen.
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Parent Activities
Parents, guardians and grandparents are invited to participate in the various parent
organizations (see Parent Organizations below), as a chaperone on school trips, as a classroom
presenter for special topics, and in a community resource program as a speaker or demonstrator.
Interested persons are asked to call the principal's office.
Parent Organizations
1.
2.
All Sports Booster Club
The Athletic Booster Club is an auxiliary organization designed to promote a nd s u pport
the various athletic teams of the school. Membership is open to all parents, friends, and
teachers. Meetings are held regularly.
Headmaster's Council
The Headmaster's Council is established to provide singular attention to the major fina ncia l
needs of the school, those being the salaries and financial assistance to deserving families
who desire a Christian education for their children. Minimum donation is $1,500. Academ y
Club minimum donation is $500; Capital Club minimum donation $1,000; and Second Mile
Partner minimum donation of $1,000 to each Headmaster's Council and Capital Campaign.
3.
Moms in Touch
Moms in Touch is a group of mothers who get together weekly to pray for administrators,
faculty, staff, students and the school. They meet on Fridays from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in
Gangway at CRPC. All mothers are welcome to come.
4.
Parent-Teacher Fellowship (PTF)
The Parent-Teacher Fellowship is an auxiliary organization devoted to the promoting of the
school, the aiding in various ways of the total educational program, and the maintaining of
open and effective communication between the school staff and parents. Mem bers hip is
open to all parents and teachers. Meetings for business, information and intercha nge a re
held monthly.
Note: All fund-raising projects must receive prior approval from the Director of Development.
School Board
The School Board is the chief policy making body of the school and is comprised of 10-14 members.
Because Westminster Academy® is a parochial school, an ministry of Coral Ridge P res byteria n
Church, the School Board is an appointed body and not one elected from the constituency at
large. Members of the School Board must be members of the sponsoring church and are
approved by the Session of the church. The term of office shall be a four-year term with one
additional subsequent two-year term possible if nominated and elected by the Board and approved
by Session. Members are selected on the basis of their Christian witness and exemplary life,
competency in a particular area of service to the school.
Telephone calls to students from parents
If a parent needs to contact a student during the school day, please call the upper school of fice a t
954-771-4615 ext. 2551. We would be happy to assist you
Visitors On Campus
We encourage parents to visit the school any time. Should they wish to visit a class, parent s a re
encouraged to contact the upper school office prior to arriving to prevent possible interruption of
the learning process. All visitors, including parents, must report to the Facilities Office (located on
first floor, at the southeast corner of the building) before entering the building, during t he s chool
day while classes are in session.
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The following procedure should be used by prospective students when visiting the school
campus for a day (Shadowing):
1.
The Admission Office must have a written request from the prospective student's parent.
2.
The prospective student must have made contact with the Admission Office and obtained
permission from the Secondary administration prior to the visit.
3.
The Upper School Office notifies each classroom teacher of the visit in advance.
4.
We request that shadowing students be mindful of proper attire when visiting the school.
Please refrain from wearing jeans, shorts or T-shirts. Please be attired in a fashion in line
with the Westminster Academy dress code, on the day of the visit.
5.
On the day of the visit, we ask that the prospective student report first t o t he A d mis s ion
Office.
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