Parent/Student
Handbook
2016-2017
GRACE
Baptist
Academy
Lower School
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Table of Contents
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Note from the Principal, Absences, Academics, Accreditation, Art Program, Assembly,
Association
4
Athletic Program, Attendance Policy
5
Automobiles on Campus, Birthdays, Boosters Club, Building and Grounds, Cell Phones,
Chapel, Cheating
6 Classwork, Complaint Procedure, Curriculum
8 Dating, Discipline Plan
11 Discovery Program, Dismissal Procedures, Dress Code
14 Environment, Field Trips, Financial Aid, Financial Information, Grace Parents Association
(GPA), Grading Scale
15
Harassment/Bullying, Headphones, Homework , Honor Roll, School- How to Help Your
Child Succeed
16
Illnesses, Incompletes, Late Stay, Learning Support Program, Library
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Lost and Found, Lunches, Morning Schedule, Music Program/Band, Music Standard,
Office
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Orientation, Parent Participation Requirement, Parent Teacher Conferences, Party Policy,
Personal Relationships
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Report Cards, Residence, Retention Policy, Supplies
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Technology, Testing, Textbooks, Transportation, Visitors, Weather Policy, Withdrawal
Procedure
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NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL, MRS. NANCY COOPER
Our Grace Lower School Parent/Student handbook has been written to ensure good
communication and clear expectations between home and school. Our hope is that
the policies and procedures listed below will help remind you of things we feel are
important. Some of the items below are “rules,” and some things are listed to give you
more information about what we provide for your children. However, my prayer is that
“rules, policies, and procedures” will never take precedence over our school’s mission.
Academy Mission
Grace Academy will work alongside the home and church to assist in teaching young
people to think and live biblically and to provide the opportunities and environment for
them to develop physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually.
Our greatest desire at Grace is for our students to find fulfillment in living according to
God's Word. To this end, we guide young minds to know and believe His truth,
knowing that this truth will lead them to achieve excellence and to find God's purpose
for their lives. Every day, we plan out activities with a goal of Giving Purpose,
Believing Truth, and Achieving Excellence for the glory of God.
Our mission drives our decisions, and we are passionate about providing a well-run
school for your children; however, in order to do this, we need structure, policies, and
procedures. If you have any questions about any of the information below, please call
or come by and visit with me.
ABSENCES
See ATTENDANCE POLICY
ACADEMICS
See CURRICULUM
ACCREDITATION
Grace Baptist Academy is accredited by AdvancED and is entitled to all privileges and
scholastic recognition.
ART PROGRAM
A 45-minute after-school art class is offered once a week to students in 1st-5th grade.
The charge is $18 per student per class.
ASSEMBLY
See CHAPEL
ASSOCIATION
Grace Baptist Academy is a member of the Association of Christian Schools
International (ACSI).
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ATHLETIC PROGRAM
Grace Baptist Academy maintains an interscholastic sports program of competition
year-round. Boys and girls in the third through fifth grades may participate in cross
country and track. Fourth and fifth graders may also participate in volleyball,
basketball, and soccer. All students participating in interscholastic sports must have
an annual physical examination and a signed concussion form. Appropriate forms are
available on our school website and must be returned with a doctor's signature to the
school office before students may participate in athletics.
The purpose of our sports program is to build Christian character. Since character is
gained through both winning and losing, our primary focus is to practice and play to our
potential rather than to make victory all important. Athletics will not override the
academic and spiritual goals of the school.
Parents and students are required to maintain the school's testimony during athletic
competitions. Yelling at officials, players, or coaches is inappropriate and
unacceptable.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
During the school year, students can learn character and faithfulness by a parent's
attitude toward school attendance. Please make every effort to have your student in
school every day, except for illness. If your student has a legitimate illness in the
morning, please keep your student home. If he/she has run a fever during the previous
evening and/or has been vomiting or had diarrhea, the student MAY NOT return to
school for 24 hours after the symptoms have ceased. Students will have one day for
each day absent to complete tests and make-up work.
 Absences: A parent should write a dated and signed note of explanation to the
office when the student returns to school. Without a note, the student will be
marked unexcused. A student who misses more than 30 days (including
excessive tardies/early dismissals) will be retained in their same grade for
the next school year. Excessive absences include excused and/or unexcused.
Any exceptions to this policy will be considered by the Attendance Committee.
When an attendance situation goes before the Attendance Committee, it is
always to the student’s best interest to have excused absences. This is why a
note after an absence is important.
 Excused absences: These are recognized only for an illness of the student or in
the student’s immediate family which requires student’s help (doctor’s note may
be required), death/funeral in immediate family, medical/dental appointments,
court, or school sponsored activities away from the school building. Some
absences may be excused with prior approval at the discretion of the
administration.
 Tardies & Early Dismissals: Students will also receive absences for excessive
tardies and early dismissals. A student must be in school at least one-half of the
school day or an absence will be given.
 3 tardies = 1 absence
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 Tardy after 11:45 AM = 1 absence
 3 early dismissals = 1 absence
 Early dismissal before 11:45 AM = 1 absence
AUTOMOBILES ON CAMPUS
Anyone driving on campus must drive carefully and follow the 5 mph speed limit.
Visitors driving recklessly may have their privilege to drive on campus rescinded.
BIRTHDAYS
We celebrate each student’s birthday at school by announcing his/her name on the
morning announcements. Each birthday student also receives a birthday pencil and
card from Mrs. Cooper.
Parents may bring in a birthday cake, cupcakes, or special snack to share with the
entire classroom during lunch or recess. Birthday parties may not interrupt academic
time or other special classes.
Birthday invitations may be given out at school if the whole class, all the boys or all the
girls are invited. If not inviting the whole class, all the boys, or all the girls, invitations
must be sent privately, off campus. We are not allowed to give addresses to parents
for invitations.
BOOSTERS CLUB
The Boosters Club is composed of parents who are interested in the betterment of the
school and assist in programs that promote pride in GBA. This association encourages
membership and chooses projects which will support the school's overall operation.
BUILDING AND GROUNDS
All students are expected to use the facilities carefully and with respect. Abuse of any
building, its equipment, or its furniture will require repair at offender's cost.
CELL PHONES
Cell phone use is permitted before and after school hours only to make a quick call to
parents. No cell phones are to be used during school hours (8:00 AM-3:15 PM). If cell
phones are brought to school, they MUST be turned off and left in the student’s back
pack. Failure to follow the cell phone policy is a Level 1 Offense in the Lower
Elementary Discipline Plan listed below and will be dealt with accordingly.
CHAPEL
Students will attend a chapel service each Monday. These services are designed to
encourage students spiritually outside of a classroom setting and are a vital part of who
we are as a school. Students may not dress casual on Chapel day.
CHEATING
Using or turning in the work of someone else as your own is considered cheating and
strictly prohibited. Other forms of cheating include sharing information and /or answers
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from one class to another (example: 1st hour class tells 5th hour class what is on a test)
and cutting and pasting from the internet or plagiarism of any kind. Cheating is a Level
2 Offense in the Lower School Discipline Plan listed below and will be dealt with
accordingly.
CLASSWORK
Students who do not complete assignments during the school day will be allowed to
finish them the next day during workshop. After this additional time, zeroes will be
given for work not turned in or made up. Partial credit will be given for partial
completion.
COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
It is our intention to be a support to the home. However, in any organization there may
be disagreements and misunderstandings at times. If an apparent conflict arises, the
parent should contact the teacher or staff member involved. If the problem remains
unresolved, only then should the principal be contacted. Issues can quickly become
clear or resolved when the people directly involved are contacted. We welcome parent
input through appropriate channels.
CURRICULUM
Bible- All students (PreK-5th grade) are taught Bible every day. We use ACSI
(Association of Christian Schools International) Bible curriculum to teach biblical truths.
We also have Chapel once per week where we sing praise and worship songs together
and learn more about God’s Word and how to apply it to our everyday life.
Scripture memorization is a priority. We site Bible verses together during the morning
announcements from the ESV (English Standard Version) Bible. The applications to
these Bible passages are taught during Bible, Chapel, and other times during the day.
Reading- Reading is our key focus at the Lower School level. If a student is unable to
read, it’s impossible to excel in any other subject. Therefore, we make it a priority to
ensure that every elementary student is a proficient reader by the time they are ready
for Upper School. It is also a priority, because we want every student to be able to
read and understand God’s Word.
We use the Wonders Reading program, written by McGraw Hill, in grades K-5th. It is
very strong in Phonics and has a solid Language (including Spelling and Writing)
component.
Handwriting- We use Zaner Bloser Handwriting program in grades PreK-5th grades.
The program is a 10-15 minute lesson each day and consistently teaches 4 Keys to
good handwriting at all grade levels.
1. Shape
2. Size
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3. Spacing
4. Slant
We chose Zaner-Bloser, because their research shows:
“Handwriting is more than a fine motor skill. It is also key for overall literacy
development. Research shows that handwriting wires the brain for learning. Early,
explicit handwriting instruction has been shown to
 increase brain activation for higher-level learning.
 provide a foundation for literacy skills development and critical thinking in
reading, writing, language, and mathematics.
 boost performance across all academic subjects.”
Math- We use a Math program written by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, which is based on
analytical thinking components. We also know that understanding basic math
concepts is key to higher level math. Basic Math concepts include memorizing basic
math facts. The Lower School expectation is:
 Master addition/subtraction facts 0-20 by end of 2nd grade
 Introduce Multiplication facts in 2nd grade after Christmas (in Workshop).
 Master 0-10 Multiplication Facts by end of 3rd grade.
 Introduce 11&12 Multiplication Facts in 3rd grade.
 Master 11&12 Multiplication Facts by end of 4th grade.
In order to help our students see Math related to the world we live in, we begin each
Math unit/chapter with a Literature book to introduce the topic. We also begin each
day’s math lesson with Math Meeting Board. This is where each student learns basic,
but key, concepts (such as place value) by repetition every day.
Science- Science is incorporated into our Reading/Language and Math blocks of
learning in PreK-2nd grades. We begin teaching it as a separate subject in 3rd grade.
Third – fifth grade students receive Science instruction in our Science Lab.
Social Studies- Social Studies is incorporated into our Reading/Language block of
learning in PreK-2nd grades. We begin teaching it as a separate subject in 3rd grade.
Third-fifth grade students receive Social Studies instruction in the classroom.
Specials- (PreK-5th Grade)
 Art
 Music
 Library
 PE- Tennis shoes must be worn to participate in PE
 Computer/Spanish
Recess- Every classroom goes outside for a minimum of 30 minutes per day, unless
weather does not permit.
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Technology- The following websites are available and used in our classrooms
throughout the school year.
 Think Central (Math)
 ConnectEd (Reading)
 BrainPop & BrainPop Jr.
 Discovery Education
 Enchanted Learning
 Facts on File
 Maps 101
 Noodle Tools
 Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL)
 Teachingbooks
DATING
Having a boyfriend/girlfriend at the Lower School level is not allowed. The Lower
School adheres to a “no physical contact” policy. During these early years, it is
important to have fun as a group and enjoy group activities. Inappropriate behavior
includes physical touch, such as holding hands, kissing, hugging, etc.
DISCIPLINE PLAN
Students (PreK-5th grade) are given $10 Market Money each week. Each student
is required to pay $1 (10%) for bills and $1(10%) for tithes each week. The other
$8 (80%) per week may be spent on any of the following or saved for larger items
listed below.
Market Money Rewards
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Give a note and special pencil to a friend (get friend post card & pencil from office)
A visit to the Vending Machines (student provides $.25 per item)
Pencil from Mrs. Cooper
Pick out a charm from Mrs. Cooper
Wear slippers to school
Wear a hat to school
Sit by a friend at lunch
Line Jumper
Tell a joke to the class
Homework Pass (1 per 9 weeks)
Read a story to Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Cooper, Nurse, etc.
Sit in a special chair or location in the classroom
Chapel Helper (talk with Mrs. Ferrel or Mr. Steele)
Enjoy a sweet treat (brought from home)
Read a story to a student in a lower grade
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$5
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$10
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$20
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No Shoes (in the classroom)
Write with Pen/Markers
Bring a “show and tell” item to school to share with class
Skip “morning work” for iPad workshop (1 per nine weeks)
Write in print all day (instead of cursive) 3 -5 grades
Soft Drink after lunch (brought from home or may purchase at school)
Sit by a friend in class
Electronics at Recess (brought from home)
Bring your favorite stuffed animal to school
Morning Announcements Co-host
Wear your PJ’s to school
Lunch with a teacher (student provides money/teacher will pick up food)
Principal’s Party
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$20
$30
$30
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$50
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$100
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$200
(One Principal’s Party will be held each semester for the first 14 students to reserve a spot. Students
may only participate in ONE principal party during the school year.)
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Sit at the Teacher’s Desk
Co-Teacher for the Day
Lunch with Mrs. Cooper (provided by Mrs. Cooper)
Class Goal (movie- 1 per year; recess with Mrs. Cooper, ice cream party, etc.)
$200
$300
$300
$15 PER STUDENT
We use Class Dojo (www.classdojo.com) to document student behavior. Class Dojo
is a very positive approach to discipline. Each child is given a “Class Dojo character”
and can earn or lose “Market Money” throughout the day. This is communicated online with our parents each day.
Good choices are rewarded by giving students extra money to use towards “Market
Money” rewards. When a student makes a poor choice, market money is taken
away. All this is documented on-line and made available to parents.
The following examples of positive behaviors will earn students extra market
money.
$1 Market Money
 Going above and beyond (Principal Award)
 Kind to others
 Making a good choice to be responsible
 On task
 Participating in class
 School spirit
 Stays on task
 Teamwork
 Works heartily as to the Lord ~ Colossians 3:23
 Corrects a behavior offense
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The following behaviors may cause students to lose $1 Market Money.
These are normal behaviors that all children are learning to control. Please do not
feel the need to discipline at home for these offenses. We are just keeping you
informed. These offenses will be handled in the classroom and teachers will use
their own specific classroom management system. These offenses will be
documented in Class Dojo, and can be seen on-line by parents and students.
 Cafeteria behavior is inappropriate
 Classroom: Running, talking or making noises
 Dress Code Violation (1st offense per semester)
 Hallway: Running, talking, or making noises
 Inappropriate affection (PreK-2nd)
 Minor disruptions
 Not following directions
 Not keeping hands or feet to self
 Possession of inappropriate devices or toys (cell phones, game devices, etc.)
 Unintentional profanity or inappropriate language
 Unprepared for class (including homework)
 Wasting time; off task
The following behaviors may cause students to lose $3 Market Money.
If your child loses Market Money for these more serious offenses, we would
appreciate your support by taking disciplinary action at home, as well as talking to
your child about the inappropriate choices. These offenses will be handled in the
classroom and teachers will use their own specific classroom management system.
These offenses will be documented in Class Dojo, and can be seen on-line by
parents and students.
 Class disruptions (repeated pattern)
 Defacing property (school or personal)
 Defiance of authority and/or refusal to obey reasonable requests
 Disrespectful
 Dress Code Violation (2+ offenses per semester)
 Forgery Cheating, or Lying
 Improper use of technology (internet)
 Minor fight (pushing/shoving)
 Persistent inappropriate behavior
The following behaviors may cause students to lose $5 Market Money.
Level 3 Offenses are very serious; therefore, we would appreciate your support by
taking disciplinary action at home, as well as talking to your child about the
inappropriate choices. These offenses will be handled in the classroom and/or will
be referred to the office. These offenses are documented on a Behavior Sheet and
a copy is sent home for parent signature, as well as, documented in Renweb.
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1. Bullying
2. Vandalism
3. Insubordination
4. Flagrant (“in your face”) disrespect
5. Leaving class without permission
6. Leaving school grounds without permission
7. Profanity, vulgarity, or inappropriate gestures to adults or other students
8. Sexual involvement, sexual act, or sexual harassment
9. Possession of firearms, weapons, or explosive devices
10. Possession of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or look-alike
11. Theft
12. Verbal/written threat or harassment, intimidation, or extortion toward
student or adult. This includes racist actions.
13. Fighting (punches thrown)
14. Biting
15. Jeopardizing the safety of another student
16. Attempted/threatened suicide or harm to self- THIS MUST BE
REPORTED TO PRINCIPAL IMMEDIATELY!
“GIVE ME 5!” - This will be used school-wide to get students’ attention. When an adult
says, “Give Me 5,” students will raise their right hand, stop talking, and become a great
listener.
DISCOVERY PROGRAM (See Learning Support Program)
DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
In situations where a change in transportation is involved, please contact the office by
2:00 PM or as early as possible.
2:45-3:15 PM: We begin dismissing PreK-2nd grade students at 2:45 PM. Third
through fifth grade students are dismissed at 3:00 PM. If you have a child in both age
groups, please come at 3:00 PM. PLEASE DO NOT GET OUT OF YOUR CAR AND
COME IN TO PICK UP YOUR STUDENT.
Students are not allowed to leave with someone that is not on the check-out list in
Renweb or without a note allowing permission from the legal guardian. For example, a
coach may not pick up students for practice unless we have a note from the legal
guardian giving permission.
DRESS CODE
The purpose of our school dress code is to ensure students dress in a manner
consistent with biblical principles of modesty, a priority on neatness, safety, and
comfort, and also to facilitate a positive community atmosphere. The Academy dress
code is shaped by biblical principles, the school’s mission and values, some cultural
expectations, and our perspective of what is appropriate for our unique school setting.
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The faculty and administration take responsibility for managing the dress code to
ensure that reasonable fashions can be accommodated while minimizing an
overemphasis on the outward appearance. As our policy reflects the philosophy of the
school, we ask our parents to also dress appropriately and with respect to the spirit of
the dress code when on campus or attending a school function. We respectfully ask
parents to assist the school by purchasing only approved apparel for their students and
insisting that their student comes to school dressed according to school policy. If
students are not in dress code, parents may be requested to bring proper apparel to
school. This will strengthen our partnership with a unified philosophy and example to
our students.
School Days
PANTS:
-Uniform style khaki pants (cargo, denim, low rider, knit, sweats or skinny jeans are not
allowed).
-Uniform khaki shorts purchased from the uniform store(s) are permissible for students
in grades K4 through 8th.
FOR GIRLS--SKORTS/SKIRTS/DRESSES:
-Uniform skorts/skirts in khaki or plaid (shorts are to be worn under all skirts) may be
worn.
-Uniform dresses in khaki or plaid are permissible for elementary students.
-All skorts, skirts and dresses should be worn at a length of no more than 3 inches
above the knee.
BELTS:
-Belts are to be worn with any clothing with belt loops.
TOPS:
-Polo shirts in gray, maroon, black, white, or yellow are permitted.
-Peter Pan collared blouses in light yellow or white are permissible for elementary girls.
-Oxfords in white or maroon stripes may be worn.
-Shirts are to be tucked in when pants are worn.
-Shirts must have a Grace logo from Educational Outfitters or Land’s End (no other
logos are permissible).
FOOTWEAR:
-Shoes may be athletic, casual, boots, or dress shoes (no open toe shoes, barefoot
athletic shoes, flip flops/sandals, house shoes and/or Crocs).
-If socks/knee socks/leggings/tights are worn, they must be solid colors (white, black,
maroon, and/or gray).
GENERAL APPEARANCE:
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-Only girls are permitted to have pierced ears (no other piercings are allowed).
-Hair should be neat (no abnormal hair color or extreme styles). Boys are expected to
keep hair short enough so as to not completely cover the collar nor the ears.
-Boys are expected to be clean-shaven.
OUTERWEAR:
-Sweatshirts/hoodies must come from the Grace Spirit Shop.
-Jackets, uniform sweaters and fleeces in solid black, gray, maroon, and/or white, may
be worn (logos no more than 2 inches).
-Hats are considered outerwear and therefore should be removed before entering any
school building (hallways, classroom, chapel, or cafeteria).
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (P.E.) CLASS
The Upper School P.E. uniform must be worn in P.E. classes. It is maroon shorts and
grey t-shirt (with Grace Logo) that must be ordered from Land’s End. Elementary
students may wear their field trip shirt on their P.E. days, with uniform bottoms. All
students must wear tennis shoes to participate in P.E.
Dress Up Days
On certain special occasions (such as awards events or school-wide assemblies, etc.),
we believe that it will be valuable for all of our students to be dressed up in a more
formal manner. These events will be announced in advance so that all students will
attend dressed as described below.
All girls will be required to wear a uniform plaid skirt/skort with a white polo, oxford, or
uniform blouse with white socks and appropriate shoes.
All boys will be required to wear khaki pants, a white oxford shirt, and a Grace maroon
and grey striped tie (can be purchased through Lands End only).
Casual Days
Students must follow modesty guidelines as described above but are given opportunity
to be more casual by wearing non-uniform clothing. Appropriate jeans, casual pants, tshirts, shirts, blouses, sweaters, and sweatshirts may be worn. Elementary students
may wear modest shorts on casual days. No ragged, sloppy, low cut, or tight fitting
clothing should be worn. Shirts must be long enough to cover the top of pants, skirts,
skorts, or capris. Capris are to be at least mid-calf length. No open toed shoes or
house shoes. Skirts must be worn with dark shorts underneath. Skirts and skorts
must be no shorter than 3 inches above the knee. No shorts (secondary level), skinny
pants, or leggings. No rips or holes in clothing.
Educational Outfitters and Land’s End carries all of our dress code choices.
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ENVIRONMENT
Grace Baptist Academy meets all health, fire, and safety standards. Our designated
school official for handling all of these regulations is our business manager. Our
facilities have been certified as asbestos free (copies of our management plan are on
file in the business manager's office) and our drinking water has been tested at well
below approved lead standards. Any recommendations or questions about our school
environment should be directed to our business manager.
FIELD TRIPS
The cost of all field trips is included in the student’s tuition. Parents are welcome to
attend field trips (at an additional cost). If a parent attends a field trip as a chaperone,
younger, pre-school children are not allowed to attend so the chaperone can have
his/her full attention on the students being supervised. If a parent is not a chaperone,
younger siblings are welcome to join us if the field trip is age appropriate for the
younger sibling.
All students must ride the bus to the field trip destination. Students may be checked
out after the field trip by PARENTS/GUARDIANS and ride home with them. Parents
(not siblings) may ride the school bus to and from the field trip destination if there is
room on the bus.
FINANCIAL AID
You may submit a financial aid application on our website. All applications are sent to
an independent financial institution that recommends whether or not financial aid is to
be given. It is our intention to assist as many students as possible.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
All fees and tuition are due and payable when presented. A monthly tuition scale has
been developed for your convenience. No deductions will be allowed for absences
from school. All fees and tuition payments are non-refundable. The exception is for a
parent moving out of the community or a student asked to withdraw. Final grades,
reports, or transcripts will not be available for the semester or the end of the school
year until the entire bill is paid in full.
GRACE PARENTS ASSOCIATION (GPA)
The GPA is composed of parents who are interested in the betterment of the school
and assist in programs that promote pride in GBA. The GBA encourages membership
and chooses projects which will support the school's overall operation.
GRADING SCALE
A+ 99-100 B+
A
95-98
B
A93-94
B-
91-92
87-90
85-86
C+
C
C-
83-84
79-82
77-78
D+
D
D-
14
75-76
72-74
70-71
F
69 & below
HARASSMENT/BULLYING
It is our goal to have an environment where individuals can blossom free from
harassment and bullying. We have zero tolerance for the harassment and/or bullying of
students, teachers, or staff members. Racial, sexual, emotional or any other type of
harassment/bullying will not be tolerated. Bullying is a Level 3 Offense in the Lower
School Discipline Plan listed above and will be dealt with accordingly.
HEADPHONES
Headphones/earphones, etc. are not allowed during school hours unless given
permission by the classroom teacher for the use of technology.
HOMEWORK
Homework is a vital part of education. Students will be given the opportunity to
enhance their learning through homework. We believe that regular church attendance
is a valuable and necessary part of a child's training. Therefore, homework will not be
assigned on Wednesday night. Students will lose $1 Market Money if they come to
school without their homework completed.
HONOR ROLL
An honor roll is compiled after the final grading period of the year and is determined by
the following qualifications for academic subjects.
 A Honor Roll – All grades must average A with no B, C, D, or F on any 9-weeks’
final grades or semester averages.
 A/B Honor Roll – All grades must average B with no C, D, or F on any 9-weeks’
final grades or semester averages.
"Incompletes" on a report card, not made up by the time the honor roll list is
determined, will disqualify the student from the honor roll for that grading period.
SCHOOL… How To Help Your Child SUCCEED
1. Have an enthusiastic attitude towards school work, policies, procedures, rules,
etc. Teach your child to be positive about learning.
2. Provide your child with a suitable learning environment. This includes a quiet,
well-lit place to study and proper tools, such as pencils, pens, paper, books, and
dictionary.
3. Be sure your schedule includes sufficient time for study. Proper rest is also very
important.
4. Be consistent in holding your child accountable to their responsibilities. Good
discipline originates in the home.
5. Arrange for prompt and regular school attendance and encourage full compliance
with school procedures. Recognize the teacher represents the parent while the
child is at school.
6. Support your child’s teacher.
Check RenWeb daily for homework,
announcements, discipline issues, and email.
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ILLNESSES
Students needing to take medicine during the school day must have a written note
from their doctor and a clearly marked prescription on the medicine bottle to be kept
with our school nurse. Since the Health Department does not allow us to refrigerate
medication, please do not send those needing refrigeration to school. Permission to
give over-the-counter medicine may be noted with the Medical Information on Renweb.
Over-the-counter medicine will be available only in the school nurses’ office.
INCOMPLETES
Incompletes are occasionally issued on a report card due to missed work. If an
incomplete is issued on a report card, it must be made up before the end of the next
grading period. The missing work should be completed according to our absence
policy, which states 1 day to make up work for every day with an excused absence.
Work which remains unfinished after the allowed time will be given a zero. Any
exceptions to this policy will be considered by the academic committee.
LATE STAY
Late Stay is a structured, after-school program from 3:15 PM – 6:00 PM. All students
remaining when carline ends at 3:15 PM will be taken to Late Stay. There will be a fee
of $8 per day per student added to your school bill to a maximum of $80 for the month
per student. An $8 fee will be charged to the school bill for every 10 minutes a student
is left in Late Stay past 6:00 PM.
Mrs. Beth Smith (Kindergarten Teacher) is our Late Stay Coordinator. If you have any
questions, you may contact her at [email protected].
LEARNING SUPPORT PROGRAM
Our Learning Support Program (formerly called Discovery), affiliated with the National
Institute for Learning Disabilities (NILD), is provided to meet the needs of our students
with learning differences. Students meet with an educational therapist who designs a
program to remediate their particular needs. The therapists and classroom teachers
work together to develop strategies that will enable greater success with regular
academic classes.
Students are admitted to the Learning Support Program after going through our RTI
(Response to Intervention) process and completion of a battery of initial testing. There
is an annual fee in addition to the regular tuition.
LIBRARY
Books may be checked out for one week. Students will be charged for damaging or
losing a book. While a student has an overdue book, additional items may not be
checked out. Students will be held responsible for books until returned to the library.
Books are considered lost after four weeks. In such cases, the librarian will notify the
financial office to add the cost of the book to the student’s account. The cost of any lost
book that is found and returned during the school year will be credited to the student's
account.
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LOST AND FOUND
Items misplaced (lost) at school are placed in Lost and Found. Lost and Found items
are donated to charity during Christmas Break and Summer. Our lost and found items
are located in a designated cabinet in our Helping Hands Parent Room.
LUNCHES
Our hot lunch program is managed and operated by My Hot Lunch Box. My Hot Lunch
Box is a nationwide organization that contracts with local providers to deliver on-time,
hot, prepared-to-order, healthy lunch options directly to our school. You are able to
order lunches for your student(s) up to 2 months in advance, and all payments are
made online when lunches are ordered.
You also have the option of sending a lunch prepared at home. Microwaves may not
be used.
At dismissal time, each student will be responsible to see that his/her lunch area is
clean.
MORNING SCHEDULE
The Elementary School doors open at 8:00 AM. Students, who need to arrive before
8:00 AM, may be dropped off at the cafeteria. Early stay begins at 7:00 AM. Morning
carline begins at 8:00 AM at the front doors of the elementary building.
Students must arrive and be in their classroom, ready to begin schoolwork by 8:15 AM.
Arriving after 8:15 will result in a tardy. All students who are tardy must have parents
walk them into the building and sign in at the office. The students will receive a “tardy
sticker” which lets the classroom teachers know they have signed in at the office.
MUSIC PROGRAM/BAND
Private instruction is available for students on piano, brass, woodwinds, violin, guitar,
percussion, and voice. Students contract with the designated teacher for fifteen, thirtyminute lessons per semester. The tuition for the semester is $264. All band members
are encouraged to take private lessons.
Lower School Band is offered to 5th grade students. Enrollment in band is for the full
school year. All performances are required.
MUSIC STANDARD- It is the desire of this ministry that the music listened to by our
students have a positive impact on their lives and draw them closer to the Lord. Music
on our campus and at functions involving our students should be Christ honoring.
OFFICE
The school office is a hub of school-related activities. All parents must sign in at the
office when entering the building. Parents are always welcome to come by the office to
leave a message or item (such as books, homework, lunches, etc.) for their student.
A parent wishing to get his/her student out of school early in emergency situations
must come to the office to sign the student out. Parents should not go directly to the
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student's classroom or distract the teacher from his/her work. The office can relay
messages to the teacher or the student involved.
ORIENTATION
Prior to the opening of school each fall, we hold a new parent orientation and a “Back
to School Expo” for new and returning families. Because we feel this orientation is
essential for proper school/home relationships, attendance is required. Parents unable
to attend must contact the school to set up an alternative meeting.
PARENT PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENT
In effort to gain valuable parent involvement, parent participation is required. All
families are required to give either 10 hours of their time, or they will be charged $100
on their school bill. Parents may find forms to document hours in our Helping Hands
Parent Room. Please fill out the form and give to our administrative assistants so it
can be documented in RenWeb.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Grace Baptist Academy teachers keep close contact with parents regarding the
academic, social, and spiritual growth of each student under their care. Two parent
conference ½ days are scheduled in our school calendar. Conferences may also be
scheduled by the parent or teacher when the need arises. Please email the teacher to
set up conferences.
PARTY POLICY
Parents are reminded that they will be informed of official school activities through
official school channels. For the protection of their student(s), parents should inquire
carefully into other non-school functions and the individuals responsible before
allowing their student(s) to attend.
We celebrate the following holidays with classroom parties:
 Fall- Please do not bring/send “Halloween themed” snacks.
 Christmas
 Valentine’s Day
 End-of-School Year
PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
In harmony with our church, Grace Baptist Church, the Academy holds a strong and
clearly Biblical conviction on marriage and sexual purity. The marriage policy for our
employees is based on the model of God’s creative design found in the Bible.
Therefore we believe that marriage joins one man and one woman in a single,
exclusive union (Gen 2:18–24) and is the only relationship in which sexual intimacy
should be expressed. We hold to this teaching on marriage regardless of any contrary
definition of marriage by any person, any society (“the world” as referred to in the
Scriptures), or any other legally recognized jurisdiction or government whether based
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upon statute or regulation, common law or court decision. It is also our conviction that
moral misconduct, which we believe violates the Word of God, includes, but is not
limited to, sexual activity outside of Biblically-defined marriage, homosexual acts, or
any other violation of the unique roles of male and female (Romans 1:21-27, I
Corinthians 6:9-20).
REPORT CARDS
Report cards are available on Renweb at the end of each nine weeks to provide the
parent with an accurate indication of the progress made by each student. An email is
sent out notifying all parents with a link that report cards are ready to view and/or print.
RESIDENCE
A student must reside with his/her parent or legal guardian unless special
arrangements, due to extenuating circumstances, have been made between the legal
guardian and the school administration.
RETENTION POLICY
In order for Kindergarten students to promote to 1st grade, they should be able to:
 hear rhyming words
 recognize letters and sounds of letters
 recognize beginning and ending sounds of words
 write letters Aa-Zz
 put letters in ABC order
 read a simple (3-4 letter words) sentence
 copy words/numbers from the board
 recognize and write numbers 0-20
 count to 100
 skip count (5-10-15 to 100; 10-20-30 to 100)
 add/subtract 0-10 facts
 recognize coins and the value of each
In order for 1st-5th grade students to promote to the next grade level, they must achieve
a passing final grade (70 or above) in Reading AND Math. The final grade will be
determined by averaging the two semester grades together.
In case of retention, parents may submit an appeal to the Retention Committee for
further review.
SUPPLIES
All school supplies are included in the cost of your child’s tuition and are purchased by
Grace faculty/staff for all Lower School students. The only exception is that PreK
students need a 2-inch mat for rest time.
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TECHNOLOGY
Each 5th – 12th grade student will receive an iPad at the beginning of the school year.
Lost or broken iPads will result in a $50 charge to the school bill.
TESTING
Testing is designed to measure the students' abilities and progress. The results of the
tests are used to aid the teachers and administration in improving the curriculum and
teaching methods. Students in Lower School take the TerraNova Test.
TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks are provided for the students by the school. The books are numbered and
issued to students with a particular number. The students are monetarily responsible
for any lost or damaged textbooks.
TRANSPORTATION
Each Lower School family is issued four car tags. Extra car tags are available upon
request in the office. The person(s) picking up your student(s) needs a car tag in their
car in order for us to put your student in the car. If a car tag is not shown, the
individual picking up the student will be required to park and come to the office to show
an I.D. so we can ensure they are on your pick-up list.
In situations where a change in transportation is involved, please contact the office by
2:00 PM, or as early as possible.
VISITORS
All non-students on campus must obtain a visitor's pass from the school office. Visitor's
dress and appearance must meet regular school standards. As our policy reflects the
philosophy of the school, we ask our parents to also dress appropriately and with
respect to the spirit of the dress code when on campus or attending a school function.
This will communicate a unified philosophy and example to our students.
WEATHER POLICY
Our RenWeb Parent Alert System will announce our emergency school closing. You
will receive this information by email, phone call, and/or text. During a tornado
warning, students are not allowed to leave the school building until the warning has
been dismissed.
WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURE
Parents enrolling a student in Grace Baptist Academy must sign a contract accepting
financial responsibility for the year and are responsible for the tuition through the last
month their child is enrolled.
Parents wishing to withdraw their student(s) from school must come by the Office of
Advancement to sign withdrawal forms. The Lower School office will send transcripts to
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the new school along with other permanent information only after all textbooks, library
books, and other obligations are met.
Please give as much withdrawal notice as possible so those on waiting lists may
be notified of the upcoming opening.
Any student dismissed from school for disciplinary reasons will not be eligible to
reenroll until the following year and only after meeting with and receiving a positive
recommendation from the principal and supervisor where they last attended.
When you work with the large number of students and parents that we have at Grace
Baptist Academy, you can count on different opinions at times. Yet, every family and
organization must have rules and standards to give order to their world. We expect
students and families to be in line with our mission as a school and to abide by the
policies set forth by our school board and administration, in attitude as well as action.
While there are times we can agree to disagree, it is not healthy for the student, family,
or our school to have an atmosphere of conflict. It is a privilege, not a right, to be a
part of the Grace Baptist Academy family. If the school deems it necessary, it can and
will remove students or students who have parents who do not support the school.
Parental support is crucial in accomplishing the ministry of Grace Baptist Academy.
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